Episode 89: Away With the Manger

Episode notes

Marisa brings this week’s case against her husband Jay. Marisa and Jay have a young daughter, and they’ve blended their differing religious beliefs and upbringings (Marisa is a “spiritual” person who was raised Catholic, and Jay is an atheist who is culturally Jewish) into a new tradition that they are both happy to share with her. The two disagree about one thing, however: whether or not to display a manger in their home around Christmas time. Marisa is in favor of the display — she claims that because they celebrate Christmas, it is important for them to display a representation of the holiday’s religious roots. Jay, on the other hand, objects to the display for religious and aesthetic reasons. Who is right? Judge John Hodgman decides.

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EVIDENCE

Evidence from Jay
Exhibit A:

A few of the manger statuettes.

Exhibit B:

The baby Jesus figure.

Exhibit C:

The menorah Jay’s mother had delivered to Jay and Marisa’s house.

Exhibit D:
Text from Jay’s mother regarding the menorah: “… do you like it or is it an imposition? I thought it was unusual and not too religious and pretty, but I didn’t see it in person.”