Mutual Understanding Between Jews, Christians Goes Beyond Joint Parties

I read a cute article by Valerie Orleans (Dec. 22) describing how individuals of different religious beliefs, who are now husband and wife, manage to get their families to attend holiday celebration dinners, all together. On the surface, it appeared to present a picture of understanding and solution to fundamental differences of religious beliefs.

The article dwells on a season of celebration that has small religious significance; the author appeases the fates by having a Hanukkah gift donated to a charity. The author did not allude to Easter, Chinese ancestor worship, Shintoism, Buddhism (the major world religion), Rosh Hashanah. Perhaps, if we must choose, it should be a season to be happy.

The question that looms in my mind in this age of science is: To what strong anchor of ethical thought will they guide their children? It is extremely difficult to hold a discussion with the generation of today on the observance in a personal, believing, mechanical or working religion. They find it impossible to believe that a God answers the prayers for blessings from all-observant groups when they are warring to eliminate the others. It is easier to rationalize ethics that have evolved from these religions.

To which Sunday school will their children be steered? Of the prayers the children will be taught, which are major, moderate or facade? This description of toleration at parties does not do justice to the participants, and it trivializes principles and beliefs that are a driving force in their lives.

It would be interesting to research this family 10 years hence. Will the children attend Hebrew school or memorize the doctrine of the Missouri Synod? It would be interesting to compare the reactions of the children to the Purim festival and the Passion Play of Oberammergau.

RICHARD ROTH, Laguna Hills