I find it ironic how there has been muct controversy over Christmas this year. Does it not make you scratch your head when a Jewish man gets upset because there are no Hannakuh decorations up at Christmas time? Or the fact that now, even the most beloved holiday of all time has to be politically correct? Why must a holiday centered around the beliefs of CHRIST be turned into a generic holiday that all can celebrate without feeling infringed upon? Honestly, can we not honor the day our Savior was born without feeling like horrible, inconsiderate people?
2006-12-26 14:59:15 · 29 answers · asked by Cari 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I am not a religious person, but I agree with you. It is sad that the "tradition" of celebrating Christmas in the U.S. has become so politically charged just because some selfish group (jews, hindus, blacks) feel left out. They have their own holidays that are celebrated in countries that celebrate those traditions. The U.S. is a Christian country founded on Euro-Christian principles, and they should not be thrown away just to cater to selfish jerks who want everything their way!
2006-12-26 15:05:58 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 4⤋
First, let me say that I am not Christian. I was raised Lutheran, but I am now a Celtic Priestess - And licensed clergy. When I was Christian I was very dismayed at the lack of "Christ" in Christmas. I think by "Christ" you mean honoring the birth of Jesus - correct? I hated the comercialization of the holiday. One of the benefits of being part of a small, or little known, religion, is that big business doesn't know enough about it to sell it.
I heard a story that made me really shake my head this year. A town was having a holiday celebration and decorations were put up by many businesses and churches. But one church put up a nativity set, and was made to take it down. I thought that was horrible, because Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
No, December 25th is not when Jesus was born. Most intelligent people realize this. And several people also know that the celebration of the birth of Jesus was put on top of the Pagan holiday Yule, to pull the people away from paganism into Christianity. The reason being that Yule is the holiday that celebrates the rebirth of the Sun. Ie. Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year - therefore the days start getting longer - ergo, the rebirth of the Sun (Son, get it).
However, I think you are missing a very important point here. The point being that Christmas isn't the only holiday that occurs at this time of year. Hannukah, Kwanza (sorry, I know I spelled that wrong), Yule and others are also this time of year. The Rabi doesn't want a Menorah put up for Christmas, he wants it put up to recognize Hannukah.
The main issue here is that the other religions want equal respect and recognition for their holidays. Christians don't have a monopoloy on December, and Christianity is not the only religion in the United States.
Also, educated people say "Happy Holidays" and not "Merry Christmas" out of respect for those other religions. I can't tell you how many times this year that someone said Merry Christmas to me assuming that I am Christian. I was slightly offended because they assumed something of me based on the way I look. But I was also honored that they were wishing me well. So, I smiled and said "thank you", or "and a Blessed Yuletide to you."
2006-12-26 15:36:58 · answer #2 · answered by greenwitch822 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I hear every word you say! Even the retail stores want to be 'politically correct', worrying about 'offending' anyone such as Jews or Muslims. You know what I say to them? TOUGH! It's an American holiday in which we celebrate the birth of Christ. And the truth is, it's just a mere small percent that find 'Merry Christmas' offensive - a great majority of people don't find Christmas offensive, so why should the liberal politicians and the retail stores try to appease the mere few that are offended by it? It makes no sense to me! When someone says 'Season's Greetings' or Happy Holidays to me, I say "Merry Christmas to you too" - lol. Even years ago, the Jews never made a big stink over Christmas trees with no Menorah or other Jewish symbols next to it, so why now? To me, it seems like people are just trying to create more and more controversy over something - anything these days. Truthfully, I don't feel horrible or inconsiderate in celebrating Christ's birth - why should I? Just 'cause of a mere few that want to be 'politically correct' in trying to abolish Christmas or Christ from Christmas? When we saw the Ten Commandments monument being removed from the courthouse, we should have known some puny group of people would attempt the same thing with the nativity scenes and Christmas trees, etc. It's disgusting, the times we live in today - turns my stomach, but of course, there isn't much we can do about it, though peaceful protests may help - who knows - just a guess - lol. There was a big controversy over Merry Christmas last year, too. This year, I didn't find it so widespread and people making a big to-do about it as much as last year. Anyone I come across that tells me they're offended by me saying 'Merry Christmas' to them, I'll just tell them 'too bad' - it's my right as a born again Christian and an American to say that because it's a part of my Christian beliefs. Don't like it? Then, move to another country outside the US. This is a free country and no politician or anyone else should be telling any American what they can and cannot celebrate - Christmas included. It's our right as Americans to rejoice in the holiday of Christmas to remember our Savior's birth!
2006-12-26 15:16:02 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Although some of the answers to this question bring up solid points, as a Catholic I am forced to defend Cari.
It may not have originated around Christ, either in your religion or what is believed historically "correct". However that goes into controversial personal beliefs. I don't think that people who are not of the same religion of the one asking this question have much of a right to answer this question, especially if they are going to try to change the beliefs of the asker.
I'm slightly offended by the ones accusing the celebrators of Christmas making an effort of remembering why we, at least, are celebrating this holiday. You have no right to talk of "defiling" this holiday. I also think that it doesn't have anything to do with you,what this person believes.I don't think it's a big deal if we celebrate his birthday on the 25th even if it is believed that his birthday was earlier in the year. We're still coming together to worship our Lord. Christ is not in our religion a pagan god. He is our savior. Just as many other religions worship gods I think Christians have a right too as well. There's some terrible things said about us but that stereotying same as stereotyping anything like blonds or jocks and cheerleaders, or preps and punks, etc.
