Should Atheists Celebrate Holidays e.g. Christmas?

[Tom]

For quite a while this is something which has annoyed me but came to light yesterday. Atheists claim that there is no God, and they don't go to church, don't give anything up for Lent etc but are hypocritical when it comes to holidays such as Christmas and Easter. I know its turned into more of a commercial thing than an actual religious holiday, but the origins still go back to religion and in my view, atheists should not be hypocritical and take the holidays which suit them because they enjoy it. In my view, to celebrate something like Christmas shows you cannot be a true Atheist, because if you was you wouldn't be celebrating it. Other religions don't dip in and out of other religions as it suits them, and as Atheists are classed as a religion, they should not dip in and out of Christianity.

Some Atheists are born into Christian families which I am aware of, and as its more of a British tradition these days rather than an actual religious holiday but a lot of these families as a whole are Atheists. So the question is, should Atheists celebrate certain holidays such as Christmas?

[Conor]

Very long argumentative debate: http://www.thisisbigbrother.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=76317&page=1

[Matt10k]

Well a lot of the celebrations involved with Christmas actually come from pagan traditions and not Christian ones.

Also, I think christmas brings people together and has come to mean more than a religious celebration for many people, so I think people should be allowed to celebrate what they like.

[usa4eva]

define Christmas, is it the Coca Cola advert, the many different versions of Pagan Santa, the christmas tree ritual. Getting leathered as the bible prohibits...

or the plain praying for jesus and following the bibles teachings?

[Tom]

Originally posted by usa4eva
define Christmas, is it the Coca Cola advert, the many different versions of Pagan Santa, the christmas tree ritual. Getting leathered as the bible prohibits...

or the plain praying for jesus and following the bibles teachings?

It is all of that and it has lost its roots and it seems that most people these days just celebrate it for the hell of it and not for the actual purpose. IMO there is no such thing as an Atheist because the natural customs of a country enforce particular holidays and festivals so its to do with your upbringing, family etc. But those who claim to be Atheists I think cannot be truly Atheist because everyone is aware of the roots of these holidays, and if they felt that strongly against them then they clearly wouldn't celebrate them which is my point.

[Matt10k]

There is such a thing as an atheist- A person who does not believe in God or higher being. To say there isn't such a thing is ridiculous. Also, a lot of the celebrations of Christmas come from pagan festivals and not christian ones. For example, I celebrate christmas- give presents, spend time with family etc.. but don't celebrate any of the christian aspects.

[Tom]

Originally posted by Matt10k
There is such a thing as an atheist- A person who does not believe in God or higher being. To say there isn't such a thing is ridiculous. Also, a lot of the celebrations of Christmas come from pagan festivals and not christian ones. For example, I celebrate christmas- give presents, spend time with family etc.. but don't celebrate any of the christian aspects.

But it all derives from the religious aspect. Its became more of a British tradition with the increasing number of 'Atheists', but I still think that everyone knows the roots of the holidays in question no matter whether they celebrate it through tradition and not religion etc. My view is that it doesn't matter about whether it comes from pagan festivals or not, it all comes from a religious one and is adapted through the years. I still feel that if an Atheist felt that strong about being an Atheist, then they simply wouldn't celebrate anything at all as everyone knows where the roots lie.

[Matt10k]

I don't feel that strongly, I just don't believe in God. For me, christmas means something else and I'm not hurting anyone by celebrating it this way so I don't see that it matters.

[Shaun]

I'm agnostic, and wholeheartedly confess to being cast under the materialism spell when it comes to Christmas and Easter. I just think it's nice to have a bit of chocolate or a few presents around those times of the year, and families bond over them, whether or not they believe in the religions that bring them together.

[usa4eva]

i know what you mean shaun, but personally I think if your not a christian and your celebrating Christmas then it just explains how pretentious the rest of your persona/community is.

You might as well be Jewish and celebrating christmas.

I mean anyone can celebrate anything at anytime of year, but if you dont like god, then just dont call it christmas and just call it a party or something.. :p

[Shaun]

I couldn't care less if you thought that :tongue:

I'm having fun :wink:

[usa4eva]

lol

[Tom]

Originally posted by usa4eva
i know what you mean shaun, but personally I think if your not a christian and your celebrating Christmas then it just explains how pretentious the rest of your persona/community is.

