As much as I have had an emotional attachment to this holiday in the past, I have been able to sever that connection quite clearly in the present.
First, I do not embrace the Christian theology. Secondly, I find it troubling at least to have those who do embrace it impose their beliefs upon others in a way that results in the actual shut down of government and other services, a twisted and bizarre commercial tribute to and reverence of materialism, the total degradation of any ethical and motivation to the Good by reversing the notion of selfless giving into an obligatory and hollow ritual let alone the idiotic conflation of Christianity with pagan rituals such as those associated with Odin, socks, the tree and all things Yule. Today, I never cease to be revolted by the content of the omnipresent songs of the season that reflect a naïve, dangerous and deluded view from the past. And, as 'pretty' as the decorations may be, in a universal tribute to the survival of humanity, I reject the wasted energy used in electric lighting and other poor analogies for the celebration of Light. These days, I do my best to live the day in the most ‘normal’ (and non- cynical) way that I can while recognizing the strange and trance like behavior all around me. Only in this way can the blind begin to see and humanity can begin to wake up. On Aug 30, 9:04 am, Taylor <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > <<How many atheists OBSERVE this religious vacation? >> > > In theory, I like Christmas. Snowmen, Santa Claus, Christmas > decorations, cheerful music, trying to surprise others with the > perfect gift. Over the years, however, it's become ruined for me by > the believers. My family focuses so much on the social obligations of > giving gifts and attending functions that it takes any pleasure out of > the holiday. And they force me to provide a list of things I want so > they don't have to shop, making Christmas a merchandise acquisition > event. > > What compounds the problem are those who try to get us to refocus on > the "reason for the season", which just emphases what I consider the > most unimportant element of the holiday. > > So, I think if I had a different family, I would still enjoy and > celebrate Christmas by emphasizing the things I approve of and > ignoring those that I don't. --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Memphis Freethought Alliance" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/memphisfreethoughtalliance?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
