General Chat

A lot of the Christmas traditions are nothing whatever to do with Christmas - cards, tree, stockings, etc. I do these things although I am not religious, because they are fun for the children. I also believe that celebrating the winter solstice is a way of welcoming some light and colour into a drab and dreary season and trying to feel hopeful about the coming spring. There are many faiths which celebrate rebirth and have their own festivals of light. nell

Oh dear, I can see that there has been some awkwardness and am sorry about that. However, I feel that I must just say one thing about "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 do not think that I could categorically state that I can be more happy than another person for whatever reason. I don't think so. in friendship, Joy

perhaps "God botherers" was a poor choice of words Andy lol

Paul Just what I would have liked to say, but of course you say it far better than I could. I am content with my choices, as everyone should be BUT more importantly I also feel I am tolerant of people no matter what their beliefs are, in the end really it is none of my business what others choose. Tolerance is far more important. Thank you Andy for posting this, I enjoyed it. Respect Pat x

Joy! Angry? Upset? I hope just injecting some life and personal interest into these boards!

have fished the Ouse in many spots when I was a lad (since I live in Milton Keynes) - not been for many years though. Favourite spot was at Ravenstone Mill (Beds), some huge Barbel there (not that I ever caught any - not there anyway).

I gain the impression that you are upset or angry, Andy. I am very sorry. I don't know what a god botherer is, I am just an ordinary person. wishing you all well, :) Joy

one last comment for Dave You're quite right that religion is a personal thing, and I hope that Gaynor gets some strength (of which she has plenty already) from whatever her beliefs are. What I dont think is right to mock people who don't believe the same thing as you do - I don't mock Christians for for their beliefs, so its' unfair to mock Andy for his.

Paul, it is a lovely place. I hope to fish the upper Ouse in the summer if my hip is up to it.

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.

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!

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

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

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)?

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

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.

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.

What do you mean by that Roxanne?

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.

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