You might as well be Jewish and celebrating christmas.

I mean anyone can celebrate anything at anytime of year, but if you dont like god, then just dont call it christmas and just call it a party or something.. :p

Weren't you arguing against me a minute ago?

[usa4eva]

what are you on about?

All iv said is logical points to both sides of the debate, im not taking sides in this... just tryna make points and drum up debate lol :p

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Conor
Very long argumentative debate: http://www.thisisbigbrother.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=76317&page=1

As Conor said there is already a thread on this, please post in it. :wink:

[Sticks]

As a Christian I can come up with arguments why Christians should not celebrate Christmas or Easter - So there

I have also communcated with Christians who do not recognise Christmas.

[Billy]

Probly not, but I wantpresents

[Captain.Remy]

No they should not. They don't believe in anything and they want to celebrate Christmas without knowing what it this and what does it represent to a kind of people.
It's like if Muslims celebrate Hannukah, it's not right.
After all, Atheists can find their own day and everyone will be happy.

And Sticks, I know many people who don't recognise it and who are christians but it doesn't mean they want atheists to celebrate it instead.

And it's the same thing for Easter. People want presents or chocolates but when you talk about the religion meaning they are like "Oh no no no I don't trust in anything....but I still want presents !"

[Matt10k]

I think none Christians should be allowed to celebrate Christmas. It's a celebration, they aren't hurting anyone.

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Matt10k

Why can't people just celebrate what they want? It isn't hurting anyone.

Then why Christmas (or Hannukah or other days) which is a christian day ? It's slighly hypocrite. Nowadays, people celebrate it only for the presents and don't know what does it mean for real.
And the other 364 days they say they are atheist. Sorry but if you are atheist, you respect your choice and the religions of the others even if you don't trust in any of them.
And it is hurting because I really can't stand that behaviour. I can't help that.

[Matt10k]

I don't mind what people celebrate. I think it brings people together and it's nice to give and recieve presents. Sorry you can't stand it but I just don't think celebrating anything could be seen as a bad thing.

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Matt10k
I think none Christians should be allowed to celebrate Christmas.

Pardon ? Do you know what Christmas is at least ? It's like if you say to a Jewish not to celebrate Hannukah.

[Billy]

Tbh, nobody is hurting anyone by celebrating it, so I dont really think its upto anyone but themselves.

[Shaun]

I agree with Matt10k. There's absolutely no way in Hell that Christmas or Easter will be de-materialised in the near future, so, "celebrating" it for its religious values or not, if you chose not to "celebrate" it, you'd be a very unhappy bunny come Christmas/Eastertime. :)

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Matt10k
I don't mind what people celebrate. I think it brings people together and it's nice to give and recieve presents. Sorry you can't stand it but I just don't think celebrating anything could be seen as a bad thing.

But why on a religious day then ? Can't they create an other day only for atheists ? It's just something I will never understand.
They don't respect people who trust and who are Christians. This is not a right thing to do considering that you don't trust in anything.

Of course people have the right to celebrate when and what they want, but it doesn't sound right, or you trust in a God then you celebrate an important day or you do'nt trust in anything and you don't anything related to a God or you create your own day.

[Matt10k]

I know some of the religious aspects but I don't celebrate those really. I'd have a Christmas tree and buy presents for friends/ family, that's it. I wouldn't mind if a none Jewish person wanted to celebrate Hannukah.

[Shaun]

Originally posted by Captain.Remy
Message original : Matt10k
I don't mind what people celebrate. I think it brings people together and it's nice to give and recieve presents. Sorry you can't stand it but I just don't think celebrating anything could be seen as a bad thing.

But why on a religious day then ? Can't they create an other day only for atheists ? It's just something I will never understand.
They don't respect people who trust and who are Christians. This is not a right thing to do considering that you don't trust in anything.

Of course people have the right to celebrate when and what they want, but it doesn't sound right, or you trust in a God then you celebrate an important day or you do'nt trust in anything and you don't anything related to a God or you create your own day.

You're suggesting changing something people have done for literally hundreds of years? Never going to happen.

It is how it is, and it's never going to change. There's hardly any problem other than a slight moral one, and even then it's in the eye of the religion.

