| Topic: |
Religions > Atheism |
| User: |
"Q" |
| Date: |
11 Dec 2005 10:06:21 AM |
| Object: |
I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
Hi all,
Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
that I enjoy doing the silly Christmas thing every year
including the presents and to a lesser extent the
tree. The gift giving is fun, especially the part
about contemplating what other people need and want,
as is the strategizing and the forming of little gift-giving
alliances. Why Christmas? Because honoring Winter Solstice
feel ungenuine, out of sync, and requires tedious
explanation.
So in the end, whatever Xmas originally was, today in our
modern secular society it is a useful social ritual, and
I suspect that for 90% of North Americans it does not
involve any significant consideration of a prophet or god.
The fringe 10% who are fundies are the exception.
-Q
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| User: "Chris Johnson" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
11 Dec 2005 02:21:26 PM |
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Douglas Berry wrote:
What's so funny about peace, love and "dearcilla"
<dearcilla@gmail.com> posting the following on 11 Dec 2005 10:28:15
-0800 iin alt.atheism?
Q wrote:
Hi all,
Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
Had you considered the possibility that you are clinically paranoid?
You might want to check out alt.mindcontrol.
You're the one claiming to have an inivisble friend, my dear.
Want proof that religions are created to control people? Check out
Scientology sometime.
Ah, but Scientology isn't the One True Faith(tm). Christianity is about
changing hearts and leading us all to moral behavior and punishing the
wicked. All the other religions are from the Devil to control people. ;)
.
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| User: "stoney" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
12 Dec 2005 11:36:18 AM |
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On 11 Dec 2005 12:21:26 -0800, "Chris Johnson" <effigies@gmail.com>
wrote:
Douglas Berry wrote:
What's so funny about peace, love and "dearcilla"
<dearcilla@gmail.com> posting the following on 11 Dec 2005 10:28:15
-0800 iin alt.atheism?
Q wrote:
Hi all,
Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
Had you considered the possibility that you are clinically paranoid?
You might want to check out alt.mindcontrol.
You're the one claiming to have an inivisble friend, my dear.
Want proof that religions are created to control people? Check out
Scientology sometime.
Ah, but Scientology isn't the One True Faith(tm). Christianity is about
changing hearts and leading us all to moral behavior and punishing the
wicked. All the other religions are from the Devil to control people. ;)
Moral behaviour like:
approving of torture
kidnapping people and transporting them to countries for torture
bigotry
prejudice
greed
false witness
gross ignorance
massive deceit
using white phosphorous on civilians
wanton destruction
murder
imprisonment-neverending-based on fiat
but wait! there's more 'Peace on Earth' and 'Good Will Towards Men.'
--
Contempt of Congress meter reading-offscale.
Hello, theocracy with a fundamentalist US Supreme
Court who will ensure church and state are joined
at the hip like clergy and altar boys.
America 1776-Jan 2001 RIP
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president
represents, more and more closely, the inner soul
of the people. On some great and glorious day the
plain folks of the land will reach their heart's
desire at last and the White House will be adorned
by a downright moron." --- H.L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
Religion is the original war crime.
-Michelle Malkin (Feb 26, 2005)
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| User: "Pies de Arcilla" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
11 Dec 2005 07:34:14 PM |
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Douglas Berry wrote:
What's so funny about peace, love and "dearcilla"
<dearcilla@gmail.com> posting the following on 11 Dec 2005 10:28:15
-0800 iin alt.atheism?
Q wrote:
Hi all,
Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
Had you considered the possibility that you are clinically paranoid?
You might want to check out alt.mindcontrol.
You're the one claiming to have an inivisble friend, my dear.
Which is evidence that I want to control the minds of other people? I
never claimed to _be_ God.
Want proof that religions are created to control people? Check out
Scientology sometime.
Scientology is a church. A church is an institution. The comment was
about 'gods', not human churches.
.
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| User: "Richo" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
11 Dec 2005 07:56:11 PM |
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Q wrote:
Hi all,
Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
that I enjoy doing the silly Christmas thing every year
including the presents and to a lesser extent the
tree. The gift giving is fun, especially the part
about contemplating what other people need and want,
as is the strategizing and the forming of little gift-giving
alliances. Why Christmas? Because honoring Winter Solstice
feel ungenuine, out of sync, and requires tedious
explanation.
I don't enjoy christmas - I don't enjoy the obliqutory gift giving and
recieving.
I find myself STRESSED OUT by the whole thing - and my tension and
unhappiness rise as the dreaded date approaches.
I do like finding a gift for someone and giving it - if it is
spontaneous, "natural".
I hate being OBLIGED to give something.
If it were not for my son, I would go into the mountains for a week or
so and hide till the whole thing was over.
But xmas is fun for kids - I remember enjoying it up until my mid
teens. So I will grin and bear it all for his sake.
When my boy is all grown up (16?) - I will head for the hills and
peace.
Mark.
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| User: "Bear" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
11 Dec 2005 07:57:59 PM |
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"Richo" wrote
: If it were not for my son, I would go into the mountains for a week or
: so and hide till the whole thing was over.
You may want to extend that to a month or so.
--
Bear
What I am is what I am. Are you what you are or what? -Edie Brickell
It is always better to have no ideas than false ones; to believe nothing,
than to believe what is wrong. -Thomas Jefferson
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| User: "stoney" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
12 Dec 2005 12:41:57 PM |
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On Sun, 11 Dec 2005 20:57:59 -0500, "Bear" <bigbearpa@msn.com> wrote:
"Richo" wrote
: If it were not for my son, I would go into the mountains for a week or
: so and hide till the whole thing was over.
You may want to extend that to a month or so.
Starting from, at best, the tail end of November and continuing until
Dec. 28th. At worst from mid-October.
--
Contempt of Congress meter reading-offscale.
Hello, theocracy with a fundamentalist US Supreme
Court who will ensure church and state are joined
at the hip like clergy and altar boys.
America 1776-Jan 2001 RIP
"As democracy is perfected, the office of president
represents, more and more closely, the inner soul
of the people. On some great and glorious day the
plain folks of the land will reach their heart's
desire at last and the White House will be adorned
by a downright moron." --- H.L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)
Religion is the original war crime.
-Michelle Malkin (Feb 26, 2005)
.
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| User: "Liz" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
12 Dec 2005 06:17:36 AM |
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On 11 Dec 2005 17:56:11 -0800, "Richo" <m.richardson@utas.edu.au> in
news message <1134352570.931233.187260@g44g2000cwa.googlegroups.com>
wrote:
I don't enjoy christmas - I don't enjoy the obliqutory gift giving and
recieving.
I find myself STRESSED OUT by the whole thing - and my tension and
unhappiness rise as the dreaded date approaches.
I do like finding a gift for someone and giving it - if it is
spontaneous, "natural".
I hate being OBLIGED to give something.
I used to hate Christmas until my mother died. She wanted "her whole
family together" so that she could make us miserable all at once. She
would make such elaborate plans, and if one thing would go wrong she
would fly into a snit and expect all of her children, their spouses,
their children and friends to cajole her out of being a miserable
*****. If we paid no attention to her, she made it even worse. So I
stopped attending Christmas functions. I was far happier alone than I
was with my birth family. Then she died. Now, I have lovely holidays
getting together with my daughter and her family sometime near the end
of December to eat, play games, give gifts, and enjoy each other's
company.
If it were not for my son, I would go into the mountains for a week or
so and hide till the whole thing was over.
But xmas is fun for kids - I remember enjoying it up until my mid
teens. So I will grin and bear it all for his sake.
When my boy is all grown up (16?) - I will head for the hills and
peace.
Maybe you should take your son with you. One of the best Christmases
I had while my mother was still alive was when my daughter and I took
a Christmas cruise in the Caribbean. It was a wonderful excuse to get
out of the family *****. It was so warm and beautiful we forgot it was
Christmas and had a truly great time.
Überwench #658 Now a *real* atheist!
