| red_rebel2 Posted on 18/12 9:50 | |
| Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Can they possibly support what it has become? The supposedly devout festival to celebrate the birth of their prophet has become a juggernaut of drunken excess and profit, a bloated consumerfest of self-indulgence and unsustainable spending. Christmas is about a fat gadge in red being used to undermine parents resistance to pester power, booze by the tankerload and whatever tat the shops can foist on you. It is a marketing ploy by advertisers and supermarkets that starts in September. Why do Christians support this? Is it just so they can gets bums on seats once a year? Whatever happened to throwing the moneylenders out of the temple? | |
| SuperBokSupper Posted on 18/12 9:53 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Yeah but the Christians basically converted a pagan ritual into CHRISTmas did they not so they can hardly complain seeing as how all their beliefs are basically just made up lies anyway? | |
| Buddy Posted on 18/12 9:54 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
 As an addition, it does amuse me to watch the legions of people complaining about PC councils ruining our centuries-old Christmas traditions, most of which are sod all to do with yer actual Christmas and quite a few of which are relatively recent imports.
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| red_rebel2 Posted on 18/12 9:56 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Yes, but in a philosophical sense, is it possible to claim to be a practicing Christian, yet not be horrified by this orgy. | |
| mufflar Posted on 18/12 9:57 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
there are many temptations on the path to salvation... | |
| andtheyobey Posted on 18/12 10:32 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Get behind me, Satan!...You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men. God bless my catholic education. Finally memorising Mark's gospel comes in useful. --- Post edited by andtheyobey on 18/12 10:34 --- | |
| SteR Posted on 18/12 10:38 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
IMO a real practising Christian will be interested in God / Jesus all year, not just one day. Whilst Christmas has turned into a massive marketing ploy, faith in God is completly seperate and unrelated to all the gimmicks. | |
| mm40 Posted on 18/12 10:42 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
christmas is a great time, but companies use it to exploit sales and pubs/clubs to maximise profits. The real message is ignored and generally people go over the top spending money and drinking way too much. If you any children like i do its excellent. | |
| SuperBokSupper Posted on 18/12 10:43 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
ok it is marketed but you cant blame pubs and clubs for cashing in. when 95% of people know they aRE GONNA BE OFF FOR A WEEK OR WHATEVER THE FIRST THING THEY DO IS GO DOWN THE PUB AND GET RAT AR5ED (oops caps). | |
| Huan_Kerr Posted on 18/12 10:53 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Tis the season to be merry, unless of course you're a miserable whinging scrouge. Nobody is frogmarched to the pub or off license. Your hard earned cash aint taken out of your account automatically for presents. Rejoice and celebrate. (Hic.) | |
| Chappy_112 Posted on 18/12 10:54 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Christmas is quality! And it is how it is because thats how people like it, times change people move on and should accept its much more fun this way :D | |
| zaphod Posted on 18/12 10:58 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
I really enjoy Christmas. Going to church with my family and enjoying each others' company, including a moderate amount of wine-drinking and present-giving. You don't have to get pissed and bury yourself in an orgy of consumerism if you don't want to. It's perfectly feasible to have a Christian Christmas if you want to, but most people choose hedonism instead. BTW I wish people would stop claiming that Christmas is a converted pagan festival. It isn't: Christmas seems to have been celebrated first around 25th December in Egypt in the 4th Century. Nothing to do with Saturnalia nor with Northern Midwinter. | |
| smoggy_in_sunderland Posted on 18/12 11:08 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
As I understand it aren't most Christian rites/festivals based upon the rituals of Mithras? Mithras (originally a persian god) was a god of soldiers and worshipped heavily in the roman legions. Interstingly his feast celebrating his rebirth was on December 25th and he was said to be depicted with a golden halo above him. One theory is that the early church adopted many similar rituals and rites in an attempt to woo the legions to Jesus who saw it as just the old familiar Mithras in a new guise. | |