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Shaun
I agree with Matt10k. There's absolutely no way in Hell that Christmas or Easter will be de-materialised in the near future, so, "celebrating" it for its religious values or not, if you chose not to "celebrate" it, you'd be a very unhappy bunny come Christmas/Eastertime. :)

But why celebrating it if you don't even understand what is it or what does it mean ? Just for a turkey, presents and Santa Claus ?

[Billy]

yeah, cos we;re gunna go out and create a totally new day. You know its not up to us to just invent holidays you know

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Shaun
You're suggesting changing something people have done for literally hundreds of years? Never going to happen.

One hundred years ago, people did celebrate Christmas for its religion values and not for presents and Santa Claus (who didn't exist at all).

Message original : Shaun
It is how it is, and it's never going to change. There's hardly any problem other than a slight moral one, and even then it's in the eye of the religion.

Of course it's not going to change because people don't know what they celebrate, they just do it because it has became fashionable to get presents. I'm sure some don't even know it's a religious day for Christians, it's not right and people don't respect that.

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Billy21
yeah, cos we;re gunna go out and create a totally new day. You know its not up to us to just invent holidays you know

So you take the first day you found on a calender ?
I will never underqtand why atheists decided to invade a day who doesn't mean anything to them.

[Matt10k]

But if it was religious only, why christmas trees? santa claus? mistletoe?! Christmas as you know it is most heavily influenced by roman and pagan festivals that occured even before Christmas was celebrated.

[Shaun]

Originally posted by Captain.Remy
Message original : Shaun
I agree with Matt10k. There's absolutely no way in Hell that Christmas or Easter will be de-materialised in the near future, so, "celebrating" it for its religious values or not, if you chose not to "celebrate" it, you'd be a very unhappy bunny come Christmas/Eastertime. :)

But why celebrating it if you don't even understand what is it or what does it mean ? Just for a turkey, presents and Santa Claus ?

Of course I understand what it means, I'm not stupid. I just don't necessarily believe in it.

[Matt10k]

Pre-Christian origins:

"A winter festival was traditionally the most popular festival of the year in many cultures. Reasons included less agricultural work needing to be done during the winter, as well as people expecting longer days and shorter nights after the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. In part, the Christmas celebration was created by the early Church in order to entice pagan Romans to convert to Christianity without losing their own winter celebrations. Certain prominent gods and goddesses of other religions in the region had their birthdays celebrated on December 25, including Ishtar, Sol Invictus and Mithras. Various traditions are considered to have been syncretised from winter festivals"

“It is unknown exactly when or why December 25 became associated with Christ's birth. The New Testament does not give a specific date”

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Matt10k
But if it was religious only, why christmas trees? santa claus? mistletoe?! Christmas as you know it is most heavily influenced by roman and pagan festivals that occured even before Christmas was celebrated.

The christmas trees and etc were created after and broke the religion's values. Nobody in the christian religion said "You will have to put a tree in your house"

[Matt10k]

"The Christmas tree is often explained as a Christianization of pagan tradition and ritual surrounding the Winter Solstice, which included the use of evergreen boughs, and an adaptation of pagan tree worship"

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Shaun
Of course I understand what it means, I'm not stupid. I just don't necessarily believe in it.

I never said you were stupid. I just can't see the point of celebrating it knowing that you don't believe in a religion and as you said, knowing what does this day represent.

[Matt10k]

Originally posted by Captain.Remy
Message original : Shaun
Of course I understand what it means, I'm not stupid. I just don't necessarily believe in it.

I never said you were stupid. I just can't see the point of celebratingit knowing that you don't believe in a religion and as you said, knowing what does this day represent.

Remy- do you have a christmas tree at christmas? Were you told/ will you tell your children of santa?

[Matt10k]

…Because most of the Christians I know DO have Christmas trees! This was a Christianization of a “pagan” tradition based around the winter solstice and tree worship! They aren’t pagan so should they have the right to have Christmas trees?

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Matt10k

Remy- do you have a christmas tree at christmas? Were you told/ will you tell your children of santa?

Yes I do but my parents always made the difference. And we keep the tree only 10 days and we know what we celebrate, we follow the traditions and go to the church the day before or at midnight.

