Why Do Some Get Offended When You Point Out The Pagan Origins Of Their Celebrations?

Question

The mistletoe, decorated evergreen tree, gift giving and even the actual DATE for Christmas are all pagan in orgin.

The eggs, bunnies and the actual DATE for Easter are pagan in orgin too.

Rosaries, incense, crosses, stars, etc. are all pagan as well.

The evidence is in every encylopedia available and even bible historians and theologians would agree.

Why some find it insulting when I joyfully point out that they have more in common with me, a pagan, than they think?

Do they think they are somehow better than me and therefore to share a common religious thing is BELOW them?

Or do they sincerely believe their religion is 100% authentic even though it is fairly recent (only 2000 years old) compared to other traditions around the world?

Answer 1

i don't mind sharing...

bright blessings to you

Answer 2

Why is it offensive to point out the obvious? Since I'm on the Christian end of this issue, I do feel the need to point out a couple of things. First, you say that the cross has a pagan origin. Really, that's irrelevant. Whatever its origin, it independently became a Christian symbol when Christianity's founder was executed upon one. Secondly, the mistletoe, evergreens, rabbits, eggs, and so on are not part of *religious* observances, but they are part of *cultural* observances.

That said, Catholic Christianity has always been open to the inclusion of local customs *where those customs do not conflict with theology.* The word "catholic" means "universal", and the Church has always recognized that different ethnicities and localities will have different approaches to spirituality. The presence or absence of a decorated evergreen has no effect on the *religious* (Christian) meaning of Christmas, and so the Church has not put up a big fuss about Christmas trees not being in the Bible.

For another example, the triquetra was a meaningful spiritual symbol in pagan Ireland before Christianity took hold there. As a symbol that the local populace already understood and held some meaning for them, it became a useful representation of the Trinity, making this difficult concept easier to explain and also to understand. Was it a symbol used by Christ or the Apostles? No, but it became significant to Irish Christians as a Christian symbol. Does that make it somehow wrong to use? I would argue that it does not. I would also argue that, in that context, it is not pagan anymore, either.

No matter what anyone may say about the origins of Christian traditions and whether or not they are appropriate on that basis, the fact remains that we are not all living in ancient Israel. Just as the Israelites had their own traditions and their own cultural approach to religion, so does everyone else in the world. Insofar as that approach does not alter the substance and doctrine of a spiritual practice, there is no reason why it should be a problem. To denounce everything that doesn't come direct from ancient Israel is to say that nobody else has anything of value to contribute to their own spirituality. And that, frankly, is just ridiculous.

Answer 3

CHRISTIAN Weddings That Bring Joy. A Christian wedding is a good opportunity to show that we are no part of the world. (John 17:1James 1:27) Our orderliness should stand out. This would mean that we would be on time instead of making people wait, possibly interfering with congregational activities. This is especially something for the bride to appreciate. By being punctual a mature Christian sister can demonstrate that spiritual qualities like humility and consideration are important to her also. When a photographer is invited to record the occasion, orderliness is important. We do well to require that the photographer come dressed in jacket, tie, and formal trousers and that he does not interfere with the talk when he takes pictures. No pictures should be taken during the prayer. Our orderliness will honor Jehovah and give a fine witness. There is no need to try to conform to social formalities that would eclipse the real meaning of the event. A reception is not a requirement for a successful wedding but there is no Scriptural objection to such a happy occasion. However, such a gathering for true Christians should be different from worldly receptions marked by extravagance heavy drinking overeating, wild music suggestive dancing and even fights. The Bible categorizes revelries with the works of the flesh. (Galatians 5:21) It is easier to have proper control when it is not a very large gathering. There is no need to erect a tent to satisfy popular customs. Should some decide to use a tent for reasons of space or weather this is a personal matter. A wedding where the spiritual aspects dominate over worldly ways will truly honor Jehovah. By making sure that they keep separate from the world with its superstitions and excesses, by not letting it interfere with regular theocratic activities and by manifesting modesty instead of a showy display Christians will enjoy the occasion. Moreover they will be able to look back at the event with a good conscience and fond memories. With a display of wisdom and reasonableness may all our Christian weddings give a witness to honesthearted observers.

