Do you believe in Jesus Christ? If no, do you celebrate....

Christian, and yes I celebrate Christmas in all of it's commercial glory!!

I call it: Gift exchange...but of course the rest of the family rolls with trees and lights and stuff. I'm just here for the food and the presents.

[QUOTE="Silenthps"][QUOTE="ball_bag"]No. I've seen you do it and you know you've done it. There is no reason for me to waste my time trawling through your history just to verify what we both already know.ball_bag

[QUOTE="ball_bag"][QUOTE="Silenthps"] So basically you make baseless claims about me yet you don't back it up? You're also a level 1 so I doubt you've seen me do it unless your some kind of stalker, in which case, it wouldn't be wasting your time trawling through my history, it would be fulfilling your sick fetish ;)lordreaven

[QUOTE="lordreaven"][QUOTE="ball_bag"]Oh man, an implication that I get my rocks off by reading through your crappy, incoherent posts. Good one. You're truly the Oscar Wilde of the new generation.Silenthps

Christmas is a Pagan holiday, why would a christian celebrate it?

Christmas is a Pagan holiday, why would a christian celebrate it?

htekemerald

Gifts. Same reason anyone else would celebrate it.

Christmas is a Pagan holiday, why would a christian celebrate it?

htekemerald

There's nothing wrong with celebrating Jesus Christ's birth on December 25th. Many Christians and myself are quite aware of where Christmas came from as well as the Birth date of Jesus was not on December 25th. Why is it so wrong to still celebrate the birth of our Savior on that date? This is what I mainly don't get. Every year, this comes up multiple times, every year! What exactly is the purpose of that I wonder. Does it really concern people that much? I'm not concerned at all where Christmas came from and how it came to be. I know what it means to me now and that's what matters.

No. I do celebrate christmas, though, for the other reasons, such as having a good time with people close to me, eat nice food and get and give things. I don't really care for that Jesus fairytale.

no i don't and...no i don't ...

[QUOTE="htekemerald"]

Christmas is a Pagan holiday, why would a christian celebrate it?

kev_stevens67

There's nothing wrong with celebrating Jesus Christ's birth on December 25th. Many Christians and myself are quite aware of where Christmas came from as well as the Birth date of Jesus was not on December 25th. Why is it so wrong to still celebrate the birth of our Savior on that date? This is what I mainly don't get. Every year, this comes up multiple times, every year! What exactly is the purpose of that I wonder. Does it really concern people that much? I'm not concerned at all where Christmas came from and how it came to be. I know what it means to me now and that's what matters.

[QUOTE="kev_stevens67"]

[QUOTE="htekemerald"]

Christmas is a Pagan holiday, why would a christian celebrate it?

htekemerald

There's nothing wrong with celebrating Jesus Christ's birth on December 25th. Many Christians and myself are quite aware of where Christmas came from as well as the Birth date of Jesus was not on December 25th. Why is it so wrong to still celebrate the birth of our Savior on that date? This is what I mainly don't get. Every year, this comes up multiple times, every year! What exactly is the purpose of that I wonder. Does it really concern people that much? I'm not concerned at all where Christmas came from and how it came to be. I know what it means to me now and that's what matters.

i don't believe in anything, and christmas is not about jesus, its about how santa died and became a zombie, and how you have to lock up your daughters in fear of santas demonic return, and the reindeer..

I find it funny that many Christians want every individual, regardless of their religious beliefs, to say the Pledge of Allegiance with the words "under God", to carry money with the words "In God We Trust", to recognize the U.S. as a "Christian nation", to swear on the Bible in a courtroom, and to say "Merry Christmas" to everyone, but heaven forbid if atheists actually celebrate Christmas.

No, I don't accept the divinity of Jesus. I think he was a historical figure, but I find his miracles unbelievable. I do celebrate Christmas, but only because my family does. If I were to abandon my family for whatever reason then I would stop celebrating Christmas. Christmas should return back to its original religious meaning for it to live up to its name.

[QUOTE="harashawn"] "Oh, hey! Many of the traditions associated with Christmas have Pagan origins and Christmas is on December 25. That must mean Christmas is a Pagan holiday!!!!" Let's completely ignore the fact that it is 9 months after the Annunciation, and that Christmas predates many of those Pagan festivals it supposedly "stole" from.swamprat_basic

The Romans began celebrating Saturnalia in 217 BC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia), and that is considered to be the Pagan holiday that became Christmas (http://www.thercg.org/books/ttooc.html).

It is impossible that Christmas predates Saturnalia, considering that Saturnalia began over 200 years before Jesus Christ was born.