And because I'm a christian I'm not going to celebrate Hannukah because I respect Jewish people and their traditions.

My girlfriend is muslim and she doesn't celebrate Christmas and it drives her mad when she sees muslim people doing it.

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Matt10k
…Because most of the Christians I know DO have Christmas trees! This was a Christianization of a “pagan” tradition based around the winter solstice and tree worship! They aren’t pagan so should they have the right to have Christmas trees?

Whay you are saying about the tree is true but it doesn't have the same meaning at all. Atheists mostly do it because it's fashionable .

[Matt10k]

Originally posted by Captain.Remy
Message original : Matt10k

Remy- do you have a christmas tree at christmas? Were you told/ will you tell your children of santa?

Yes I do but my parents always made the difference. And we keep the tree only 10 days and we know what we celebrate, we follow the traditions and go to the church the day before or at midnight.

And because I'm a christian I'm not going to celebrate Hannukah because I respect Jewish people and their traditions.

My girlfriend is muslim and she doesn't celebrate Christmas and it drives her mad when she sees muslim people doing it.


So doesn't that make you a bit of a hypocrite? You can celebrate a pagan celebration (or pagan elements) by having a tree but we can't celebrate a christian celebration (or christian elements) by celebrating the 25th... A date which I already told you was celebrated BEFORE christians decided that was the birth date of christ?!

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Matt10k

So doesn't that make you a bit of a hypocrite? You can celebrate a pagan celebration (or pagan elements) by having a tree but we can't celebrate a christian celebration (or christian elements) by celebrating the 25th... A date which I already told you was celebrated BEFORE christians decided that was the birth date of christ?!

Because you celebrate (and all the atheists by the way) it for the winter soltice ? Come on 2 minutes before searching on Internet what does Christmas mean you didn't know it. (And most of the atheists by the way who don't celebrate anything)

[Matt10k]

Originally posted by Captain.Remy
Message original : Matt10k

So doesn't that make you a bit of a hypocrite? You can celebrate a pagan celebration (or pagan elements) by having a tree but we can't celebrate a christian celebration (or christian elements) by celebrating the 25th... A date which I already told you was celebrated BEFORE christians decided that was the birth date of christ?!

Because you celebrate (and all the atheists by the way) it for the winter soltice ? Come on this is ridiculous.

We are celebrating the Christian elements despite not being Christians just as you are celebrating the Pagan elements despite not being Pagan.

And I don't happen to think it is ridiculous. I don't call you celebrating it for your reasons ridiculous and the fact you have a tree even though this hasn't got the slightest thing to do with Christianity.

It's tradition- things we've picked up from different cultures over thousands of years. Live and let live...

[Dr43%er]

Ok, to the poster who said they did not believe there were true atheists. So you don't believe? Bit of an atheist trait that. Well I am one. I do not believe in God, Buddha, Allah, Ra, Zeus, Mercury, Shiva, Pan, or Xenu. Any higher power for that mater. That is my belief. For you to say that as I know the origins of Christianity I can not be an atheist is daft. I know the origin of the car. It makes me a mechanic? If you know of the Loch Ness monster, Bigfoot, the Roswell Alien, does that mean you have to believe in it?

You know, I always thought that Christianity was meant to be an all loving, welcoming religion. I was wrong. It is obviously an insular and closed club. My bad.

My sister is a Muslim. She gives Christmas gifts. I an Atheist give her, a Muslim Christmas gifts. If I am round a Muslim friends house at the time of Eid I will be invited to ( I was going to say pig out) join in the feast. The same with Hindu's and Dwali. You will be invited to join in. I would much rather live in a world where everyone is invited to join in everyone's fun.

Was It Remy that said we should start our own day out. Well I suggest you get your own house in order be for you tell me what to do. Christmas is when it is due to Pegan festivals. It was easier to get Pegans to convent if it was to something the recognised. So it was at the same time and you did the same sort of things, like giving gifts.

While we are at it, can you Christians please come up with your own names for the days of the week. They are based on a religion you don't follow. So play the game.

[Billy]

Originally posted by Captain.Remy
Message original : Matt10k

So doesn't that make you a bit of a hypocrite? You can celebrate a pagan celebration (or pagan elements) by having a tree but we can't celebrate a christian celebration (or christian elements) by celebrating the 25th... A date which I already told you was celebrated BEFORE christians decided that was the birth date of christ?!

