what is up with "season's greetings"? [Archive]

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iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 08:20 AM

Eraserhead

Dec 17, 2009, 08:23 AM

I think all of my Christmas cards say that, its a non-religious greeting.

EDIT: Aside from sending cards to the Japanese - where a greeting like that is probably appropriate - I'm not concerned either way.

IntheNet

Dec 17, 2009, 08:28 AM

Iscariot

Dec 17, 2009, 08:28 AM

Pretty sure it's a non-denominational greeting that allows one to have to buy merely one set of cards.

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 08:33 AM

Pretty sure it's a non-denominational greeting that allows one to have to buy merely one set of cards.

so people routinely send out spring season's greetings to people they never talk to any other time of the year...but are on a "list" of people that should receive pointless cards...right?

Eraserhead

Dec 17, 2009, 08:38 AM

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 08:44 AM

Likely someone trying to be politically correct and short-circuit the Christmas holiday and de-emphasize the Birth of Christ; a pivotal event in the history of this earth and the Reason for the Season!!!

http://i50.tinypic.com/5vx17r.jpg

Oy vey :rolleyes:

It's someone not knowing the religious beliefs of the recipient and rather than guess at their religion, they sent out a card that covers everyone. There's no war on Christmas. There's no attempt to de-emphasize the birth of Christ (although the people who turn it into a commercial shopping holiday seem to be one ones doing that). Get over yourselves already.

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 08:47 AM

I should also add that if I was sending cards to someone who was reasonably Christian I would try and send one with "Merry Christmas" and send "Seasons greetings" if they were a member of any other religion.

i get that. i guess my concern is more so over that particular phrase seasons greetings..

1) christian...merry christmas
2) jewish - something related to that holiday (do they even send and receive cards for this)
3) 3 kings - already celebrate christmas to a certain extent, but stress different parts of it...dont see any problem with sending merry christmas.
4) if you aren't religious...why even send that person a card?

so my confusion is with the phrase seasons greetings...i cant seem to find any point or reason to it besides a pure commercial aspect to it.

remmy

Dec 17, 2009, 08:49 AM

I think your life must be pretty good if your biggest worry is the message someone put in a card to you when they hope to wish you well.

Rt&Dzine

Dec 17, 2009, 08:53 AM

Seriously, if you've never heard "season's greetings" before, you must be living in a cave. IMHO it's nasty to return a card. I get Christian Christmas cards all the time and I would never insult the sender by returning their card.

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 08:53 AM

i get that. i guess my concern is more so over that particular phrase seasons greetings..

1) christian...merry christmas
2) jewish - something related to that holiday (do they even send and receive cards for this)
3) 3 kings - already celebrate christmas to a certain extent, but stress different parts of it...dont see any problem with sending merry christmas.
4) if you aren't religious...why even send that person a card?

so my confusion is with the phrase seasons greetings...i cant seem to find any point or reason to it besides a pure commercial aspect to it.

The word season in Seasons Greetings has nothing to do with it being winter, summer, spring or fall. Season references the holiday season, the time when all of the major religions have a holiday and when the new year begins, it just so happens to be in the winter. It's basically saying "Greetings, have a great holiday season!" in fewer words.

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 08:58 AM

I think your life must be pretty good if your biggest worry is the message someone put in a card to you when they hope to wish you well.

i try to understand why people do what they do. thats all. habits rule our lives it seems. i don't use the United States postal service unless I am required to send something in for some government agency such as the DMV. so this card swapping is of interest to me. if you want to wish me well...come visit me...bring me some non-sugared food item, protein, or chicken.

lord patton

Dec 17, 2009, 09:01 AM

I should also add that if I was sending cards to someone who was reasonably Christian I would try and send one with "Merry Christmas" and send "Seasons greetings" if they were a member of any other religion.

Oy vey :rolleyes:

It's someone not knowing the religious beliefs of the recipient and rather than guess at their religion, they sent out a card that covers everyone. There's no war on Christmas. There's no attempt to de-emphasize the birth of Christ (although the people who turn it into a commercial shopping holiday seem to be one ones doing that). Get over yourselves already.

Personally, I think the card's message should reflect the beliefs of the sender not the recipient. I don't expect a Jewish person to wish me a Merry Christmas, but would gladly accept whatever goodwill they have to offer, in whatever form it's expressed. In fact, I'd prefer they include their own religion, because if they're my friend I respect that part of them and would never expect them to refrain from mentioning it.

I know there are some folks who make it a *huge* cultural war thing. But perhaps it is a *little* cultural battle thing. I think Christians perceive a suggestion that not only should they not say "Merry Christmas", but that they would be bigoted neanderthals if they do. That's hyperbole, to be sure, but I don't think Christian's are inventing it out of whole cloth.

Surely one is not inconsiderate to wish a Muslim Merry Christmas. I think it inconsiderate to expect someone to table their beliefs so as to not offend (via a throw-away greeting, at that!).

And then some people simply take offense at removing something meaningful and replacing it with a banality.

I'm agnostic, and I love it when someone say God Bless You, or may angels guard over you, etc. It's an expression of their best wishes for me. If they feel Christ came to bring me eternal life in paradise, cool. If you're right I hope to see you there, and in the meantime, I will have a good couple weeks. :)

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 09:01 AM

i try to understand why people do what they do. thats all. habits rule our lives it seems. i don't use the United States postal service unless I am required to send something in for some government agency such as the DMV. so this card swapping is of interest to me. if you want to wish me well...come visit me...bring me some non-sugared food item, protein, or chicken.

If you have family and friends who live out of town, it's a lot cheaper to mail a $3 card for 44 cents than to buy a $400 plane ticket to visit. Not to mention if they have a lot of out of town friends and family, they'll need many plane tickets. And time off work to make their rounds :rolleyes:

Eraserhead

Dec 17, 2009, 09:05 AM

i try to understand why people do what they do.

Fair enough :).

i don't use the United States postal service unless I am required to send something in for some government agency such as the DMV. so this card swapping is of interest to me.

Its just like a birthday card ;).

4) if you aren't religious...why even send that person a card?

Because Christmas is something that is also celebrated secularly in the UK.

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 09:10 AM

Fair enough :).

Its just like a birthday card ;).

Because Christmas is something that is also celebrated secularly in the UK.

i so there are religious Christmas cards and non-religious Christmas cards, like Santa and Frosty cards. I get it.

Rt&Dzine

Dec 17, 2009, 09:18 AM

i so there are religious Christmas cards and non-religious Christmas cards, like Santa and Frosty cards. I get it.

Where are you from? Are you new to the United States?

rdowns

Dec 17, 2009, 09:20 AM

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 09:26 AM

Where are you from? Are you new to the United States?

no...I just forgot the difference between the two. i should add...i always thought of christmas as a religious holiday, even in the late 1980s. So to me Santa is in a way, religious. So my situation is complicating.

IntheNet

Dec 17, 2009, 09:26 AM

It's someone not knowing the religious beliefs of the recipient and rather than guess at their religion, they sent out a card that covers everyone.

I believe that if you care enough to go through the effort to send a card to someone you know them well enough to ask about their religious faith; if you don't then the thread starter was simply making a point that a generic "seasons greetings" message sounds very politically correct and overtly wishy washy... Secular holidays don't ignore the point of day and issue "seasons greetings" type sentiment; why should Christmas?

There's no war on Christmas.

In the other related thread, we established there was and battles outbreak daily in that war....

