General Chat

Or Easter for that matter. This follows on from an earlier thread where this question was asked. As an atheist from a family of nonbelievers and with a family of nonbelievers I have to say yes, and I don't feel guilty about it. Most of the festivals in the Christian calendar overlay older pagan celebrations which I am entirely in concurrence with. Obviously we don't celebrate Christianity, but the coming together of family and hope for the forthcoming seasons.

Hi Andy, i'm with you on this. I'm an atheist and am frequently asked why I celebrate Christmas. I reply that I actually consider it 'Winterfest'--the coming together of loved ones to mark the changing of the seasons. I only call it Christmas cos that's the recognised word for that time of year. I don't celebrate Easter at all, apart from enjoying the long weekend!

Andy As a family of humanists yes we celebrate Christmas and Easter for the exact same reasons. As most of the people would be celebrating on a Religious basis it's a very good way of bringing believers and non-believers together. I see absolutely nothing wrong in doing that. My three Children (and one still does) attend a multi-demonational school and they get the chance to celebrate other Religious festivals as well. and I see no harm in that either. In fact life would be a bit boring without I would think. Good Point though Andy Pat x

I think you miss the point David. The celebration of the winter solstice predates Christianity by thousands of years. That is what we are celebrating. The winter solstice is time when we come together to celebrate the fruitfulness of the previous year and hope for similar in the forthcoming year. Nothing to do with Christ or religion, just the belief in the cycle of the seasons and man's efforts.

Fred, do you have anything sensible to add?

Nicely though out and well presented argument David! Do we now take you seriously?

Muslims, Buddhists, Hindu, Seikhs, all other religions, as well as non believers are all entitled to the same amount of holidays as anyone else. Luckily none are forced to believe, just to have equal rights to the same thing everyone else living in a Christian Country has. So now minority groups in a Christian Country are not entitled to equal rights??? Pat

Nicely put Andy lol I said this when the question came up before. I have no belief in any God, Christian or other. However my family do, and so I join them in celebrating - it's tradition more than anything.

Yes, presumably from previous threads!! Christmas - the mass of Christ - it celebrates his birthday. :) Joy

well andy my husband is one but he still expects presentsxxxxxx(:

David. Please, don't be so insulting! Given the number of people who go to church in these days I don't think your statistics hold any water. And my disbelief in your God is based on scientific logic. Whereas your belief in God is based on the suspension of reason and dedication to disbelief in logic. We may choose to see things different ways, and I am not surprised that you probably perceive me as a lesser person because I can't be bothered with your God. However I am proud of my atheism.

What do you mean by that Roxanne?

lets not hang the man here. He says he's nt a Christian - fair enough. He quite correctly points out hat most Christian festivals take place at the time when pre-existing "pagan" festivals took place. These are FACTS - not someone trying to be trendy.

And David. I nearly replied in kind but I am sorry for you. I must bow to your superior intellect! I shall remain yours the King of Cool, Andy.

I don't belive in God neither does my husband or children. But that doesn't stop me wanting prezzies at christmas, and putting the crimbo tree up.... and I love having bank holidays off from work. I would join in anybody's celebration...and usually do. I don't have to believe in it though. Sue xx

Atheist - One who disbelieves or denies the existence of God or gods. It's probable that a man, born in the middle east of jewish descent calling himself Jesus existed. I deny that he was the son of god but he was obviously talented at healing and offered good counsel. So why should that prevent me from celebrating the winter solstice? And could someone explain to me why christians celebrate Samhain (Hallowe'en)?

Janet I only celebrate Haloween,as it is my Birthday.

the christians that i know, don't celebrate haloween....

Please allow me the last comment on this thread. I walked in the mist by the river Ouse today at Passenham Mill by Stony Stratford. I thought about what would happen if my forthcoming hip replacement failed, and perhaps I died under the anaesthetic. I know then I would cease to exist as a physical entity. I would only exist in the memory of people who I have left. I'm very happy with that. Now I don't think that manner of my death is a reality. But when I die I shall be very content with what I have left behind me. I owe nothing to any god or any man, I hope I have helped other people and been helped in fair measure. All you god botherers please be assured that some of us do not need it, we can be more happy than you without your god and your afterlife. I hope this satisfies your image of people like me dancing naked around fires!

and what a lovely place to have walked - I live about 3 miles away, and most of my maternal line was from Passenham and the surrounding villages.