| red_rebel2 Posted on 18/12 11:16 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
I know 95% of the population see it as a bloody good pissup. What I am getting at is the few real Christians who lead a life of humility and temperance. They must be mortified to see the debauchery supposedly celevbrating their boy. And what must they think when they get 'Christmas' cards with a drunk penguin on? | |
| glippy Posted on 18/12 11:21 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
My kids are teenagers now so Christmas has lost most of it's attraction. I went to see Scrooge on Saturday night in an attempt to engender a bit of Christmas spirit. Excellent show and I must admit I shed a few tears. Not sure if it at the sight of Tiny Tim's pitiful grave or the thought of Michael Barrymore earning a living again out of light entertainment. | |
| bear66 Posted on 18/12 11:25 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
He's going to come again . . just as surprisingly as 'the first Christmas' - perhaps today? | |
| andtheyobey Posted on 18/12 11:28 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
We're not all stuck in the mud's - it is possible to have a healthy balance. Go to church drink the "blood of Christ" or pre piss-up tipple as I like to call it, before going out afterwards and getting completely trollyed. But that's just me. | |
| trodbitch Posted on 18/12 11:29 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
It's what you make of it. When I was single, I'd just go out and have a good time. Now I have a family, I'll hardly be having a drink over christmas. My lads only two so it's not as if he is pestering me though, apart from asking for 'caaaaaaake?' 
| |
| mm40 Posted on 18/12 13:46 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
I like the fact that its one time of the year when people get to see their families who may work away from home and can generally have a good time together. | |
| gravy_boat Posted on 18/12 13:51 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
'Whatever happened to throwing the moneylenders out of the temple?' Ask Reg Vardy. | |
| scoea Posted on 18/12 13:53 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
I think it is become somewhat fashionable to dismiss Christmas as nothing but a commercial "consumerfest" but it really isn't. I know the question you are asking rebel and I don't know the answer but I guess the answer is that they can't (or at least shouldn't). I am not a religious person, I generally believe that if you live a good life then whatever happens (if anything) in the afterlife you'll be OK. For me Christmas is genuinely a time when I see family and friends without needing to rush anywhere or get anything done. A time when you can show people how much you love them. A magical time for children. My little girl is nearly two now and I can't wait to see her on Christmas morning. The amount spent is irrelevant to me. I am not bothered if I receive nothing at all. What I am looking forward to is playing a daft game with my family around the fireplace. Magic. | |
| HolgateWall Posted on 18/12 13:54 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
It is possible to enjoy christmas but it should be kept in perspective. Some people spend money when they can't afford it just to keep up with their neigbours. It is a pagan act to put up a christmas tree and decorations such as holly and ivy. This has been turned into a religious festival to fit in with the winter solstice.The real date of the birth of christ is not recorded. | |
| towz Posted on 18/12 13:54 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
I don't care. It's a good excuse to drink more | |
| MarlonD Posted on 18/12 13:56 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
what towz said. | |
| BoroG_85 Posted on 18/12 13:57 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
i went to a roman catholic school (St Pius) been baptised holy communion etc etc, but christmas for me is booze booze booze! i dont even know if im catholic or christian what is the difference, shows how much i care for my religon!.. Christmas is the second best day of the year.. next to boxing day.. booze footy booze what more could you ask for! | |
| MarlonD Posted on 18/12 14:00 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
And what BoroG_85 said as well. | |
| Revol_Tees Posted on 18/12 14:45 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
I know a few Christians in my own family who are disillusioned by what Christmas actually is compared with what it should be. It's impossible to talk about Christmas in the West without also talking about industrial capitalism and consumer capitalism, the historical processes which have produced Christmas as we know it. | |
| red_rebel2 Posted on 18/12 14:50 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Yes, but I want to find one with the bollox to condemn it. Surely for Christians Easter is the big one (yes i know, "eggs!" ) | |
