True or false: Christmas is a display of consumption and waste, and is done at the altar of "God".?

Question

A different view.

To John Stolworth:
Are you a shill for Yahoo Answers?

Answer 1

True.

1 Corinthians 10:26
for, "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it."

How many of God's trees were destroyed making wrapping paper and cards?

How much damage way done to God's sky and water by the mass production (and consumption) and transport of gifts?

Jesus got 3 gifts on the day of his birth (which is actually sometime in the late spring). How many did most Americans get?

Christmas and it's true meaning have been hijacked by retail. People will celebrate Dec. 25 - both Christian or not - in their own way, as they always have. They will sing their favorite songs, eat their favorite meal, go to church or just spend time with loved ones. Just last week, the Pope rightly said Christmas is being "polluted" by commercialism and suggested that assembling a Nativity scene in one's home is the best way to teach children about Christmas. Notice how he said, "in the home," not, "the public square" or the neighborhood WalMart.

Now you can truly commemorate the birth of Jesus by saving 20 percent on plasma TVs and Chinese transistor radios. It is an insult to a man who said "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." (Matthew 19:21)

Edit: I am nobody's shill. I am not posing as anything. I am what I am. The opinions I express are my own. Take them at face value.

Answer 2

Noooo. If there wasn't any it wouldn't feel like Christmas. Its like saying we don't need a Christmas tree. In my native country, Christmas is also the festival of lights. It sort of gives a safe alternative to candles on a tree and house which was used in past history. It also creates joy and helps make it special. I know some people who are of different religions and think Christians just want to show off with all their elaborate decorations in churches and stuff. They should research how all these things came about first because it hurts when one says something bad about your faith. Don't say Christmas lights are a waste since as i said they mean the same as candles. Its just like how oil represents strength and the white cloth represents purity.

Answer 3

It is celebrated by the entire spectrum of our culture and has become largely a secular holiday. In that respect it is an orgy of consumption and waste. And it isnt placed on any altar at all.

To some it is a sacred holiday and treated as such.

To most it is a combination of both.

Your question is true, it is false and it is true and false.

Answer 4

False, but with a kernel of Truth -- Christmas (and other Winter Solstice celebrations) are times of sharing love, food, hospitality, and gifts with family and friends. It is a time of togetherness and generosity. It is also such a big part of our culture that it isn't limited to practitioners of Christianity alone. Just about everyone celebrates Christmas in some way. And in America, everyone gives gifts. So, retailers rely on Christmas sales to survive economically. And, for some people, it does get out of hand, especially with retailers who advertise aggressively and excessively. It is your choice how much money you spend on Christmas gifts. How you celebrate, how commercial you allow it to be, is up to you. Also, the religious significance is individual as well. For Christians it is a religious holiday celebrating the birth of Christ. In other religions, it has different meanings. And, for some, it is simply a time to express your love to your loved ones with gifts.

Answer 5

The whole giftmas season is gross and tacky.

But it is at the altar of the shopping mall. To the point tat when a store does NOT put out Christmas displays ... people holler that their religion is being stolen and that there is a war on Christmas!!!!!

Is religipon supposed to be experienced at the mall?

Answer 6

True.

"Altar of God" = Cash Register.

Answer 7

Christmas is what you let it be. This year I spent $60 on gifts but spent 3 days spending time with friends and family members. That was much more meaningful to me.

Answer 8

dunno about the altar of GOD thing..but as far as money is concern, i do believe that celebrating it in a grand way is such a waste of time and effort coz u can celebrate Christmas even without those things. what's important is the spirit.

Answer 9

False. It is not done at the altar of God.
It's done at parties, gift-exchanges, etc.

Answer 10

Reminds me of Jesus evicting the merchants from the temple. :-)

I give a resounding True.