Why do some people delude themselves into thinking Thanksgiving is religious?

Question

Where in the name does it say anything about a god?

Do they think Atheists have nothing to be thankful for? Or that we have no right to be thankful because we're not thanking some god? Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against people who pray to their gods on Thanksgiving, etc., but just because I'm not religious doesn't mean I think I'm "promised" everything I have. Thoughts?

Answer 1

I suppose it's because of the notion of "giving thanks." Perhaps they see atheists as having no one to whom to give thanks. Either way, it's not my call; thank whom you please, as far as I'm concerned.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Answer 2

Historically it was celebrated by people who travelled to America to escape religious persecution in their own countries, and wanted freedom to practise religion in their own way. They were thankful to God that they survived the tough sea crossing and the first year in their new homeland, and for the harvest.

Even I know that much and I'm not an American! Maybe you should check on the historical roots of this particular celebration before taking offence at it. For many people, Thanksgiving IS a religious celebration. If you want to have your own secular Thanksgiving no-one is stopping you. But who or what exactly are you thanking? Who do you think "promised" you everything you have. More thought required there, I think!

Have a happy Thanksgiving anyway. I hope you enjoy it!

Answer 3

Nothing delusional about it .It is about giving thanks to God -however the most often cited story is completely wrong
Thanksgiving was invented by President Abraham Lincoln who after he delivered his magnificent address on 11/19/63 at Gettyburg PA realized exactly how close the Union had come to losing the battle [google The Copse of the Trees ] and what ramifications that loss would have meant to the future of America.
He then decreed that a national day of Thanksgiving should held to thank God for not allowing that to happen

Answer 4

Well, I don't like how you use the word "religious." I'm a Christian, but I would never say I'm RELIGIOUS. I just don't like that word. And I don't think anyone said anything about Thanksgiving being religious. But as Christians, we obviously thank God for what we have and what we don't have because we believe He is the source of all good. It's not because of ME that I have what I have. It's not because of me that I'm healthy and alive. It's obviously because of God. I think that you have a right to thank whoever you are, but would rather that you think more critically and logically as to who you give thanks to. Just my thoughts.

Answer 5

Seriously... I don't get it!!! Thanksgiving is a nat'l holiday about a historical event. Where does God even enter into that?? People are so clouded by religion, not to mention severely uneducated! I agree that people should pray on Thanksgiving if that is part of their tradition or religion, etc. but I get so upset that they completely ignore the foundation and basis for the holiday and THEN pass judgment on others!

Answer 6

well, i'm not an atheist...i'm a muslim, and im pretty sure other muslims will tell me not to celebrate thanksgiving...BUT i dont see it as any way religious at all! It's just a patriotic type of thing. You eat turkey...i eat turkey...we all eat turkey!!! And we give thanks for things....no religiousness abt it....if u wanna thank God, thank God...if u wanna thank your mom for raising you well, do that too! =) so i agree with u in that it is NOT religious unless you WISH it to be religious!

Answer 7

If you think that Thanksgiving began or continued out of atheism, then you need to read more,
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thanksgiving
http://www.christiananswers.net/q-wall/wal-g007.html

As for thankfulness, of course atheists can be so, and overall moral as God gives everyone light of conscience, to begin with. But men reject light and choose delusion, especially after enjoying the fruits of Biblical principals and precepts, rightly applied. While Dawkins universe "has no design, no purpose, no evil and no good, nothing but blind, pitiless indifference," and can operate out of an objectively baseless morality, in which whatever is pragmatically reasonable can by justified (Stalin, Mao, Pol,. Pol), a true born again believer has an indwelling reality who demonstrates His reality in ways that make us even more thankful, and who has given us a transcendent codified moral authority which is beneficial to all if we go by it. (things like the inquisitions required ignorance of the Bible, as they are contrary to the New Testament.).

Here are some effects that have a Cause to be thankful for.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4136610474021109864
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3682855866783766146
http://www.truthsaves.org/testimony/
http://www.crosssearch.com/People/Personal_Christian_Homepages/Topical/Testimonies/
http://www.cbn.com/700club/features/amazing/
http://www.christian-faith.com/truestories.html
http://www.truthsaves.org/testimony/
http://www.shelovesgod.com/library/testimonies.cfm
http://breadsite.org/topics.htm

Answer 8

Thanksgiving is whatever you want it to be. It originated with people giving thanks to God. It was in the history books before they were censored by the left. You can celebrate it in whatever way you see fit, or not at all. There is no delusion about it.

Answer 9

They want Everything to have a Christian connection. That started from the beginning when the rituals and symbols were taken from paganism, then the holidays, the gods were turned into saints..... Even secular holidays like Thanksgiving are hijacked.

Answer 10

just because you don't believe in God doesn't mean others cant. stop wasting time posting stupid questions. what do you care what other people think? they are not asking you to believe it. get a life.

Answer 11

Please everyone read your history. The pilgrims (who started the tradition) were giving thanks to God for their blessings in the New World (and frankly the fact that they were still alive). They were beginning to thrive and in tune with their faith, they were giving thanks and glory to God.