Because you celebrate (and all the atheists by the way) it for the winter soltice ? Come on 2 minutes before searching on Internet what does Christmas mean you didn't know it. (And most of the atheists by the way who don't celebrate anything)

I knew what Xmas meant before looking on the internet :S It's a bit obvious

[Dr43%er]

Remy, don't know if the "Come on 2 minutes before searching on Internet what does Christmas mean you didn't know it." was aimed at just Matt or everyone. If it was aimed at everyone then you are incorrect if you apply that statement to me.

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Dr43%er
Remy, don't know if the "Come on 2 minutes before searching on Internet what does Christmas mean you didn't know it." was aimed at just Matt or everyone. If it was aimed at everyone then you are incorrect if you apply that statement to me.

To Matt indeed.
I know some people did know it, I just said that you ask someone in the street and ask what does Christmas mean, the person will say "Ermm we just offer presents because it's like this". Don't deny it, it's terribly obvious because all the values are going.

[Matt10k]

Originally posted by Captain.Remy
Message original : Dr43%er
Remy, don't know if the "Come on 2 minutes before searching on Internet what does Christmas mean you didn't know it." was aimed at just Matt or everyone. If it was aimed at everyone then you are incorrect if you apply that statement to me.

To Matt indeed.
I know some people did know it, I just said that you ask someone in the street and ask what does Christmas mean, the person will say "Ermm we just offer presents because it's like this". Don't deny it, it's terribly obvious because all the values are going.

But I bet you didn't know it either. I bet you couldn't explain why you had a tree. You are taking a Pagan tradition. Why? You see we pick up things from various cultures throughout history. It's not wrong, it's traditional. Christmas, whether you like to admit it or not, derived from the winter solstice and not Christianity. Now the name ‘Christmas’ is the traditional word in English because the Christian church was very powerful for a long period of time throughout history so this name has become the traditional name for the celebration- one that none Christians had celebrated even before Christians did- so atheists have just as much right to celebrate what they want, when they want, than you have.

What is the French name? “Noël” which is thought to derive from the Gaulish words “neu” meaning new and "helle" meaning light referring to the winter solstice when sunlight begins overtaking darkness so really, if I was French I could say I celebrated Noel and this would have no religious aspects whatsoever because the only thing for me that ties Christams to a religious celebration is the name. And of course I knew that Christians celebrate christmas as the birth date of christ, it was just some other details I looked up.

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Matt10k
But I bet you didn't know it either. I bet you couldn't explain why you had a tree. You are taking a Pagan tradition. Why? You see we pick up things from various cultures throughout history. It's not wrong, it's traditional. Christmas, whether you like to admit it or not, derived from the winter solstice and not Christianity. Now the name ‘Christmas’ is the traditional word in English because the Christian church was very powerful for a long period of time throughout history so this name has become the traditional name for the celebration- one that none Christians had celebrated even before Christians did- so atheists have just as much right to celebrate what they want, when they want, than you have.

What is the French name? “Noël” which is thought to derive from the Gaulish words “neu” meaning new and "helle" meaning light referring to the winter solstice when sunlight begins overtaking darkness so really, if I was French I could say I celebrated Noel and this would have no religious aspects whatsoever because the only thing for me that ties Christams to a religious celebration is the name. And of course I knew that Christians celebrate christmas as the birth date of christ, it was just some other details I looked up.

I was debating about the "religious" aspect as the first post said, that's why I said the tree has no link with the Christian religion. Sorry if we did have a misunderstood, I was talking in terms of religion, not the winter solistice.
I'm not saying atheists must not celebrate it but as the debate was about the religion, in that point, they should not. But if they got their traditions then good for them.

You're right about the french name but that doesn't mean all french people celebrate christmas only for the winter soltice or for being catholic. They are 2 different aspects.

So I think we were debating but in 2 different ways lol If we talk about the religion side, atheists should not (for me indeed).

