a way of bribing children into adopting christianity and by instilling guilt at a early age?
Is it not - the oldest trick in the book - that we give them presants, and then we take some of the pleasure away by ensuring we also give them the christmas message - or making sure they don't loose sight of it - if they enjoy the presants to much.
Aren't we just instilling guilt at a early age (as it is impossible to not be guilty over christmas)?
Isn't that what christmas is about - making children guilty?
2006-12-23 23:49:07 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ps) I don't have kids and I am a atheist.
2006-12-24 00:01:44 · update #1
Ringo - are you saying I don't love and make others happy all year around, or I don't do it at all? If you are going to imply I have anything to feel guilty about, I would like to know what it is ...thanks.
2006-12-24 00:45:59 · update #2
Plato.
I have no idea what your on about. Isn't guilty the correct word? So how is it insulting to use it?
I know christmas is a guilt festival as far as I'm concerned.
Haven't you ever felt guilt around christmas?
It's all I feel, guilty.
2006-12-24 00:49:10 · update #3
not in my house we dont.
2006-12-23 23:51:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You really will have to be careful of how you use language! There is use and abuse! You have chosen the word 'guilty' because that is how you see these things. Other people do not necessarily see present giving as a way of instilling the christian message. There is such a word as conscience, which to those who believe is a means to deciding what is right and what is wrong, in other words making the right choice, be it moral or otherwise. What's wrong with that?
2006-12-24 00:44:12 · answer #2 · answered by Plato 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I see where you're coming from, but I'm pretty sure that most people don't experience it.
I think that most people are brought up getting presents and celebrating xmas non-religiously, so guilt about the "real meaning" doesn't feature for them. At least that's the impression I get from my friends.
I'm made to feel guilty at xmas, but it's not about presents, it's about my family. It's basically a chance for my parents to tell me even more than usual that I'm such a disappointment for not being a christian.
I think, generally speaking, that xmas is a happy time for kids, who get presents, see santa and do other fun stuff. It's only only the unlucky ones who get the religious side of things shoved down their throats, and to be honest, I think kids are too young to feel guilty about not believing it.
2006-12-25 12:15:52 · answer #3 · answered by Poppy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can only give my personal opinion but no i dont instill guilt in my children ,christmas is a time for family unity and a celebration in honour of jesus.
2006-12-24 00:57:04 · answer #4 · answered by Treat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No not at all, and i think your out of touch with what it's all about, here's some clues: try Love, try making others happy, sharing and there's lots more, and a lot to be learnt from Christmas other than just Christianity, and it goes with all beliefs, even to those who do not belive in God.
2006-12-24 00:35:00 · answer #5 · answered by ringo711 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not for me. Christmas is about thinking of others, sharing with others and celebrating life with each other. Attach whatever elements of whatever faith you like - in the end its about being with each other and showing how much you care in a time of celebration.
Many faiths and cultures have different view of what Christmas is and what it has become. I sort of make it my own and share this time with the people I care about. Instead of worrying about how other people celebrate Christmas, why not focus on making it your own special holiday with those you care about. Create your own traditions and let others live their lives and celebrate their holiday in a way that's best for them.
2006-12-23 23:59:13 · answer #6 · answered by bionicbookworm 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well it isn't very effective if it is. This Atheist family celebrates it, and we completely leave out the religious stuff. You really wouldn't notice at all. It has become such a secular holiday in the US I just can't see that religion is able to use it that way anymore.
2006-12-23 23:54:44 · answer #7 · answered by Alex 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You could look at it that way or you could say that you're giving them a moral framework to live their lives by.
2006-12-23 23:51:47 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