| BoroMutt Posted on 18/12 15:33 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
True, for the devout Christian, Easter is the most important festival being the most profound statement of their beliefs. Christmas has been subsumed by commercialism and greed but that does not mean that Christians cannot observe the day in their own way. Why should Christians criticise others for enjoying themselves? Reportedly Jesus turned water into wine to keep a party going? As in so many things just let people do what they want within the limits of societal acceptance. Why is it important for you that they condemn it? Do you seek a broader acceptance of your views or are you insecure and require a measure of approval from the "Christians" to validate your stance? Finally, RR what have you asked Santa for? | |
| BoroG_85 Posted on 18/12 16:05 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
what is the diff between catholics and christians.. i went to St Pius Roman Catholic School and i honestly dont know, i am ashamed to call myself catholic(or am i christian)???.. either way ill be drunk on christmas | |
| towz Posted on 18/12 16:07 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Are you being serious? | |
| BoroG_85 Posted on 18/12 16:12 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
unfortuantly towz i am been serious, i know could probs look this up and save the embarasment of not knowning what the difference but i want a brief explaination.. so if i ever get asked the question i know the answer | |
| sunset_over_ici Posted on 18/12 16:13 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Catholics are Christians. | |
| Nedkat Posted on 18/12 16:15 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
What is the diff between catholics and christians.. i went to St Pius Roman Catholic School and i honestly dont know, i am ashamed to call myself catholic(or am i christian)???.. either way ill be drunk on christmas. Thanks G_85, that gave me a right old giggle !! | |
| towz Posted on 18/12 16:15 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Catholocism is a branch of the Christian faith. Like Sunni and Shi'ite are types of Islam. | |
| piggy_nichol Posted on 18/12 16:19 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
I must be a miserable get, because I dont really rate christmas at all. The whole present buying thing just means that your house is full of more junk that you didnt really want or need, the shops are full of once a year shoppers getting in your way and the pubs are full of once a year drinkers blocking the bar. You have to look for the decorations, put them up and then a couple of weeks later take them down again. Whats the point? I'm not even going to bother with mine this year. Although if I can find the talking Homer I might put it on top of one of the speakers in the front room. Or maybe not. I get cards off people I dont know, very kind of them but just another thing to read and then throw out. Whats the point of a card from 'Number 22'? They have never met me. And theres rarely any money in them. I just cant be arsed with the whole thing. Although we do get 4 games in 8 days which I can go to, so its not all bad. If I want to go to the shops, pub and/or see family or friends I'd rather do it at a time of my own choosing. So, its 'bah humbug' from me. | |
| BoroG_85 Posted on 18/12 16:20 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
so if some days i want to call myself christian i can and other days ill call myself catholic.. multi-racial, cheers for clearing that up for me | |
| Nedkat Posted on 18/12 16:23 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
The right royal hassle that Christmas has become is spoiling it for me. All these decorations, the bleeding tree, the lights, getting everything sparkling, the shopping (oh, the bloody shopping), the expense, the cooking, the smiling, the carols, the bad movies, the awful hype, the anxious parents, the mother-in-law (sob), the wife constantly going out to get more shopping done, the neighbours, the pop ins, the headaches !!! SOD IT !!! THIS IS THE LAST TIME .... !!!! | |
| scoea Posted on 18/12 16:23 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Protestant is generally used to describe anyone that is christian but not catholic. It evolved following the reformation which was lead by the likes of Calvin and Luther The one major difference in terms of practice is the belief that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ in the RC Church but that is not the belief held by Protestants. | |
| speckyget Posted on 18/12 16:27 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
'Tis true - for your Opus Dei squad Easter is the biggie, Christmas is a bit meh. FA Cup vs Carling if you will. | |
| BoroG_85 Posted on 18/12 16:30 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