[:)tom:)]

the thing is than in this day you dont hear about the religious side of it thats why people call it xmass to take away the christ so its a little religious as possible.i do think people should be allowed to celibrate christmass if they belive or not, its a great day and people should be aloud to enjoy it

:)

[Matt10k]

I was debating about the "religious" aspect as the first post said, that's why I said the tree has no link with the Christian religion. Sorry if we did have a misunderstood, I was talking in terms of religion, not the winter solistice.
I'm not saying atheists must not celebrate it but as the debate was about the religion, in that point, they should not. But if they got their traditions then good for them.

You're right about the french name but that doesn't mean all french people celebrate christmas only for the winter soltice or for being catholic. They are 2 different aspects.

So I think we were debating but in 2 different ways lol If we talk about the religion side, atheists should not (for me indeed). [/quote]

Ok. Well I don't celebrate it religiously but I do understand the Christian aspects, as do I understand other aspects of it now I have learnt about them.

Maybe we should all just be more tolerant, understand that a celebration hurts no one and celebrate whatever the hell we want!

As Tom says, Christmas is a good time, people give presents, give to charity, spend time together, have time off work etc... so there are other reasons to celebrate Christmas for those who are not Christians.

As a final point though Tom, I think 'Xmas' comes from the letter 'X' used to represent Christ which became popular a few hundred years ago though off the top of my head can't remember exactly when...

[Dr43%er]

Remy, you said
"So I think we were debating but in 2 different ways lol If we talk about the religion side, atheists should not (for me indeed)."

Are you saying an Atheist I can not have a point of view about religion and debate it? My view is just as valid as someone who blindly follows a religion due to "faith"

If fact I have used reason to get to my point. 1 + 2 = 3. With religion you have 1 = 3. You have to have faith that the 2 is there in the equation.

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Dr43%er
Remy, you said
"So I think we were debating but in 2 different ways lol If we talk about the religion side, atheists should not (for me indeed)."

Are you saying an Atheist I can not have a point of view about religion and debate it? My view is just as valid as someone who blindly follows a religion due to "faith"

If fact I have used reason to get to my point. 1 + 2 = 3. With religion you have 1 = 3. You have to have faith that the 2 is there in the equation.

Nah you did not understand my point. I was talking only about religion, so the Christian one. I only made the link between Christmas and the Christian Religion and if the atheist should celebrate it on an important day for a religion. I respected what the first post said. So matt & I were in 2 different debates. :wink:

[Dr43%er]

Ok.

[Dr43%er]

Just to put where I stand across.

I celebrate Christmas. But not as a religious festival. Yes it has it's origin in the Christian faith. But I have taken the bits I like and I can apply to me, and I use them. Eating, drinking, gifts, all with family and friends. I don't bother with the whole "God" bit as I don't believe in it. This is no difference to Christians who took what applied to them from the Pegan festival and left the bits they did not want. So I am just as justified to celebrate my Christmas as you are yours.

[cujo-man]

Hell yea!

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Dr43%er
Just to put where I stand across.

I celebrate Christmas. But not as a religious festival. Yes it has it's origin in the Christian faith. But I have taken the bits I like and I can apply to me, and I use them. Eating, drinking, gifts, all with family and friends. I don't bother with the whole "God" bit as I don't believe in it. This is no difference to Christians who took what applied to them from the Pegan festival and left the bits they did not want. So I am just as justified to celebrate my Christmas as you are yours.

Of course you are but if we take the subject on a religious side, it's not fair for us because it's our day.
But on the overall term, you do what you want with the traditions you want of course.

[Dr43%er]

"Of course you are but if we take the subject on a religious side, it's not fair for us because it's our day."

But I won't be taking it on the religious side. I won't be going to church, saying prayers or the like. I don't believe. That is not what my Christmas is about. If it is not fair of me then equally it is not fair of you to the Pegans. You have no divine right over any other group and I find that view quite arrogant.

[Captain.Remy]

Message original : Dr43%er
"Of course you are but if we take the subject on a religious side, it's not fair for us because it's our day."

But I won't be taking it on the religious side. I won't be going to church, saying prayers or the like. I don't believe. That is not what my Christmas is about. If it is not fair of me then equally it is not fair of you to the Pegans. You have no divine right over any other group and I find that view quite arrogant.

