Atheists and christmas

The question of whether Atheists celebrate Christmas is a question that I am often asked by people. The question that I am about to answer I am sure will be controversial and I doubt it will make me Mr Popular. Though, I do think that the majority of SearchWarp, from what I have seen, are a very clever bunch and able to listen to other peoples views.Thus, I have confidence that what I have to say will be considered and I will not get the usual: "la, la, la I'm not listening and you're going to hell, muhaha!" Firstly, I should set out what Atheism actually is. In its most basic form atheism is living ones life with out any form of God or supernatural being.Most Atheists look at evidence to make their minds up.For example, the evidence for evolution is huge and the evidence for Intelligent Design is miniscule. Thus Atheists believe in evolution over God. Simple. As. That.

However, should roles be reversed and Intelligent Design had a mountain of evidence (though I am inclined to my own scepticisms of this happening) then I would not be an Atheist and nor would the majority of the science world.Now, what I really want to make clear here is that just because you don't believe in a creator or biblical miracles and so on; it does not mean you reject the entirety of religion. For example,I don't go out and murder people because the Ten Commandments say I should not. Thus, Atheists follow some teachings of the bible. The difference is that Atheists don't follow it because it is in the bible: they realise that killing others is not a moral activity and that if everyone constantly went about killing everyone it would not be good for our survival. In the context of Christmas, Atheists have seen that it has many great aspects: family, love and friendship which, I cannot see anyone in their right mind having an objection to.The only difference is that we do what some people will condemn; and don't bother with the religious side. The most famous Atheist Richard Dawkins celebrates Christmas and even goes out and sings Christmas carols! Mr Dawkins is a fan of much religious music and has no objection to singing a good song: he simply does not believe the "deeper meaning" behind the song. I personally love the music of Ricky Skaggs and I think he is one of the greatest musicians alive.But he is a deeply religious man and reflects that in all of his music.

Here is a link to one of my all time favourite songs:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekdb2iqPRW8 . Who could not like that song? Have you ever herd the term Atheists for Jesus? This sounds like total oxymoron, but if you think about it there is much truth in the statement. Jesus or the scholar that created him (I can't say for certain which), had a lot of good things to say and much of what he taught makes sense.

So, although Atheists reject dogma on every level they would be stupid to ignore every good piece of advice (and I use advice for a reason) in the Bible. The great thing about Atheism, and the reading of the Bible from an Atheist perspective, is that you can pick and choose what you follow and what you don't. For example, I don't much like some of the violence in the Old Testament - see Exodus 34 : 13-17. Thus, I plan to celebrate Christmas this year like all other years: I will have Christmas dinner, send and receive presents, put up a Christmas tree and happily take the day off. Because I follow the evidence and don't believe in God does not mean I don't like having a fun day. Why would I? And what is the problem with that?

Finally, Merry Christmas each and everyone who celebrates Christmas for whatever reason.

They should only celebrate Christmas for presents. That's what I would do if I was an Atheist.

BOT (Back On Topic),

I do have a couple of friends that are Atheists. Some only celebrate Christmas to give/receive presents to/from family members and friends. Others don't celebrate because it has to do with the birth of Jesus Christ and that Santa isn't real... yadda yadda yadda.

Im in the same boat. Atheist aswell. I dont believe in any higher being deciding over my future, i make my own. I believe the world wasnt created in 7 days, it took billions upon billions of years of evolution to get where i am now. But to think about how everything was before time and space existed does boggle the mind. There was nothing? :ermm: Just emptiness?

Eitherway, i do enjoy the biblical story's alot, even when i was a child was always fascinated by them, but i never really believed them.

Anyway i will be celebrating xmas (see what i did there?) with friends and family. Bye

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by sez

The great thing about Atheism, and the reading of the Bible from an Atheist perspective, is that you can pick and choose what you follow and what you don't.

---

That is not a habit limited to Atheism

You Atheists are practicing your own official religion, now?

Well, then.

You do know you can do that without a god, don't you?

I must say, it's a novel way to pursue socio-cultural alienation.

Generally people who copy-paste give the source.

Other than that...:no:

"Believe in evolution" - moron.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Snee

Generally people who copy-paste give the source.

Other than that...:no:

"Believe in evolution" - moron.

---

http://searchwarp.com/swa557144-Why-...-Christmas.htm

I celebrate Christmas because I believe in Santa Clause.:) What! He doesn't exist? Prove it.:whistling

@ sez. Here is a better song for you;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlaoR5m4L80

I really don't care if Atheists celebrate Christmas or not.

I think when people get offended by someone saying "happy holidays" is as trivial as someone getting offended by someone saying "merry Christmas.

I did see a news report this week that added a new twist to those that complain that people are trying to remove Christ from Christmas.

This guy literally tried to make a point that Christmas IS about Christ and not commercialism. Seems one is not being PC to point it out.

[youtube]j-oTorzvbw0[/youtube]

I admiit I wouldn't like one of my neighbors doing this, but I have to confess I chuckled inside.

Mr. Garrison says Christmas is for everyone, and I believe he's right. While Christmas was originally for Christians, it's commercialization has made it something for everyone, regardless of faith. If you're thinking is to the right on both the religious or non religious spectrum, then Christmas is JUST for Christians. I honestly just think The US is just to lazy to call it something else. Maybe they should pull a Futurama and call it Xmas.