so which is more popular christianity or catholic(ness)... i got to drink wine at the age of 10! and have stale bread stuck to the top of my mouth for 3 days.. | |
| Nedkat Posted on 18/12 16:32 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Have you tried a toothbrush ? | |
| BoroG_85 Posted on 18/12 16:34 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
when you were aged 10 your a rebel and cool if you dont brush your teeth | |
| red_rebel2 Posted on 18/12 16:52 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
I ask because all year we get bigots on here lacing into other races protecting their own religion and culture with the zeal of a crusader and I assumed that it was because they were devout in the pursuit of their own spirituality and path to salvation. I naturally also assumed these small minded so called defenders of the faith would be spending Christmas in prayer or some kind of humble contemplation of the message of peace, goodwill and simplicity central to their faith. Alas, I find instead they have dissolved any conscious act of observation into alcohol and are all down the shops in a scrum to buy plasma tellies, Wiis and Doctor Who merchandising as if there is no tomorrow. Maybe ther isn't. Maybe it a millinarian cult. I think Christmas more than any other time illustrates that this is NOT a Christian country. In fact it is low on a moral framework of any sort Oh, and having felt through the wrapping paper I reckon I am getting a bust of Lenin from comrade Santa. | |
| scoea Posted on 18/12 16:58 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Rebel, I don't think our country is founded upon any religion in all honesty. It is founded upon consumerism, greed, oneupmanship and isn't generally anything that one would expect a christian country to be. Those traits become more evident and are highlighted at Christmas. However, despite all of that I simply love this time of year for the reasons set out above. I don't treat it as a religious event, for which I should perhaps be labeled a hypocrite, but I do treat it as a genuinely peaceful, happy and loving time. I do not get seduced by commercial greed and nor do I consider myself to be part of the commercialisation of Christmas. It is about family for me. | |
| japsterboro Posted on 18/12 17:05 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
For me its the one true time I can (most of us) forget about work, put one year behind us (if good or bad) and look forward to an even better one next year. Catch up with family and friends briefly before jetting off on holiday and leaving everyone to clean up the mess that is Xmas. PS I am a protestant. | |
| br14 Posted on 18/12 17:06 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Jesus almost certainly wasnt born in December. I think the old Scots kirk, somewhat more sackcloth and ashes than the English, didnt celebrate Xmas for that reason. Christmas was banned by Cromwell (if my memory serves me correctly) for the same reason. Isnt it really an amalgam of pagan festivals used by the early Roman Empire (after it adopted Christianity) to incorporate the mass of pagan tribes they subjugated? So I dont suppose it really matters whether Christians (nominal or otherwise) celebrate Xmas. BTW wasnt the fat gadge in red originally a marketing ploy by Coca Cola. Consumerism. Now thats a religion with a decent following. | |
| br14 Posted on 18/12 17:16 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
You're not going to win any prizes for pointing out the hypocrisy in religion Red Rebel. Somewhat old hat really. Like Archbishops that dont believe in God etc. Always a good example. BTW Do you mean "millenarian" cult?  I dont think organised religion of the type you refer to is unique in demonstrating hypocrisy. | |
| janplanner Posted on 18/12 20:12 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
our mam's a proper god-botherer and she really doesn't enjoy christmas at all. it's very distressing for her seeing all the greed and rampant consumption. | |
| boro_bliss Posted on 18/12 20:23 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
My mum was catholic, she liked the Noche Buena and Dia de los Reyes, but when time passed on, she less and less believed in God, and she also did not agree with some things about the catholic church anymore. She became protestantic since she lives here, but she doesn't believe in God anymore, she doesn't go to church anymore, and she doesn't like Christmas that much, but that is for private reasons. | |
| jd1973 Posted on 18/12 20:27 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
I'm a recovering Catholic, and therefore don't know whether I should join this debate, as at my CA meeting I vowed not to touch any religion again. | |
| HolgateWall Posted on 18/12 21:00 | |
| re: Do Christians like Christmas? | |
Anyway have a good christmas, whether you believe or not be good to yourself and others. | |
