Should Non-Christians celebrate Christmas?

[mAlice]

Truthfully, there was nothing before Christ since He's always been alive and created everything.

Okay.

 

[ItalianScallion]

Okay.

Ahhh! INFIDEL! You must believe!!! Stop laughing; I chop you head off!!! (j/k)

 

[Highlander]

Okay.

I ask this question regarding Christmas every year. It always sparks a lot of interest. When it comes to religion, we all have our own beliefs. I really don't care if you believe or not. It's your life. It's interesting to read some of the comments. It makes me wonder how certain people grew up. For instance, what made someone like MAlice dislike Christians so much. Was it something in her childhood? Was it a decision to seek out attention from some alternative support group? Were witches and demons cooler? Oh, and other that JW's knocking on your door every now and then, Christians don't force religion on anyone. I go to Church about every Sunday but I've never seen anyone there in handcuffs. Again, my family will choose to celebrate Christmas for what we believe in.

So, whether you are celebrating the birth of Christ or if you are just enjoying the winter holiday as a big party and reason to take off, give presents, etc I wish each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas.

Oh, and to the person who told me to mind my own business, I ask.....When has that been a rule of SOMD forums? If no one was allowed to post anything controversial, SOMD forums would fizzle out quickly and we know that wouldn't be cool.

 

[Larry Gude]

I used to be a Satanist, but they don't have any holidays :shrug:

Wrong chapter, dude. All they do is holiday.

 

[sockgirl77]

Interesting question. I know non-believers that celebrate. Some, obviously, are related to Christians, live with Christians, are friendly with Christians, etc etc...and are helping them celebrate.

But I'm sure your question is more about people who don't believe and are celebrating for themselves. The answer? Christmas has been Americanized. With all of the ads everywhere, music playing in all of the stores, discussion of Christmas, making it a national holiday, and all of that, it is basically an American holiday. If we get it off as one of the federal holidays then how can it not be considered an American holiday?

As a mostly Christian nation, Christmas has been pretty much turned into a national, non-denominational holiday instead of a religious one. Sure, some people keep the religious stuff going, but those who don't celebrate Christmas are 'weird' or 'different', so a bunch of people opted to celebrate so they could keep their children feeling accepted or at the very least, not jealous.

Do you see any holidays from other religions that are heavily advertised non-stop, that almost everyone celebrates, where everyone gets the day off? If there was another holiday from another religion that was blown up in your face so much then maybe people would celebrate that too. As it stands, Christmas is basically an American holiday so a bunch of Americans who aren't believers in Christianity will celebrate it.

I am not Christian but most of my family is so I celebrate it.

 

[ItalianScallion]

It makes me wonder how certain people grew up. For instance, what made someone like MAlice dislike Christians so much. Was it something in her childhood? Was it a decision to seek out attention from some alternative support group? Were witches and demons cooler?

Studies show that in MOST cases (not all) problems with Dad accounts for the majority of their unbelief, even hatred for God AND homosexuality. (Most people won't admit it publically but have in private sessions).
Other factors cited were a lack of proper teaching about the true God due to the lack of "quality family time" and even college mis-teachings have caused many to "leave the faith". But the last one just reverts back to family issues.
And others just get caught up in the wrong groups...:coughsJPCcoughs:

 

[Highlander]

Studies show that in MOST cases (not all) problems with Dad accounts for the majority of their unbelief, even hatred for God AND homosexuality. (Most people won't admit it publically but have in private sessions).
Other factors cited were a lack of proper teaching about the true God due to the lack of "quality family time" and even college mis-teachings have caused many to "leave the faith". But the last one just reverts back to family issues.
And others just get caught up in the wrong groups...:coughsJPCcoughs:

You and I have had our disagreements before (because I'm Catholic) but I must give you credit for your answer. I have heard these same things before and my wife tells me all the time how the father is the one who forms the religious morality of the children. It's funny how you mentioned the homos. I just got back from the store. I was behind a lesbo who had the equals sign and the Darwin fish on the back of her car. This was obviously a statement against Christianity. I would imagine the homo factor is a biggie to some but I didn't want to open up another can of worms with that one. Oh, and JPC. I really don't know what his excuse is but I think his story would be a great one to print for kids to read. "Don't do Drugs or You'll end up like JPC."

Merry CHRISTmas!

 

[ItalianScallion]

You and I have had our disagreements before (because I'm Catholic) but I must give you credit for your answer. I have heard these same things before and my wife tells me all the time how the father is the one who forms the religious morality of the children. It's funny how you mentioned the homos. I just got back from the store. I was behind a lesbo who had the equals sign and the Darwin fish on the back of her car. This was obviously a statement against Christianity. I would imagine the homo factor is a biggie to some but I didn't want to open up another can of worms with that one. Oh, and JPC. I really don't know what his excuse is but I think his story would be a great one to print for kids to read. "Don't do Drugs or You'll end up like JPC."

Merry CHRISTmas!

