Do Atheists Celebrate Christmas?

by believingxjw 89 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  dgp

  True said it better than I did:

  "I think most Atheists may celebrate to some certain extent, particularly if they have children under their wing.

  It may be just a holiday to enjoy the days off of work and responsibilities.

  When your an atheist you don't have to be involved with any religious celebration, its an individual choice.

  To myself its dinners at restaurants and visits to friends and family members ( Who say its not really a Christmas get together ) "

  That's the answer. No need to say more.
• 

  leavingwt

  Sarah,

  I hope you don't think I'm picking on you. It's just that if we are going to say we know better than JWs and have more moral fiber than the GB then it seems to me I should put my money where my mouth is.

  No, I didn't think you were picking on me. I remember when I was a JW, I had a few coworkers who were atheists and they loved Christmas. At that time, I couldn't undestand it, either. I was looking at the entire situation as black and white, as a Universal issue or something.

  Personally, I don't think I'm better than JWs. I simply don't share their beliefs. If not for some random occurrence with the blood issue, I'd still be a JW right now, probably. (This incident opened my eyes and led to my exit.) So, they don't have less 'moral fiber' than me, they simply have a different perspective on these matters.

  In my own way, I am putting my money where my mouth is. I disassociated myself in a very public manner. I told them that I reject their teachings and ideas. I reject their view of Christmas. I reject their view of all things religious being legalistic and of most importance.

  So, my new way of life, my enjoyment of individual Liberty is putting my money where my mouth is. They stole my Liberty for 23 years. I've reclaimed it. I hope you'll at least try to see my point of view, if only even a little.

  -LWT
• 

  believingxjw

  John,

  I suppose, like atheists, I too cannot make everyone happy with what I believe or how I express it.

  Have a merry holiday.
• 

  believingxjw

  Leaving,

  "I hope you'll at least try to see my point of view, if only even a little."

  I do Leaving. Thanks for your patience. I hope you also appreciate a little the position someone like myself who still believes in God and his Son is in. No longer a JW but still a believer is at times a lonely place. Trying to get some balance is not an easy thing. Like many here I gave up quite a bit when I made a stand against the Watchtower. That makes for a hard life, a very hard life. Taking "stands" is not such a good thing all the time, I suppose. But now, I'm just thinking out loud.

  Again, I wish you a happy holiday and New Year!

  sarah
• 

  leavingwt

  Sarah,

  You're so right. Taking stands can be difficult. Sometimes, we look back and see that some are more worthwhile than others. I try to be selective about picking my fights, now. Makes things easier.

  It's nice to have many different opinions, here. Makes things interesting. I appreciate having you here.

  Merry Christmas to you and Happy New year.

  -LWT
• 

  believingxjw

  Thank you, Leaving.
• 

  Nathan Natas

  Xmas is a secular consumer holiday. You won't find any atheists on their bended knees in church when there are so many great movies to see.

  "May you be touched by His Noodly Appendage. In nomine Pasta et fillette de anchovie et Spiritus Chianti."
• 

  thetrueone

  Just a little addition to what has already been said so for on the subject, in regards to personal celebration,

  there are many people who are not religious to any extent that really get annoyed with the commercialization of

  this very old traditional Christmas celebration . The younger generation are not really so big into it like the previous,

  which might be that they are not religious in the first place. It therefore should be considered a socially traditional event

  or festive event rather that a religious event. Its time to visit family and have some fun and get caught up with one another.

  My very JWS family have been doing this now for over 50 years, with a big elaborate dinner with all the family in attendance.

  There is only about half of the family that are religious ( JWS ) but it never stops us from getting together, around the 25th.
• 

  beksbks

  I must admit I only made it through page one. Where you say something about showing everyone what we believe. That's the thing about atheists, we aren't trying to show anyone what we do or don't believe. I have no desire to change your mind, go door to door, or proselytise in any way. The christians took the holiday away from the pagans, now I'm taking it back. Peace on earth good will toward men, bring in the yule log, roast some smallish animals, and warm the mead.
• 

  beksbks

  Sarah, having read some on this page, I would also say, that some of us took our stand a long time ago. I left the Dubs about 25 years ago, raised two children in freedom. One place I chose to take a stand, was not to try to talk them out of thier beliefs. When they come to the door, I try to say no thank you I'm not interested and leave it at that. You can't believe how hard it can be. I don't always succeed. But why would I want to cause doubt and pain in someone who is happy and content in what they believe? If they have family that is out, that's another story, but how am I to know? I have to assume that those who want to know the truth, will find it. It is their choice to look for it.