Hey Debator:
Check out this advice given in the article about Pinatas in the *** Awake! g03 9/22 pp. 23-24 The Piñata-An Ancient Tradition *** article:
When considering whether to include a piñata at a social gathering, Christians should be sensitive to the consciences of others. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33) A main concern is, not what the practice meant hundreds of years ago, but how it is viewed today in your area. Understandably, opinions may vary from one place to another. Hence, it is wise to avoid turning such matters into big issues. The Bible says: "Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person."-1 Corinthians 10:24.
As a follow up a while later in the Awake! magazine, a Questions from Readers revisited the issue:
Check out this logic, straight from your own Awake! July 8th, 2004 QFR. The advice given on Pinatas clearly falls in harmony with the scriptural insight given in Colossians 2:16. "However, if it is very obvious that a custom has no current false religious significance and involves no violation of Bible principals, each Christian must make a personal decision as to whether he will follow such a custom."
Talk about speaking out of both sides of your mouth!!! So how many people dance around the Christmas tree today in honour of Saturnalia???? NO ONE DOES, and this is the point so well made by the above quoted Awake! articles. These are merely customs now that have no bearing in the here and now, and have been made GOOD. Sure, the Bible states to "keep away from the unclean things" but it also speaks of things being made good again, the taking back of days for God, etc.
The whole wedding anniversary being allowed is a prime example of this. The argument is used that this honours the marriage arrangement, all the while ignoring the fact that it elevates two people above and gives honour and praise to their marriage, much as a b-day does to an individual. Also, the very emblems of marriage (rings, gowns, etc, etc) ALL have their origins in pagan customs, yet I don't see JW's running screaming away from them.
Debator/Renai, consider your dumb ass SERVED. You're too stupid to speak, much less THINK. Try cracking a freakin dictionary instead of the Awake! or WT so often and you might actually learn something. Hypocrite!!!!
- Wing Commander