[QUOTE="kev_stevens67"]

[QUOTE="htekemerald"]

Christmas is a Pagan holiday, why would a christian celebrate it?

htekemerald

There's nothing wrong with celebrating Jesus Christ's birth on December 25th. Many Christians and myself are quite aware of where Christmas came from as well as the Birth date of Jesus was not on December 25th. Why is it so wrong to still celebrate the birth of our Savior on that date? This is what I mainly don't get. Every year, this comes up multiple times, every year! What exactly is the purpose of that I wonder. Does it really concern people that much? I'm not concerned at all where Christmas came from and how it came to be. I know what it means to me now and that's what matters.

What kind of question is that? Celebrate however you want to.

I celebrate the commercial, capitalist holiday Christmas and its sister holiday Love Day.

'cus atheists are greedy and just want the presents :lol: :Pgomsepat

/thread

"Oh, hey! Many of the traditions associated with Christmas have Pagan origins and Christmas is on December 25. That must mean Christmas is a Pagan holiday!!!!" Let's completely ignore the fact that it is 9 months after the Annunciation, and that Christmas predates many of those Pagan festivals it supposedly "stole" from.harashawn

The Romans began celebrating Saturnalia in 217 BC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia), and that is considered to be the Pagan holiday that became Christmas (http://www.thercg.org/books/ttooc.html).

It is impossible that Christmas predates Saturnalia, considering that Saturnalia began over 200 years before Jesus Christ was born.

I agree with everyone who said that they celebrate for the food, suprise of gifts, and the family. I am in no way religeous but i can still have a good time right?

[QUOTE="harashawn"][QUOTE="swamprat_basic"]

The Romans began celebrating Saturnalia in 217 BC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia), and that is considered to be the Pagan holiday that became Christmas (http://www.thercg.org/books/ttooc.html).

It is impossible that Christmas predates Saturnalia, considering that Saturnalia began over 200 years before Jesus Christ was born.

lordreaven

I agree with everyone who said that they celebrate for the food, suprise of gifts, and the family. I am in no way religeous but i can still have a good time right?

NCsmallCHILDS

I'm very religious myself and I agree. There's nothing wrong with celebrating Christmas if you're not religious. Many people do and have a great time doing just that.

'cus atheists are greedy and just want the presents :lol: :Pgomsepat

[QUOTE="swamprat_basic"]

[QUOTE="harashawn"] "Oh, hey! Many of the traditions associated with Christmas have Pagan origins and Christmas is on December 25. That must mean Christmas is a Pagan holiday!!!!" Let's completely ignore the fact that it is 9 months after the Annunciation, and that Christmas predates many of those Pagan festivals it supposedly "stole" from.harashawn

The Romans began celebrating Saturnalia in 217 BC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia), and that is considered to be the Pagan holiday that became Christmas (http://www.thercg.org/books/ttooc.html).

It is impossible that Christmas predates Saturnalia, considering that Saturnalia began over 200 years before Jesus Christ was born.

Natalis Invicti was, however.

For that matter, I don't know why people get so hung up on the date. The methods of celebration are the real hallmark of the pagan origins of Christianity. Hilariously, Jeremiah even condemns the practice of chopping down trees and decorating them (Jeremiah 10:2-4), yet that along with gift-giving is probably the single most identifiable form of celebration during Christmas.

[QUOTE="harashawn"][QUOTE="swamprat_basic"]

The Romans began celebrating Saturnalia in 217 BC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia), and that is considered to be the Pagan holiday that became Christmas (http://www.thercg.org/books/ttooc.html).

It is impossible that Christmas predates Saturnalia, considering that Saturnalia began over 200 years before Jesus Christ was born.

GabuEx

Natalis Invicti was, however.

For that matter, I don't know why people get so hung up on the date. The methods of celebration are the real hallmark of the pagan origins of Christianity. Hilariously, Jeremiah even condemns the practice of chopping down trees and decorating them (Jeremiah 10:2-4), yet that along with gift-giving is probably the single most identifiable form of celebration during Christmas.

In chapter 10 of Jeremiah, it doesn't seem like he was referring to Christmas. After reading the entire chapter, it seems more likely, at least to me; he was referring to worshipping false idols in place of God. At least, that's what I get out of it.

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

[QUOTE="harashawn"] Too bad Saturnalia wasn't even on the 25th.kev_stevens67

Natalis Invicti was, however.

