Do You Think It Is Fair When Other Faiths Get Offended By a Christmas Tree?

Question

Well I am a muslim and although I dont believe that Jesus was son of god, or that Jesus was god, and no I have no intention of changing that. However I am a great believer that Jesus was one of the Prophets of God, Allah, Rubb, Khuda, Bagwan, whatever people may call god, and so was Mohammed, Abraham, Adam, Noah, Moses, David. 124000 other prophets. And I think that its very sad to see people of non-christian faiths feeling offended by a christmas tree, for example dont the Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, from the Indian continent have their Houses full of Tinsels and shiney decorations on Eid, Diwalee, Khalsa, Wasakhee, so why do people feel if they are being offended when they have these things themselves on their festivals, furthermore, if I as a Muslim expect other people to respect my feelings and wishes and join in my religious events I should show the same courtesy to other faiths and let them enjoy, their festivals with the christmas tree and santa clause

Answer 1

Its not accptable to disrespect other's religion. Respect all the religions and live peacefully. Its Islamic teaching.

Answer 2

I didn't realise that anybody was offended by the Christmas Tree; hopefully they are a very small minority! Originally the celebrations in December were pagan, celebrating mid-Winter, and were only much later taken-up as the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus (& I have read that February was more likely to have been Jesus' month of birth). Even if a person isn't a Christian, the whole thing of decorating houses, etc., is such a fun thing to do; it brightens-up the dreariness of December. Also, giving gifts, even small token gifts to those close to us is a nice thing to do. I wonder how many people who call themselves Christians, actually go to church at Christmas, or even think of Jesus? Non-Christians can still join in the fun and spirit of Christmas if living in a predonimantly Christian country; they can think of it as a Winter celebration, rather than a religious celebration. Whatever, if one lives in a predominantly Christian country, then Christmas is not going to go away! Enjoy. (I, too, am a Muslim).

Answer 3

The Christmas tree isn't even a "Christian" practice originally. The tradition of decorating a tree was originally a Pegan tradition. It was adopted by Christians during the Middle Ages when the King of England (who was Pegan) moved Christmas to December to be in line with the Winter Solstace and their celebration of the "Rebirth of Mother Earth" when the days started becoming longer again. If anyone has the "right to be offended" by the decorated tree, it should be Christians.

The only reason I know this is because I met a practicing Pegan while living in England back in 1998 & 99. He told me about it and then I found the documentation of this in The History of Christianity and Peganism in the British Isles (title of the book). And contrary to popular belief, these people do NOT worship the devil. They worship Mother Earth.

Answer 4

:D
You're sweet! Can you tell all the radical and violent Moslems to bugger off, too? :DDDD *kisses*
I'm glad to hear from a sane Moslem. The last sane Moslem I heard about might sentenced to die because he's telling the truth and the Islamic Fascists want him silenced. I am praying for him.

I'm a Christian, and I'm tired of my faith being attack at every corner. I believe if succeed in taking away the freedom of Christians, then the freedom others (of all religions) is in danger also.

When people put out Christmas decorations, especially Christian-themed ones, some people get huffy and think they have to make the other people think there is something wrong with celebrating their religion or the offended think that the celebrators have to dilute their holiday with holidays from other religions.

What harm is a Christmas tree or Nativity scene going to do?!

I CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS, NOT HANNAKAH OR WINTER SOLSTICE! Actually, there'd be nothing wrong me celebrating Hannakah since it can apply the Christians, too; Christmas just supersedes it.

If Wal-Mart were run by a Moslem company and they wanted Ramadan decorations in their stores, then they're just celebrating who they are.

Everybody has a religion, even atheists. Trying to rid of religious symbols is not going make the faithful unfaithful. It's just a means of control! What did the Communists do? They tried to restrict Christianity. And so did the Nazis. Does that tell you something?

Merry Christmas to all! Blessed be Jesus, Saviour of all!

Answer 5

I agree. I don't see any reason why anyone should should be "offended" by the public display of another's religious celebration. I'm not Christian, but I have no problem with Christmas trees, Menorahs, Nativity scenes, Christmas carols or anything else associated with the holiday season being displayed on public property.

In truth, I don't think people are actually "offended" by such displays, I think maybe they're just seeking attention or some sort of gratification by exercising power over others.

By the way, to Afrasiyab K, that was an excellent post! It's nice to see someone posting such an in depth description of historical fact.