Dame Liz the Undaunted Ath.D BAAWA
Charter Member of SMASH
and Queen of the known universe
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| User: "" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
11 Dec 2005 10:20:59 AM |
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Q wrote:
Hi all,
Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
that I enjoy doing the silly Christmas thing every year
including the presents and to a lesser extent the
tree. The gift giving is fun, especially the part
about contemplating what other people need and want,
as is the strategizing and the forming of little gift-giving
alliances. Why Christmas? Because honoring Winter Solstice
feel ungenuine, out of sync, and requires tedious
explanation.
So in the end, whatever Xmas originally was, today in our
modern secular society it is a useful social ritual, and
I suspect that for 90% of North Americans it does not
involve any significant consideration of a prophet or god.
The fringe 10% who are fundies are the exception.
-Q
Fair comment! There's nothing inherently theistic about giving
and sharing and fun. I bet there are a lot of people out there who
feel like that. And, funnily enough, I bet there are a few people out
there who spend their entire year rallying against Christianity, yet
they would still get upset if they got nothing for Christmas.
.
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| User: "Ananias917" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
11 Dec 2005 12:06:07 PM |
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On 11 Dec 2005 08:20:59 -0800,
"PatrickDHarrington@hotmail.com"
<PatrickDHarrington@hotmail.com> spake thusly:
And, funnily enough, I bet there are a few people out
there who spend their entire year rallying against Christianity, yet
they would still get upset if they got nothing for Christmas.
<LOL!>
--
"And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house;
and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the
Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way
as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest
receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost."
- Acts 9:17
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| User: "Kate " |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
11 Dec 2005 12:17:03 PM |
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On 11 Dec 2005 08:20:59 -0800, "PatrickDHarrington@hotmail.com"
<PatrickDHarrington@hotmail.com> wrote:
Q wrote:
Hi all,
Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
that I enjoy doing the silly Christmas thing every year
including the presents and to a lesser extent the
tree. The gift giving is fun, especially the part
about contemplating what other people need and want,
as is the strategizing and the forming of little gift-giving
alliances. Why Christmas? Because honoring Winter Solstice
feel ungenuine, out of sync, and requires tedious
explanation.
So in the end, whatever Xmas originally was, today in our
modern secular society it is a useful social ritual, and
I suspect that for 90% of North Americans it does not
involve any significant consideration of a prophet or god.
The fringe 10% who are fundies are the exception.
-Q
Fair comment! There's nothing inherently theistic about giving
and sharing and fun. I bet there are a lot of people out there who
feel like that. And, funnily enough, I bet there are a few people out
there who spend their entire year rallying against Christianity, yet
they would still get upset if they got nothing for Christmas.
The few people I know that do ***** about Christmas hide out on
Christmas day and don't appreciate presents. They also don't like
birthday celebrations and don't want birthday presents.
Sorry to burst your bubble.
.
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| User: "" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
11 Dec 2005 12:56:07 PM |
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Kate wrote:
On 11 Dec 2005 08:20:59 -0800, "PatrickDHarrington@hotmail.com"
<PatrickDHarrington@hotmail.com> wrote:
Q wrote:
Hi all,
Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
that I enjoy doing the silly Christmas thing every year
including the presents and to a lesser extent the
tree. The gift giving is fun, especially the part
about contemplating what other people need and want,
as is the strategizing and the forming of little gift-giving
alliances. Why Christmas? Because honoring Winter Solstice
feel ungenuine, out of sync, and requires tedious
explanation.
So in the end, whatever Xmas originally was, today in our
modern secular society it is a useful social ritual, and
I suspect that for 90% of North Americans it does not
involve any significant consideration of a prophet or god.
The fringe 10% who are fundies are the exception.
-Q
Fair comment! There's nothing inherently theistic about giving
and sharing and fun. I bet there are a lot of people out there who
feel like that. And, funnily enough, I bet there are a few people out
there who spend their entire year rallying against Christianity, yet
they would still get upset if they got nothing for Christmas.
The few people I know that do ***** about Christmas hide out on
Christmas day and don't appreciate presents. They also don't like
birthday celebrations and don't want birthday presents.
Sorry to burst your bubble.
Quite alright!! That doesn't discount, at all, that there are
people out there as I described them. It just adds to the richness of
the holiday experience. ;-)
.
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| User: "doktorf" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
11 Dec 2005 07:22:02 PM |
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Q, shares with the class:
"Hi all,
"Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
that I enjoy doing the silly Christmas thing every year
including the presents and to a lesser extent the
tree. The gift giving is fun, especially the part
about contemplating what other people need and want,
as is the strategizing and the forming of little gift-giving
alliances. Why Christmas? Because honoring Winter Solstice
feel ungenuine, out of sync, and requires tedious
explanation.
So in the end, whatever Xmas originally was, today in our
modern secular society it is a useful social ritual, and
I suspect that for 90% of North Americans it does not
involve any significant consideration of a prophet or god.
The fringe 10% who are fundies are the exception.
-Q"
I respond:
Well, I'm an atheist who still respects the respectful religionists in
our society. I feel no responsibility to believe as they believe, but I
do feel a responsibility not to make a hollow mockery of their
ceremonies whatever my personal feeings about them my be. The christmas
celebration belongs to the christians and is about the birth of their
prophet and god incarnate. It's wrong to insult their beliefs by
insisting that they are secular simply because I have a secular world
view.
I have no problem with the celebration of the return of longer days
and to choose that as a time to share feasts, fellowship and gifts with
loved ones feels entirely appropriate, but it ain't Christmas and
that's o.k.
.
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| User: "CFW Walther" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
12 Dec 2005 12:42:11 AM |
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Uh... Solstice worship is a "god" just not a Christian one. You are far
from being an atheist.
Q wrote:
Hi all,
Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
that I enjoy doing the silly Christmas thing every year
including the presents and to a lesser extent the
tree. The gift giving is fun, especially the part
about contemplating what other people need and want,
as is the strategizing and the forming of little gift-giving
alliances. Why Christmas? Because honoring Winter Solstice
feel ungenuine, out of sync, and requires tedious
explanation.
So in the end, whatever Xmas originally was, today in our
modern secular society it is a useful social ritual, and
I suspect that for 90% of North Americans it does not
involve any significant consideration of a prophet or god.
The fringe 10% who are fundies are the exception.
-Q
.
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| User: "doktorf" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
12 Dec 2005 03:08:56 AM |
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"CFW Walther" <brandtma...@gmail.com>, shares with the class:
"Uh... Solstice worship is a "god" just not a Christian one. You are
far
from being an atheist."
Sez I:
I personally have never met anyone who "worshiped" the solstice, no
matter how otherwise religious they may be. The period of the solstice
is not a god in any broadly accepted sense. The great majority of
solstice festivals are religious, but that time may certainly be marked
in a secular context.
.
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| User: "CFW Walther" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
12 Dec 2005 12:47:33 PM |
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doktorf wrote:
"CFW Walther" <brandtma...@gmail.com>, shares with the class:
"Uh... Solstice worship is a "god" just not a Christian one. You are
far
from being an atheist."
Sez I:
I personally have never met anyone who "worshiped" the solstice, no
matter how otherwise religious they may be. The period of the solstice
is not a god in any broadly accepted sense. The great majority of
solstice festivals are religious, but that time may certainly be marked
in a secular context.
It's called pantheism. Not a person, but nature or some aspect of
nature.
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| User: "doktorf" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
12 Dec 2005 04:25:56 PM |
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CFW WALTHER claims:
"It's called pantheism. Not a person, but nature or some aspect of
nature."
yeah...do yourself a favor and read up on pantheism with at least a
little more depth than a dictionary definition. sheesh.
.
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| User: "Bear" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
12 Dec 2005 01:05:20 AM |
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"CFW Walther" wrote
: Q wrote:
: > Hi all,
: >
: > Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
: > the invention of people who want to control the minds
: > of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
: > that I enjoy doing the silly Christmas thing every year
: > including the presents and to a lesser extent the
: > tree. The gift giving is fun, especially the part
: > about contemplating what other people need and want,
: > as is the strategizing and the forming of little gift-giving
: > alliances. Why Christmas? Because honoring Winter Solstice
: > feel ungenuine, out of sync, and requires tedious
: > explanation.
: >
: > So in the end, whatever Xmas originally was, today in our
: > modern secular society it is a useful social ritual, and
: > I suspect that for 90% of North Americans it does not
: > involve any significant consideration of a prophet or god.