Don't take it on the religious side then. I'm just answering to the question on the first post. Nothing more, nothing less.
And read my previous posts, it would help because so far, I still don't understand what I am saying, maybe I should try in an other language lol

[cujo-man]

Originally posted by Tom_
For quite a while this is something which has annoyed me but came to light yesterday. Atheists claim that there is no God, and they don't go to church, don't give anything up for Lent etc but are hypocritical when it comes to holidays such as Christmas and Easter. I know its turned into more of a commercial thing than an actual religious holiday, but the origins still go back to religion and in my view, atheists should not be hypocritical and take the holidays which suit them because they enjoy it. In my view, to celebrate something like Christmas shows you cannot be a true Atheist, because if you was you wouldn't be celebrating it. Other religions don't dip in and out of other religions as it suits them, and as Atheists are classed as a religion, they should not dip in and out of Christianity.

Some Atheists are born into Christian families which I am aware of, and as its more of a British tradition these days rather than an actual religious holiday but a lot of these families as a whole are Atheists. So the question is, should Atheists celebrate certain holidays such as Christmas?

You're right - I'm convinced I'm going down the wrong route here . . . . NAT!

[Dr43%er]

Trust me, your English is a joy to read compared to some on here.

The first question was:

"Should Atheists Celebrate Holidays e.g. Christmas?"

Well an Atheist won't, by default take the religious side. They are Atheists. I think this point is linked inextricably with the whole conversation.

With regards as to whether a non religious person should join in. This Christmas a local church with the tag line "A Christian church for everyone" came to my local pub to do a carol service. They brought a brass section with them. The pub was full to the brim. They started with their version of Oh come all ye faithful. It went like this.

Oh hum all ye faithful
Doubtful and neglectful
Oh hum ye
Oh hum ye
The words ye don't know
Hum and forget them
Christmas song and sentiments.

And hum it very quietly
And hum it slightly louder
Now hum it out with gusto
The tune bit ye know.


Now, they knew they were preaching to the inconvertible. That did not mater. We all had a good laugh, a few beers and left holding up a drunk vicar. That is how it should be. Or would you think that was unfair and I should not have joined in?

[FictitiousHouse]

Christmas is about putting up a xmas tree and decorations, buying cards and presents for those who you care about...whether friends or family, it is about making someone happy. If you are an Atheist it makes no difference. It has absolutely nothing to do with xmas, easter or any other religious holiday throughout the year. Almost everyone celebrates it regardless of their religious beliefs.

If somebody chooses not to celebrate a religious holiday then they are just selfish or stupid or mean imo :shocked:

[Tom]

Originally posted by FictitiousHouse
Christmas is about putting up a xmas tree and decorations, buying cards and presents for those who you care about...whether friends or family, it is about making someone happy. If you are an Atheist it makes no difference. It has absolutely nothing to do with xmas, easter or any other religious holiday throughout the year. Almost everyone celebrates it regardless of their religious beliefs.

If somebody chooses not to celebrate a religious holiday then they are just selfish or stupid or mean imo :shocked:

Not everyone celebrates it at all :shocked: In fact far from it. I know a lot of people from other backgrounds and people who aren't Christians who dont celebrate it.

[FictitiousHouse]

Originally posted by Tom_
Originally posted by FictitiousHouse
Christmas is about putting up a xmas tree and decorations, buying cards and presents for those who you care about...whether friends or family, it is about making someone happy. If you are an Atheist it makes no difference. It has absolutely nothing to do with xmas, easter or any other religious holiday throughout the year. Almost everyone celebrates it regardless of their religious beliefs.

If somebody chooses not to celebrate a religious holiday then they are just selfish or stupid or mean imo :shocked:

Not everyone celebrates it at all :shocked: In fact far from it. I know a lot of people from other backgrounds and people who aren't Christians who dont celebrate it.

I didnt say everyone, I said <almost> everyone. Plus the question was 'Should Atheists celebrate holidays e.g. xmas' meaning...if a christian or a person from a different background like you suggested wished to celebrate xmas then I dont see a problem. Do you see a problem with freedom of choice :puzzled: even if Atheist

[Stu]

Some of the views in this thread are absurd. Of course atheists should be able to celebrate christmas. It has evolved well beyond just being a religious holiday. Everybody should be allowed make of it what they will.

Im all for people indulging in chocolate and booze. Im all for giving. Im all for human beings being happy , so yes , I am all for atheist christmas!!!