Why party for the birthday of someone you say didn't exist? Shouldn't you go to work and refuse the holiday pay? If not, aren't you in fact a hypocrite? And you better give back those great gifts you got.
2006-12-02 14:04:18 · 34 answers · asked by ? 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Do you celebrate Halloween? Do you give out candy? I bet you do but you’re not a wiccan. Atheist celebrate Christmas because it’s largely commercialized and the true meaning has been bleed out of it. Most Christians I know don’t even attend the Masses on Christmas or Easter anymore. Religion is being abandoned by most people. I’m pretty sure God never declared “You shall give gift cards to everyone at your office.”
2006-12-02 14:10:32 · answer #1 · answered by Reona 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The exchanging of gifts goes back to the time of the first Century Romans when Christians were persecuted for just being believers. There was a Pagan Holiday celebrated in Rome around the 15th of December where everyone would exchange gifts. Over time, the early Christians (Remember, these are the First Century JEWS) began using this holiday (I believe it was called YULE) as a "cover" for celebrating the birth of Christ, and not being killed for doing it.
Today, like in ancient Rome, EVERYONE celebrates Christmas (or some aspect of it) in one way or another. (Non-Christian Shopkeepers celebrate the PROFITS) It may not be celebrated by everyone for the same reason, or with the same customs, but besides the REAL reason, The Birth of Christ, it is a time for sharing, giving and general friendship the world over.
So, whatever your rason for celebrating the day, SACRED or SECULAR, Have a M E R R Y * * C H R I S T M A S
...and a Happy New Year.
2006-12-02 14:13:38 · answer #2 · answered by Len_NJ 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The gifts we get are from people who love us and no I do not believe in a god . This time of year has always been about family. that's all, its a time of year where most of our family's have time off of work , stores use to be closed and other than going to mass there was nothing else to do on Christmas day. Now we go to the movies or do something as a family because we got use to being together on this holiday. I do see what your saying though an example of this would be Jehovah's witness, they have no problem taking the money for the days that they don't work and they don't have any problems taking advantage of the boxing days sales. They just don't do anything that would require them to give.
2006-12-02 14:13:43 · answer #3 · answered by status quo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Yule festival existed for hundreds of years before the Christians took it over and pretended that Christ's birth fell near the Solstice. They did this to take advantage of the fact that the pagans they were trying to convert were already celebrating a winter festival on that day. So really there's no reason for Christians to have a holiday on Yule, but people are used to it now and don't mind. Also, early Christians believed that gift giving and partying around Christmas was unholy and the Puritans in fact banned it. So maybe you should give back those "pagan" gifts you got.
2006-12-02 14:08:33 · answer #4 · answered by braennvin2 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It's not the birthday of Christ, first of all. Second, atheists don't necessarily say Jesus didn't exist, they say that he wasn't God. There's a difference. And if they did go to work and refuse the holiday pay (which not everyone gets), they'd be kinda extreme. Come on. This is kinda a silly question. It's a holiday that society "Christianized" at some point, like Easter.
2006-12-02 14:08:40 · answer #5 · answered by Viki 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Growing up I was raised in a christian environment however Christmas was never extremely religious for our family. Now being an athiest/agnostic I still celebrate "Christmas" as a time to be with friends and family and just celebrate life together. Some might consider it hypocritical, but people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones either.
2006-12-02 14:11:23 · answer #6 · answered by Brandy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1. Many atheists have Christian families, and the holiday is a time that brings families together. As hurtfull as this may be, Christmas isn't all about Jesus. I dare you to say, "no thanks mom, I don't want this I-Pod, that's not what this day is about" If its about Jesus, you shouldn't accept those gifts in the first place.
2. Christmas trees with colorful lights are pretty.
3. Kids like Santa, and happy kids are beautiful.
I dare you to take all of your presents and give them to people who have less then you. WWJD
2006-12-02 14:12:14 · answer #7 · answered by Maitreyi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its become more than a celebration of Jesus' birth. Its a holiday for everyone too. Why do people give gifts on Jesus' birthday?
While it is a religious holiday, most Americans don't care about that part.
2006-12-02 14:07:02 · answer #8 · answered by Simon 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Now that isn't Frank it is rude. The people that are atheist that
live near the home of God, physically close, are near to Him
too. God takes the blessings and teaching the non-believer
points out that without the greatest people, the leadership of
His Holy Heavenly Father they would not have a home. The
day of birthdays, goes back over 17,000 years ago according
to the texts of the earliest pyramids, when first boats like Noah
and earliest legends celebrations were used for multiple sacred
events. Customary offerings, welcomes, sacrament places at
the table have been with us since civilizations. On 12-25 bc.
2006-12-02 14:11:08 · answer #9 · answered by mtvtoni 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I see no problem with Atheists celebrating Christmas. Prime Rib, Turkey, Ham, Plum Pudding, cake and ice cream, singing happy birthday to the Lord. No downside.
I Cr 13;8a
12-2-6
2006-12-02 14:06:27 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