vid666 0 #26 November 24, 2003 I consider myself an atheist. But I celebrate New Years anyways. Many of my friends celebrate Giftmas instead of Christmas - it all works out fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #27 November 25, 2003 Personally, I believe in God but don't go for the whole "organized religion" thing, because I have found that it is much more about humans than it is about God. I'm not a Christian, but I do celebrate the winter holidays with my family for several reasons: 1. for the sake of family peace. they all know my opinions on religion, but for this one day, we have a mutual agreement to shut up about it and just enjoy each others' company. I agree to show up, they agree not to drag me to church. About half the family has this agreement with the other half. My mom's one of six kids, and my dad's got two sisters, and they all have kids. When we all get together, there's upwards of 50 people... all Irish. The family's very musical, so anyone who plays brings whatever it is they play, and we start out singing carols, then move on to "grandma got run over by a reindeer" and after that, rapidly degenerate into pretty much every Irish drinking song ever written (this degeneration is accellerated, of course, with copious amounts of Baileys and coffee). The family's pretty much split equally between Catholics and Agnostics and/or Deists, but for us, on christmas, that doesn't matter. Its about being together. 2. for me, Christmas isn't about Jesus. Its about seeing my mom smile and cry at the same time when she opens the portrait that my brother and I got all dressed up in formal attire to go have taken because my parents didn't have a picture of the two of us that was more recent than eight years ago. Its about family and hugs and laughter and hot cocoa and giving gifts and saying "I love you." Is it so wrong to have a day for "people" if you feel like a day for deities doesn't quite work for you? Then why pick Christmas day? Because everyone has that day off work! Simple, common sense reason. People get used to being together on certain days. If the reason for meeting on that day has changed over generations, it doesn't make the day or the time any less special, just a little different. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #28 November 25, 2003 Quote i was wondering if they celebrate Christmas, or just take the time off work. Most people don't choose to take time off at Christmas. For example, I work for the government. My offices are closed. I don't "take" time off... they MAKE me take time off. I wouldn't mind working if we were open, but we're not. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee03 0 #29 November 25, 2003 I agree with much that VanillaSkyGirl says about religon in this thread.. it is very much a personal thing. Organization religion, to a large extent has done allot to drive people away. My personal beliefs about Christmas are the traditional religous beliefs. My family celibrates the traditional Christmas. I don't push my beliefs on anyone. Like Vanilla Sky Girl said.. the door is always open to this guy. If he choose to walk through the door, that's his choice.-------- To put your life in danger from time to time ... breeds a saneness in dealing with day-to-day trivialities. --Nevil Shute, Slide Rule Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 212 #30 November 25, 2003 Please don't misunderstand me, I'm not judging him, I'm just confused at his choices vs. his actions vs. his beliefs.I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kai2k1 0 #31 November 25, 2003 *** The family's very musical, so anyone who plays brings whatever it is they play, and we start out singing carols, then move on to "grandma got run over by a reindeer" and after that, rapidly degenerate into pretty much every Irish drinking song ever written (this degeneration is accellerated, of course, with copious amounts of Baileys and coffee)Quote CAn I celebrate christmas with your family?? pleasee I love irish drinking songs There's no truer sense of flying than sky diving," Scott Cowan Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Nightingale 0 #32 November 25, 2003 the thing with Irish drinking songs... the drunker you are, the better they sound. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Amazon 7 #33 November 25, 2003 QuoteI was just wondering what these people that are so dead set against religion do for the holidays? The whole Holiday SEASON was actually co-opted by the early Christian Church from older religions. Many lands have differing traditions that stem from the time when days finally begin to grow longer. The Pagans and Wiccans celebrate the Winter Solsitce and the beginning of the days getting longer till the rebirth in the spring. http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/yule.htm The Norse Celebrated 4 major holidays.Yule is the most important holiday of the year. Everyone is familiar with the shortness of the deep winter days, but in the Scandinavian countries this is of even greater importance. At the Yuletide there is almost no sunlight at all, and the climate would have people bound in their homes waiting for the return of Spring. http://www.webcom.com/~lstead/RBHolidays.html The Jewish People have the Festival of Lights, you will also see this holiday spelled Chanukkah and perhaps