Do you celebrate Christian (or Jewish, or muslim, or hindu or whathaveyou) holidays ?
If so do you have qualms about doing it ?
If so do you have qualms about doing it ?
Wow dog, you really got us with that killer question
No, I don't
My entire atheist family celebrates Christmas. We put up outdoor lights, a Christmas tree, give gifts, send cards that say "Merry Christmas", enjoy Christmas get-togethers. It's a wonderful uplifting season with a focus on peace on earth, and Santa Claus.Do you celebrate Christian (or Jewish, or muslim, or hindu or whathaveyou) holidays ?
If so do you have qualms about doing it ?
This is kind- of a closed forum...but something I would like to know..tia
My entire atheist family celebrates Christmas. We put up outdoor lights, a Christmas tree, give gifts, send cards that say "Merry Christmas", enjoy Christmas get-togethers. It's a wonderful uplifting season with a focus on peace on earth, and Santa Claus.
Why would I have qualms about it.
My entire atheist family celebrates Christmas. We put up outdoor lights, a Christmas tree, give gifts, send cards that say "Merry Christmas", enjoy Christmas get-togethers. It's a wonderful uplifting season with a focus on peace on earth, and Santa Claus.
Why would I have qualms about it.
You seem to be trying to make me guilty of something that I don't believe in. Jesus was a great prophet and there is a world-wide celebration of his birthday and, as far as I'm concerned the occasion is about Jesus and not God.because this occasion was given to you by almighty God perhaps ?
you take the gift and wont acknowledge the giver.
its ok though God loves you just the same and is good with waiting.
Thank you JPRD. You said something that would be self-serving if I said it. To many, atheism is a bad word. It seems that some even fear atheists.Lagboltz's post is refreshing! It's not atheism with which I have a problem, even though I'm a Christian. I know some great people who are atheists. It's not necessarily a belief in God that reflects good character and kind intentions in individuals, it's one's basic principles of morality and one's behavior toward others of good character and behavior. I believe we must judge individuals on their merit and their behavior, not on whether they're religious. Afterall, if one lives by principles that are noble, it doesn't matter in which God or if in any God they believe.
I could end up looking like a putz on this one should someone inform me that Lagboltz is a convicted felon.
You seem to be trying to make me guilty of something that I don't believe in. Jesus was a great prophet and there is a world-wide celebration of his birthday and, as far as I'm concerned the occasion is about Jesus and not God.
That is certainly the Catholic point of view. I understand why Christians want to honor God, but you have to understand that is an empty concept to atheists. I don't believe there is a God that has created the universe, or micromanages people or events.How can this be about Jesus and not about God? Jesus, the trinity, says Jesus was all three: The father, the son, and the Holy Ghost ( which I interpret as meaning the fine and noble things that JPRD talked about.)
In my opinion, Christmas is just one of many holidays celebrated by all the monotheistic religions. The ritual and the occasion for celebration may be different, but the family gather, gift giving, charity, etc. are all in the same spirit. If you have a religion, the primary purpose must be to honor God and show your finest qualities as a human.
Actually, I think more atheists might admit some higher power exists to keep the world running on schedule, and maybe even sent men prophets to teach humans some noble lessons.
Xmas day is a public holiday when you all celebrate the pagan fictional character Santa Claus, indulge in even more gluttony and commercialism, impoverish further already hard pressed families at a time when the suicide rate goes through the roof
I can see why Christians want to claim it as the fictional birthday of someone who didn't exist
I bet most Christians put up a Christmas tree which is a pagan symbol
Xmas to me is just a few days off work and a few parties like it is for most people.
It has no religious significance at all
Except for idiots who can't escape the brainwashing they experienced as a child
That is certainly the Catholic point of view. I understand why Christians want to honor God, but you have to understand that is an empty concept to atheists. I don't believe there is a God that has created the universe, or micromanages people or events.
I have a great awe of the universe and everything in it, and that's why I am a physicist -- to study the intricate details of what you see as God's creation. If I want to look at it from your point of view, I honor the creation through a study of physics, which I think is the finest possible "liturgy", but I understand that not everyone can do that.