(As a British Muslim and a believer in Jesus) I find that many people are so quick to judge religion and deny it for whatever reasons yet what are peoples reasons to celebrate christmas? as its intentions are to celebrate the birth of christ. So what happens to all those who deny religion, but are celebrating christmas? Has it become a cultural event in society today?
2007-11-07 05:24:23 · 28 answers · asked by laydeeheartless 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Alot of answers have argued that christmas was originally a pagan winter festival. This is the first time ive heard this so what sources and evidence can you provide to show this?
2007-11-07 23:46:44 · update #1
Alot of answers have argued that christmas was originally a pagan winter festival. This is the first time ive heard this so what sources and evidence can you provide to show this?
2007-11-07 23:46:46 · update #2
Christmas is truly a celebration of Christ' birth. However, people have turned into a very commercialized, pagan holiday-sad.
2007-11-07 05:28:31 · answer #1 · answered by paula r 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Christmas in America is more like a cultural tradition for many people, whether believers or not. Since many people here have been brought up to practice such a tradition, and with the help of the media promoting X-mas, it will continue to be popular.
Still, is X-mas truly what it's meant to be....that is Christ's birthday? The Bible never gives a date of his birth, and also never promotes the celebrating of his birthday. These are man-made traditions that were invented around 300 years after the death of Christ. December 25 was used in order to convert those heathen of Northern Europe and to "Christianize" some of their beliefs. It's more commonly believed by scholars nowadays that Jesus was possibly born sometime during the late Summer or early Fall season.
Of course, with big business making so much money, they'll continue to remind us why it's so important to celebrate X-mas and by all the necessary gifts to make people "happy." In the end, it's just a big scam. We're such good sheeple. Baaa-aaaaaa!
2007-11-07 05:36:29 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christmas is whatever an individual makes of it. It was originally a Pagan holiday. No one really knows when Jesus may have been born. They chose this date as it coincided with the celebrated solstice time and made it easier for people to convert without giving up their holiday. Today it has morphed to have secular, pagan, and Christian aspects. I choose to celebrate the natural occurance of the solstice, the secular fun aspects, and use it as a time to spend with family and nuture the qualities of generosity, peace, and love. Things we should do more all year long obviously. For you it can be a strictly religious observance if that is what it means for you. There are certainly people for whom this is what it represents. There are some Christian people who don't think they should celebrate it at all because of its Pagan and secular aspects. Again I think its all what the individual chooses to make of it.
2007-11-07 05:34:35 · answer #3 · answered by Zen Pirate 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Originally, Christmas was not to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but was a pagan winter holiday.
To those who do not believe in Jesus, Christmas is about being with family and friends.
2007-11-07 05:31:36 · answer #4 · answered by bardoi 3 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I believe it is a bit of both cultural and religious for those who celebrate it.
Being Pagan, we celebrate Yule (Dec21). However, since many of my extended family are Christian we also celebrate Christmas. However, we do not stress the Christian aspect, but Santa Claus in our home. We do respect other's beliefs and do not belittle what they believe or how they wish to worship at that time within their own homes.
2007-11-07 05:36:19 · answer #5 · answered by Seafyre 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Religious event. But not the religion you would expect. It's actually a Norse celebration - Yule. Half the western european population derives from Norway, so obviously they're going to continue the celebrations, disguised as something else.
2007-11-07 05:32:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both ..I love Christmas , the coming together of families the tinsel the trees the glitter the parties the food yummy the smile on the kids faces even when its just the cardboard box their interested in ,the big obese man in red trousers giving a smile ..SNOW now there we have it a white Xmas Joy to all on earth ,,,, ,Christmas carols who cant but weep memories ,,,innocence .. midnight mass ...then warm mince pies mulled wine and gifts exchanged happily given (even when yo see later in local charity shop )such is life ..an exchanging of warmth joy a coming together ...(its not the cost Though can cost lots doesn't have to talk ) just its nice like it pagan christian or whoever ...(bet my plastic likes it but choose carefully it doesn't have to cost the earth ) but peace on earth for one day that to much to ask for .
2007-11-07 06:42:48 · answer #7 · answered by bobonumpty 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
A great many people celebrate both the cultural and religious aspects of the holiday. I suppose for those who profess no religion, it is a strictly cultural event.
2007-11-07 05:29:40 · answer #8 · answered by irish1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
'Christmas' was the invention of politicians, corrupt politicians, who wanted to suppress and exterminate Christianity. Christmas' was and is apparent, not real Christianity. For over a thousand years they were totally successful, without much Christmas propaganda. But since the Reformation, and particularly since the growth of democracy, Christmas has been pushed harder and harder as a major part of a Christianity substitute. Since many people fear and hate Christianity, they are very willing indeed to take part in the event. That applies particularly in Britain, which has a history of real Christianity that many people, particularly those involved in unethical or criminal practices (and business is said to be synonymous with corruption) and the sexually lax, would rather was forgotten. So people in Britain, atheists, false Christians, Muslims even Hindus are all interested in keeping 'Christmas' going.
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2007-11-07 06:16:58 · answer #9 · answered by miller 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Thank you and bless you for asking this question.
I am celebrating the birth of Christ Jesus ~ The Saviour of the world ~ who is now my Lord.
What others do is up to them ~ but i know who I'm celebrating.
~~Yeshua Hameshia~~
*Shalom*
Added: *bobounumpty* what a lovely answer ~ giving is a huge part of the celebration. I just love singing **joy to the world the Lord is come ~ let earth receive her King** ~ and i'm usually trying to sing through my tears LOL to **Oh Holy night the stars are brightly shining ~ it is the night of the dear Saviours birth**
Just wanted to add: it doesn't matter to me if the date or season is right or wrong ~ this is the time of year for Christians to remember and celebrate our **GLORIOUS** and **AWESOME** Saviour and Lord's birth. Luke ch2 ~ a beautiful story to fill ones heart with *AWE* and *WONDER*
2007-11-07 06:16:40 · answer #10 · answered by ;) 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