For that matter, I don't know why people get so hung up on the date. The methods of celebration are the real hallmark of the pagan origins of Christianity. Hilariously, Jeremiah even condemns the practice of chopping down trees and decorating them (Jeremiah 10:2-4), yet that along with gift-giving is probably the single most identifiable form of celebration during Christmas.

In chapter 10 of Jeremiah, it doesn't seem like he was referring to Christmas. After reading the entire chapter, it seems more likely, at least to me; he was referring to worshipping false idols in place of God. At least, that's what I get out of it.

Of course he wasn't referring to Christmas; how could he refer to a celebration commemorating something that hadn't yet happened? I'm just saying that it's amusing that a section of the Bible directly calls out and tells people not to do that which is one of the absolute hallmarks of Christmas.

I'm agnostic, and I celebrate Christmas. I do celebrate because for me it's not a religious thing, but a family celebration and tradition.SoraX64

[QUOTE="kev_stevens67"]

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

Natalis Invicti was, however.

For that matter, I don't know why people get so hung up on the date. The methods of celebration are the real hallmark of the pagan origins of Christianity. Hilariously, Jeremiah even condemns the practice of chopping down trees and decorating them (Jeremiah 10:2-4), yet that along with gift-giving is probably the single most identifiable form of celebration during Christmas.

GabuEx

In chapter 10 of Jeremiah, it doesn't seem like he was referring to Christmas. After reading the entire chapter, it seems more likely, at least to me; he was referring to worshipping false idols in place of God. At least, that's what I get out of it.

Of course he wasn't referring to Christmas; how could he refer to a celebration commemorating something that hadn't yet happened? I'm just saying that it's amusing that a section of the Bible directly calls out and tells people not to do that which is one of the absolute hallmarks of Christmas.

Well, my point was, it's okay to put up a Christmas tree..I just don't feel it's okay to kneel down and worship the thing. We have a Christmas tree up - three of them actually, but we also focus on Jesus Christ, not the tree :P

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

[QUOTE="kev_stevens67"]

In chapter 10 of Jeremiah, it doesn't seem like he was referring to Christmas. After reading the entire chapter, it seems more likely, at least to me; he was referring to worshipping false idols in place of God. At least, that's what I get out of it.

kev_stevens67

Of course he wasn't referring to Christmas; how could he refer to a celebration commemorating something that hadn't yet happened? I'm just saying that it's amusing that a section of the Bible directly calls out and tells people not to do that which is one of the absolute hallmarks of Christmas.

Well, my point was, it's okay to put up a Christmas tree..I just don't feel it's okay to kneel down and worship the thing. We have a Christmas tree up - three of them actually, but we also focus on Jesus Christ, not the tree :P

Of course - I'm not saying that Christians shouldn't celebrate Christmas and participate in the traditional festivities; I'm more simply pointing out the large extent to which it is infused to the core with pagan celebrations, and the way in which this makes it a little silly when Christians tell non-Christians, "You can't celebrate Christmas if you're not a Christian! It's our holiday! Hands off!"

[QUOTE="kev_stevens67"]

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

Of course he wasn't referring to Christmas; how could he refer to a celebration commemorating something that hadn't yet happened? I'm just saying that it's amusing that a section of the Bible directly calls out and tells people not to do that which is one of the absolute hallmarks of Christmas.

GabuEx

Well, my point was, it's okay to put up a Christmas tree..I just don't feel it's okay to kneel down and worship the thing. We have a Christmas tree up - three of them actually, but we also focus on Jesus Christ, not the tree :P

Of course - I'm not saying that Christians shouldn't celebrate Christmas and participate in the traditional festivities; I'm more simply pointing out the large extent to which it is infused to the core with pagan celebrations, and the way in which this makes it a little silly when Christians tell non-Christians, "You can't celebrate Christmas if you're not a Christian! It's our holiday! Hands off!"

I admit, being Christian myself, I don't even understand why a Christian would tell an Atheist or anyone else, they can't celebrate Christmas. It makes no sense to me :(

According to all my Christian friends who celebrate it, they don't think of Jesus much at all during it. They just do it for presents and to be with their families, which they openly admit. That's why many of my hindu, Jewish and atheist friends celebrate it as well.

No, I dont, at least not in a supernatural son-of-god sense.

1. because my parents are christian, as were their parents, and their parents parents, and so forth

2. its socially and professionally convenient in order to go out of town and take time off

3. its an excuse to see my family.

4. I make 20k a year, I dont need a good excuse to want to get free stuff from loved ones.

Honestly, Christmas is just an excuse to celebrate. I dont view it as a religious holiday anymore, but I also dont play the Emo cynic and think its all about corporate greed. Its simply about getting together with folks, having fun, eating and drinking,and collecting epic loot.

