i'm an atheist and i thought america was a "secular" country so why is it that every second theres a christmas commercial or a christmas song somewhere? WTF? This is ridiculous, i dont wanna hear and see that garbage. Why exactly are they advertising there religion? Some of us dont believe in that garbage. America obviously isnt a secular country, its just another one of the loser christian countries.
2006-11-18 08:01:14 · 22 answers · asked by Henry 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Holidays ➔ Christmas
Well, I've never seen a Christmas commercial that actually advertises the religious aspect of the holiday. Most of the time it's just dealing with the "spirit" of the season. I lean toward atheism as well, but my family and I still celebrate Christmas, just not the religious part of it. We still enjoy decorating and giving gifts to each other.
Besides, they have just as much right to share their beliefs as you do. It's only when they start proselytizing and being forceful that an objection should be made.
2006-11-18 08:08:08 · answer #1 · answered by Lucky Star 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Controversy
The Christmas tree has seen an amount of controversy, mainly involving the secular and non-secular usage of the tree as well as groups who oppose usage of the tree on the grounds of interpretation of scripture and pagan origins.
Name controversy
The term holiday tree has, since at least 1990 (and perhaps before), been used by some in the United States and Canada as an effort to be more inclusive, and to reflect the winter holiday season instead of any specific religious holiday. A recent campaign spearheaded by Fox News' contributors Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity has resulted in a backlash from some Christian groups and individuals who feel the designation "holiday tree" is part of a so-called war on Christmas.
"Happy/Merry Christmas":
As of 2005, this greeting still remains popular among countries with large Christian populations, including, among others, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and Mexico. It also remains popular in non-Christian areas such as the People's Republic of China and Japan, where Christmas is still widely celebrated due to Western influences. Though it has somewhat decreased in popularity in the United States and Canada over the past decades, polls from 2005 indicate that it is more popular than "Happy Holidays" or other generic alternatives[.
And That's My Best Answer for Christmas!
2006-11-18 17:33:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
What ever gave you the idea that we are a secular country? Our founding fathers were Christian and almost everyone who lives in this country claims some religion or other (most of them Christian). Honestly most of what you see Christmas decorations and stuff in stores is not because the store owner is advertising his/her religion, but rather because Christmas sells. Most of us in this country like Christmas and we as a country will buy more candy if it's red and green, shop at places more if they have lights up, etc. I don't know about you but I don't believe in most people's advertisements. It doesn't "offend" me when I see McDonald's advertised as good food though I certainly don't believe that garbage, either. I wouldn't be offended seeing Buddhas in China or other religious symbols in other countries. Everyone can put up decorations or play songs about Christmas or Ramadan or Hanukkah or whatever they celebrate. That's called being free, and it's the same freedom that gives you the right to come on here and say you're an atheist. Personally I'm glad for that freedom. There's no reason you shouldn't have to look at Christmas decorations any more than I shouldn't have to come on here and read that you're an atheist, but I think freedom is a good thing. If you want religion to be forbidden, please move to a communist country. I hear they're great for those who don't like the freedoms we enjoy here.
2006-11-18 11:26:00 · answer #3 · answered by AerynneC 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
America was founded on Christianity, it's part of our culture. Every original document mentions God. This country may be secular BUT it also allows freedom of religion, expression and speech (or least it used to). Some who have migrated here don't like our culture and want it changed to suit their needs or beliefs, or lack of.
The ACLU is working double time to rid America of anything remotely resembling Christianity. A nice communist move I'd say.
Most Americans don't even think about Christ or religion when Christmas shopping. They think about buying material things. It's all about $$$$. Corporate America even though some may be atheist's, love the $$$$ that change hands at Christmas time. They love it so much, to assure as many people spend as possible and to prevent offending as many people as possible, they try to avoid using the term "Merry Christmas" and replace it with "Happy Holidays". The only reason you still see and hear those words is because Americans are fighting to keep our freedoms, including that one.
Frankly I don't believe in Christmas, but I do feel people who do, should have the right to celebrate it, using whatever term they choose. Sometimes those who push for tolerance are the first ones to show intolerance.
2006-11-18 09:01:31 · answer #4 · answered by humm 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
If you know anything about America you would know this country was founded by christian people from Europe that wanted to escape religious persecution in there country.90% of the people in the USA are Christians therefore Christmas has been set up as the day we celebrate Christ"s birthday.Yes he died on that cross even for people like you who probably believe in nothing until you need help or are dying.
2006-11-18 08:13:04 · answer #5 · answered by sasyone 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Look, so what if your an atheist, big deal, I'm an agnostic. Anyway the GOVERNMENT is supposed to secular, America, weather you like it or not is pretty much christian. Anyway what is wrong with having a holiday? Should be ******* longer. Just think the Pagans have to love Christmas because it originally belong to them. Man I just finished reading through you whole question and bla bla bla wha wha wha, don't be such a baby!
So to finish my point it isn't the churches advertising their religion, it's corporation trying to sell you ****.
2006-11-18 08:11:09 · answer #6 · answered by Kelly L 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No one is FORCING to to live here, MOVE!
Try growing up?!?!
A little COMMON SENSE goes a long way - maybe you could fit in instead of working so hard to be cool. Try being involved in your community , and not against it. You would be surprised by how people treat you as a person, and not a cliche'.
You are so boring.
America is just not a good fit for you, that's OK, we'll manage very well without you. Have been for over 200 years. If you tell people your leaving many will help you pack and send you off.
You think your to good to be an American? Try understanding what you have learned , before talking so much crap.
A whiner is NOT American, a person that is involved in their community IS!
Good luck wherever you move to, whiners are not popular many places.
2006-11-18 09:46:05 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Christmas is not garbage. The truth is the truth whether you choose to believe it or not.
Why dont you try praying for your boys in Iraq and stop whining , when your in one of the best places to live on the planet.
Better yet why dont you go to Iraq and do something for this country instead of bashing it. We'd all be better off. Loser
2006-11-18 10:58:01 · answer #8 · answered by susanne l 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I wonder how old you are? Christmas is a widely celebrated holiday. It is not since this year or the past 5 years or the past 100 years for that matter that people have been celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Welcome to the this world. Plug an ipod.
2006-11-18 08:12:26 · answer #9 · answered by Diana L 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is a democratic society and the majority of people in the USA celebrate Christmas. You don't have to participate...turn off the tv and allow the rest of us to enjoy our holiday. That is our right as Americans.
2006-11-18 08:20:41 · answer #10 · answered by vanhammer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