Originally posted by wolfgang59Pagans masquerading as Christians! My next door neighbours house is like a Santas grotto, i was gleeful when a huge storm wrecked his giant inflatable Santa and rather resentful that it got fixed and now languishes against our communal fence.
Do you put up any of these at Yuletide?
Holly
Ivy
Fir tree
Mistletoe
Why?
16 Dec 13
Originally posted by wolfgang59I've always believed there were two parts to Christmas: the religious celebration and the secular merchandizing season. Even though I do not believe for a millisecond that Christ was born in December, I do see that the Church in times past tried to profit by combining Christmas with the solstice. But I believe it's better that we celebrate the birth of Christ at this time of year rather than not at all. And yes, I realize some sects believe that the birth of Christ needn't be celebrated at all.
Do you put up any of these at Yuletide?
Holly
Ivy
Fir tree
Mistletoe
Why?
Even so, tradition weighs heavily upon human beings, and at Christmas I do decorate my house suitably. I have a holly wreath on my front door, a Christmas tree in my living room, lights around my eaves, and a small nativity scene on my fireplace mantle. My favorite Christmas song is "Little Drummer Boy". I think it wonderfully captures what should be the feeling of the season.
16 Dec 13
Originally posted by robbie carrobieWay to go, Uncle Scrooge!
Pagans masquerading as Christians! My next door neighbours house is like a Santas grotto, i was gleeful when a huge storm wrecked his giant inflatable Santa and rather resentful that it got fixed and now languishes against our communal fence.
Have you ever invited your neighbors to share in your no doubt bounteous Christmas dinner? Or do you somehow feel that "non-Christians" (by your own stingy definition; other readers can substitute "non-JWs" ) don't deserve it?
16 Dec 13
3 edits
Originally posted by wolfgang59There is no requirement or even a hint that Jesus Christ wanted anyone to celebrate his birthday. He wanted his followers to remember his death and resurrection and his commandments. . ie to do them.
Do you put up any of these at Yuletide?
Holly
Ivy
Fir tree
Mistletoe
Why?
There is nothing wrong with celebrating or not celebrating. Paul had this to say about the general matter of observing days .. that is no big deal either way, so we should resist the temptation to judge others in this regard. Here is the reference:
One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. (Romans 14:5-13 KJV)
As for me I do a little of everything and try to keep it simple and avoid extravagance.
Originally posted by Suzianneumm Jehovahs Witnesses don't celebrate Christmas because of its pagan origins so as to keep ourselves, 'without spot', from the world. Please note this does not make us better, merely different. My wife being from India (peace be upon it) often makes Indian food we send to our neighbours, which they delight in. You really should research your prejudices rather than invent them.
Way to go, Uncle Scrooge!
Have you ever invited your neighbors to share in your no doubt bounteous Christmas dinner? Or do you somehow feel that "non-Christians" (by your own stingy definition; other readers can substitute "non-JWs" ) don't deserve it?
Sooooo you are a pagan masquerading as a Christian, how is that going to work out for you, long term? hmmmm
16 Dec 13
Originally posted by Rajk999Indeed but we are surrounded by pagans masquerading as Christians!
There is no requirement or even a hint that Jesus Christ wanted anyone to celebrate his birthday. He wanted his followers to remember his death and resurrection and his commandments. . ie to do them.
There is nothing wrong with celebrating or not celebrating. Paul had this to say about the general matter of observing days .. that is no big deal either wa ...[text shortened]... [/i]
As for me I do a little of everything and try to keep it simple and avoid extravagance.
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Originally posted by robbie carrobieThe Trinity is nothing anyone would ever make up.
why not, you have no problem with the pagan trinity, a few sprinkles of holly and mistletoe about the place would be fitting.
That the truth of the Trinity is concocted is your mistaken concept.
I serously don't think any thinking person wanting to "start a religion" would furnish it with a concept so counter intuitive as the trinity.
I believe the revelation of the Trinity is an evidence that the concept is not man made but divine revelation.
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16 Dec 13
Originally posted by sonshipCome now Robbie, this should be a 30 second slam dunk for an old anti-trinitarian like you.
Robbie,
why not, you have no problem with the pagan trinity, a few sprinkles of holly and mistletoe about the place would be fitting.
What Pagan religious idea would you say is another version of the Three - One God ?
16 Dec 13
Originally posted by sonshipNo one has claimed that it's been fabricated in order to start a religion. The actual claim is that it's of Pagan origin which has been incontrovertibly demonstrated on this very forum. How will you explain the trinity of Egypt or Babaylon or Sumeria. Are they also of divine inspiration?
The Trinity is nothing anyone would ever make up.
That the truth of the Trinity is concocted is your mistaken concept.
I serously don't think any thinking person wanting to "start a religion" would furnish it with a concept so counter intuitive as the trinity.
I believe the revelation of the Trinity is an evidence that the concept is [b]not man made but divine revelation.[/b]