It's never personal though.
Those stats are from both secular & religious studies. In both studies, the people were asked what made them so angry and the issue of Dad almost always came up.
In the spiritual studies, when asked if they believed in God, most said: "No because they weren't loved by their Dads, so why would they think God loves them?" Many even hate God because their Dads abused them. (lack of actual love is abuse).
The Dad is supposed to be a living representation of God's love in action. This is why God placed most of the responsibility on the Dad's role in the family. (BTW, 2 Dads don't make it twice as good)!
JPC's problem is that he got hooked up with a cult. The worldwide church of God and Herbert Armstrong.
Merry Christmas to you & yours too!

 

[mAlice]

Studies show that in MOST cases (not all) problems with Dad accounts for the majority of their unbelief, even hatred for God AND homosexuality. (Most people won't admit it publically but have in private sessions).
Other factors cited were a lack of proper teaching about the true God due to the lack of "quality family time" and even college mis-teachings have caused many to "leave the faith". But the last one just reverts back to family issues.
And others just get caught up in the wrong groups...:coughsJPCcoughs:

It's funny that people like to assume there some dark, sinister reason for people not believing in a deity, but if you must know, I've come to this conclusion by reading. Not only the bible, but many other resources. My search for the truth started when I was 9 years old. It concluded some time around the age of 30.

There was a time that I bought into it.

As for my childhood, it was a non-religious, impoverished household. I didn't know my biological father outside of a few brief encounters, and my mother was an abusive alcoholic. My step father was a kind, gentle man who tolerated more than he should have, and was at my mothers side when she died. In spite of my upbringing I've become a stable, dependable person who contributes to society and puts family first. I've never abused my children, and have never pushed my beliefs on them. Whether or not to believe in a deity is entirely up to the individual. My husband was raised catholic, and believes in a deity, but is not practicing.

If that confirms what anyone thinks makes one not believe, I have no problem with that. I really don't care how you think I came to be where I am today, or believe (or not believe) what I do. I've traveled a rough road to get here, and no one can make me feel guilty or negatively for my thoughts and feelings.

With our without a god, my life has had it's ups and downs. Bad things happen, and good things happen. I've lost loved ones, and I've watched family and friends bring new life into the world. These things will happen, with or without a god. Life goes on, and death is imminent.

If I'm wrong, then what's the worst that will happen? I won't live forever in a godly kingdom? I'm okay with that, too. I'd rather be dead than be slave to will of your god.

 

[ItalianScallion]

It's funny that people like to assume there some dark, sinister reason for people not believing in a deity, but if you must know, I've come to this conclusion by reading. Not only the bible, but many other resources. My search for the truth started when I was 9 years old. It concluded some time around the age of 30.

There was a time that I bought into it.

As for my childhood, it was a non-religious, impoverished household. I didn't know my biological father outside of a few brief encounters, and my mother was an abusive alcoholic. My step father was a kind, gentle man who tolerated more than he should have, and was at my mothers side when she died. In spite of my upbringing I've become a stable, dependable person who contributes to society and puts family first. I've never abused my children, and have never pushed my beliefs on them. Whether or not to believe in a deity is entirely up to the individual. My husband was raised catholic, and believes in a deity, but is not practicing.

If that confirms what anyone thinks makes one not believe, I have no problem with that. I really don't care how you think I came to be where I am today, or believe (or not believe) what I do. I've traveled a rough road to get here, and no one can make me feel guilty or negatively for my thoughts and feelings.

If I'm wrong, then what's the worst that will happen? I won't live forever in a godly kingdom? I'm okay with that, too. I'd rather be dead than be slave to will of your god.

And there you go.
I'm curious what you read that pushed you away from God?
Psalm 68 v 5 & 6.

 

[PsyOps]

I really don't care how you think I came to be where I am today, or believe (or not believe) what I do. I've traveled a rough road to get here, and no one can make me feel guilty or negatively for my thoughts and feelings.

I think you do care what we think or you wouldn’t go through so much trouble explaining yourself. As far as making you feel guilty, it’s quite obvious no one can do that. Guilt is something you chose to feel; not something someone can make you feel.

I see two possibilities here with you: 1) You are convinced of some truth and you are here to try to prove all believers wrong or 2) You still haven’t found that truth you seek and are searching for it here (and perhaps other places) through discussing it.

 

[Crashpupty]

And in how many households is Santa bringing presents. Where was Santa in the bible. The true meaning has been lost in the commercialization of this holy day. Most people are keeping up with the whole Santa thing. How do you explain those who celebrate Christ and Santa on the same day? This holiday has become way out of control, people die each year to get the best deal on the next great toy. Do you think kids thank Christ for their presents, nope it is Santa. Before we can look down on those who celebrate and are not christians, how in the heck can we take this holiday back as our own.

 

[toppick08]

:shrug:

 

[aps45819]

I'd like to invite all my Muslim friends to dinner.

I've got a nice big ham in the overn

 

[Irish_Eyes]

This is the question that should be asked. CHIRSTmas is a celebration of the birth of CHRIST. Why do non believers celebrate?

