As my youngest daughter pointed out to me while we walked to church for Christingle, on Sunday. "We have to use a dolly because we don't have a real baby."
How does this Christian Nativity celebration compare to recent events in Sudan?
2007-12-02 22:36:27 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in News & Events ➔ Current Events
It doesn't compare because thankfully we don't over react like certain other cultures.
2007-12-02 22:40:34 · answer #1 · answered by Mimkat hate the new Yahoo Answers so has retired. 7 · 9⤊ 1⤋
I think the main question is how many schools will not have a Christian celebration for Christmas because so many heads feel it is now inappropriate due to the diversity of the pupils. The problem is that most Muslims are not against the way we celebrate Christmas. It is normally middle class people who are behind this scenario. We bend over backwards to accomodate the Muslim community but it is about time the kill joys realised we enjoy our traditions and they should be upheld. The recent events in Sudan are unbelievable and I think it was more of a political matter than a religious one. One thing however is that the dolls are not being named Jesus but simply a representation of Jesus. There is a difference.
2007-12-03 00:54:52 · answer #2 · answered by david c 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Gosh, this is such a complex issue.
I don't think a comparison can easily be made.
Some of the laws in some countries are put in place in order to enforce respect and adherence to religious rites and rituals and the narratives which are embedded in these traditions.
In the U.K (parts of the west) we have a different approach to our predominant religion (christianity) Law and Religion are seperate entities. The rites, traditions and practices which christians in the West may or may not choose to participate in (at christmas) are viewed as a whole as perhaps a quaint ritual and tradition which serves to remind us of the true meaning of christmas....i.e 'goodness, love and the birth of an ambassador of this'.
As a christian nation we do not have a religiously purist approach to Christmas.
The nativity, which is now dying as a tradition is schools, is only a small part of how it is celebrated.
Therefore, Baby Jesus being represented by a plastic doll is probably quite an apt representation and reflects quite well our collective understanding of of Christ at christmas.
I.e he has been reduced to the inanimate.
Is it an insult ? I don't think it is possible to make this kind of judgement because somebody must be accused of being the insulter.
I think that we have to step onto the heart of what it really means to be a Christian and ask what is really important?
Is it really that important that Jesus is represented by a plastic doll or is it more important that Jesus is somehow represented in our Christmas celebrations?
Thankyou for the thought provoking question.
2007-12-02 23:06:59 · answer #3 · answered by nesta 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nicely put Guy U...
There isn't really much of a difference as these baby dolls are swaddled & cuddled & made a great fuss of during the Nativity play & after......much like that poor Teddy would have been....
The innocence of children...no matter from which part of globe, is the same. Its when the nosey adults with political (not religious) ulterior motives interfere that the trouble is caused.
Thank Heavens Ms.Gibbons is home for Christmas.
2007-12-02 22:47:06 · answer #4 · answered by Faith 6 · 9⤊ 0⤋
No because its intention is not to offend but to represent to children our lord and saviour when he came in the flesh as a helpless babe. Unlike militant elements of Islam and some Fundamentalists in Christianity the followers of Christ believe in tolerance and don't see a child calling a teddy Jesus as blasphemy but a sweet act which will delight our lord I'm sure.
2007-12-02 22:55:03 · answer #5 · answered by jack lewis 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
It's wonderful and we all enjoy nativity plays. Bet the pc brigade won't dare to say anything this year! Everytime they raise their heads come down on them like a ton of bricks! The sudanese baying for that teachers death last week are repulsive without a shred of humanity or kindness, their souls must be as black as hell.
2007-12-02 23:08:32 · answer #6 · answered by Helen S 7 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I am insulted by this representation and I think someone should organise a protest somewhere.
I'll let the local vicar do that. I hope he is not prosecuted for inciting racial hatred like all those other religous leaders.
2007-12-02 22:57:22 · answer #7 · answered by jonnnboy 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
As a Christian I do not find this insulting at all.
My daughter calls her doll baby Jesus anyway.
2007-12-02 22:45:01 · answer #8 · answered by *Sparki* 5 · 6⤊ 1⤋
I dont really understand why people make such a big fuss about something they cant even prove. Kids should be allowed to call their dolls/bears/toys whatever they want.
2007-12-02 23:05:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
The nativity is used to teach children the real meaning of Christmas and i know some really nice muslim people but we are not as fanatical and as obsessed with religion as they are.
2007-12-02 22:46:45 · answer #10 · answered by Sally 3 · 6⤊ 1⤋
Pleese...don't give anyone an excuse to ban those figures of baby Jesus laying in a manager.
Where are our church leaders in all of this cufuffle..playing the politician no doubt!
2007-12-02 22:40:52 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 1⤋