I believe in Jesus, but I don't really celebrate Christmas.

To me this holiday season has become more than just a religious celebration. It has become more of a celebration of giving thanks for the things we have and sharing with those we care about. A universal celebration of family and friends.

I understand the Christian background of the holiday, but it has changed a bunch since.

implying christmas has something to do with jesus christ

implying christmas has something to do with jesus christ

Half-Way

It does...

[QUOTE="heatsinkhole"]

If Christmas has nothing to do with religion and you just celebrate it for being the end of the year and that giving-receiving thing, then why don't stop calling it Christmas and spend that day on Dec.31?

If you don't believe Jesus then you don't have the right to celebrate CHRISTmas.

hammerofcrom

you don't have the right to tell people what they can and cannot celebrate.

It's people like you who completely and utterly soured me on organized religeon.

[QUOTE="hammerofcrom"]

[QUOTE="heatsinkhole"]

If Christmas has nothing to do with religion and you just celebrate it for being the end of the year and that giving-receiving thing, then why don't stop calling it Christmas and spend that day on Dec.31?

If you don't believe Jesus then you don't have the right to celebrate CHRISTmas.

heatsinkhole

you don't have the right to tell people what they can and cannot celebrate.

It's people like you who completely and utterly soured me on organized religeon.

That's an awfully strange bit of logic. If Christmas is celebrating the birth of Christ and is solely that, then why not celebrate it on a day at least in the ballpark of when Jesus was actually born?

The vast majority of festivities on Christmas, from tree-decorating to gift-giving to holly and mistletoe, have absolutely no basis in Christianity and are completely pagan in origin. All people have to do to celebrate Christmas in a non-Christian fashion is to not do anything related to Jesus, and most people already don't do much related to Jesus anyway. It's like Easter with the Easter bunny and so forth; on paper it's a Christian holiday but most of the things people do to celebrate it are 100% pagan.

[QUOTE="Half-Way"]implying christmas has something to do with jesus christJ-man45

[QUOTE="heatsinkhole"][QUOTE="hammerofcrom"]

you don't have the right to tell people what they can and cannot celebrate.

It's people like you who completely and utterly soured me on organized religeon.

GabuEx

That's an awfully strange bit of logic. If Christmas is celebrating the birth of Christ and is solely that, then why not celebrate it on a day at least in the ballpark of when Jesus was actually born?

The vast majority of festivities on Christmas, from tree-decorating to gift-giving to holly and mistletoe, have absolutely no basis in Christianity and are completely pagan in origin. All people have to do to celebrate Christmas in a non-Christian fashion is to not do anything related to Jesus, and most people already don't do much related to Jesus anyway. It's like Easter with the Easter bunny and so forth; on paper it's a Christian holiday but most of the things people do to celebrate it are 100% pagan.

This really seems like beating a dead horse at this point. For Christians, it can mean something about Jesus. For the non-Christians, whatever. Not that big of a deal.

[QUOTE="J-man45"][QUOTE="Half-Way"]implying christmas has something to do with jesus christscorch-62

lol! Good one...

"The word Christmas originated as a compound meaning 'Christ's Mass'"

source: wikipedia

[QUOTE="Half-Way"]

implying christmas has something to do with jesus christ

J-man45

It does...

i wouldnt wiki the word christmas if i was you then, you might get yourself a big surprise.

Espericaly under the section Pre-Christian background

[QUOTE="J-man45"]

[QUOTE="Half-Way"]

implying christmas has something to do with jesus christ

Half-Way

It does...

i wouldnt wiki the word christmas if i was you then, you might get yourself a big surprise.

Espericaly under the section Pre-Christian background

Sigh... I'm not getting into this again. Just...forget I said anything.

[QUOTE="harashawn"][QUOTE="swamprat_basic"]

The Romans began celebrating Saturnalia in 217 BC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia), and that is considered to be the Pagan holiday that became Christmas (http://www.thercg.org/books/ttooc.html).

It is impossible that Christmas predates Saturnalia, considering that Saturnalia began over 200 years before Jesus Christ was born.

GabuEx

Natalis Invicti was, however.

For that matter, I don't know why people get so hung up on the date. The methods of celebration are the real hallmark of the pagan origins of Christianity. Hilariously, Jeremiah even condemns the practice of chopping down trees and decorating them (Jeremiah 10:2-4), yet that along with gift-giving is probably the single most identifiable form of celebration during Christmas.