I just read an article that said originally Thanksgiving was more of a harvest celebration and that with that harvest celebration, thanks was given to God for the bounty. It seemed like their was a church service, then everyone sort of gathered to partake of the bountiful harvest together.
So, do you think that for those who wanted to, a religious service should also be held for Thanksgiving? Sort of a way to refocus on the giving thanks part of the day, and less on football and gorging ourselves.
2007-11-21 04:22:13 · 15 answers · asked by Tonya in TX - Duck 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Read George Washington's speech from when he declared the Thanksgiving celebration -- it's all about giving thanks to the God of this Land for his bounty, his protection, etc.
It is truly a wonderful thing that this country, for all it's faults, still sets aside one day every year in thanksgiving unto the Lord.
It is up to us to remember the Lord and not get caught up in the feastage & football, etc -- just as it is up to us on a daily basis to remember our Savior and not get caught up in the things of the world.
Happy Thanksgiving.
2007-11-21 05:29:25 · answer #1 · answered by strplng warrior mom 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No. All the religious aspects in it are circumstance. They where christians who beleived that they where powerless and unable to do anything without god. So they thanked him for a good harvest becuse its not like they were out in the feilds breaking there backs or anything.
So no. Thanksgiving is a simple harvest festival associated with a religious idea. It is not a religious holiday.
2007-11-21 12:27:47 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
jjust as christianity, i.e. the catholic church and americans undermined the pagan celebration of christmas, so too, are pagans trying to undermine the Religious piety of thanksgiving.
Thanks is given to 'turkeyday' for non religious people.
public schools teach that pilgrims gave thanks to the indians rather than to God. When in fact God spoke through moses to have harvest festivals.
For a spirit of thanksgiving one needs to be religious
for a spirit Food drunkeness and football games one only needs to be pagan.
2007-11-22 17:36:45 · answer #3 · answered by Priestcalling 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think so. If you want to give thanks to God you don't need to go to church on Thanksgiving. All you need is a little direction from somebody in the family who is paying attention to what is important and not what is on TV to remind everyone else why we celebrate Thanksgiving.
2007-11-21 12:34:04 · answer #4 · answered by plastik punk -Bottom Contributor 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Thanksgiving (or the giving of thanks) is mentioned many times in the bible. Who should we give thanks to? God, of course.
We had a special service last night at church. Each of us came up front and told things we were thankful to God for. There could have never been enough time for us to tell all the things God has done for us, but each person took a few minutes to share his blessings. It was very moving, and was a great opportunity to give God credit for His presence in our lives.
2007-11-21 12:31:00 · answer #5 · answered by Faye 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I agree that the original intent was to enjoy the harvest, but being basically religious people, they knew to whom thanks belonged. I believe that today, we have largely forgotten to whom we owe thanks for the many things we enjoy in this land, including our bounty.
Yes, a prayer of thanks is very appropriate in connection with Thanksgiving Day celebrations.
2007-11-21 12:27:56 · answer #6 · answered by rac 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. The pilgrims that started this wonderful tradition, did so with the intention to give thanks to Almighty God for His many blessings.
For those who are Godless, they still celebrate the day, but it doesn't change the fact that it is INDEED a day meant to honor God.
God bless!
2007-11-21 12:32:23 · answer #7 · answered by Devoted1 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you believe that all things come from God, then church would be a good thing.
2007-11-21 12:35:15 · answer #8 · answered by dougfr007 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you. I don't really like football so it has always seemed to be a bit pointless. Maybe there should be more empheisis put on the thanks and giving thanks to God for what we have been given.
2007-11-21 12:38:26 · answer #9 · answered by Mattymc323 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. From my perspective, it appears to be the one holiday in the US that all can participate in without colour, creed or belief entering into it and that, in my opinion, is more important.
2007-11-21 12:26:39 · answer #10 · answered by TriciaG28 (Bean na h-Éireann) 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