Some people stop celebrating birthdays. Is there a religious reason behind it? so what is the problem?

Answer 1

Birthdays are mentioned twice in the bible and both times in a negative light.
There was pharoah's cup-bearer who was killed.
There was John the Baptist who was beheaded.
There is no mention of Jesus celebrating his birthday and he is the example to follow.
So, although there is no harm in recognizing one's birthday, CELEBRATING it (especially to the extreme) would not be in strict harmony with the picture the Bible presents.

Answer 2

I have some relatives who have never celebrated birthdays because of the J. Witness thing. But they give their kids prezzies at other times of the year - like when there's a JW assembly! (Poor kids. If you've ever been to one of their conventions, you'll know what I mean.)

What's really at back of it is their leaders' annoyance that children have been born to JW members. For almost 100 years they have been 'advising' JWs not to have children because Armageddon is SO near. 'Why bring children into the world at this critical time? It would be far better, and more responsible, to have children once we are in the New Order. If you have children you will be encumbered and unable to devote much time to the door to door work..."

The bottom line is that children are not valued until such times as they become full time proselytisers. The Bible is said to imply that all mention of celebrating birthdays was by pagans, and innocent people lost their lives at those times (Pharoah's baker; John the Baptist etc). They are blind to the fact that Jesus' birth was celebrated by a host of angels, no less, and foretold centuries in advance! It may well be true that the actual date is not important, but the God-given blessing of new life is so immense that only hard-hearted, callous individuals would ignore a child's birth date. Such children are likely to grow up feeling they are not important. When they go to school and see the happiness of their peers at birthday parties and presents, they feel miserable and neglected. It's the same at Christmas. Pity the poor children whose birthdays are ignored. Of course, that is not confined to religious reasons. Think of orphans, and street children and child prostitutes. It's not their fault. Have mercy on them and do what you can to help charities that are devoted to saving their pitiful lives, and when JWs call, with children and babies in tow, cry shame on their parents and tell them to show a little love.

Answer 3

Jehovahs witnesses I heard does not celebrate anything that has something to do with birthdays. I believe they do not even celebrate Christmas the way other believers in Christ do much more on individual's birthday. It is their belief and I do not see any problem with that. I think we have to respect whatever they want to do with themselves. I know they have their own good reason. Me, I have to stop my birthday because my getting old have not brought me yet to the age of wisdom and more so on the wealth like many retirees I met along the way. Unfortunately, I still have those who love me who just can't forget.

Answer 4

Yolanda I dint think there is a problem with celebrating birthdays, I believe if it becomes a celebration that does not glorify the Lord, like when drunkenness occurs and such things. You can have a fun party without being "religious"

Answer 5

I know Jehovah's witnesses dont celebrate birthdays. The religious reason behind it is that in the bible no one celebrates birthdays. Theres no date for Jesus' birthday. Also it originated with Pagan practice.

Answer 6

There are two "birthday" celebration in the bible, both were celebrated by pagans and both got someone killed.

So birthdays are pagan celebrations not Jewish or Christian in origin.

If you want to celebrate birtdatys that is your decision.

(But ask yourself, If you knew a bottle of soda had one drop of poison would you drink it?)

2 Cor 6: 14 Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? 15 Further, what harmony is there between Christ and Be´li•al? Or what portion does a faithful person have with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are a temple of a living God; just as God said: “I shall reside among them and walk among [them], and I shall be their God, and they will be my people.” 17 “‘Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,’ says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing’”; “‘and I will take YOU in.’” 18 “‘And I shall be a father to YOU, and YOU will be sons and daughters to me,’ says Jehovah the Almighty.”

Answer 7

The first century Christians did not celebrate birthdays because they are pagan in origin. The only birthday recorded in the bible is the one where John the Baptist lost his head.

Ancient people honored the god in themselves or their higher self on their birthday and offered gifts in honor of the Deity that resides within.

Christianity as it was meant to be is long lost. Christianity today is just paganism with a Christian name.

Answer 8

Celebrating birthdays is a pagan thing.

Answer 9

Because ceebrating birthdays has lost its meaning of being greatful for being alive and getting older to an excuse to throw a party and get presents etc.

Answer 10

I think some people just don't want to be reminded of how old they're getting...also, birthdays are for children...it's about the party, presents, games.... when you're older, it just seems like any other day