By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS
As an Iranian-American, ex-Muslim, former socialist, and committed Christian, I have experienced a significant evolution in my values and beliefs. My journey has taught me to appreciate the moral and spiritual foundations upon which our nation was built—values that I find in my Christian faith and within the tenets of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). That’s why I find the idea of a so-called “Holi-Gay” holiday market disturbing, especially one held at 975 S. West Temple Street in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 1st.
For me, the issue isn’t just about being uncomfortable with lifestyles that diverge from my own beliefs. It’s about the increasingly aggressive secularization and commodification of holidays that are sacred to many Americans, particularly Christians. Christmas, at its core, is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ—a time for reflection, repentance, family gatherings, and a reminder of God's love. Introducing an LGBTQ-focused event into a time traditionally reserved for honoring Jesus Christ feels, frankly, like an attempt to redefine and devalue that sacred space.
A Secular, Anti-Family Movement in Holy Wrapping
The term “Holi-Gay” is a blatant twist on “holy day,” and it feels like a disrespectful play on words. This word manipulation aligns with an increasingly secular agenda, seeking to dismantle traditional family values, religious reverence, and holiness. The word “holy” refers to something sacred, something set apart from the ordinary, something associated with God and spiritual reverence. To co-opt this term for an event that runs contrary to Christian teachings is, I believe, an intentional move to normalize sin and marginalize Christian voices.
The cultural clash here isn’t about merely personal beliefs; it’s about societal values that influence the family unit, an institution fundamental to a healthy, functioning society. The LGBTQ movement, in its more radical forms, often seeks not just acceptance but approval and endorsement of lifestyles that deviate from traditional family structures. For those of us who believe that the family is a God-ordained institution, this isn’t something we can just stand by and accept without question.
Why Co-Opt the Christmas Season?
The holiday season is traditionally a time of year when Christians celebrate the birth of Christ, when families gather in unity, and communities foster a spirit of goodwill. Why, then, would an event dedicated to the LGBTQ lifestyle be organized in this season? It seems to me that there is an increasing trend to target Christian celebrations, as they provide a stage where secular interests can make a significant cultural statement. Events like the “Holi-Gay” market represent a cultural takeover—a push to redefine what this season means to suit secular agendas.
Many secular groups claim this holiday is about “inclusivity.” Yet, real inclusivity respects all beliefs and values, including the voices of those who adhere to conservative faiths. This, however, appears to be an attempt to assert a narrative, shifting Christmas from a celebration of Christ’s birth into an inclusive, all-encompassing “winter holiday.” These shifts represent a slow erosion of values cherished by many Christians, as secular events take precedence over religious meaning.
The Harmful Effects on the Next Generation
My concerns are also about the implications this has on children and young adults. The younger generation is already growing up in a society that frequently challenges traditional values and beliefs. As an Iranian-American who grew up in a country where Western family structures and moral frameworks are under constant assault, I understand the influence culture has on youth. When events like the “Holi-Gay” market not only exist but are encouraged, children are exposed to secular, liberal ideologies that may confuse their understanding of gender, family, and morality.
We must protect the innocence and moral foundation of the next generation. As Christian conservatives, we know that if we do not stand firm now, future generations may not even remember what Christmas is supposed to represent.
The Need for Unity and Moral Clarity
This is not an isolated incident. Across the country, Christian holidays are being rebranded to suit progressive agendas, from secularized school “winter break” parties to events like this one that effectively strip away the holiness of the season. If we fail to speak out, these rebrandings will eventually redefine our society’s understanding of right and wrong, leaving a moral vacuum that younger generations will inherit.
Our role as Christians isn’t merely to observe; it’s to be a guiding light in society. By asserting a firm stance and respectfully defending the sanctity of Christian celebrations, we can foster a renewed commitment to the values that matter most. Let us come together and continue to support, cherish, and protect the true essence of our holiday traditions.
Citations:
- Craycraft, Everett. “Why Secularism and Christianity Often Collide on Cultural Issues.” Christianity Today, January 12, 2023. https://www.christianitytoday.com.
- McCallum, Ken. “The Consequences of Cultural Shifts on Youth.” Family and Society Studies Journal, March 4, 2022. https://www.fssjournal.com.
- Smith, Lydia. “Faith, Family, and the Reassertion of Christian Holidays in Public Life.” Faith and Politics Review, November 22, 2023. https://www.faithandpoliticsreview.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment