My parents explored many religions while I was young. In college, I joined the Episcopal Church. All three of my children were baptized. As an adult, I began to broaden my studies of religions and these days, I appreciate Christianity, but I am very much aware my beliefs are anything besides orthodox. I do appreciate this season and celebrate that most people seem kinder and more thoughtful. I think life goes on after our bodies stop working, but I'm not sure how. And I think the human we call Jesus Christ lived his life on earth to let us know exactly that.
Merry Thanks-give-akah-kwnza-ween! I am thinking of having card made with this - kind of covers everything. I'm with, a recovering Catholic on my end. Love Christmas music. My parents always said I was impossible to buy for. Hello??? Books?!?!?! Fabric?!?!?
Anyway, I caught a Hannakuh carol this morning that I think is amazing, and another version of it by Peter,. Paul and Mary. Here are the two links:
I see myself as being spiritual but not religious. As a child, I was brought up in the church - it was my second home, but became disenchanted with it and Christmas over time - it seems to have become so commercial. I love the music and intent of Christmas, - for me it's more about sharing with loved ones. December 25th was a special day in our family for other reasons . . it was Dan's birthday.
I really liked this Twitter thread (quoted in part) from the Rev. Benjamin Cremer (a Wesleyan minister):
"...saying “happy holidays” ... should not be seen as a war or an attempt to take Jesus out of Christmas. In fact, Jesus is taken out of Christmas as soon as Christians respond in unholy and unloving ways to the season's greetings of others.
Moreover, Jesus is taken out of Christianity when Christians are seen as being hostile about people’s proffered season’s greetings [instead of] loving them as our neighbor."
As a Christian, I hate the War on Christmas rhetoric. I believe that certain Christians have blown up Christmas TOO much. It loses what makes the holiday special when we run ourselves ragged to make it special.
I consider myself a Christian but I don't care at all how others choose to celebrate or not celebrate. Christmas is so secular these days that, as you say, the more the merrier in honoring peace, love, and joy. I've always believed that religion or spirituality should be a private thing, for the person who believes to honor for themselves. I get VERY tired of others who seem to think their beliefs are crushed if others don't believe them too. So, happy holiday season everyone! Peace, joy and love to all!
Merry Christmas! As a lapsed Catholic I consider myself an agnostic. This doesn't mean that I don't occasionally attend church services when the opportunity presents itself but I just can't accept everything that comes with being religious.
I'm not shocked Mona.
I'm with you.
Happy Holidays!
My parents explored many religions while I was young. In college, I joined the Episcopal Church. All three of my children were baptized. As an adult, I began to broaden my studies of religions and these days, I appreciate Christianity, but I am very much aware my beliefs are anything besides orthodox. I do appreciate this season and celebrate that most people seem kinder and more thoughtful. I think life goes on after our bodies stop working, but I'm not sure how. And I think the human we call Jesus Christ lived his life on earth to let us know exactly that.
Merry Thanks-give-akah-kwnza-ween! I am thinking of having card made with this - kind of covers everything. I'm with, a recovering Catholic on my end. Love Christmas music. My parents always said I was impossible to buy for. Hello??? Books?!?!?! Fabric?!?!?
Anyway, I caught a Hannakuh carol this morning that I think is amazing, and another version of it by Peter,. Paul and Mary. Here are the two links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1cRXgDFiSs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YI5GV355Bg
Merry Christmas - this will no doubt be a hard one - I'm thinking of you every day.
From a confirmed agnostic at best, happy holidays to you! I loved this post.
From a catholic - merry Christmas. Let all will be love!
I see myself as being spiritual but not religious. As a child, I was brought up in the church - it was my second home, but became disenchanted with it and Christmas over time - it seems to have become so commercial. I love the music and intent of Christmas, - for me it's more about sharing with loved ones. December 25th was a special day in our family for other reasons . . it was Dan's birthday.
I really liked this Twitter thread (quoted in part) from the Rev. Benjamin Cremer (a Wesleyan minister):
"...saying “happy holidays” ... should not be seen as a war or an attempt to take Jesus out of Christmas. In fact, Jesus is taken out of Christmas as soon as Christians respond in unholy and unloving ways to the season's greetings of others.
Moreover, Jesus is taken out of Christianity when Christians are seen as being hostile about people’s proffered season’s greetings [instead of] loving them as our neighbor."
Happy Solstice!
As a Christian, I hate the War on Christmas rhetoric. I believe that certain Christians have blown up Christmas TOO much. It loses what makes the holiday special when we run ourselves ragged to make it special.
I consider myself a Christian but I don't care at all how others choose to celebrate or not celebrate. Christmas is so secular these days that, as you say, the more the merrier in honoring peace, love, and joy. I've always believed that religion or spirituality should be a private thing, for the person who believes to honor for themselves. I get VERY tired of others who seem to think their beliefs are crushed if others don't believe them too. So, happy holiday season everyone! Peace, joy and love to all!
Merry Christmas! As a lapsed Catholic I consider myself an agnostic. This doesn't mean that I don't occasionally attend church services when the opportunity presents itself but I just can't accept everything that comes with being religious.