Kilmer17 Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Sure, but we're not telling them the secret words and handshakes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Sisko Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 I don't care what anyone chooses to celebrate. What shouldn't be allowed is for Christmas to be changed into "the holiday season" because people like celebrating it, but but not the religion, and just decide that they'd rather it be secular. It's friggin Christmas and it has religious meaning. If you want to have a celebration similar to it without any religion, pick a day, let us know when that day is, and everyone can make plans to go to the mall early for humanist day. So what you're saying is that it's OK for Christians to co-opt pagan symbols to celebrate a pagan holiday in the name of Jesus, but it's not OK for secular folks to do the same thing for their own purposes with said pagan holiday? In other words, "Do as I say, not as I do." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang Posted November 20, 2008 Share Posted November 20, 2008 Apparently you misunderstood my statement Bang. I am not trying to be insulting; sorry if it came across like that. I gave my answer to his question. Yes, it is my opinion, just like you gave your opinion. Ok, but don't you see that by saying that in your opinion I can't 'get all pumped up' about His Birthday without accepting who he is and what he was, your saying that in your opinion I (and others like me) are too shallow to grasp it beyond the glitz of the department stores. You might not realize it, but it comes off as quite condescending. See, I can celebrate Christmas, and I can get all pumped and excited about it too, and I don't have to believe he's the son of God. For example, I think he was a man, and just a man, but he was a great man, he set forth ideas of peace and understanding that people have ignored all the way through modern times. (wait.. that didn't come out right.) Jokes aside the point is he had a great message even beyond the religion that is weaved through it. I can appreciate that, and so can definitely get pumped about celebrating it. It's the one time of year people genuinely TRY to do as he said, love one another, be kind and forgiving. The rest of the year people are typically raving *******s for the most part, but at that time, folks tend to mellow for a week or two. I can celebrate and get pumped about that. I'm that weird guy who smiles at you and says hello when I pass you on the sidewalk. People look at me like i just farted most of the time, but I do it anyway. And at Christmas time, everyone does, and I like it. It's nice. I like all the lights on people's houses. It looks nice and it reminds me of being a kid when it was all magical. I have really enjoyed driving my son around every year to look at as many as we can find. It's not about commercialism, because quite frankly, I haven't received a decent Christmas present in so long I don't even know the last time. I get stuff that makes no sense, things I can't use, don't need, don't want,, for example my mother gave me a tie rack two years ago.. I am a free lance graphics guy, I literally have not worn a tie outside of a wedding or funeral in 15 years. I get wallets I don't need. I get books I won't read. Clothes I won't wear. I like comics, my wife knows that. But I don't like comics so much that I want a 75$ Hulk lava lamp for my desk. I'd rather have had a million other things, but there it is, on top of my desk. But, on the other hand, I'm pretty good at smiling and pretending to be anything but bewildered most of the time. I hate shopping, truly, with a passion. I don't care what kind of sale you're having, you ain't catching me out on Black Friday, no way no how. Point is, I can be an atheist and still be excited about Christmas for reasons outside of the great sale at Wal Mart. ~Bang Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohioskinsfan Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Ok, but don't you see that by saying that in your opinion I can't 'get all pumped up' about His Birthday without accepting who he is and what he was, your saying that in your opinion I (and others like me) are too shallow to grasp it beyond the glitz of the department stores. You might not realize it, but it comes off as quite condescending. See, I can celebrate Christmas, and I can get all pumped and excited about it too, and I don't have to believe he's the son of God. For example, I think he was a man, and just a man, but he was a great man, he set forth ideas of peace and understanding that people have ignored all the way through modern times. (wait.. that didn't come out right.) Jokes aside the point is he had a great message even beyond the religion that is weaved through it. I can appreciate that, and so can definitely get pumped about celebrating it. It's the one time of year people genuinely TRY to do as he said, love one another, be kind and forgiving. The rest of the year people are typically raving *******s for the most part, but at that time, folks tend to mellow for a week or two. I can celebrate and get pumped about that. I'm that weird guy who smiles at you and says hello when I pass you on the sidewalk. People look at me like i just farted most of the time, but I do it anyway. And at Christmas time, everyone does, and I like it. It's nice. I like all the lights on people's houses. It looks nice and it reminds me of being a kid when it was all magical. I have really enjoyed driving my son around every year to look at as many as we can find. It's not about commercialism, because quite frankly, I haven't