Answer 6

Well I am a muslim and although I dont believe that Jesus was son of god, or that Jesus was god, and no I have no intention of changing that. However I am a great believer that Jesus was one of the Prophets of God, Allah, Rubb, Khuda, Bagwan, whatever people may call god, and so was Mohammed, Abraham, Adam, Noah, Moses, David. 124000 other prophets. And I think that its very sad to see people of non-christian faiths feeling offended by a christmas tree, for example dont the Hindus, Sikhs, Muslims, from the Indian continent have their Houses full of Tinsels and shiney decorations on Eid, Diwalee, Khalsa, Wasakhee, so why do people feel if they are being offended when they have these things themselves on their festivals, furthermore, if I as a Muslim expect other people to respect my feelings and wishes and join in my religious events I should show the same courtesy to other faiths and let them enjoy, their festivals with the christmas tree and santa clause

Answer 7

I'm not a follower of any faith but i still enjoy Christmas , its not only an good reason to get all your relatives together but but a nice way to finish the year off and start the new.
I heard that in one borough or another in the England they were thinking of changing the name to Wintermas !!!
I do feel sad when i hear and see my country being changed like this.
I have lived in many countries and have never thought once of approaching the local authorities and having one of the countries favourite festivities changed to suit me or my beliefs.
I can imagine what they would say !!
I remember when a college in the UK was told to take its national flag down as it was offencive to other faiths,
I feel this is all being taken too far .
Please respect my country as it is yours and how you would expect to treat people in the same circumstances in your countries of origin,
Don't try and take away a countries Identity !!

As for the offending Christmas Trees, Think of the kids!! Where do you put the prezzies?

Answer 8

I agree with you and probably most religious people would too. And I think if Muslims want to express some day or season they should and no one should complain.

In America most businesses have adopted the concept of "floating holidays" or "personal days" in which you can take these off for any reason with pay.

Hindus can do this for Diwalli

You can do it for El whatever it is, forgive me for not knowing the full name

An atheist can use it for their birthday

A communist can use it for May day.

PLUS we ALL get the NATIONALLY accepted holidays off!

That includes American Independence day and Thanks Giving day for everyone, even non citizens.

We have Christmas simply because England and America were largely Christian and it's a 200+ year tradition.

We used to have this tradition in the public schools, but that is no more as a general rule.

When I went to school we sang Christmas Carols in music and made Christmas Cards in Art Class.

I remember seeing my first non-Christian in school in Chicago. He was Jewish and made a Chunika card and the teacher didn't understand his traditions and sort of ruined it by making too many candles because he was having a problem with the symitry.

The teacher tried, but didn't understand.

IT's better NOT to have those things in public school anymore.

Religion belongs in the home and the place of worship.

I have no problems with Public displays, so long as everyone has access. We have a long standing tradition of allowing Chinese to celebrate their New Year publically. I'd really like to see some public Diwalli celebratioins in America. IT would be refreshing. Americans LOVE celebrations and would generally go out to view them if they were "interesting."

American Government tries hard to keep it that way. ASEPTIC in the schools, but whatever you want at home or in place of worship.

Answer 9

The problem is the media and wishy washy liberal do-gooders. The fact is no other faith is offended by the Xmas tree. The media tells us about schools and council buildings not been able to have decorations. This isnt because of actual complaints. Its Liberal Managers/Directors scared of someone complaining.

The fact is most religions LIKE christmas time not as a religious festival but just as a good time. I enjoy dawali festivities with my asian friends just the same.

So dont belive the hype have fun.

Answer 10

It's a pity a there's not a few people like you around, I don't believe in your ways, and have my own views, but i respect your views, i have many Muslim friends, and I'm sorry to see how they are treated at times, one bad apple doesn't mean the tree bad. The sham about Christmas is it's not really a religious thing anymore it's all about money, and little to do with God, do you find that with Muslim events

Answer 11

Good for YOU!! I feel the same way, I am a Christian, but I respect peoples right to their own choices. As for the christmas tree, this is a kinda funny story. My hubby, in his early years lived with a woman that is Jewish, and her family was coming for the holidays. He put up his tree and called it a 'Hanuka Bush' no one was offended, matter of fact all thought it was funny and they all shared the holidays, 'mixing it up a bit' you could say and a wonderful time was had by all. My hat is off to you for being wise enough to understand that all people are not the same, and we can come together, with understanding and kindness.