even Hannukah due to different translations and customs. Ostensibly to celebrate the overcoming of the Syrians 2300 years ago. But notice some of the dates.. lights.. etc. http://www.holidays.net/chanukah/story.html I will only mention these three but there are many others thru out the world at this time. One thing that is remiss in this country is the actual study of other traditions that coincide with our"religious" HOLY days and where and how they came about. For a country founded on the principle of religious freedom and tolerance many in this country are fairly narrow minded when it comes to ACTUAL religious tolerance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites lazerq3 0 #34 November 25, 2003 QuoteIt's fine for him to celebrate with his family, especially his kids. Why should they be deprived of having this nice holiday tradition of getting together as a family with the tree, presents and relatives over just because he doesn't believe in the religious part of it. "Christmas tradition" are not just for Christians, anymore. That is OK with me because it is still a time to spend quality time with the people that you love. Besides, what the hell do the tree and presents have to do with our belief in God or our religion, anyway? If you said that he was attending church for Christmas (Do all the good Christians do this still?), then that may seem strange. BOO YA......thats the same way I feel about easter... I myself dont beleive in christ however I'm not going to NOT celibrate easter becuase thats not fair to my kids... Of coarse at there age all they know is that a rabbit brings them candy....And when there old enough to realize the significance in it all...well then thats there choice!! jasonFreedom of speech includes volume Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skydyvr 0 #35 November 25, 2003 QuoteLet me ask you this. If you're celebrating Christ, WWJD? He'd recommend the new Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki . . . . . =(_8^(1) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Kris 0 #36 November 25, 2003 QuoteHe'd recommend the new Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki . . . ROFLMAOPIMP! Great answer...you were soooo close! It's actually WWJD? The 'J' Stands for Jimi, and we all know the answer to that one: Smash amp. Burn guitar. Go home with groupies.Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites jeremyneas 0 #37 November 25, 2003 I think most people that claim they are atheist, are realy agnostic. Atheist and Theist I group in the same catagory. Just different views. Remember, an atheist believes there is no god. But there is no evidence there is no god; just as a theist believes there is a god, but there is no evidence to prove it. Both are believers in some type of faith. Most proclaimed atheists don't understand this very fundumental fact of their belief. Agnostics on the otherhand have no opinion either way. They can't prove there is one, can't prove there isn't one. I celebrate Christmas for the same reasons the Government celebrates it. Tradition. The U.S. Gov't cannot worship a diety because of the seperation of church and state, so they use the term, a tradition that works, to justify, X-mas trees and the like. I think my boys deserve a time of the year that is majical as full of happiness, family, friends, and well being. If when old enough they want to take our tradition a step further and worship on that day, more power to them! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites WrongWay 0 #38 November 25, 2003 QuoteOh please. Christmas is so comercialized it's not even about christ anymore. Thank you Sunshine, I could not have said it better myself. Wrong Way D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451 The wiser wolf prevails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Muenkel 0 #39 November 25, 2003 QuoteTo many people, myself included, it's a time to be thankful for your friends and family and show them how much you appreciate them in a way that you don't typically the rest of the year. That's what we have Thanksgiving for. QuoteBut Christmas has more of a meaning to many people than what it supposedly started as. Christmas was started as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. You can celebrate or not celebrate it anyway you want and believe what you want, but it still does not change the fact that it is the day society put aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas folks, Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites skipro101 0 #40 November 25, 2003 I am an athiest too. I can celebrate what ever the F I want. If I feel like spinning a dradle and lighting a freaking maneora (spelling?) then I will. I cant imagine why you would think one wouldnt be allowed to celebrate christmas. Who is going to stop me? God? lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Muenkel 0 #41 November 25, 2003 That reply wasn't to my post, was it? Because if it is, you need to re-read it. I simply said you can celebrate or not celebrate Christmas anyway you want. However, the definition of Christmas will never change. Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Kris 0 #42 November 25, 2003 QuoteChristmas was started as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. You can celebrate or not celebrate it anyway you want and believe what you want, but it still does not change the fact that it is the day society put aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. You are so close...and yet so far away. The Origin of ChristmasSky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Muenkel 0 #43 November 25, 2003 From Merriam Webster Dictionary: Main Entry: Christ·mas Pronunciation: 'kris-m&s Function: noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English Christemasse, from Old English Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ's mass Date: before 12th century 1 : a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday Christians do not claim that December 25th is the exact date, as the exact date of Christ's birth is unknown. Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites RevJim 0 #44 November 25, 2003 QuoteIt's always seemed to me that the more religious a person is, the more judgemental they become. Clap clap clap clap Thanks Andrea. But I must also add, the more a believer distances him/herself from organized religion and relies on spirituality and faith, the less judgemental I tend to find them. Amazing how that works, huh? Both are believers in their own ways, but one is socailly acceptable to the majority, and one to the minority.It's your life, live it! Karma RB#684 "Corcho", ASK#60, Muff#3520, NCB#398, NHDZ#4, C-33989, DG#1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Deuce 1 #45 November 25, 2003 Quotemy faither was raised in a very strict Catholic upbringing. Because of that, he did a total 180 and raised us without "forcing us" to take part in organized religion. As a result, we've all been able to form our own opinions about God and religion. Well, the Catholic Church has changed a ton since I took my first communion. I was even an Altar boy and I can honestly say I've never seen a Priest or Brother's penis! How about that! Anyhow, religious education is the fastest way to create an agnostic. Starting from the point of view that everybody might be right tends to make everybody not believe. In the end, it's about sociology. I like the way the church gives structure to our families and our social life. My kids like it too. Like me, they will reject it when they are young adults, but like me, they are likely to re-embrace it when they have kids of their own. Edit: Picture: This is more about what the church means than most everything else; the kids you hang out with, and their families. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #46 November 25, 2003 No, it'd be much more odd if he was celebrating Hanukkah, since Xmas isn't really a Christain holiday anymore...not since Hallmark got ahold of it.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Deuce 1 #47 November 25, 2003 I'll reply to my own post just to give props to my parish. I know all those girl's parents. I go to church with them, I see them at school, I see them at practice. The church makes that easier than it would be for my agnostic friends, and I like it. Go ahead and not like it all you want. Go ahead and critique the minority of priests who are deviant. It makes us happier people and others rejection of it does not diminish it. Happy shining girls having fun. Try and diminish that all you'd like. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freefallfreak 0 #48 November 25, 2003 John, those happy shining little faces just perked up my day...tks. TripleF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Deuce 1 #49 November 25, 2003 Jim, as another fella who's interests include boobies, you are welcome. Too many people don't know that chuch is more about community, and less about world domination. Not to say there's anything wrong with dominating the world with community... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ZoneRat 0 #50 November 25, 2003 Decorating a tree with people you love, that love you... friends and family... some of which you haven't seen in a while... helping prepare a huge feast enjoyed by all... expressing to others that they have value in your life with a card or small gift... Pretty important things, those. ~ the kind of things that can and should transcend theological differences. Even we aethiests can love, care about, and desire to spend time with our family and friends during the holidays. We're still human beings after all. I don't much mind the commercialism of christmas. It is what it is. Nor do I much mind the religious trappings and rituals associated with it either. If someone wants to pray over a meal. I bow my head respectfully. Doesn't hurt me to do so, and I like the smiles I see when I look around the table at the amen and everyone opens their eyes. It's usually a pretty good moment. Nope. I dont believe in god or souls or voodoo or ghosts or the budhist karmic calulator in the sky... but I do believe that aethiests should be able to decorate a tree...you know, if they want to. Does that help you to understand your friend?“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophies.” Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 Next Page 2 of 3 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0 Go To Topic Listing