Cari, I see where your coming from with this but it doesn't bother me as much as it does you. Happy Holidays/Happy New Year, hope your christmas was a good one.
You talk of keeping beliefs to yourself and not forcing it out in the open but what are you doing now? The very thing you talk against. I think its terrible for anybody to say we just think that everybody else is wrong. I believe in acknowledging, accepting, and respecting any other religious beliefs.
--I love ^ Clark Kent! ⥠- Johanna---
You bring up a very good point, about not celebrating your birthday on the exact day. It doesn't matter the day, as long as our intent gets through.
2006-12-26 15:08:19 · answer #4 · answered by KM 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Christmas anymore is centered around big money for big stores, Santa Claus and eight (or nine) reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, etc.. Christmas used to be the pagan holidays of Yule, Candlemass, and Saturnalia, all celebrations of the Winter Solstice.
Jesus is not believed by most scholars to have been born in December to begin with. The date was chosen by the early church because they knew people would continue to celebrate it anyway, why not keep it Christian instead of pagan?
By the way, the Puritans (the Pilgrims of Thanksgiving fame) OUTLAWED the celebration of Christmas due to its pagan origins.
2006-12-26 15:04:05 · answer #5 · answered by The Doctor 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well........ He's the Christian savior.
He was actually not born at the time of the most celebrated holiday of all time... the Solstice.
He was born (best estimates I've heard) in September or October.
People saying "Merry Christmas!" to non-Christians are put off when someone responds with "Happy Solstice", thinking that this is "their" holiday and that others shouldn't be celebrating.
Why is it that Christians think that theirs is the only holiday being celebrated? Creches, but no Menorahs. Christmas but no Solstice.
The Solstice was celebrated for CENTURIES and MILLENNIA prior to Christ being born. It is still celebrated, but looked down on and called "new age" as an attempt to put it down.
Perhaps it's the self-righteous attitude of Christians thinking the rest is wrong that is the problem.
2006-12-26 15:06:29 · answer #6 · answered by Deirdre H 7 · 4⤊ 3⤋
Yay, the holiday stealing tradition is coming back full circle!
*Pagan dances in front of her Yule log*
And oh teh noes! You hate people turned Christmas into something about an imaginary guy named "Santa" when it's "really" about Christ?!
Yea, cause St. Nicholas sure wasn't a real person turned legendary like some other person (*cough Jesus cough*) we know.
How DARE you say one person is more imaginary than the other!
Edit: And did it ever occur to you that maybe people WOULD go about doing their normal thing they do everyday if it wasn't for the fact NEARLY EVERY STORE IS SHUT DOWN FOR TWO DAYS?!
2006-12-26 15:31:01 · answer #7 · answered by Kailee 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I think it is bleeding hysterical that people throw a birthday party for a man
1. on a day that is NOT his birthday but rather the worship of a pagan god, but Ok, thats a great day to help bring pagan worshippers into the 'christian' church.
2. when He didn't even celebrate his birthday
3. pay more attention to pagan traditions than the truths of pure worship that he taught his followers to practice
4. give presents to everyone else except HIM 5. Behave disgustingly with drink and food and GREED and selfishness and lies, when he himself was a simple man that taught moderation, humility, giving and modesty.
I mean, what kind of a FARCE is that for a holiday? Gimme a break.
2006-12-26 15:07:53 · answer #8 · answered by heatherlovespansies 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Thanks for bringing this up.
I heard the best sermon about this subject...........THE WAR AGAINST CHRISTMAS recently. In Touch of Atlanta, GA would have the tape......excellent message.
People have been writing X mas for years and then No music except Frosty the Snowman type, then no manger scenes or even Christmas trees or the words Merry Christmas on most signs and Christmas Cards..........most just Happy Holidays.
If leaders and the public doesn't take a stand, future generations will be greatly effected in this matter. Harry Potter is fine, but not Jesus...............??? Something is WRONG! Halloween with all it's gore and Satanic things is OK with the public, but Christmas???? Something is WRONG.
Where are the complaints? Where are Christian leaders? We have our rights too. It certainly doesn't harm anyone, so what are they afraid of???
2006-12-26 15:08:58 · answer #9 · answered by 4263 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
It's great. Finally, we're taking the holiday back from the Christians. The only reason the holiday is on December 25th is because that's when the other religions celebrated their gods' birthdays. There are a dozen or so Sun gods that have been claimed to have a birthday around this time.
Originally, the celebration was just the solstice. It was a time when people celebrated the continuance of life through winter. That's why you have evergreen trees, holly, and mistletoe around. They are plants that stay green during winter.
Most of the holiday, I like. I think it's good that we promote peace on Earth and goodwill towards men. However, that's not part of the original religious celebration. That's a secular add-on to the holiday. Also, having feasts at this time, remembering the poor, and exchanging gifts are things that are secular.
Sorry, but Christmas is only centered around the beliefs of Christ for those who happen to believe that myth. For the rest of us, this holiday is centered around life, friends, family, and remembering those less fortunate than us. We find those to be more real reasons to have a hoilday at this time.
2006-12-26 15:00:43 · answer #10 · answered by nondescript 7 · 7⤊ 6⤋