How Could Atheist Celebrate Christmas?
Many atheists, people who don't even believe in God, also share in the wonderful activities that the holiday brings. Does it seem hypocritical for people who don't believe in the birth of Christ to dwell in the gift giving and decorations of Christmas?
That is a hard question to answer considering the fact the December 25th was originally a pagan holiday. As a matter of fact, many Christians agree that December 25th isn't the exact birth of Christ. The bible doesn't mention his date of birth. December 25th is in fact the birthday of the Unconquerable Sun, the Sun God, in Roman history. Around the 4th century is when the Roman Catholic Church adopted the holiday and turned it into a Christian holiday.
In recent history, many Christians have been fighting to remove the 'Christ' out of Christmas and replace it with an 'X'. They don't consider Christmas a Christian holiday at all. Would it be safe to say, because of this reason, that it is completely okay for non-believers to share in the Christmas festivities?
The problem for some when trying to figure out why atheists would even consider celebrating Christmas is the reason behind the madness. Even if December 25th isn't the exact birthday of Christ, to majority of the world that actually acknowledges the day, it is the reason for the season; and the reason why the day is so widely acknowledged. So, what exactly is atheist acknowledging when they put up their decorations and exchanging gifts? Are they interested in the religious connotations of the day or are they just cashing in on the commercialism of it all?
I talked to a co-worker of mine who celebrates Christmas but is a non-believer. She says her family recognizes it as a day for world peace and harmony amongst brothers. To her family it is a day that the world stops to be civil to each other and share in brotherly love. She appreciates what the day and Christ represents, peace and love for all, even if she doesn't really believe in a higher being.
I can't speak for all atheists, or even know if all of them even celebrate the day. Just as people wonder why Christians would celebrate Halloween, it is a question for why non-Christians would partake into what is considered a very religious holiday like Christmas and Easter.
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8 Comments
Post a CommentI think Atheists are crazy for celebrating Christmas. I agree with Farmer Refuted. Christmas is about celebrating Christ. Over the years, it has changed to just celebrating people and giving them gifts. Christmas has become secular. But it used to be about Christ's birth. If you don't believe in Christ, but you celebrate Christmas, then you're crazy. The only reason why atheists celebrate Christmas is because they want to take part in the gift receiving. That's all.
It is NOT a Christian Holiday - it actually specifies in the bible that REAL Christians should NOT celebrate Christmas.
But whatever.
I don't have a problem with Christians celebrating it, and displaying the nativity in their yard, or whatever. What I have a problem with is when people get their panties in a bunch when people say "season's greetings" or "happy holidays" in stores. Uhh, it's actually NOT a Christian nation, there IS freedom of/from religion, and not everyone celebrates YOUR holiday. How can a business open to the public exclude Hindus, Muslims, Atheists, Pagans, Jews, etc. just because they're not the minority. The thing is, when it comes to religion, majority doesn't rule. America doesn't become a Christian nation just because the majority of people are Christians. The minority still has rights according to the Constitution. The thing people always forget is that it's actually "Majority rules WITH RESPECT TO MINORITY RIGHTS". Saying "this is a Christian nation" is like saying "This is a white nation." How pissed off would people get about that?
Well, I figured that if Christians can celebrate Pagan holidays, why can't atheists celebrate Christian holidays? Besides, many aspects of Christmas (ie, the tree) come from Pagan traditions, so is it any weirder for an atheist to decorate a tree than it is for a Christian?
I am a Christian and the discussion about moving 'Christ' out of Christmas comes from talking to other Christians. Usually it is the Baptist and Seventh-Day Aventist that want it removed. But, if you do a google search for 'pagan background of Christmas' there are several references to Christians wanting it removed because it has a pagan background.
I'm very confused by your statement that some Christians are trying to remove "christ" from Christmas. I've never heard that and usually it is very much the opposite. I even tried to google it and couldn't locate anything. If you have any links I'd love to read them. I am an atheist myself and I enjoy reading and researching these kinds of things. I've had the Halloween discussion with my father as he says he does not celebrate Halloween however my younger sister dresses up like a character from the bible and they go to church and have candy. Sounds like Halloween to me. To my family, Christmas is just about being with our loved ones and catching up on a year well spent.
It's just weird that Christians celebrate the pagan holiday with the traditional pagan trappings of lighted trees, yule logs, partying, offerings to the little people and stockings for presents.
I think it's fine for atheists or anyone to celebrate Christmas (or any holiday they want) but then just don't force Christians to remove the Christ part in the public square. The reason there is a fuss this time of year is because Christians are celebrating the birth of Christ. Even people who are not Chistians have to agree that this is the historical roots of this celebration. No, this is probably not the historical date of the actual birth of Jesus, but it is the day we've marked to celebrate it. All are welcome to come and celebrate together, but don't censor the actual reason for the holiday. Merry Christmas!