I am posting these two stories (the first of many I’m sure), because I’d really like to understand this.
First, you have this story: Peace sign creates stir
Update to this story here...
And now this: 'Nativity' booted from Ill. holiday fair
I just want to understand. As a Christian, I’ve never been offended upon being wished a “Happy Halloween” Not once. I don’t celebrate Halloween, but I’m not offended by the isles upon isles of costumes, decorations, and candy. I realize that most people are not worshipping Satan when they trick or treat. It’s just not my thang, but I realize that it might be yours.
I am not offended by the menorah, pictures of black Jesus, Santa Claus, or jack-o-lanterns. And I am certainly not offended by a peace symbol, what some Christians say is a satanic symbol. God forbid we should hang up a symbol of peace (and that IS what it is), in a time of war, during the Christmas season.
So, does it bother you? Are you offended by the greeting ‘Merry Christmas’ even though you may be Jewish? How about agnostic? Atheist?
If you are agnostic or atheist, does it really offend you to be wished a Merry Christmas? How about a Nativity scene? Christmas decorations?
I respect your opinions, I just really want to know.
15 comments:
Well as they say "The War on Xmas starts earlier every year." *wink* To answer your question no it doesn't bother me to be wished Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah or Happy Halloween. Since good intentions for fellowship are behind them.
What does bother me is people that get offended and try to force their opinions on others to stop them. The intolerance and disrespect for other traditions and beliefs is a lot worse than somebody giving you a greeting that you don't share faith in.
I totally agree. But does it seem like it’s mostly against Christianity? I realize Christmas is a Christian holiday, but it just seems like issues with Christianity get folks bent out of shape more than other religions do.
Tis the season. Wish each other well and good tidings.
I'm not a Christian (I do like Joseph Campbell and the work he did), and so I usually wish everyone "Happy Holidays" because of the diversity of faiths I work with and encounter.
After watching the "Life of Brian", I'm still trying to decide if I should follow the sock or follow the shoe.
But.
People like this should have a one-way ticket to one of the black sites in Trbekistan.
Oh.
And I forgot to mention.
I hate phucking homeowner associations.
^(#*()Y()$($()UDHJDNIEU*Y((*$&*()^$%*()Y$_$)_I)_$)_)$(_)($JDNIUGIUYFG(*$%()%&().
That guy should get a one-way ticket to a Trbekistan black site.
Part of the backlash is against advertisers and people that try to make such a profit by commercializing the holiday. Also all the scams that betray the good will that's supposed to be the essence of the celebration.
Speaking of which "The Charlie Brown Christmas" is supposed to be on TV tonight and that was always a good example of the search for the true meaning and a reminder of what the holiday was supposed to be for without all the hype.
Maybe people of other faiths have such an aversion to it because everyone is innudated with the hype this time of year because of the profits it provides.
Even I get sick of hearing Xmas songs and carols before Xmas gets here because they play them everywhere so often. I guess for someone that doesn't care abut Xmas in the 1st place it would be even worse.
I am a devout athiest and I love Christmas. This past weekend we went up into the mountains and cut down Christmas trees. It was a great day. One of the kids fell asleep on the way up. When he woke up in this winter wonderland he nearly climbed right out the window. We sank into the forest and dragged out the best trees we could find. Back at the parking area we made snowmen and drank champagne (not the kids). Good times. It's Christmas time. You have to love it and you have to say Merry Christmas! Athiests and christians alike can take themselves too seriously. I like to stay away from these types of people. That's why I avoid religions, the Brights (an athiest organization)and home owner associations.
Loved the cartoon, Alex, and it is so true. And you guys are cracking me up over the homeowners associations! Wow they must really be bad. I’ve never had to deal with them before, I wouldn’t ever live somewhere where I owned my home but other’s had the right to tell me what I could and couldn’t do.
Reminds me of Little League sports board members. Some people will use any authority, no matter how miniscule, to lord over others. These people need to go away, along with those who hyperventilate whenever someone says Merry Christmas!
Those folks should take down that wreath immediately...and replace it with one in the shape of a mushroom cloud. After all, if the peace symbol is offensive...
The whole Christmas thing is lovely, and I don't even like religion. In fact, I dislike all religions. And, I definitely do not buy into the Christian myth. I'm not offended by carols or Christmas greetings. But I am tired of Christians in this country acting as if they are being persecuted, when in truth it's Christians who have tried in numerous ways to force their beliefs on everyone else. The intent of the founding fathers was clear in that there should be a separation of church and state. It was a good idea then, it's a good idea now. I'm opposed to any sort of state sanctioned religion, including prayer in schools. If people want to pray, they should certainly do so, on their own. But having a mandatory Christian prayer in a school setting is as offensive to me as would having a Muslim prayer in a school be to most Christians in this country. Christians for the most part strike me as arrogant. And one of the best examples of that currently holds the title of POTUS.
Yep, thanks to the Christian Coalition all “Christians” are now perceived that way. If people would realize that the “Christian Coalition”, “conservative Christians”, and the “Religious Right” (all the same thing) is really a political group, NOT a religious group, maybe Christians would stop getting such a bad rap. I was working on a post about that very thing this morning but didn’t get to finish it. Perhaps tomorrow.
What are you doing up at this hour? Do I have to send you another e-mail, this time with a few choice invectives? Have you bathed in the last week?
"Yep, thanks to the Christian Coalition all “Christians” are now perceived that way. If people would realize that the “Christian Coalition”, “conservative Christians”, and the “Religious Right” (all the same thing) is really a political group..."
Oh. You mean "Christianists" (like jihadists).
As far Christianity goes, the Founding Fathers of the US were very skeptical about it.
Little-Known U.S. Document Signed by President Adams Proclaims America's Government Is Secular by Jim Walker".
This was about the 1797 Treaty of Tripol.
This includes some quotes from Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, Ben Franklin, and Thomas Paine about their views on Christianity.
I agree with Cait. I've always referred to it as "The Christian Mythology".
LOL @ Shooter. I agree I was up a little later than usual, but I notice that you were up even later than that! I was just going to bed, you were most likely just getting up. Ships passing in the night...
And yes, I bathed on Monday, just like I do every week. Thanks for askin’ :>
Democracy Now! interviewed the woman with the peace sign decoration on her home.
You can read it or download and listen to it (the interview is about half-way through the program on the file) here.
Seems like the town now has peace wreathes hanging throughout. ;)
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