Originally posted by RBHILLNo Christmas is far older than Christianity. It's a Germanic pagan festival that was suborned by Christianity - Pope Gregory instructed St. Augustine to adopt pagan holy days and temples to hasten the conversion of Pagans. Father Christmas is folk memory of Wodin.
http://video.foxnews.com/v/3928471059001/atheists-anti-christmas-campaign-sparks-controversy/?playlist_id=930909787001#sp=show-clips
It started about 2,000 years ago.
Christianity grows fastest where it is persecuted to most.
Originally posted by RBHILLThere's no significant or credible "War on Christmas" here in the biggest Muslim majority country in the world even though there have been a few churches burnt down ~ without any particular Christmas theme, mind you ~ from time to time. Millions of Christians flock to their churches for the occasion, with extra tents and relay TV screens laid on. Indeed, many Muslims have embraced Christmas for the family orientation, accelerated consumerism, gift giving, time off work, days out and other stuff it typically encompasses.
The War on Christmas
Originally posted by DeepThoughtSounds as if the early Christians attempted to supplant the "pagan festival" with the celebration of Christ's birth?
No Christmas is far older than Christianity. It's a Germanic pagan festival that was suborned by Christianity - Pope Gregory instructed St. Augustine to adopt pagan holy days and temples to hasten the conversion of Pagans. Father Christmas is folk memory of Wodin.
Originally posted by Grampy BobbyAccording to Bede the English worshipped a Goddess called Eostre after whom Easter is named. Easter is also called Paschal, so it may be true. Bede is the only source attesting to a Goddess called Eostre, so the story should be taken with a pinch of salt. There's a reason that era is known as the Dark Ages.
Sounds as if the early Christians attempted to supplant the "pagan festival" with the celebration of Christ's birth?
Originally posted by DeepThoughtI wonder how many civilisations/religions past and present
No Christmas is far older than Christianity. It's a Germanic pagan festival that was suborned by Christianity - Pope Gregory instructed St. Augustine to adopt pagan holy days and temples to hasten the conversion of Pagans. Father Christmas is folk memory of Wodin.
do not have a celebration for the winter solstice?
I'm betting very few ... if any.
Christianity locked itself into existing celebrations - I think
every sane person acknowledges that.