There's no attempt to de-emphasize the birth of Christ (although the people who turn it into a commercial shopping holiday seem to be one ones doing that). Get over yourselves already.

It's a minor point those familiar with Christians should fully recognize; we take the Birth of Christ seriously...

Rt&Dzine

Dec 17, 2009, 09:31 AM

no...I just forgot the difference between the two.

Got it. You're just making a point by pretending to be ignorant.

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 09:34 AM

Got it. You're just making a point by pretending to be ignorant.

No i edited that post since I original added that.

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 09:34 AM

It's a minor point those familiar with Christians should fully recognize; we take the Birth of Christ seriously...

Yes, that's why they're standing outside Wal-Mart at 2 in the morning and will trample people to death for 10% off a flat panel TV. All in the name of Christ :rolleyes:

rdowns

Dec 17, 2009, 09:35 AM

It's a minor point those familiar with Christians should fully recognize; we take the Birth of Christ seriously...

So why not celebrate on the date he was really born? Of course I would be in favor of moving it to a Monday or Friday so we can get a 3 day weekend out of the deal.

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 09:40 AM

So why not celebrate on the date he was really born? Of course I would be in favor of moving it to a Monday or Friday so we can get a 3 day weekend out of the deal.

I am in favor of celebrating the birth of all religious figures on consecutive days so we get at least a week off work. Moses on the 23rd, Mohammed on the 24th, Jesus on the 25th, FSM on the 26th, Bhudda on the 27th. And for the Atheists, we can celebrate the birth of nothing on the 28th.

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 09:41 AM

Yes, that's why they're standing outside Wal-Mart at 2 in the morning and will trample people to death for 10% off a flat panel TV. All in the name of Christ :rolleyes:

i can not prove this..but if you go up to those people in the stampede and ask them are you religious...i would guess they will say "no, why you ask?" So i'm not sure why you are associating them with the religious.

with that said, unless you want to be a social outcast and live in the forests of Wyoming, you need to go along with commercialization and buy gifts for people for Christmas. (if you have kids...well Santa better buy the gifts or you got trouble).

But i have no kids..so I dislike buying presents but i still need to do it. I would prefer not receiving any presents. To me, I dont get excited by that. I would simply prefer spending time with someone, and not receive a gift. Dont get me wrong, seeing happiness from someone who receives a gift is nice, but would they be as happy if I simply dropped in?

lord patton

Dec 17, 2009, 09:41 AM

Yes, that's why they're standing outside Wal-Mart at 2 in the morning and will trample people to death for 10% off a flat panel TV. All in the name of Christ :rolleyes:

a) those people are stupid
b) what makes you think they're Christian?
c) why are buying a TV in November and celebrating the birth of Christ in December mutually exclusive?
d) those people are stupid

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 09:46 AM

a) those people are stupid
b) what makes you think they're Christian?
c) why are buying a TV in November and celebrating the birth of Christ in December mutually exclusive?
d) those people are stupid

I don't know how many of them are Christian, but since Christians are an overwhelming majority in this country, chances are, many of the people in line are Christian. To what degree, I don't know, but I'm sure several of them would claim to be religious. And I know several religious Christians who do the Black Friday thing.

As for your 3rd point, the entire reason for the big sales and the stampedes is for Christmas. They're advertised as Christmas sales and are when many people buy gifts. Black Friday is all about the Christmas season.

IntheNet

Dec 17, 2009, 09:46 AM

Yes, that's why they're standing outside Wal-Mart at 2 in the morning and will trample people to death for 10% off a flat panel TV. All in the name of Christ :rolleyes:

Not really relevant to Christmas discussion; bad security at a retail establishment warrants its own thread...

So why not celebrate on the date he was really born?

I have my Christmas decorations up 365-days-a-year for that very point! But, in fairness, December 25th is the day set aside to honor the Lord's birth...

Of course I would be in favor of moving it to a Monday or Friday so we can get a 3 day weekend out of the deal.

In my opinion Christmas should be celebrated for Christ's sake alone not for the sake of "get a 3 day weekend" selfish reasons. But that's just my opinion.

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 09:47 AM

a) those people are stupid
b) what makes you think they're Christian?
c) why are buying a TV in November and celebrating the birth of Christ in December mutually exclusive?
d) those people are stupid

your C) is a very good point.

I highly doubt most people shopping on black friday are actually buying gifts for others. They might be buying gifts for the "family" which means them. Who buys tvs and laptops for friends? They buy it for the kids etc. You can make the claim why do they then wait until Dec 25 to hand out, but that argument is missing the point here.

In truth, i suspect people go out trying to buy themselves some of the cheapest sh&t they can get their paws on on black friday. They will go to the mall the weekend before christmas for all other people.

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 09:50 AM

I have my Christmas decorations up 365-days-a-year for that very point! But, in fairness, December 25th is the day set aside to honor the Lord's birth...

Not the lord. Your lord. Calling him the lord is offensive to those of other religions. No one is the lord or our lord. It's all your lord.

In my opinion Christmas should be celebrated for Christ's sake alone not for the sake of "get a 3 day weekend" selfish reasons. But that's just my opinion.
I don't celebrate Christmas or the birth of your lord, so all Christmas is to me is a day off work. And when it falls on a Friday or Monday, even better! I love 3 day weekends and I'm glad it's on a Friday this year.

Rt&Dzine

Dec 17, 2009, 09:53 AM

a) those people are stupid
b) what makes you think they're Christian?

Statistics.

rdowns

Dec 17, 2009, 09:54 AM

I have my Christmas decorations up 365-days-a-year for that very point! But, in fairness, December 25th is the day set aside to honor the Lord's birth…

Lord's birth? I'm still waiting for proof of that. Until such time as its offered, he's just another brown dude born long ago.

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 09:54 AM

Not the lord. Your lord. Calling him the lord is offensive to those of other religions. No one is the lord or our lord. It's all your lord.

I don't celebrate Christmas or the birth of your lord, so all Christmas is to me is a day off work. And when it falls on a Friday or Monday, even better! I love 3 day weekends and I'm glad it's on a Friday this year.

and you do know your comments there are pretty offensive to him, me, and other christians...so what exactly is your point? Might as well be offensive to everyone then..right?

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 09:55 AM

and you do know your comments there are pretty offensive to him, me, and other christians...so what exactly is your point? Might as well be offensive to everyone then..right?

The fact that not everyone believes in the same thing as you, and to some people Christmas represents just an extra day off work and nothing more offends you?

jessica.

Dec 17, 2009, 10:02 AM

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 10:02 AM

The fact that not everyone believes in the same thing as you, and to some people Christmas represents just an extra day off work and nothing more offends you?

no, that you told him that he shouldn't say "the" and instead say "my". Thats offensive. in the church, thats blasphemous, but for this thread, i consider it offensive.

if a muslim said, the allah is great. I and the majority of people wouldn't be offended. I wouldn't go, excuse me, you really should say your allah, and not the allah.

If him saying my is offensive, i can only imagine how offended you are when something offensive actually occurs to you.

rdowns

Dec 17, 2009, 10:02 AM

I don't celebrate Christmas or the birth of your lord, so all Christmas is to me is a day off work. And when it falls on a Friday or Monday, even better! I love 3 day weekends and I'm glad it's on a Friday this year.

Me too. Since I'm pretty religious, I'm taking off early on Thursday for xmas eve.

and you do know your comments there are pretty offensive to him, me, and other christians...so what exactly is your point? Might as well be offensive to everyone then..right?

Damn straight. :D

lord patton

Dec 17, 2009, 10:04 AM

I don't know how many of them are Christian, but since Christians are an overwhelming majority in this country, chances are, many of the people in line are Christian. To what degree, I don't know, but I'm sure several of them would claim to be religious. And I know several religious Christians who do the Black Friday thing.

As for your 3rd point, the entire reason for the big sales and the stampedes is for Christmas. They're advertised as Christmas sales and are when many people buy gifts. Black Friday is all about the Christmas season.

I'm not sure it's "an overwhelming majority" who are Christians, but certainly there is a "large minority" who are not. And if their behavior is exactly the same as the Christians'—buying **** on a November Friday—it's a good sign the behavior isn't related to being Christian or celebrating the birth of Christ.

your C) is a very good point.

I highly doubt most people shopping on black friday are actually buying gifts for others...
..In truth, i suspect people go out trying to buy themselves some of the cheapest sh&t they can get their paws on on black friday.

Yes, this.

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 10:05 AM

Really? You got a card and sent it back because it said "seasons greetings"? Man you're such a badass. :rolleyes:

Seriously, when you work in the real world you get used to not saying Merry Christmas as people of all faiths work in offices. It will make sense why people do this when you get a little older. I think sending it back is more offensive.

i never said what my age is or what i do with my days. I am between 21 and 41 though and it was an email card. i replied back with my message.

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 10:06 AM

no, that you told him that he shouldn't say "the" and instead say "my". Thats offensive. in the church, thats blasphemous, but for this thread, i consider it offensive.

if a muslim said, the allah is great. I and the majority of people wouldn't be offended. I wouldn't go, excuse me, you really should say your allah, and not the allah.

If him saying my is offensive, i can only imagine how offended you are when something offensive actually occurs to you.

No, you don't seem to get it. By saying Jesus is THE lord, you are implying that he is the lord of everybody. Muslims, Jews, Atheists, Bhuddists, etc. However, people of those religions do not consider him to be their lord and would probably find it offensive. Muslims, Jews and Bhuddists have their own people they consider their lord, Atheists have none. To say that Jesus is the lord, you are saying "No, you're wrong. so-and-so isn't your lord. Jesus is" and many of other faiths would probably find that offensive to their own beliefs. Jesus is not my lord. Never has been, never will be.

Eraserhead

Dec 17, 2009, 10:14 AM

I don't know how many of them are Christian, but since Christians are an overwhelming majority in this country, chances are, many of the people in line are Christian. To what degree, I don't know, but I'm sure several of them would claim to be religious. And I know several religious Christians who do the Black Friday thing.

I think its fair to say that like muslim suicide bombers don't represent Islam they aren't living up to their religion and don't represent Christianity.

no, that you told him that he shouldn't say "the" and instead say "my". Thats offensive. in the church, thats blasphemous, but for this thread, i consider it offensive.

Agreed

No, you don't seem to get it. By saying Jesus is THE lord, you are implying that he is the lord of everybody. Muslims, Jews, Atheists, Bhuddists, etc. However, people of those religions do not consider him to be their lord and would probably find it offensive. Muslims, Jews and Bhuddists have their own people they consider their lord, Atheists have none. To say that Jesus is the lord, you are saying "No, you're wrong. so-and-so isn't your lord. Jesus is" and many of other faiths would probably find that offensive to their own beliefs. Jesus is not my lord. Never has been, never will be.

By the same token saying "Allah is great" (or "god is great") is offensive to Polytheists (e.g. Hindus). Which is ridiculous.

IntheNet

Dec 17, 2009, 10:23 AM

davidjearly

Dec 17, 2009, 10:26 AM

In my opinion Christmas should be celebrated for Christ's sake alone not for the sake of "get a 3 day weekend" selfish reasons. But that's just my opinion.

I think rdowns knew that, and I liked the point he was trying to make.

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 10:33 AM

You're moving away from the issue... here... answer a straight up question will you? Would you object to someone changing Martin Luther King Day on calendar to something like Happy Holiday (fill in your own observance) along the lines of seasons greetings?

Multiple holidays are not celebrated on or around the same time as MLK day. Seasons Greetings/Happy Holidays are generic catch-all phrases due to the fact that several holidays are celebrated by different groups of people at the same time. If there was no Chanukah, Ramada, Festivus, Kwanzaa, etc, and just Christmas, then Happy Holidays would make no sense.

OllyW

Dec 17, 2009, 10:40 AM

In my opinion Christmas should be celebrated for Christ's sake alone not for the sake of "get a 3 day weekend" selfish reasons. But that's just my opinion.

3 day weekend? :eek:

I break up tomorrow and go back to work on the 4th January. :cool:

leekohler

Dec 17, 2009, 10:47 AM

Oy vey :rolleyes:

It's someone not knowing the religious beliefs of the recipient and rather than guess at their religion, they sent out a card that covers everyone. There's no war on Christmas. There's no attempt to de-emphasize the birth of Christ (although the people who turn it into a commercial shopping holiday seem to be one ones doing that). Get over yourselves already.

Exactly. I have no idea who's what in my office. I don't need to put my foot in my mouth if someone is Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu or Jehovah's Witness, etc.

Macky-Mac

Dec 17, 2009, 11:04 AM

I received an email card today that said season's greetings. I sent it back and said you sent this to the wrong person. ...

why would you make a deliberately offensive response to somebody who's thought of you and sent you a pleasant greeting?? That seems intentionally rude :confused:

leekohler

Dec 17, 2009, 11:13 AM

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 11:20 AM

why would you make a deliberately offensive response to somebody who's thought of you and sent you a pleasant greeting?? That seems intentionally rude :confused:

To try to make some ridiculous political point and embarrass the person for no real good reason. I'm sure that person won't bother next year. I know I wouldn't.

one of my general rules is to look at a situation from both sides. For all you know, this person could have deliberately did this to annoy me because they knew how upset i would get.

in truth, i told the person, why send this to me now and not december 21? i do not want this card and instead like summer more so send it to me on June 21 if you are so inclined to greet a particular season.

djellison

Dec 17, 2009, 11:24 AM

we take the Birth of Christ seriously...

That's lovely. Could you take it somewhere else please.

leekohler

Dec 17, 2009, 11:25 AM

one of my general rules is to look at a situation from both sides. For all you know, this person could have deliberately did this to annoy me because they knew how upset i would get.

If you suspected that, why didn't you say that in your OP? How can I look at both sides if I don't know what sides they are?

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 11:30 AM

in truth, i told the person, why send this to me now and not december 21? i do not want this card and instead like summer more so send it to me on June 21 if you are so inclined to greet a particular season.

If I sent someone a card and they were that ungrateful to me, I'd never send them a god damn thing ever again.

LethalWolfe

Dec 17, 2009, 11:37 AM

why do people do this?
To be nice and you threw that act of kindness back in their face. Good Job.

Personally, I think the card's message should reflect the beliefs of the sender not the recipient. I don't expect a Jewish person to wish me a Merry Christmas, but would gladly accept whatever goodwill they have to offer, in whatever form it's expressed. In fact, I'd prefer they include their own religion, because if they're my friend I respect that part of them and would never expect them to refrain from mentioning it.
Stop being so tolerant. It makes it harder for some people to nail themselves up on a cross. Also, I'm sure Jesus would sternly object to you loving your neighbors like you do.

You're moving away from the issue... here... answer a straight up question will you? Would you object to someone changing Martin Luther King Day on calendar to something like Happy Holiday (fill in your own observance) along the lines of seasons greetings?
You mean kinda like what happened to Washington's Birthday?

Lethal

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 11:52 AM

If I sent someone a card and they were that ungrateful to me, I'd never send them a god damn thing ever again.

she apparently likes something about me then. my charming looks? my miami beach cardboard box, i mean house? or my name being orlando?

obeygiant

Dec 17, 2009, 12:27 PM

rdowns

Dec 17, 2009, 12:39 PM

"Season's Greetings" is a greeting more commonly used as a motto on winter season greeting cards than as a spoken phrase.

In addition to "Merry Christmas", Victorian Christmas cards bore a variety of salutations, including "Compliments of the Season" and "Christmas Greetings." By the late 19th century, "With the Season's Greetings" or simply "The Season's Greetings" began appearing. By the 1920s it had been shortened to "Season's Greetings," [8] and has been a greeting card fixture ever since.

Several White House Christmas cards, including U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower's 1955 card, have featured the phrase. [9]

PolySciSurfer

Dec 17, 2009, 12:43 PM

jessica.

Dec 17, 2009, 12:53 PM

If you suspected that, why didn't you say that in your OP? How can I look at both sides if I don't know what sides they are?

Because then we would not have 3 pages of responses to his over-dramatic post. I believe there is more to this and that for the sake of creating controversy he posted it just as he wished. I don't believe much thought went into making sure that both sides were explained and I believe if I were the woman who sent him this card only to get it back (or e-mail ... his story is unclear) I would stop being friends with him. I don't seem to get along well with over-entitled ungrateful people.

leekohler

Dec 17, 2009, 12:57 PM

Because then we would not have 3 pages of responses to his over-dramatic post. I believe there is more to this and that for the sake of creating controversy he posted it just as he wished. I don't believe much thought went into making sure that both sides were explained and I believe if I were the woman who sent him this card only to get it back (or e-mail ... his story is unclear) I would stop being friends with him. I don't seem to get along well with over-entitled ungrateful people.

Same here- withholding part of the story is not helpful, unless it produces the reactions you wanted in the first place.

PolySciSurfer

Dec 17, 2009, 12:57 PM

Macky-Mac

Dec 17, 2009, 12:59 PM

she apparently likes something about me then. my charming looks? my miami beach cardboard box, i mean house? or my name being orlando?

Perhaps you should send out a list to all your family, friends and acquaintances specifying what are acceptable greetings and which ones will cause you to react with outrage? Probably that will result in fewer people sending you greetings in the first place so your chances of being offended by the good wishes of other people will be greatly reduced. :D

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 01:01 PM

Because then we would not have 3 pages of responses to his over-dramatic post. I believe there is more to this and that for the sake of creating controversy he posted it just as he wished. I don't believe much thought went into making sure that both sides were explained and I believe if I were the woman who sent him this card only to get it back (or e-mail ... his story is unclear) I would stop being friends with him. I don't seem to get along well with over-entitled ungrateful people.

you basically say that to every thread I start though...i only recall this because a) your screenname is that of a girl and b) you have a XXX-rated picture of an animal as an icon.

and all i said was I sent the card back...now posters are saying I am filled with outrage over this incidence. You people are making this into a big problem, not me.

leekohler

Dec 17, 2009, 01:02 PM

I love Macrumors. It's the only place I can be a "Liberal" and not get flogged for it. I'm so sick and tired of Chrisitan America. I love America, but I can't stand Christians. Funny to, because I actually like Christianity, but Christians today certainly don't practice Christianity in its true nature. Christians in America practice "Conservatism." And that has nothing to do with Jesus or God, and everything to do with their cultural agenda.

To be fair, many Christians are not like the ones you hear shouting all the time. Theocrats, such as a few of our members, like to think they speak for God, Jesus and indeed, all Christians. They don't. They're dinosaurs whose days of telling everyone else what to do are fading. This is their last gasp. And the last gasp is always the loudest.

PolySciSurfer

Dec 17, 2009, 01:02 PM

Because then we would not have 3 pages of responses to his over-dramatic post. I believe there is more to this and that for the sake of creating controversy he posted it just as he wished. I don't believe much thought went into making sure that both sides were explained and I believe if I were the woman who sent him this card only to get it back (or e-mail ... his story is unclear) I would stop being friends with him. I don't seem to get along well with over-entitled ungrateful people.

+ 1 :D

Unfortunately Southern California is full of ungrateful, over-entitled people. Oh well, I have a feeling this economy is going to put a whole lot of people in their place.

it5five

Dec 17, 2009, 01:09 PM

...and b) you have a XXX-rated picture of an animal as an icon.

Hahahaha. Please tell me you're kidding? It's a cat cleaning itself. No sane person would consider that "XXX", unless you're the type of person that gets off to that sort of thing.

PolySciSurfer

Dec 17, 2009, 01:12 PM

To be fair, many Christians are not like the ones you hear shouting all the time. Theocrats, such as a few of our members, like to think they speak for God, Jesus and indeed, all Christians. They don't. They're dinosaurs whose days of telling everyone else what to do are fading. This is their last gasp. And the last gasp is always the loudest.

Well said. But it's the majority and not the minority of Christians that still believe in enforcing their beliefs on the masses. Same-sex marriage policy is a perfect example of that. This happens anytime Christians vote for a law that enforces their ideals on non-believers. It's absolutely wrong. What if the Jewish community passed a law that said nobody can eat pork on Sundays? Would that be fair? Christians would flip out. The point is no religion should have a right to enforce its beliefs on anyone that doesn't believe in that religion.

leekohler

Dec 17, 2009, 01:13 PM

Hahahaha. Please tell me you're kidding? It's a cat cleaning itself. No sane person would consider that "XXX", unless you're the type of person that gets off to that sort of thing.

To people like that, greek statues are XXX-rated.

Well said. But it's the majority and not the minority of Christians that still believe in enforcing their beliefs on the masses. Same-sex marriage policy is a perfect example of that. This happens anytime Christians vote for a law that enforces their ideals on non-believers. It's absolutely wrong. What if the Jewish community passed a law that said nobody can eat pork on Sundays? Would that be fair? Christians would flip out. The point is no religion should have a right to enforce its beliefs on anyone that doesn't believe in that religion.

There is definitely truth there. But as I said, they are dinosaurs whose days are fading. Don't worry, we'll defeat their attempts at theocracy. It WILL happen.

IntheNet

Dec 17, 2009, 01:15 PM

I love Macrumors. It's the only place I can be a "Liberal" and not get flogged for it. I'm so sick and tired of Chrisitan America. I love America, but I can't stand Christians. Funny to, because I actually like Christianity, but Christians today certainly don't practice Christianity in its true nature. Christians in America practice "Conservatism." And that has nothing to do with Jesus or God, and everything to do with their cultural agenda.

Do you venture out of California often? The progressive attitude you have seems isolated to liberal California - it certainly is not respective of the religious heart of this nation nor its majority, which is still very much Christian and not at all secular. Nonetheless it's a big country and we welcome all, even the minority that is secular and does not reflect this nation's Judeo-Christian traditions...

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 01:15 PM

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 01:18 PM

Hahahaha. Please tell me you're kidding? It's a cat cleaning itself. No sane person would consider that "XXX", unless you're the type of person that gets off to that sort of thing.

if i had a picture of my dog with his legs open on his back...i dont think thats appropriate in this venue.

PolySciSurfer

Dec 17, 2009, 01:21 PM

Do you venture out of California often? The progressive attitude you have seems isolated to liberal California - it certainly is not respective of the religious heart of this nation nor its majority, which is still very much Christian and not at all secular. Nonetheless it's a big country and we welcome all, even the minority that is secular and does not reflect this nation's Judeo-Christian traditions...

To be honest, what you just said makes me nauseous. Why is it so hard for people like you to separate your faith from your politics? You do realize that not everyone in the U.S. believes in your religion? So how is it fair to make laws that only reflect your beliefs? What if the situation were reversed? What if Islam ruled the land, and their beliefs were reflected in laws that you had to abide? Would that be fair? You need to step out of yourself and your community, and understand that there are people that think differently. Are they less important? Do they deserve less say? You cannot be a good Christian and ignore the needs of others. You should know that.

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 01:24 PM

if i had a picture of my dog with his legs open on his back...i dont think thats appropriate in this venue.

I would think it's a cute dog who wants someone to rub his belly. The dog doesn't know any better, the dog doesn't think it's doing a Playboy shoot when it rolls over on its back with its legs in the air :rolleyes:

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 01:27 PM

I would think it's a cute dog who wants someone to rub his belly. The dog doesn't know any better, the dog doesn't think it's doing a Playboy shoot when it rolls over on its back with its legs in the air :rolleyes:

dogs dont know any better. i fully support doggy pants as long as it appears that they are not in-juried or held back by said pants. like little shorts or something.

leekohler

Dec 17, 2009, 01:29 PM

dogs dont know any better. i fully support doggy pants as long as it appears that they are not in-juried or held back by said pants. like little shorts or something.

Oh man. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. :rolleyes:

yg17

Dec 17, 2009, 01:33 PM

Oh man. I don't know whether to laugh or cry. :rolleyes:

I'm doing a little bit of both. I don't know if the tears are from laughter or sadness though, so in a way, I'm in the same boat as you.

IntheNet

Dec 17, 2009, 01:36 PM

Why is it so hard for people like you to separate your faith from your politics?

I can't deny God, either in politics or in life. God comes first. Moreover, our politics here in this nation respects the Christian God; on our currency, In God We Trust, and in our prayers, ...Under God.... I see no need to separate anything; indeed our Founding Fathers built upon what the Pilgrims first established in America, The Mayflower Compact, an exodus from the Old World so the Pilgrims would be free, here in the New World, to openly practice religion. Nothing has changed from that.

You do realize that not everyone in the U.S. believes in your religion?

I don't believe I have objected to that or contested it; we have a diverse demographic in this nation. That's not news.

So how is it fair to make laws that only reflect your beliefs?

We cannot deny our Judeo-Christian heritage in this nation. That said, I am not advocating laws specific to one belief or another but open and inclusive, with respect to our Christian traditions. Explain your allegation.

You need to step out of yourself and your community, and understand that there are people that think differently. Are they less important? Do they deserve less say? You cannot be a good Christian and ignore the needs of others. You should know that.

Christians are very peaceful and embracing of others; with charity towards all. Again, explain your allegation?

rdowns

Dec 17, 2009, 01:53 PM

if i had a picture of my dog with his legs open on his back...i dont think thats appropriate in this venue.

Says the guy with a kid toucher as his avatar.

LethalWolfe

Dec 17, 2009, 01:59 PM

Christians are very peaceful and embracing of others; with charity towards all. Again, explain your allegation?
The KKK is very peaceful and embracing of others? Jerry Falwell was very peaceful and embracing of others? The Spanish Inquisition was very peaceful and embracing of others?

Generalize much?

Just like in all walks of life there are Christians that are very peaceful and embracing of others and there are Christians that are rapists and murders.

Lethal

eawmp1

Dec 17, 2009, 02:08 PM

Wow..one can be a troll and a christian.
And the pilgrims, if they existed today, would be considered a cult.

Happy holidays, one and all!!

IntheNet

Dec 17, 2009, 02:21 PM

Happy holidays, one and all!!

Merry Christmas! And so, as Tiny Tim observed in Dickens classic, God Bless Us, Every One!

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 02:23 PM

Wow..one can be a troll and a christian.
And the pilgrims, if they existed today, would be considered a cult.

Happy holidays, one and all!!

Merry Christmas! And so, as Tiny Tim observed in Dickens classic, God Bless Us, Every One!

beats seasons greetings.

rdowns

Dec 17, 2009, 02:24 PM

Christians are very peaceful and embracing of others; with charity towards all. Again, explain your allegation?

http://www.godhatesfags.com/

jessica.

Dec 17, 2009, 02:24 PM

you basically say that to every thread I start though...i only recall this because a) your screenname is that of a girl and b) you have a XXX-rated picture of an animal as an icon.

and all i said was I sent the card back...now posters are saying I am filled with outrage over this incidence. You people are making this into a big problem, not me.
You made it into a big problem when you opened a thread about it and used such an outrageous statement such as [sic] I sent it back to her. Which is like saying, I shoved it back in her ****ing face.
My point is that a fair number of your posts are just so dramatic and you seem to sensationalizing situations for your own entertainment.

Hahahaha. Please tell me you're kidding? It's a cat cleaning itself. No sane person would consider that "XXX", unless you're the type of person that gets off to that sort of thing.
I thought that was hilarious.

+ 1 :D

Unfortunately Southern California is full of ungrateful, over-entitled people. Oh well, I have a feeling this economy is going to put a whole lot of people in their place.
Do you venture out of California often? The progressive attitude you have seems isolated to liberal California - it certainly is not respective of the religious heart of this nation nor its majority, which is still very much Christian and not at all secular. Nonetheless it's a big country and we welcome all, even the minority that is secular and does not reflect this nation's Judeo-Christian traditions...
I venture out there often and was born and raised there. I can tell you that it is not too far fetched to say that many so-cal residents have a sense of entitlement. And honestly, many have seen the poll where over 80% of Americans proclaim themselves as Christians. What kind of Christians is another story.
if i had a picture of my dog with his legs open on his back...i dont think thats appropriate in this venue.

What venue? The same one where you openly tell half-truths about situations in order to get a certain reaction out of people? In that case, I believe a cat licking his balls is perfect for this venue.

FreeState

Dec 17, 2009, 02:33 PM

The word season in Seasons Greetings has nothing to do with it being winter, summer, spring or fall. Season references the holiday season, the time when all of the major religions have a holiday and when the new year begins, it just so happens to be in the winter. It's basically saying "Greetings, have a great holiday season!" in fewer words.

Just a small correction - not all major religions have holidays around this time of year.

Buddhist Holidays
http://www.urbandharma.org/udharma3/holidays.html

Hindu Holidays
http://festivals.iloveindia.com/hindu-festivals.html

iOrlando

Dec 17, 2009, 02:51 PM

You made it into a big problem when you opened a thread about it and used such an outrageous statement such as [sic] I sent it back to her. Which is like saying, I shoved it back in her ****ing face.
My point is that a fair number of your posts are just so dramatic and you seem to sensationalizing situations for your own entertainment.

What venue? The same one where you openly tell half-truths about situations in order to get a certain reaction out of people? In that case, I believe a cat licking his balls is perfect for this venue.

so if someone opens a thread...that means they are having a huge problem over the topic? no

"I sent it back to her" is implying "i shoved it back in her fuc#ing face"? no

can it be that my posts are normal but you are just under dramatic? yes

MacVixen

Dec 17, 2009, 03:24 PM

so if someone opens a thread...that means they are having a huge problem over the topic? no

"I sent it back to her" is implying "i shoved it back in her fuc#ing face"? no

can it be that my posts are normal but you are just under dramatic? yes

I'll just post and run, but I've gotta say.... sending a card back to someone (even if it is an e-card) and telling the person that is must be for someone else because the card dared to say Season's Greetings rather than the Merry Christmas that YOU wanted the card to say.... yeah, that's pretty much shoving the card back in her face.

jessica.

Dec 17, 2009, 05:16 PM

so if someone opens a thread...that means they are having a huge problem over the topic? no

"I sent it back to her" is implying "i shoved it back in her fuc#ing face"? no

can it be that my posts are normal but you are just under dramatic? yes

No I never said they had a problem. But someone like you opening threads, leaving parts of the story out and dramatizing the situation for sake of reaction is just your thing. It's ok, I have hobbies too.

You sent a card back and told her your "thoughts" on it, which were likely put in such a way that many of your posts are. It is, in my personal opinion, shoving it back in her ****ing face. (don't bypass the profanity filters either).

Am I under dramatic? Maybe but then again I'm not sure I've ever seen someone get so worked up about someone saying Season's Greetings before. Also, really? Under-dramatic? If your defense to being dramatic is that someone is under-dramatic then I worry for your future. Perhaps you're irrational and I'm a functioning adult. It could be that.

http://www.clipartguide.com/_named_clipart_images/0511-0812-1620-2632_Seasons_Greetings_Christmas_Bell_clipart_image.jpg

Dagless

Dec 17, 2009, 05:24 PM

I just always figured it was a catch-all term to say to people you don't know too well, or who aren't Christian. I don't see much wrong with saying it.

But "festivus" and the war of Christmas is fought mostly around universities here, bleh!

Rt&Dzine

Dec 17, 2009, 05:26 PM

The thread was a farce from the beginning. It would have been easier to say that "Seasons Greetings" and other non-religious holiday salutations annoy the heck out of you. Instead of pretending you don't understand the practice of sending greeting cards.

Iscariot

Dec 17, 2009, 05:39 PM

Only someone ridiculously self-centred would take a gesture of good-will as an opportunity to bristle righteously.

rdowns

Dec 17, 2009, 05:48 PM

Happy 7th night of Hanukkah to all my fellow chosen people.

FreeState

Dec 17, 2009, 06:05 PM

You know what I dont get? People that say merry Christmas to people who are not Catholic. Its christMAS after all...

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 17, 2009, 06:39 PM

I don't get why my neighbors have a giant glowing cross on their house this time of year. I mean Christmas is supposedly meant to celebrate the birth of little brown jesus, not celebrate his murder.

I will be serving them with a cease and desist letter in the morning.
Although this BS holiday was just a way for some charlatans to get more members.

MacNut

Dec 17, 2009, 06:46 PM

you have a XXX-rated picture of an animal as an icon.

Hahahaha. Please tell me you're kidding? It's a cat cleaning itself. No sane person would consider that "XXX", unless you're the type of person that gets off to that sort of thing.

If that avatar counts as XXX, then my dog gets more action than Ron Jeremy and Jenna Jameson combined.

if i had a picture of my dog with his legs open on his back...i dont think thats appropriate in this venue.

dogs dont know any better. i fully support doggy pants as long as it appears that they are not in-juried or held back by said pants. like little shorts or something.

Says the guy with a kid toucher as his avatar.That was the best thing I have read here in a long time.:p:D

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 17, 2009, 06:47 PM

That was the best thing I have read here in a long time.:p:D

I had to roll my eyes at doggy pants. How moronic would it be to push human modesty on a dog...

MacNut

Dec 17, 2009, 06:49 PM

I had to roll my eyes at doggy pants. How moronic would it be to push human modesty on a dog...And how is it supposed to pee. LOL

rdowns

Dec 17, 2009, 06:51 PM

I had to roll my eyes at doggy pants. How moronic would it be to push human modesty on a dog...

http://www.seasonals.com/images/DogsScan3.gif :rolleyes:

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 17, 2009, 06:54 PM

http://www.seasonals.com/images/DogsScan3.gif :rolleyes:

Well I guess if there's one iOrlando in the world there's bound to be more.

FreeState

Dec 17, 2009, 07:08 PM

http://www.seasonals.com/images/DogsScan3.gif :rolleyes:

Aren't those meant for dogs that are ovulating or have inconsonance?

Oh and here... my contribution to the insanity...

My dog sleeping... cause thats what dogs do - there is nothing obscene about it.

http://www.coombs.info/images/hossdown.jpg

jessica.

Dec 17, 2009, 07:10 PM

^ target market. Zing!

iGuardian

Dec 17, 2009, 07:39 PM

Why must this happen every year?

Some clear points...

1. Christmas is not the only religious holiday this season.
2. Many people are not religious.

Personally, I'm an Atheist. I don't celebrate Christmas. I put up a tree, I exchange presents, but for me this isn't a religious holiday. I just see it as a day of peace.

Seasons Greetings or Happy Holidays is just a greeting that takes in account that there are people other than Christians out there, and, "god forbid", Atheists.

MacNut

Dec 17, 2009, 07:42 PM

I am more insulted being called Christian, Im Catholic.

bobber205

Dec 17, 2009, 08:24 PM

I am more insulted being called Christian, Im Catholic.

Those things are equivalent. ;)

MacNut

Dec 17, 2009, 08:34 PM

Those things are equivalent. ;)I always think of Christians as obsessed cram religion down your throat over reaction versions of Catholics.

Im Catholic but I also have common sense and don't cram my beliefs down someone else's throat.

Badandy

Dec 17, 2009, 08:51 PM

I always think of Christians as obsessed cram religion down your throat over reaction versions of Catholics.

Im Catholic but I also have common sense and don't cram my beliefs down someone else's throat.

Exactly what my roommate says. He's a great guy. He also thinks I'm going to hell when I die.

obeygiant

Dec 17, 2009, 08:52 PM

All catholics are christian, but not all christians are catholic.

Christians are defined as those who follow Christ.

bobber205

Dec 17, 2009, 09:17 PM

All catholics are christian, but not all christians are catholic.

Christians are defined as those who follow Christ.

It's like squares and rectangles. :D

LethalWolfe

Dec 17, 2009, 09:49 PM

I always think of Christians as obsessed cram religion down your throat over reaction versions of Catholics.
I think you are thinking of Bible-thumping fundamentalists and/or evangelicals. It's interesting how you draw the distinction given that Catholicism is typically more strict and tradition bound than many of the other Christian denominations.

Lethal

anjinha

Dec 18, 2009, 12:32 AM

Aren't those meant for dogs that are ovulating or have inconsonance?

Oh and here... my contribution to the insanity...

My dog sleeping... cause thats what dogs do - there is nothing obscene about it.

http://www.coombs.info/images/hossdown.jpg

Cute dog.

renewed

Dec 18, 2009, 12:51 AM

No, you don't seem to get it. By saying Jesus is THE lord, you are implying that he is the lord of everybody. Muslims, Jews, Atheists, Bhuddists, etc. However, people of those religions do not consider him to be their lord and would probably find it offensive. Muslims, Jews and Bhuddists have their own people they consider their lord, Atheists have none. To say that Jesus is the lord, you are saying "No, you're wrong. so-and-so isn't your lord. Jesus is" and many of other faiths would probably find that offensive to their own beliefs. Jesus is not my lord. Never has been, never will be.

And they say that we Christians are wrong too...

I don't get why so many people say that Christians are up-at-arms saying everyone else is wrong...

Do you think Jews agree with Hindus? Muslims? Atheists?

Do Atheist agree with Jews? Hindus? Muslims? Christians?

Muslims? Hell we are in a war because some extremists want to take us out.

The point is that someone is right and everyone else is wrong. There is either a god, gods, goddesses, talking trees, cows that use to be our grandparents, karma, the God, the Trinity or whatever else or there isn't. But not everyone can be right.

I for one am a Christian so when we say The LORD, we mean THE one and only true Lord. The rest are wrong.

All catholics are christian, but not all christians are catholic.

Christians are defined as those who follow Christ.

Cahtolics are Catholics... I'll actually agree with the Catholic who posted and say they are not Christians.

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 18, 2009, 12:52 AM

Muslims? Hell we are in a war because some extremists want to take us out.

Ohhhh that's why we're in this war. :rolleyes: I forgot that they hate our freedom.

renewed

Dec 18, 2009, 12:56 AM

Ohhhh that's why we're in this war. :rolleyes: I forgot that they hate our freedom.

Forget about two big planes running into our towers? The word is extremists. I didn't say all Muslims and to be fair there are definitely other reasons we are over there but something broke the camels back and it was an act of terrorism by extremists.

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 18, 2009, 12:59 AM

Forget about two big planes running into our towers? The word is extremists. I didn't say all Muslims and to be fair there are definitely other reasons we are over there but something broke the camels back and it was an act of terrorism by extremists.

Why are we in Iraq because of 9/11? What do those things have to do with each other?

renewed

Dec 18, 2009, 01:08 AM

Why are we in Iraq because of 9/11? What do those things have to do with each other?

For the sake of not thread jacking let's just say that 9/11 got us in the region, I don't recall plans to head over there otherwise around that time.

What happened after had different reasons but again camels back.

william sire

Dec 18, 2009, 01:58 AM

I received an email card today that said season's greetings. I sent it back and said you sent this to the wrong person.

Not sure what season's greetings is suppose to mean, and when you think about its a very stupid and pointless phrase.

i can say season's greetings every solstice or equinox throughout the year and chances are I wouldnt want to send you greetings anyway.

why do people do this?
I haven’t read this whole thread so I don’t know if anyone has pointed this out yet but “seasons greetings” is a phrase that has been around long before the “war on Christmas.” (Or the ridiculous war on “religion” as it currently is being waged by the so called enlightened intelligent rational secularist) Nonetheless because of this idiotic made up and fictitious cultural controversy, what was once a simplistic figure of speech now become the catalyst for analyzation for a hidden agenda.

My way of battling this nonsense is to return the gesture with a “Merry Christmas” rather than get caught up in the foolish war over the imaginary "forced religion” as the secularist claim there is. I also go out of my way to say “Thank GOD” and “GOD be willing...” or interject my convictions, without preaching, whenever the opportunity presents itself.**

Don’t wait until you have the approval of the secularist to recognize Christmas or the fact that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. And don’t get caught up in the debate. Just celebrate and if they express being offended to it tell them “your life must suck around this time of year.” No one challenges me because they know I don’t give a rats behind about their outrage. On top of that they have no counter strike because I wont participate in anything that goes against my convictions. And when people try to make me aware of their so called non-religious what ever they are doing I can just say **”When God created man he gave us a free will to make choices of our own convictions. So I have no problem with you celebrating Islam, or what ever."

skunk

Dec 18, 2009, 02:11 AM

(Or the ridiculous war on “religion” as it currently is being waged by the so called enlightened intelligent rational secularist)No "enlightened intelligent rational secularist" calls it a "war", so why put it in quotes? It's your "ridiculous war", not mine.
And when people try to make me aware of their so called non-religious what ever they are doing I can just say **”When God created man he gave us a free will to make choices of our own convictions. So I have no problem with you celebrating Islam, or what ever."So, Islam to you is a "non-religious whatever"? Good luck with expressing that sympathetically to a Muslim.

firestarter

Dec 18, 2009, 02:34 AM

What an interesting thread.

Just to stir some extra stuff in here... as a Brit, I find it interesting that the phrase "Happy Holidays" is used so much in the US (and in large US companies it seems unacceptable to say anything else). This is NOT my experience here in the UK, where "Merry Christmas" is definitely still the most popular seasonal greeting.

My own theory is that the secularisation of Christmas in the US is directly due to the larger influence of the Jewish community - since the US is arguably a more religious country than the UK, and you don't seem to have any other really vocal religious minorities.

Personally, I put "Merry Christmas" on all my cards and presents. As a British atheist, my cultural roots are based in two millennia of British Christianity... and I feel completely comfortable celebrating the traditions and rituals of the event. The fact that I don't believe in sky-faries makes no difference to me.

Badandy

Dec 18, 2009, 03:14 AM

I haven’t read this whole thread so I don’t know if anyone has pointed this out yet but “seasons greetings” is a phrase that has been around long before the “war on Christmas.” (Or the ridiculous war on “religion” as it currently is being waged by the so called enlightened intelligent rational secularist) Nonetheless because of this idiotic made up and fictitious cultural controversy, what was once a simplistic figure of speech now become the catalyst for analyzation for a hidden agenda.

My way of battling this nonsense is to return the gesture with a “Merry Christmas” rather than get caught up in the foolish war over the imaginary "forced religion” as the secularist claim there is. I also go out of my way to say “Thank GOD” and “GOD be willing...” or interject my convictions, without preaching, whenever the opportunity presents itself.**

Don’t wait until you have the approval of the secularist to recognize Christmas or the fact that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. And don’t get caught up in the debate. Just celebrate and if they express being offended to it tell them “your life must suck around this time of year.” No one challenges me because they know I don’t give a rats behind about their outrage. On top of that they have no counter strike because I wont participate in anything that goes against my convictions. And when people try to make me aware of their so called non-religious what ever they are doing I can just say **”When God created man he gave us a free will to make choices of our own convictions. So I have no problem with you celebrating Islam, or what ever."

Do you think you'd be a Christian if you grew up in Iran?

william sire

Dec 18, 2009, 03:24 AM

No "enlightened intelligent rational secularist" calls it a "war", so why put it in quotes?I didn’t name with any respect to what they call it. It's your "ridiculous war", not mine.If you are one of those people, and considering your response I suspect you are, it is your war. You don’t want nativity scenes, you don’t like people saying “Merry Christmas,” you don’t like "one nation under God” in the pledge of allegiance, and a list that goes on and on. You have chosen to actively involve yourself in this battle, or support those who do engage it either verbally or silently. So it is your war. Thus this time of the year your life must suck. That’s too bad for you. However I’m not without the offer of good cheer for you. Have a merry Christmas, and may you see the light of the Lord Jesus in the coming new year.
So, Islam to you is a "non-religious whatever"? Good luck with expressing that sympathetically to a Muslim.And I need your luck for what? I just said in the same posted message you copied and pasted that from that I could care less what anyone (you can include muslims) think because when GOD created man he gave us a free will to make choices of our own convictions. they chose Islam, I didn’t. I have no respect for Islam, or the belief for those who chose it, or the choice to believe it. But I respect GODs decision to give us a free will so I don’t care what it is they believe. I have no desire or intention to sympathetically or in any manner express that to a muslim.

william sire

Dec 18, 2009, 03:27 AM

Do you think you'd be a Christian if you grew up in Iran?
If I heard the message of GOD I would have choosen it over anything I was being indoctrinated with no matter where I grew up. And I’m sure GOD would have made certain his message was delivered to me.

firestarter

Dec 18, 2009, 03:39 AM

If I heard the message of GOD I would have choosen it over anything I was being indoctrinated with no matter where I grew up. And I’m sure GOD would have made certain his message was delivered to me.