Nightingale 0 #32 November 25, 2003 the thing with Irish drinking songs... the drunker you are, the better they sound. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #33 November 25, 2003 QuoteI was just wondering what these people that are so dead set against religion do for the holidays? The whole Holiday SEASON was actually co-opted by the early Christian Church from older religions. Many lands have differing traditions that stem from the time when days finally begin to grow longer. The Pagans and Wiccans celebrate the Winter Solsitce and the beginning of the days getting longer till the rebirth in the spring. http://www.wicca.com/celtic/akasha/yule.htm The Norse Celebrated 4 major holidays.Yule is the most important holiday of the year. Everyone is familiar with the shortness of the deep winter days, but in the Scandinavian countries this is of even greater importance. At the Yuletide there is almost no sunlight at all, and the climate would have people bound in their homes waiting for the return of Spring. http://www.webcom.com/~lstead/RBHolidays.html The Jewish People have the Festival of Lights, you will also see this holiday spelled Chanukkah and perhaps even Hannukah due to different translations and customs. Ostensibly to celebrate the overcoming of the Syrians 2300 years ago. But notice some of the dates.. lights.. etc. http://www.holidays.net/chanukah/story.html I will only mention these three but there are many others thru out the world at this time. One thing that is remiss in this country is the actual study of other traditions that coincide with our"religious" HOLY days and where and how they came about. For a country founded on the principle of religious freedom and tolerance many in this country are fairly narrow minded when it comes to ACTUAL religious tolerance. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lazerq3 0 #34 November 25, 2003 QuoteIt's fine for him to celebrate with his family, especially his kids. Why should they be deprived of having this nice holiday tradition of getting together as a family with the tree, presents and relatives over just because he doesn't believe in the religious part of it. "Christmas tradition" are not just for Christians, anymore. That is OK with me because it is still a time to spend quality time with the people that you love. Besides, what the hell do the tree and presents have to do with our belief in God or our religion, anyway? If you said that he was attending church for Christmas (Do all the good Christians do this still?), then that may seem strange. BOO YA......thats the same way I feel about easter... I myself dont beleive in christ however I'm not going to NOT celibrate easter becuase thats not fair to my kids... Of coarse at there age all they know is that a rabbit brings them candy....And when there old enough to realize the significance in it all...well then thats there choice!! jasonFreedom of speech includes volume Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skydyvr 0 #35 November 25, 2003 QuoteLet me ask you this. If you're celebrating Christ, WWJD? He'd recommend the new Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki . . . . . =(_8^(1) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris 0 #36 November 25, 2003 QuoteHe'd recommend the new Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki . . . ROFLMAOPIMP! Great answer...you were soooo close! It's actually WWJD? The 'J' Stands for Jimi, and we all know the answer to that one: Smash amp. Burn guitar. Go home with groupies.Sky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jeremyneas 0 #37 November 25, 2003 I think most people that claim they are atheist, are realy agnostic. Atheist and Theist I group in the same catagory. Just different views. Remember, an atheist believes there is no god. But there is no evidence there is no god; just as a theist believes there is a god, but there is no evidence to prove it. Both are believers in some type of faith. Most proclaimed atheists don't understand this very fundumental fact of their belief. Agnostics on the otherhand have no opinion either way. They can't prove there is one, can't prove there isn't one. I celebrate Christmas for the same reasons the Government celebrates it. Tradition. The U.S. Gov't cannot worship a diety because of the seperation of church and state, so they use the term, a tradition that works, to justify, X-mas trees and the like. I think my boys deserve a time of the year that is majical as full of happiness, family, friends, and well being. If when old enough they want to take our tradition a step further and worship on that day, more power to them! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WrongWay 0 #38 November 25, 2003 QuoteOh please. Christmas is so comercialized it's not even about christ anymore. Thank you Sunshine, I could not have said it better myself. Wrong Way D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451 The wiser wolf prevails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #39 November 25, 2003 QuoteTo many people, myself included, it's a time to be thankful for your friends and family and show them how much you appreciate them in a way that you don't typically the rest of the year. That's what we have Thanksgiving for. QuoteBut Christmas has more of a meaning to many people than what it supposedly started as. Christmas was started as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. You can celebrate or not celebrate it anyway you want and believe what you want, but it still does not change the fact that it is the day society put aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas folks, Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skipro101 0 #40 November 25, 2003 I am an athiest too. I can celebrate what ever the F I want. If I feel like spinning a dradle and lighting a freaking maneora (spelling?) then I will. I cant imagine why you would think one wouldnt be allowed to celebrate christmas. Who is going to stop me? God? lol Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #41 November 25, 2003 That reply wasn't to my post, was it? Because if it is, you need to re-read it. I simply said you can celebrate or not celebrate Christmas anyway you want. However, the definition of Christmas will never change. Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kris 0 #42 November 25, 2003 QuoteChristmas was started as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. You can celebrate or not celebrate it anyway you want and believe what you want, but it still does not change the fact that it is the day society put aside to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. You are so close...and yet so far away. The Origin of ChristmasSky, Muff Bro, Rodriguez Bro, and Bastion of Purity and Innocence!™ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Muenkel 0 #43 November 25, 2003 From Merriam Webster Dictionary: Main Entry: Christ·mas Pronunciation: 'kris-m&s Function: noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English Christemasse, from Old English Cristes mæsse, literally, Christ's mass Date: before 12th century 1 : a Christian feast on December 25 or among some Eastern Orthodox on January 7 that commemorates the birth of Christ and is usually observed as a legal holiday Christians do not claim that December 25th is the exact date, as the exact date of Christ's birth is unknown. Chris _________________________________________ Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RevJim 0 #44 November 25, 2003 QuoteIt's always seemed to me that the more religious a person is, the more judgemental they become. Clap clap clap clap Thanks Andrea. But I must also add, the more a believer distances him/herself from organized religion and relies on spirituality and faith, the less judgemental I tend to find them. Amazing how that works, huh? Both are believers in their own ways, but one is socailly acceptable to the majority, and one to the minority.It's your life, live it! Karma RB#684 "Corcho", ASK#60, Muff#3520, NCB#398, NHDZ#4, C-33989, DG#1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #45 November 25, 2003 Quotemy faither was raised in a very strict Catholic upbringing. Because of that, he did a total 180 and raised us without "forcing us" to take part in organized religion. As a result, we've all been able to form our own opinions about God and religion. Well, the Catholic Church has changed a ton since I took my first communion. I was even an Altar boy and I can honestly say I've never seen a Priest or Brother's penis! How about that! Anyhow, religious education is the fastest way to create an agnostic. Starting from the point of view that everybody might be right tends to make everybody not believe. In the end, it's about sociology. I like the way the church gives structure to our families and our social life. My kids like it too. Like me, they will reject it when they are young adults, but like me, they are likely to re-embrace it when they have kids of their own. Edit: Picture: This is more about what the church means than most everything else; the kids you hang out with, and their families. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites AggieDave 6 #46 November 25, 2003 No, it'd be much more odd if he was celebrating Hanukkah, since Xmas isn't really a Christain holiday anymore...not since Hallmark got ahold of it.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Deuce 1 #47 November 25, 2003 I'll reply to my own post just to give props to my parish. I know all those girl's parents. I go to church with them, I see them at school, I see them at practice. The church makes that easier than it would be for my agnostic friends, and I like it. Go ahead and not like it all you want. Go ahead and critique the minority of priests who are deviant. It makes us happier people and others rejection of it does not diminish it. Happy shining girls having fun. Try and diminish that all you'd like. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freefallfreak 0 #48 November 25, 2003 John, those happy shining little faces just perked up my day...tks. TripleF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Deuce 1 #49 November 25, 2003 Jim, as another fella who's interests include boobies, you are welcome. Too many people don't know that chuch is more about community, and less about world domination. Not to say there's anything wrong with dominating the world with community... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ZoneRat 0 #50 November 25, 2003 Decorating a tree with people you love, that love you... friends and family... some of which you haven't seen in a while... helping prepare a huge feast enjoyed by all... expressing to others that they have value in your life with a card or small gift... Pretty important things, those. ~ the kind of things that can and should transcend theological differences. Even we aethiests can love, care about, and desire to spend time with our family and friends during the holidays. We're still human beings after all. I don't much mind the commercialism of christmas. It is what it is. Nor do I much mind the religious trappings and rituals associated with it either. If someone wants to pray over a meal. I bow my head respectfully. Doesn't hurt me to do so, and I like the smiles I see when I look around the table at the amen and everyone opens their eyes. It's usually a pretty good moment. Nope. I dont believe in god or souls or voodoo or ghosts or the budhist karmic calulator in the sky... but I do believe that aethiests should be able to decorate a tree...you know, if they want to. Does that help you to understand your friend?“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophies.” Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 Next Page 2 of 3 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0 Go To Topic Listing
AggieDave 6 #46 November 25, 2003 No, it'd be much more odd if he was celebrating Hanukkah, since Xmas isn't really a Christain holiday anymore...not since Hallmark got ahold of it.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #47 November 25, 2003 I'll reply to my own post just to give props to my parish. I know all those girl's parents. I go to church with them, I see them at school, I see them at practice. The church makes that easier than it would be for my agnostic friends, and I like it. Go ahead and not like it all you want. Go ahead and critique the minority of priests who are deviant. It makes us happier people and others rejection of it does not diminish it. Happy shining girls having fun. Try and diminish that all you'd like. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freefallfreak 0 #48 November 25, 2003 John, those happy shining little faces just perked up my day...tks. TripleF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Deuce 1 #49 November 25, 2003 Jim, as another fella who's interests include boobies, you are welcome. Too many people don't know that chuch is more about community, and less about world domination. Not to say there's anything wrong with dominating the world with community... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites ZoneRat 0 #50 November 25, 2003 Decorating a tree with people you love, that love you... friends and family... some of which you haven't seen in a while... helping prepare a huge feast enjoyed by all... expressing to others that they have value in your life with a card or small gift... Pretty important things, those. ~ the kind of things that can and should transcend theological differences. Even we aethiests can love, care about, and desire to spend time with our family and friends during the holidays. We're still human beings after all. I don't much mind the commercialism of christmas. It is what it is. Nor do I much mind the religious trappings and rituals associated with it either. If someone wants to pray over a meal. I bow my head respectfully. Doesn't hurt me to do so, and I like the smiles I see when I look around the table at the amen and everyone opens their eyes. It's usually a pretty good moment. Nope. I dont believe in god or souls or voodoo or ghosts or the budhist karmic calulator in the sky... but I do believe that aethiests should be able to decorate a tree...you know, if they want to. Does that help you to understand your friend?“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophies.” Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 Next Page 2 of 3 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
freefallfreak 0 #48 November 25, 2003 John, those happy shining little faces just perked up my day...tks. TripleF Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deuce 1 #49 November 25, 2003 Jim, as another fella who's interests include boobies, you are welcome. Too many people don't know that chuch is more about community, and less about world domination. Not to say there's anything wrong with dominating the world with community... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZoneRat 0 #50 November 25, 2003 Decorating a tree with people you love, that love you... friends and family... some of which you haven't seen in a while... helping prepare a huge feast enjoyed by all... expressing to others that they have value in your life with a card or small gift... Pretty important things, those. ~ the kind of things that can and should transcend theological differences. Even we aethiests can love, care about, and desire to spend time with our family and friends during the holidays. We're still human beings after all. I don't much mind the commercialism of christmas. It is what it is. Nor do I much mind the religious trappings and rituals associated with it either. If someone wants to pray over a meal. I bow my head respectfully. Doesn't hurt me to do so, and I like the smiles I see when I look around the table at the amen and everyone opens their eyes. It's usually a pretty good moment. Nope. I dont believe in god or souls or voodoo or ghosts or the budhist karmic calulator in the sky... but I do believe that aethiests should be able to decorate a tree...you know, if they want to. Does that help you to understand your friend?“There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophies.” Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