: > The fringe 10% who are fundies are the exception.
: >
: Uh... Solstice worship is a "god" just not a Christian one. You are far
: from being an atheist.
You seem to be the only one who mentioned anything about "worship".
--
Bear
What I am is what I am. Are you what you are or what? -Edie Brickell
It is always better to have no ideas than false ones; to believe nothing,
than to believe what is wrong. -Thomas Jefferson
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| User: "Chris Johnson" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
12 Dec 2005 09:34:27 AM |
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CFW Walther wrote:
Uh... Solstice worship is a "god" just not a Christian one. You are far
from being an atheist.
That first sentence hurts, and not just because of the poor grammar.
1) Worship is not a god, but the act of debasing yourself so as to
appease a god
2) We were not talking about solstice worship; rather we were
discussing a solstice celebration. Celebration does not require a god
any more than breathing requires pixies.
The second sentence is just a natural result of your being a moron and
completely mistaking the point of his post.
Q wrote:
Hi all,
Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
that I enjoy doing the silly Christmas thing every year
including the presents and to a lesser extent the
tree. The gift giving is fun, especially the part
about contemplating what other people need and want,
as is the strategizing and the forming of little gift-giving
alliances. Why Christmas? Because honoring Winter Solstice
feel ungenuine, out of sync, and requires tedious
explanation.
So in the end, whatever Xmas originally was, today in our
modern secular society it is a useful social ritual, and
I suspect that for 90% of North Americans it does not
involve any significant consideration of a prophet or god.
The fringe 10% who are fundies are the exception.
-Q
.
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| User: "CFW Walther" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
12 Dec 2005 01:17:43 PM |
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Chris Johnson wrote:
CFW Walther wrote:
Uh... Solstice worship is a "god" just not a Christian one. You are far
from being an atheist.
That first sentence hurts, and not just because of the poor grammar.
That was a little rough. Sorry.
1) Worship is not a god, but the act of debasing yourself so as to
appease a god
In a Judeo-Christian paradigm and others yes, but the more pantheistic
religions aren't as structured in that sense. In Greece, for example,
worship of Gaia might entail a 3 day long orgy.
2) We were not talking about solstice worship; rather we were
discussing a solstice celebration. Celebration does not require a god
any more than breathing requires pixies.
Celebrating a season such as Solstice is not a new practice. It
traditionally has been looked at as a type of spiritual rite. To say
anything else is either out of ignorance, to say nothing of being
disingenuous. National Geographic wrote an interesting article on this
very topic:
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2002/12/1220_021220_solstice.html.
The second sentence is just a natural result of your being a moron and
completely mistaking the point of his post.
Q wrote:
Hi all,
Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
that I enjoy doing the silly Christmas thing every year
including the presents and to a lesser extent the
tree. The gift giving is fun, especially the part
about contemplating what other people need and want,
as is the strategizing and the forming of little gift-giving
alliances. Why Christmas? Because honoring Winter Solstice
feel ungenuine, out of sync, and requires tedious
explanation.
So in the end, whatever Xmas originally was, today in our
modern secular society it is a useful social ritual, and
I suspect that for 90% of North Americans it does not
involve any significant consideration of a prophet or god.
The fringe 10% who are fundies are the exception.
-Q
.
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| User: "Rob" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
14 Dec 2005 04:31:30 AM |
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Hey - I'm an atheist but I still call the day after Wednesday fuc*ing
"Thursday" even tho it was named after a god.
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| User: "Les Hellawell" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
14 Dec 2005 12:34:38 PM |
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On 14 Dec 2005 02:31:30 -0800, "Rob" <rob_murfin@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hey - I'm an atheist but I still call the day after Wednesday fuc*ing
"Thursday" even tho it was named after a god.
So what will you be calling Dec 25? Fuc*ing Sunday or fu*ing Christmas
fu*ing day? I go for Sunday. We call the day after "Boxing Day" here.
Les Hellawell
Greetings from:
YORKSHIRE The White Rose County
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| User: "Rob" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
16 Dec 2005 03:15:31 AM |
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So what will you be calling Dec 25? Fuc*ing Sunday or fu*ing Christmas
fu*ing day? I go for Sunday. We call the day after "Boxing Day" here.
Les Hellawell
One of my kids asked me why boxing day was called boxing day. I admit,
even tho' I'm sure I saw something on Blue Peter in about 1975 about
this, I didnt have a clue.
(note for US readers; "Blue Peter" = BBC "educational" middle class
kids TV programme)
Mind you - I read some interesting stats about the US/UK god/ god
holiday/evolution thing at the weekend:
2004/5 surveys
% of US population not believing in evolution = 60+%
% of UK Church of England clergymen believing in creationism/genesis =
03%
% of random sample in UK who knew what idea "easter" was based on = 41%
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| User: "Michael Gray" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
16 Dec 2005 04:29:57 AM |
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On 16 Dec 2005 01:15:31 -0800, "Rob" <rob_murfin@hotmail.com> wrote:
So what will you be calling Dec 25? Fuc*ing Sunday or fu*ing Christmas
fu*ing day? I go for Sunday. We call the day after "Boxing Day" here.
Les Hellawell
One of my kids asked me why boxing day was called boxing day. I admit,
even tho' I'm sure I saw something on Blue Peter in about 1975 about
this, I didnt have a clue.
(note for US readers; "Blue Peter" = BBC "educational" middle class
kids TV programme)
I'm convinced that Blue Peter was subsidised by washing-up liquid
retailers. Or at least the plastic bottles thereof.
And if you don't understand that remark, you quite likely never will.
Mind you - I read some interesting stats about the US/UK god/ god
holiday/evolution thing at the weekend:
2004/5 surveys
% of US population not believing in evolution = 60+%
% of UK Church of England clergymen believing in creationism/genesis =
03%
% of random sample in UK who knew what idea "easter" was based on = 41%
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| User: "" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
16 Dec 2005 06:09:37 AM |
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Michael Gray wrote:
On 16 Dec 2005 01:15:31 -0800, "Rob" <rob_murfin@hotmail.com> wrote:
So what will you be calling Dec 25? Fuc*ing Sunday or fu*ing Christmas
fu*ing day? I go for Sunday. We call the day after "Boxing Day" here.
Les Hellawell
One of my kids asked me why boxing day was called boxing day. I admit,
even tho' I'm sure I saw something on Blue Peter in about 1975 about
this, I didnt have a clue.
(note for US readers; "Blue Peter" = BBC "educational" middle class
kids TV programme)
The show wouldn't have been possible in America as the name of the
show is too racy. "Peter" being a euphemism for penis the title would
have implied a cyanotic penis, perhaps a bit too necrophiliac for the
adults, and the kids would have sniggered about it being about a Smurf
*****.
I'm convinced that Blue Peter was subsidised by washing-up liquid
retailers. Or at least the plastic bottles thereof.
And if you don't understand that remark, you quite likely never will.
Mind you - I read some interesting stats about the US/UK god/ god
holiday/evolution thing at the weekend:
2004/5 surveys
% of US population not believing in evolution = 60+%
% of UK Church of England clergymen believing in creationism/genesis =
03%
% of random sample in UK who knew what idea "easter" was based on = 41%
.
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| User: "CFW Walther" |
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| Title: The Days WAS: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
14 Dec 2005 08:42:58 AM |
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Rob wrote:
Hey - I'm an atheist but I still call the day after Wednesday fuc*ing
"Thursday" even t ho it was named after a god.
How VERY nice for you.
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| User: "Robibnikoff" |
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| Title: Re: The Days WAS: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
14 Dec 2005 10:24:51 AM |
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"CFW Walther" <brandtman77@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1134571378.733377.109150@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Rob wrote:
Hey - I'm an atheist but I still call the day after Wednesday fuc*ing
"Thursday" even t ho it was named after a god.
How VERY nice for you.
Yes, isn't it though.
--
Robyn
Resident Witchypoo
#1557
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| User: "Nightshade" |
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| Title: Re: The Days WAS: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
15 Dec 2005 01:13:16 AM |
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On Wed, 14 Dec 2005 11:24:51 -0500, While I was gettin a beer,
somebody wrote:
"CFW Walther" <brandtman77@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1134571378.733377.109150@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Rob wrote:
Hey - I'm an atheist but I still call the day after Wednesday fuc*ing
"Thursday" even t ho it was named after a god.