Answer 4

Yup , Your right....... I knew most things come from a pagan background....... considering how the Bible speaks of such......... the Cross Jesus died on was a pagan form of death, cruel and shameful...... I know the full story ...... I do NOT get offended over any *faith* matter, a Christian should NEVER get offended.......My flesh side does on personal attacks at times, and that should NOT happen either, but I am human...... and as for *traditions* they are older than 2000 yrs. old, that is why the Bible speaks that *traditions* should NOT be part of *faith*, they were used by the pagans and the *lawful* and *legal* Jewish people...... not a put down, just the facts........ go in peace........ God bless

Answer 5

The human animal is very territorial in nature - so "their celebrations" can't possibly have anything to do with anyone else's. When you add that many are taught (some might say brainwashed) from an early age that theirs is the "only way," you will run into resistance to any information that contradicts their absolute truths.

I doubt, in most cases, that they think they're "better" than you (although that statement certainly isn't true for all of them). Having to face the archaeological and anthropological evidence counters what's been drilled into their heads - and so they react badly.

They're not all like that. Chin up and don't let it get to you.

Answer 6

Before paganism was as popular or common as it is now in the western world, Jehovah's Witnesses repeatedly pointed these facts out as reasons Christians should not observe these holidays and practices. Although the information was available in encyclopedias and other secular publications, Christendom still rejected our faith. Many still label us a "cult" and reject the fact that we are Christian. Some do this on the basis of our not adhereing to practices that have nothing to do with Christ, but have been given a Christian mask. It angers them that pagans are now reclaiming their form of worship. It angers them to now see they are choosing pagan worship over Christianity because they do not want to give up these practices and customs. They just wish you would shut up and go away so that they can continue to fool themselves.

Answer 7

I think Christians are offended at this for a multitude of reasons. Naturally they think their religion is superior to that of all the others. If not, why is it such a big deal for them to convert the world? When you point out that alot of what they do religious wise is based on another, to them, lesser religions, you are insulting them.

Another thing, many many Christians are not educated on their own religion. Despite the fact that they base their lives on a book, their actions do not follow that book (I don't remember seeing that Christians are supposed to celebrate the birth of Christ - whenever it was). These celebrations were added to Christianity to keep old pagans and heathens from getting angered over the removal of their fun days.

Additionally, Christians are taught that all things Pagan are the works of their devil. They really believe this despite that paganism existed even before the existence of their devil. They generally use fear of the loss of one's soul to control the worshipers. From a ruler's point of view, a Pagan doesn't have this fear and is therefore less easy to control. So to prevent their current followers from chewing the leash through and through, the Christian ruling class makes sure that the followers fear whatever it is they don't know about - except their own religion.

Of course, there are some Christians out there that are honestly studying their religion and know more about it and its background. They tend to be more accepting of other's religion as they are bound to Christianity by faith and not fear and realize that other's paths are different yet just as moral.

Answer 8

I am a Christian and I am not offended.
Bcuz it is the truth.
What u just said.
x-mas, easter bunny crosses, rosaries, & the like etc...
And I have No Share.
No part.
I belong to Jehovah.
The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.
We have No Part in these pagan practices.
Thk u again, 4 pointing these truths out.

Answer 9

Ooooo good one! So many people today are just so convinced that these are christian celebrations even though the ONLY thing we are instructed to observe (biblicaly speaking) is the memorial of Christs death. Consider 1Cor. 11:23-34. These celebrations have been around for 100's of years. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I vaguely recall that some were the result of Catholic missionaries combining scripture; (if you will) with the celebrations of Mayans(?) and others who they viewed as heathen, to bring them into Christianity and evolved into the "religious" celebrations as we know them today.
I don't EVEN bring this up to my own mom anymore cause it just infuriates her & she can't understand why I refuse to observe these things any longer except for Christ's memorial.

Answer 10

I don't. I scream it from the roof tops!

Thankfully God has blessed me to no longer participate in any of these 'christianized' pagan practices.

Even now people refuse to separate themselves from worldly practice, slamming a 'christian' name upon those things they do not want to give up.

That is how all these pagan traditions infiltrated 'christianity' in the first place. Constantine wanted his subjects to be 'christian'. When they wouldn't give up their pagan 'holy-days' the compromise was made to be able to still do them, only in the name of Christ.

The only one that is fooled by that is the person doing it. It certainly is NOT fooling God.

Answer 11

the word pagan is the nono word here. Religious ly inclined people seem to think that the word pagan means they have no faith. They have obviously not researched their religious origins or they would know that all religions generated from paganism. Religion as we know it didn't exist until after Christ was born and He changed everything.