My niece just discovered the truth -- Christ was not really born on Christmas day but in March or April, and that Christ was actually crucified in the autumn, not the spring, and that it was a pope who decreed these days to coincide with pagan celebrations, and in fact it was the pagan goddess Estes whom Easter was named. After just discovering there is no Santa or Eater Bunny or Tooth Fairly, and learning the truth about Christ, she is angry at the church and the world, and refuses to believe anything that comes out a pastor's mouth. Any advice?
2007-11-11 02:58:43 · 19 answers · asked by Anne Arkey 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I know how she feels - betrayed by everything and everyone who "lied" to her.
If naught else, explain to her to importance of religion, whether she chooses to believe or not, and that she should still continue to respect beliefs -- she wouldn't tell a 4-year old there was no Santa, would she?
Also, stress the importance of being educated in religion. Not only will that make her a more tolerant and understanding, but there are so many, many cultural references that are important to her general knowledge of the world and life.
Tell her that it is her choice not to believe, but it is not her right to disrespect others who do believe.
If she just lost belief in Santa, etc., then she is probably a little young for hard, intellectual thought, but do try and give her understanding of why these things happened in the course of religous history. She is young now, exhibiting a knee-jerk reaction and when she settles down may feel very differently.
2007-11-11 03:21:15 · answer #1 · answered by Lady S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if people would just be straightforward about these things - that Christians put their celebrations over the pagan ones - you wouldn't have this problem.
My take on it is that all people are celebrating the same things, only using different symbols. Christmas is about the celebration of life in the face of darkness, Easter is about the hope of new life. I'm a pagan, but I would not deny Christians the right to celebrate these universal human concepts at the same time that I do.
But in your case the damage is done, I don't know that you can convince her that you're not just telling her more stories, since in my opinion that's what's happening.
You can't direct someone else's spiritual path. All you can do is be there for her and let her find her own way. That's what she'll do regardless, so you might as well let her.
2007-11-11 03:17:24 · answer #2 · answered by KC 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Tell her that the current church doesn't have anything to do with what their beliefs are now. Yes, they did change the dates, one, to make it more universal for worship and two to convert the pagans without too much of a hassle. You may also say that what the pastor has to say is very informative as well. If she won't listen, let her discover her own path.
2007-11-11 03:42:15 · answer #3 · answered by Rev. Kaldea 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if the christians that told her that there was a santa claus and an easter bunny would have just told her the truth from the get go, do you think she would doubt the religion?
2007-11-11 03:08:32 · answer #4 · answered by timbers 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you research Jesus was resurrected in April although the exact date is in question. As for Christmas being a pagan holiday that may or may not be true. Many of the new followers of Christ were pagans. So having a celebration on a previous pagan holiday made sense. That is one theory. Some church records show that the holiday was for the worship and rejoicing of Christ and that many of the custom associated with Christmas (Santa Clause, Tree Presents) were add later by pagan worshipers. Do not give up on your daughter. As with many young people they can be influenced by the world around us. I think it is very difficult for the young people these days to keep their faith. They are assaulted on many sides trying to prove them either wrong or foolish.
2007-11-11 03:13:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
This is exactly why I never told my children there was a Santa Claus, Easter bunny, etc.
There are many "lies" pastors tell their congregation, including the fact that the Sabbath should be celebrated on Sunday.
Until your sister seeks the truth in her Bible without a person to tell her how to interpret it, she will never learn the entire truth!
2007-11-11 03:09:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Questioning is always a good thing... even for a believer, otherwise you just follow blindly. Frankly I cannot understand how churches teach tradition over what is plainly laid out, even in their own book! But, then again, even their own book says that is the way it is! (see Isaiah 29:13, etc...)
2007-11-11 03:24:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a start...
Jesus MAY have been born in April or May. There still is no factual evidence to prove he ever was.
As for the others, Santa Claus et al. are just means to get children accustomed to being lied to by their parents at an early age.
"Yes, Timmy there is no Santa Claus. Now let me introduce you to this God fella.
2007-11-11 03:02:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
There is to a santa and easter bunny and there always will be. I also have the best tooth fairy in the whole world
2007-11-11 03:03:15 · answer #9 · answered by nice3fishinggal 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Look up in a good English dictionary the word "Easter" and you will see it has its origins elsewhere and not from any pagan goddess.
Jesus was crucified at Passover, which is a spring festival.
His birth was in the autumn.
If she and you want to throw the baby out with the bathwater, that is your right.
If questionable beliefs and practices follow from a true event, do they negate the true event? I would think you and your niece would be smarter than that.
.
2007-11-11 03:08:54 · answer #10 · answered by Hogie 7 · 1⤊ 7⤋