Putting the Saint back

Well, today is St. Valentine’s Day. A day that initially had spiritual and religious roots that has been so commercialized that we have lost touch with such roots. One history I found had the following description:

“There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.”

So where are the conservative Christians standing up and complaining about this holiday? I go into Wal-Mart and I don’t see any tribute to St. Valentine. I see candy hearts, overpriced roses, and half naked babies with wings affixed to their backs. But no one is boycotting? No one is afraid that our culture is taking the Valentine out of St. Valentine’s Day. Or perhaps more we have taken the "Saint" out and replaced it with needless fawning and purchasing. It is inconsistent and hypocritical. I have the solution though. Everyone can become as cynical as I am and refuse to celebrate Christmas or Valentine’s Day. Nothing says “Jesus loves you” like apathy.