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.
Reply With Quote
Just emptiness?
Originally Posted by sez
What! He doesn't exist? Prove it.
Bookmarks