I'm 16 and became non-religious about a year ago. My brother (who's 13) got so angry that I was celebrating Christmas and I'm not Christian, while he is. Anyway I didn't find anything wrong with it because I always have and I wasn't celebrating the birth of Jesus I was celebrating the super-spending commercial holiday that in my opinion also seems to be what Christians are celebrating, not Jesus.
What do you think?
2007-10-25 13:06:30 · 25 answers · asked by Æ 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Tell your brother whatever. I know so many people who are NOT Christian and celebrate Christmas. Me and my family included. We celebrate Christmas because we live in America it's like celebrating the 4th of July or Labor Day to us. We live in America we are Americans and in America you celebrate Christmas. Simple as that. It is part of American culture to celebrate Christmas as well as Thanksgiving. Enjoy your Christmas and tell you brother he should be happy that you are willing to spend your money on him in the spirit of the holidays.
2007-10-25 13:23:37 · answer #1 · answered by Miss 6 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christmas is derived from Pagan traditions. Though I don't recommend arguing this point with your 13 yr old brother... But there is nothing wrong with an Atheist celebrating Christmas. As you said, it's a commercialized holiday that is more about spending time with your family than it is celebrating Jesus. All one has to do is go shopping at Christmas time and try to pick up something that someone else is reaching for. You find out real quick just how Christian the holiday is.
2007-10-25 13:23:26 · answer #2 · answered by River 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I guess you could celebrate Christmas as an atheist. Everyday for a christian is christmas as we celebrate the birth of Christ everyday, no one knows the exact date of his birth. Yes it has become quite commercial and that is where the pagan part comes in.
But to answer your question, it does not really seem as if you are an atheist you are just not religious.
Being religious and having a relationship with God are two different things and perhaps you should look into this before you decide you are atheist.
Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-10-25 13:14:41 · answer #3 · answered by dove3B 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
you can celebrate ramadan if you want- we can celebrate what we want and for whatever reason we like- i celebrate christmas not because of jesus but because it gives me a chance to give presents to those i love and care about (not to mention receiving presents back!!!). there is nothing wrong sometimes with adding a feel good factor into our lives. fortunately you are 16, if you were younger i would seriously advise against celebrating "bar-mitzvah" as i understand it can be quite painful for a young man. keep your mind open, most religions are not harmful until they force their opinions upon you, you may never find all the answers that is part of being an atheist- we have learned to accept things we dont understand- hey ember halo i prefer summer solstice, you ever been to stonehenge then? its great fun
2007-10-25 13:18:16 · answer #4 · answered by LUCY M 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Atheists do not believe in gods.
We don't have a book of doctrine, dogma, rituals, laws, architecture, dress-codes OR anything else in atheism.
Xmas is a commercial thingy.
People buy stuff, give stuff and get stuff.
Xmas is a pagan holiday - in the Northern hemisphere it's the shortest day and the birth of longer days to come.
Use the computer to access information.
.
2007-10-25 13:21:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There is religious Christmas and non-religious Christmas. Religious Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus. Non-religious Christmas is celebrating Santa bringing presents to the good little boys and girls.
2007-10-25 13:11:51 · answer #6 · answered by ? 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Atheists can do whatever we want.
Theists are the only ones bound to dogma and ritualistic practices.
Btw, my girlfriend, sister, father, and myself are atheist / agnostic and we always celebrate christmas. A small portion of christmas is about 'god', for some. The rest is about love, family, and happiness. Everyone should celebrate those ideals.
2007-10-25 13:18:09 · answer #7 · answered by Dark-River 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you celebrate Christmas and any of us other atheists find out, we will find you and excommunicate you from the tribe of atheists.
Just kidding.
I celebrate Christmas and I'm an atheist. A lot of atheists celebrate Christmas. I think of it as a way of celebrating family and friends, and I'm also fond of the religious trappings because it reminds me of when I was a kid. Think of it this way -- you don't believe in ghosts or monsters, do you? But I'll bet you still like Halloween.
2007-10-25 13:12:59 · answer #8 · answered by Pull My Finger 7 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Christmas is different for different people.
It can be....
*religious....the birth of Jesus
*commercial....buying and giving presents
*family time.....spending time with family & friends
*reflective time....thinking about what your life is about and what you want to do in the next year to make that happen
*just another day in the week
None of them are right or wrong....you do what's good for you.
2007-10-25 13:22:39 · answer #9 · answered by daljack -a girl 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
lol. Modern Christmas is a secular holiday, not a religious one. You can do whatever you like. Most Atheists have fun with Christmas. They just don't celebrate it with religion in mind.
2007-10-25 13:14:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 1⤋