Before people start complaining about non-believers celebrating Christmas, perhaps Christians should start celebrating the way the church(who established the holy day in the first place) intended? Go to mass, go home, have a big meal with family, and that's it. No trees, no lights, no presents, no nothing else. And before you get up in arms and try to accuse me of saying the church made up his birthday, that's not what I'm saying at all. What I'm saying is that Christ never glorified himself. He never gave himself a birthday or a celebration of his existance of any kind. The celebrating of his birthday as being an organized, religion-wide event, didn't start until long after his death.

Personally, I don't care what you celebrate, nor do I care when or how you celebrate it. But why, oh why, do people make such a big deal out of this? I myself am Pagan, and I celebrate the Winter Solstice, in much the way my ancestors did long before the birth of Christ. I have a Yule Log, I hang holly and ivy, and I decorate a tree with lights and pretty baubles(granted I don't use real candles or heavy metal ornaments, but I'm not much of a fan of fire or safety hazards). My boyfriend, however, celebrates Christmas. Thankfully, because this has become such an all-encompassing holiday, most of our traditions overlap, and it makes the entire season an absolute joy.

Does is really matter if those of us who aren't Christian celebrate on the same day and use the same customs as those who do? Not really. I very seriously doubt it has any negative effect on my Christian neighbors if I celebrate Christmas myself. Infact, in most cases, if you're a christian and your non-christian neighbors celebrate too, you might actually BENEFIT(they might bring you cookies, or small gifts and tokens of friendship).

We may not all be celebrating for the same reasons, or embracing the same "event" the holiday was set up to honor, but we CAN all embrace the spirit(that's dwindling these days too, unfortunately, but that's for another thread).

 

[hvp05]

Before people start complaining about non-believers celebrating Christmas, perhaps Christians should start celebrating the way the church(who established the holy day in the first place) intended? Go to mass, go home, have a big meal with family, and that's it. No trees, no lights, no presents, no nothing else.

There is a case to be made, I think, that the larger problem is not non-Christians celebrating, but Christians buying into (pun intended) the commercialism.

I celebrate it with my family because we have, generally, a Christian family. I have even attended mass with my family because they wanted to, even though I'm not religious nor have said services ever persuaded me to become a believer.

I think it's a beautiful time of year all around. I appreciate the peace, community spirit, and helpfulness that is expressed during this time. In fact, if I have any gripe it's that those characteristics are so short-lived; people expend effort to be nice to each other for a couple or few weeks then return to being self-centered and superficial, and you have to wonder why it troubles them to be more caring during the rest of the year.

 

[Irish_Eyes]

I think it's a beautiful time of year all around. I appreciate the peace, community spirit, and helpfulness that is expressed during this time. In fact, if I have any gripe it's that those characteristics are so short-lived; people expend effort to be nice to each other for a couple or few weeks then return to being self-centered and superficial, and you have to wonder why it troubles them to be more caring during the rest of the year.

My thoughts exactly, as put in my last paragraph. It baffles me that Christians get so up in arms and defensive of "their" holiday, when that seems to go completely against the values their religion professes to teach.

 

[itsbob]

This is the question that should be asked. CHIRSTmas is a celebration of the birth of CHRIST. Why do non believers celebrate?

Should those that don't believe in Santa be allowed to participate??
Why do NON-Believers participate??



I'll trump your fictional character with one of my own!!

 

[ItalianScallion]

It baffles me that Christians get so up in arms and defensive of "their" holiday...

I don't think "Christians get so up in arms and defensive of their holiday" in the sense that you're saying. It's just that we want to be free to celebrate it without being accused of offending someone or "forcing our beliefs down your throat".
It's like Hanukkah or Kwanzaa. I don't follow them nor celebrate them but I have no desire to stop anyone from celebrating them. Sadly, MANY have problems with Christians celebrating Christmas...
The original question was "why do non-believers celebrate Christmas?" He's just trying to find out why people who do not believe in Jesus, celebrate a holiday that honors Him? I think it has been well answered here though.

 

[Irish_Eyes]

I don't think "Christians get so up in arms and defensive of their holiday" in the sense that you're saying.

Actually, they do... rather often. I've been dealing with it on an almost daily basis from people here in So. MD over the past month or so. Everything from people complaining about companies throwing "Holiday Parties" instead of "Christmas Parties", to the fact that people get pissy over the fact that more than one holiday might fall on the same day of the year. A family member of mine actually had the gal to ask me to celebrate on a different day than I've been celebrating Solstice for YEARS... just because it fell on the same day as Christmas. And if you read through some of the prior posts, several people got rather snarky about the entire thing, like non-believers celebrating Christmas really had an effect on their holiday experience. The worst part is those who complain about it without realizing that half the things they're doing to celebrate the holiday are all pagan traditions, started by people long before the birth of Christ.

I'm not saying ALL Christians get this way, mind you... that would, from what I've seen of studying the religion, go completely against quite a few Christian values, wouldn't it? But unfortunately, some people are plagued with intolerance and ignorance, and they tend to ruin things for those who aren't. I apologize if my overly broad comment offended you, wasn't my intention.