received a decent Christmas present in so long I don't even know the last time. I get stuff that makes no sense, things I can't use, don't need, don't want,, for example my mother gave me a tie rack two years ago.. I am a free lance graphics guy, I literally have not worn a tie outside of a wedding or funeral in 15 years. I get wallets I don't need. I get books I won't read. Clothes I won't wear. I like comics, my wife knows that. But I don't like comics so much that I want a 75$ Hulk lava lamp for my desk. I'd rather have had a million other things, but there it is, on top of my desk. But, on the other hand, I'm pretty good at smiling and pretending to be anything but bewildered most of the time. I hate shopping, truly, with a passion. I don't care what kind of sale you're having, you ain't catching me out on Black Friday, no way no how. Point is, I can be an atheist and still be excited about Christmas for reasons outside of the great sale at Wal Mart. ~Bang "your saying that in your opinion I (and others like me) are too shallow to grasp it beyond the glitz of the department stores." Bang, I did not say that at all. People choose whether or not they will believe, it has NOTHING to do with intellect. Again, I am not being condescending. We actually sound pretty similar because I consider myself to be a friendly person as well. I am glad that you do know the message of peace and love that Jesus taught. I also believe the other things that He said, that He is the son of God. That doesn't make me better than you, nor does it make you better than me. It means we have different beliefs. Bang you do sound like a really cool guy (I mean you are on the Skins :point2sky message board), with a great Hulk lamp; that is a great story by the way. I do hope that you get something you will use this year too. P.S. You and I will also be at the same place on Black Friday, at home, because I will not go into the crowds either. Enjoy the time with your son riding around looking at the lights, some people put up some amazing displays. (I should become more adventurous and put up some lights this year too). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
techboy Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Why not? Especially if you do it Tom Lehrer style. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
81artmonk Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Well, yeah. It's a little hypocritical to partake in a ritual in which you don't believe in. IMO it would be like you not believing in God yet wanting to get married in a church. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rincewind Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Well, yeah. It's a little hypocritical to partake in a ritual in which you don't believe in. Well, isn't that just ironic considering how the Christian holiday of Christmas came to be celebrated on December 25th. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Springfield Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I'm a non believer... I celebrate Christmas. I will give my kids easter baskets. I will probably get married in a church. I would like a cross on my grave stone. Sue me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dreamingwolf Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 pimps come in many different varieties. this pimp comes in all of them. did you just say that you came in all the pimps, thats like mega pimp :pimp: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
81artmonk Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Well, isn't that just ironic considering how the Christian holiday of Christmas came to be celebrated on December 25th. Yeah and your point, the christians turned a pagen feastival into a celebration of christs birth. Does the date really matter?? I think not. It's the purpose for celebrating that matters. Christ wasn't even born on christmas. No one really knows, but scholars have ideas, so there is really is no irony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rincewind Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 Yeah and your point, the christians turned a pagen feastival into a celebration of christs birth. Does the date really matter?? I think not. It's the purpose for celebrating that matters. Christ wasn't even born on christmas. No one really knows, but scholars have ideas, so there is really is no irony. The irony is you calling nonbelievers hypocrites for celebrating a holiday that Christians stole from pagans. In your own words, Christians would be the hypocrites. And, again using your own words, if its the 'purpose for celebrating' that matters than no one is a hypocrite for celebrating - everyone has there own purpose. Some of us just like to have a nice winter holiday with the family, mabye give thanks to a great man that lived 2,000 years ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Destino Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 So what you're saying is that it's OK for Christians to co-opt pagan symbols to celebrate a pagan holiday in the name of Jesus, but it's not OK for secular folks to do the same thing for their own purposes with said pagan holiday? In other words, "Do as I say, not as I do." I'm saying that I don't care if you celebrate Christmas. I'm happy that you are choosing to participate in a Christian holiday. Merry Christmas to you brother, I hope God is with you and you family this Christmas. I'm not however in support of you changing the meaning of this holiday. If you'd like to "do as I do" like you suggest, you should get to forcing those that disagree to adopting your way of thinking. There is nothing