Do Christians acknowledge the fact that some beliefs & many items are far from "christain"?

Question

That they mostly really orginated from Paganism in which Christian's adopted. (and it's "alright" I guess, but let's be honest here)
For ex:
Temples
Robes
Crosses
Fish symbol (sometimes called "Jesus Fish")
*However really an ancient symbol used by other religions such as Buddhism, Pagans
Oh the list goes on.......blessings, the calender, chanting, vow of silence, prayer
"christmas" tree's

Answer 1

actually Tucking Fypos there are stories of Virgin births in pagan religions. DBL B I support you whole heartedly. Most people don't know stuff like this, to bad many people would probably be more opened minded if they did.

Blessed Be.

Answer 2

Symbols are just things God has made and people use to remind them of something. I guess I can understand if a pagan were to get upset that we use a christmas tree to celebrate Jesus's birthday. I get angry that homosexuals hijacked the word "gay" which is SUPPOSED to mean happy, not sodomite, and rainbows, which are supposed to remind us that God will not destroy the world with water again - next time it will be complete devastation by fire (Jesus is the "ark" that can rescue you from that destruction)..

How do you know these symbols did not mean something in God's story before the pagan's chose to "borrow" them?

Answer 3

..........and what were those symbols before they were used as emblems of paganism?
Swastikas used to be just geometric designs used as artwork in tile floors, even in ancient Israel. Now they are a symbol of hatred towards Jews.
Temples, robes, crosses, icthus, etc., are not generally considered symbols of hate. Cannot they be used for God's glory? Call it recycling if you want, but maybe this is better:
We're reclaiming something for God's use and purpose.
Is not everything in the Earth His anyway?

Answer 4

I acknowlege such things. I.E. The Christmas tree, The tinsel... and other things you mention.. Symbols are simply "reminders" to draw our attention to God.Throughout religion there is "borrowing" of symbols back and forth... But in fairness, Christ is not found in symbols but a dynamic faith within.

Answer 5

What's the point? Pagans ate food, wore clothes, lived in houses, bathed, read books, told stories, talked with their friends, and drank wine. You name all the forms of religion - Christianity is a religion. That's like telling Chevrolet that many of their car parts are non-Chevy.

Answer 6

I know that many symbols do have origins that might be pagan, but I believe that it is what we make them that counts, not where they came from.

Imagine a druggy from the streets. He gets all cleaned up and becomes a respectable citizen. He will always have the druggy origins, but it doesn't mean he is a druggy anymore.

Answer 7

I would like to see you question fleshed out with more words. But Yes some things are from pagan places to start with, but we do not worship them. They just help us to a point only, to reach to Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith.

Answer 8

A lot of the things you talk of have to do with traditions. Traditions help us remember our history and remind us of the things we believe in.

The actions you list are essential to the Christian faith, but I think you could remove the material things from your list and not change the meaning of the Christian faith.

Answer 9

First off, where is your comparitive information?

Second, just because something is similar doesn't mean it CAME from something else.

The cross? That's a given.

The fish symbol? Do you know what it means in Christianity in the first place? Most don't.

Rituals, probably. Humans are afraid of change.

Answer 10

Christianity is nothing close to one definition

Yes I would acknowledge the fact that some items are far from "christian"

That's why I am non denominational and don't refer to any religious labels.

I try to use believer or non believer.

God Bless