How VERY nice for you.
Yes, isn't it though.
It avoids confusion, I suppose.
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| User: "CFW Walther" |
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| Title: Re: The Days WAS: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
15 Dec 2005 12:44:41 PM |
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Nightshade wrote:
On Wed, 14 Dec 2005 11:24:51 -0500, While I was gettin a beer,
somebody wrote:
"CFW Walther" <brandtman77@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1134571378.733377.109150@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
Rob wrote:
Hey - I'm an atheist but I still call the day after Wednesday fuc*ing
"Thursday" even t ho it was named after a god.
How VERY nice for you.
Yes, isn't it though.
It avoids confusion, I suppose.
It makes for good social order, I would think.
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| User: "Les Hellawell" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
12 Dec 2005 05:13:14 AM |
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On 11 Dec 2005 22:42:11 -0800, "CFW Walther" <brandtman77@gmail.com>
wrote:
GO TO START
---------------------------
DEVIATION
Uh... Solstice worship is a "god" just not a Christian one. You are far
from being an atheist.
GO TO CONTINUATION
------------------------------
START:
Q wrote:
Hi all,
Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
that I enjoy doing the silly Christmas thing every year
including the presents and to a lesser extent the
tree. The gift giving is fun, especially the part
about contemplating what other people need and want,
as is the strategizing and the forming of little gift-giving
alliances. Why Christmas? Because honoring Winter Solstice
feel ungenuine, out of sync, and requires tedious
explanation.
So in the end, whatever Xmas originally was, today in our
modern secular society it is a useful social ritual, and
I suspect that for 90% of North Americans it does not
involve any significant consideration of a prophet or god.
The fringe 10% who are fundies are the exception.
-Q
GO TO DEVIATION
---------------------------------------------------
CONTINUATION:
DEVIATION ENDS
The management apologises for this disruption to
normal routine which was beyond our control.
Since when was the 'solstice' a god and why would we wish to
'worship' an annual physical event? We celebrate it happening
noT worship it and are happy that the days start to lengthen
again heralding a coming new year. What better reason to
celebrate at this time of year?
Les Hellawell
Greetings from:
YORKSHIRE The White Rose County
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| User: "CFW Walther" |
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| Title: Re: I'm an atheist, but I still do the Xmas thing. |
12 Dec 2005 12:48:44 PM |
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Les Hellawell wrote:
On 11 Dec 2005 22:42:11 -0800, "CFW Walther" <brandtman77@gmail.com>
wrote:
GO TO START
---------------------------
DEVIATION
Uh... Solstice worship is a "god" just not a Christian one. You are far
from being an atheist.
GO TO CONTINUATION
------------------------------
START:
Q wrote:
Hi all,
Now, I'm an atheist, thus I argue that gods are merely
the invention of people who want to control the minds
of other people, and nothing more. However I do admit
that I enjoy doing the silly Christmas thing every year
including the presents and to a lesser extent the
tree. The gift giving is fun, especially the part
about contemplating what other people need and want,
as is the strategizing and the forming of little gift-giving
alliances. Why Christmas? Because honoring Winter Solstice
feel ungenuine, out of sync, and requires tedious
explanation.
So in the end, whatever Xmas originally was, today in our
modern secular society it is a useful social ritual, and
I suspect that for 90% of North Americans it does not
involve any significant consideration of a prophet or god.
The fringe 10% who are fundies are the exception.
-Q
GO TO DEVIATION
---------------------------------------------------
CONTINUATION:
DEVIATION ENDS
The management apologises for this disruption to
normal routine which was beyond our control.
Since when was the 'solstice' a god and why would we wish to
'worship' an annual physical event? We celebrate it happening
noT worship it and are happy that the days start to lengthen
again heralding a coming new year. What better reason to
celebrate at this time of year?
Les Hellawell
Greetings from:
YORKSHIRE The White Rose County
I believe the term is pantheism. The worship of nature or some aspect
of it.
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