This is a question for personal knowledge, since I am not a Christian and have no vested interest in the responses (though I do prefer they be true).
I understand some people (ignorantly) object to to the term Xmas, not realizing it dates back to ancient manuscripts, since the Latin for Jesus' title (Christos) begins with a X. But why don't more people object to the suffix "mas" in Christmas? To use that suffix is to acknowledge the Roman Catholic ownership of that holiday. See, "mas" is short for "mass", as in the Eucharistic celebration in the Latin liturgical rites of the Roman Catholic Church (and some other Catholic and High Church Lutheran worship). Should Protestants in general use another name for the holiday.
2007-12-22 11:48:57 · 8 answers · asked by neil s 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Dianne m: interesting, but in no way addresses the question.
2007-12-22 12:40:26 · update #1
Christ is not the reason for the season and early Christians did not celebrate birthdays at all. Why do you think the bible does not say when Christ was born? It is because birthdays are not supposed to be important to God's followers. Are you aware that every instance in the bible where a birthday is being observed it is the pagans? John the baptist lost his head at a birthday bash.
The catholic church took the several pagan traditions celebrated in winter and combined them all and said it was the birth of Christ. This was to appease the pagans being forcefully converted and to make them feel a little more comfortable with their new religion because they could still celebrate the pagan holidays but just called it Christmas. I find it amusing that so many Christians today are fighting to keep this holiday when if the bible is true and if the bible God is the one true God then they will be cast in hell along with us for observing our holy days.
Christians get mad at me for telling the truth it is because they do not wan to hear the truth but they will be very surprised to wake up in hell with us pagans if in fact the bible is true they should run from this holy day and thank people like me for pointing it out.
If they want to share in my festivities fine but just know it is a pagan holiday and not a Christian one.
BB
2007-12-22 12:58:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
We do not "ignorantly" object to Xmas. Xmas was never used in ancient times ! I am aware where the X comes from, but no one has ever spelled "Christos" with just the first letter, it was spelled completely. It is used today to avoid using Christ, and people use it here with the intention of insulting Christians. That is why there are so many "Xian" comments. I find that ignorant, and it is offensive to me as a Christian.
The use of Christmas is perfectly acceptable to me as a Protestant, I am not bothered by the mas suffix. Catholics are far more my Brother, and Sister than someone who disrespects my Faith, and my LORD !
~OM~
2007-12-22 22:53:54 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
You know, language changes over time, so yes It was a Catholic term before there was a protestant church, but why worry about that, as it is the meaning that is more important.
2007-12-22 19:57:16 · answer #3 · answered by Pirate AM™ 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
Christ is the reason so taking His name out serves no purpose for any believer, protestant, catholic, or non denominational.
2007-12-22 20:34:40 · answer #4 · answered by Dianne m 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋
I guess it's like taking the "goo" out of good.
2007-12-22 19:55:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
We could just call it celebration of Jesus' birth.
2007-12-22 20:09:13 · answer #6 · answered by Jan P 6 · 3⤊ 3⤋
'Showtime' will b e good, since protestants always have christian theme concerts, acts & plays during Xmas time.
2007-12-22 19:55:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
oy vey!
2007-12-22 19:56:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