in history you are oversimplifying in order to make a weak point that says I have to help you is there? Good luck with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chow184 Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 christmas has turned into a retail holiday it's turned more into the celebration of exchanging gifts than the celebration of jesus. it's fine for aethist to celebrate christmas if they want to. if they want to hang banners saying god doesn't exhist I'd say it's in bad taste but if they want to get gifts or give them and enjoy loved ones,who would complain about that? what would jesus do? get pissed? goddamn atheists are celebrating my birthday WTF!!!! more people who call themselves Christians need to act like it,can't believe how many people look forward to the holidays as a time to just get drunk and act a fool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumbo Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 I think it falls under the concept of celebratory relativism. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HogNose Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 If they want to be festive, go on tacky lights tours, feast with friends and family and exchange presents then they should. Who cares if someone is an atheist or agnostic. Gather around the fire with good drink and food and enjoy the season. Btw, Christmas is so commercialized now anyway. Look at all the loonies that get up at 3am the day after Thanksgiving to shop. Happy Festivus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebowski Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 When Jews, Muslims, or Mormons start celebrating christmas the Atheists should too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumbo Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 When Jews, Muslims, or Mormons start celebrating christmas the Atheists should too. When you put together a thought like that, do you hear ringing in your ears and is their some bleeding from your nostrils? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistertim Posted November 21, 2008 Share Posted November 21, 2008 what would jesus do? get pissed? goddamn atheists are celebrating my birthday WTF!!!! Oh the irony. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trippster Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 I say atheists should do whatever they want to do. They've accepted that this life is all they get, so they might as well celebrate and live life to the fullest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RVAbrendan Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 sure. Christmas is bout Santa Clause, lights, and presents these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang Posted November 22, 2008 Share Posted November 22, 2008 sure. Christmas is bout Santa Clause, lights, and presents these days. This I don't get. It most certainly is not. Churches are typically full for midnight mass on Christmas eve, there's nativity scenes all over the place. (They do a live one up on route four about 5 miles from me.. poor folks sit out there and freeze for weeks, just to be in the display. It looks nice.) TV has you snowed, and so do these jokers that would have you believe that there's a "war on Christmas". . Because gifts are a longstanding tradition of the holiday, of course commercialism is going to play a part of it. It always has. Maybe for children its all about presents, but most adults I've ever known celebrate it for many reasons aside from gifts. As I wrote earlier, I get lousy Christmas gifts. But, I do enjoy giving gifts, and I enjoy thinking of what would be the perfect gift for those I love. And I especially enjoy when I get it right, and I see that smile. So, because of the nature of our country, I must use the stores to get these gifts. But that doesn't mean that is all it's about anymore. The commercialism feeds into the spirit of giving. To see it as the opposite, that's pretty cynical. (And I should know) ~Bang Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NavyDave Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 When doing the Mattress mambo, Do Athiest say Oh my Government , Oh Mother Nature or Thank Scientology (its bigger than a pinky)? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PokerPacker Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 When doing the Mattress mambo, Do Athiest say Oh my Government , Oh Mother Nature or Thank Scientology (its bigger than a pinky)? scientology? Gee, and here I thought that was a religion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 When doing the Mattress mambo, Do Athiest say Oh my Government , Oh Mother Nature or Thank Scientology (its bigger than a pinky)? We try not to act like corny porn voice overs. Just replace the word "God" with just about any 4 letter expletive at all, and you're all set. And if you don't cuss,, sub it in with "baby" or" yeah". Very simple. Loosen up. Don't be bashful. There's all sorts of stuff you can say that I bet would drive your wife wild. Turn on the lights and take off your socks once in a while. And get this... :secret: You don't always have to be on top. ~Bang chikawowow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sebowski Posted November 23, 2008 Share Posted November 23, 2008 When doing the Mattress mambo, Do Athiest say Oh my Government , Oh Mother Nature or Thank Scientology (its bigger than a pinky)? I think you have it backwards. Atheists don't care about using that word in vain like good christians should. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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