Christians: Is it wrong to share in celebrations that may have unchristian roots, as long as it is not done?

Question

for religious reasons? Such as New Years, Valentines Day, etc? Do you think that the early Christians would have even considered celebrating such things? Should we?

Answer 1

Perhaps most surprising of all, though, is that so much of the traditional Christmas celebrations misses the vital points of the Gospel narratives. Little thought is given, for instance, to Jesus' Father—not Joseph, but Jehovah God. Imagine his feelings upon entrusting his beloved Son to Joseph and Mary for them to raise him and provide for him. Imagine the heavenly Father's agony in letting his Son grow up in a world in which a hate-filled king would plot his murder even when he was a mere child! It was profound love for mankind that moved Jehovah to make this sacrifice.—John 3:16.

The real Jesus is often lost in Christmas celebrations. Why, there is no record that he ever even told the disciples his date of birth; nor is there any indication that his followers celebrated his birthday.

It was not Jesus' birth but his death—and its history-making significance—that he commanded his followers to commemorate. (Luke 22:19, 20) No, it was not as a helpless baby in a manger that Jesus wished to be remembered, for he is nothing of the kind now. More than 60 years after his execution, Jesus revealed himself in vision to the apostle John as a mighty King riding into battle. (Revelation 19:11-16) It is in that role, as Ruler of God's heavenly Kingdom, that we need to get to know Jesus today, for he is a King who will change the world

Answer 2

If this is an issue for you, you should consider not celebrating Christmas or Easter.
Both holidays are based on Pagan holidays:
Christmas for the winter solstice and Easter for the Spring equinox.
Christmas was a festival of lights celebrated on the shortest day of the year (December 22nd). It was only later on associated (falsely) with the birth of Jesus when Catholic Priests followed the Roman army north and converted the Pagans to Christianity.
Easter was the festival of fertility. Germannic tribes had a custom to sacrifice a volunteer during this festival for the whole tribe. The volunteer was assured he would go to 'Valhalla' (a sort of Germannic heaven).
I don't think the early Christians would have considered celebrating Christmas OR Easter since it would be several centuries until these festivals were encountered.
The early 'Christians' were Jews and celebrated the regular Jewish holidays.

Answer 3

Colossians 2 is a great resource when it comes to "should I do" or "should I not do" type questions. Here is a small portion of the end of that chapter:

Col 2:20-22
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Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Sometimes, we follow rules because we think it makes us a "better person". God is not concerned with our "self-imposed" religion. His Grace covers you. If celebrating these holidays causes you or a brother to stumble, then you should not do it. However, there is nothing in "not doing holidays" that makes God love you any more or any less. He just loves you. Period.

Answer 4

If the holiday doesn't have any religious history, then you wouldn't be going against your own religion. A far worse sin would be to celebrate a so-called 'Christian' holiday that in truth, has nothing to do with Christ at all. ie. Christmas (there is no proof that Jesus was born on December 25) and so Christmas, for all it's worth, is a false-hoiday.

Answer 5

People make a big deal out of this, and I say, God knows our hearts. What you are thinking about, is what matters. Someone could be a christian, and not even know about some "roots" of the traditions. Even when they do find out, many do not stop practicing loving on Valentines, having parties on new years, or not have a christmas tree. To them, it celebrates families, fun, love, and warm memories, all the while, they still love God.

Answer 6

Peter and Paul suggested that their fellow Christians abstain from meat that had been offered to idols, but not because it was wrong. Meat is meat and idols are just inanimate statues. The only problem was the possibility of scandalizing other Christians, or giving the impression that one was taking part in actual worship. So there's nothing wrong with going to a celebration as long as everyone understands why you are there.

Answer 7

Yes, if it makes you happy. I celebrate such holidays because they are fun,and as far as I know my God doesn't mind.

Answer 8

You could celebrate New Years day by giving thanks to God for another year,and there would be no harm in having a social drink, as for Valentine`s day, again I find nothing pagan in this, any celebration that does not go against the law of God should be okay.

Answer 9

I think it is fine. It is a part of today's culture. As the Bible changes focus between cultures (first on the Jews, then on the Christians) I could see it adapting to the cultures of the day without losing its integrity and truth.

Answer 10

I say for me personally its wrong but a good rule of thumb is let your concietous be your guide.as christians jesus is suppose to be your role model so if he never shared in pagan holidays why would you