Do some catholics really think atheists should not celebrate X-mas?

Question

I don't mean it in any offencive way. I'm just asking out of curiosity. After all we do belive in "good will towards men".

I mean after all, X-mas was created to stop the pagans from celebrating Yule, which is on dec 21 I think.

Actually Halloween is also a pagan celebration, is one of the sabbaths that are celebrated in the wheel of the year. I'ts original name is Samhain. And I don't celebrate anything thinking of god, I do it thinking of my loved ones or just to have some fun. Again I don't say it with the intent to offend anyone.

Answer 1

I don't celebrate christmas, and if catholics don't want me too, I'm cool with that, because I usually do what I want to do anyway, no matter what any other person thinks.

Answer 2

I think the CHRIST in Christmas rule non-Christians out. However, Christians are not the only one who believe that the winter solstice is a special time for spreading goodwill. Even in Hinduism, Pancha Ganapati is being celebrated more now as a celebration of the same season for Hindus where gifts are give to children over a five day period leadng up to the 25th day of december. It's not just Christianity and CHRISTmas. So I believe that Atheists have a right to share in the good cheer of the season as does everyone. So seasons greetings to all Atheist :)
Oh I almost forgot...I didn't really answer your question. I don't think that Catholics would exclude atheists from Christmas as it may be a chance to pull them into Christianity. however, to be quite technical, Chrismas is a Christian celebration.

Answer 3

I think it depends on your definition of Christmas, the Catholic Church is never going to stop someone from join them at mass at midnight, unless they are coming in hoping to cause trouble. But if an atheists wants to celebrate with us, I'm definitely not going to stop them.

As for if the Catholic Church cares whether they get a tree and presents or things like that once again, I don't believe the Church cares either way.

I told you what the Church's feelings are on this, of course since there are a billion people apart of this Church and not all are knowledgeable on what the Church teaches, you can sometimes get people who would think it very wrong for an Atheist to participate in Christmas.

Answer 4

You hit it right on the nose, miss questioner. Christmas was declared to be on December 25th because 1) it was during the biggest pagan festival the Romans had, Saturnalia, and 2) Yes, because of Yule.

I love the spirit of giving, and I love showing goodwill. No matter who you are, there's real satisfaction in doing something nice for your friends. Christmas was *never* Christian. Now stop trying to ruin it for us atheists.

Answer 5

Not that I know of.

I think it is wonderful when Atheists celebrate religious holy days like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Saint Valentine's Day, Saint Patrick's Day, and even Halloween (the Eve of All Saints' Day).

With love in Christ.

Answer 6

im not a strict catholic,but i think if people want to celebrate xmas that arnt into christianity they should not be challenged. Although they arent celebrating xmas as such but at least for one day of the year people are slightly more civil to each other then it cant be a bad thing.

Answer 7

There is a difference between X-mas and CHRIST-mas and part of the Catholic tradtion is spirtiual preperation through Advent.
If the focus isn't on Christ then it isn't Christmas just X-mas.

Answer 8

This Catholic says celebrate what you want, when you want, how you want. It is a free country. But for your info X-mass comes from the Greek name of Christ.
X-Chi and P-Rho the first two letters in His name.

Answer 9

Actually, most Catholics have absolutely nothing against atheists celebrating Christmas. In fact, we encourage it!

Answer 10

I just got done telling one if the government takes the holy holiday I can too! So I guess some do!