One thing's for certain though... your spelling of GOD would have started with an A and ended with an H.

djellison

Dec 18, 2009, 03:55 AM

I am more insulted being called Christian, Im Catholic.

Catholicism is a subset of Christianity, along with the Orthodox, Protestant and various other flavours.
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church,[note 1] is the world's largest Christian church

You are thus, both - in the same way you are both human and primate.

william sire

Dec 18, 2009, 04:01 AM

One thing's for certain though... your spelling of GOD would have started with an A and ended with an H.
That God would have been the false indoctrination.

firestarter

Dec 18, 2009, 04:01 AM

Tries to use logical argument on a couple of blind-faithists.

Good luck with that... :rolleyes:

That God would have been the false indoctrination.

It's the SAME GOD. Jeez! Ever heard of the Abrihamic faiths?

And no, if you grew up Iranian, you'd be on your mat on the floor 5 times daily. There's no way you would be 'seeing through the indoctrination'. Lol.

OllyW

Dec 18, 2009, 04:03 AM

I have no respect for Islam, or the belief for those who chose it, or the choice to believe it. But I respect GODs decision to give us a free will so I don’t care what it is they believe. I have no desire or intention to sympathetically or in any manner express that to a muslim.

That's very christian of you. :rolleyes:

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 18, 2009, 04:07 AM

I just said in the same posted message you copied and pasted that from that I could care less what anyone (you can include muslims) think because when GOD created man he gave us a free will to make choices of our own convictions. they chose Islam, I didn’t. I have no respect for Islam, or the belief for those who chose it, or the choice to believe it. But I respect GODs decision to give us a free will so I don’t care what it is they believe. I have no desire or intention to sympathetically or in any manner express that to a muslim.

From the man who obviously knows what he's talking about. :rolleyes:
Because we both know your god and a Muslim's god are one in the same, right? There are very minor differences between your two silly mythologies.

Queso

Dec 18, 2009, 04:09 AM

I have no problem sending cards with Merry Christmas on them, even though the story itself is obviously a load of old horse poo. As well as being a religious holiday to those of faith Christmas is also just a convenient common cultural name for the midwinter solstice celebration. Without faith it's just a word.

After all, making an appointment on Wednesday does not automatically endow a belief in Norse gods nor Roman gods for Saturday.

These Christians who get upset need to pull their collective heads out of their backsides and chill out a bit on this issue. Season's Greetings is perfectly valid, as is Happy Holidays. The sentiment behind the message is the important thing, not the terminology applied. Getting all heat up about it just makes them out to be a bunch of tight-arsed idiots.

LethalWolfe

Dec 18, 2009, 04:16 AM

That's very christian of you. :rolleyes:
You obviously aren't familiar w/the revamped, more ass-kicking version of Jesus that's making the rounds. The church saw how the popularity of Chuck Norris surged after the interwebs vetted him as a badass so they are hopping to follow the same path to boost JCs numbers.

Lethal

iBlue

Dec 18, 2009, 04:35 AM

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 18, 2009, 04:40 AM

Great post. Totally agree (with the exception of me being an american living in the UK. I observe your theory to be correct, FWIW.)

You agree that we should blame the jews for Americans being too touchy when it comes to religion?

iBlue

Dec 18, 2009, 04:53 AM

You agree that we should blame the jews for Americans being too touchy when it comes to religion?

Please don't put words in my mouth and especially don't try to twist them around like that.

America does have a larger Jewish population (than the UK does) and as a result, general holiday greetings are more suitable because of that. It assumes less to say Season's Greetings over Merry Christmas. However, I think as a whole the UK is less touchy about matters like this. Religion is not taken quite as seriously and people are usually more likely to accept a kind gesture and not over-analyze it. Again, generally speaking. I am not trying to paint everyone with the same brush as iOrlando but I do think cases like this are more likely in the US based loosely on what I've just said.

Damn, never thought I'd have to elaborate on THAT. :p

adder7712

Dec 18, 2009, 05:11 AM

What happened to freedom of religion? :confused:

rdowns

Dec 18, 2009, 05:35 AM

Catholicism is a subset of Christianity, along with the Orthodox, Protestant and various other flavours.

It's like chicken wings. You have your wusses who go mild, most who opt for medium and the batshite crowd that goes for atomic hot.

SactoGuy18

Dec 18, 2009, 05:44 AM

While the USA is still overwhelmingly Christian, the terms "Happy Holidays" and "Season's Greetings" still works for almost everyone, except for a few in the fundamentalist Christian movements. Most of my friends who attend church regularly (I'm a member of a local Catholic church) have NO issues using the terms I mentioned.

However, stores going out of their way at this time of the year to be blatantly secular (like for example the "holiday tree" fiasco at Home Depot a couple of years ago) does rankle a lot of people, though.

djellison

Dec 18, 2009, 06:29 AM

What happened to freedom of religion? :confused:

Freedom of religion must also include freedom from religion.

obeygiant

Dec 18, 2009, 07:52 AM

Cahtolics are Catholics... I'll actually agree with the Catholic who posted and say they are not Christians.

You don't have to believe facts. It happens all the time here.

SwiftLives

Dec 18, 2009, 08:02 AM

Personally, I'm looking forward to Easter. I mean - what other mainstream religion celebrates zombieism?

I consider myself a cynical Christian. I don't presume that my God is better than your God. I don't presume that everyone I meet is "unsaved." I'm certainly not on board with the whole evangelical concept of "saving" people.

So, if I say "happy Holidays," I'm usually referring to Christmas and New Year's. If I say "Season's Greetings," it's because I don't know whether the person I'm addressing celebrates Christmas (although they most likely do in one form or another...at least in the US). And for the rest of the time, I say "Merry Christmas."

That's not trying to take religion out of the season. It's showing a bit of respect for the beliefs of the people around me.

Oh. And for what it's worth, Jesus was a liberal. :)

IntheNet

Dec 18, 2009, 08:06 AM

However, stores going out of their way at this time of the year to be blatantly secular (like for example the "holiday tree" fiasco at Home Depot a couple of years ago) does rankle a lot of people, though.

It is easy enough to patronize the stores that embrace the Christmas holiday and avoid the stores that secularize it. StandforChristmas.com (http://www.standforchristmas.com/pages/home) gives customers a choice...

yg17

Dec 18, 2009, 08:08 AM

It is easy enough to patronize the stores that embrace the Christmas holiday and avoid the stores that secularize it. StandforChristmas.com (http://www.standforchristmas.com/pages/home) gives customers a choice...

Thanks, now I know which secular friendly stores to shop at.

I love how everything the right wing nutters do backfires on them.

Teh Don Ditty

Dec 18, 2009, 09:38 AM

Merry Chrismahaunakwanzakah everybody!

firestarter

Dec 18, 2009, 10:00 AM

You agree that we should blame the jews for Americans being too touchy when it comes to religion?

Your words... not mine. I don't blame anyone, "blame" implies negativity and judgement and I really don't care one way or the other!

But as a reason behind the adoption of the secular "Happy Holiday" greeting in the US, yes, I do think that it's more to do with Jewish intolerance/influence than some sort of Atheist anti-religious plot.

Do you really think that American Atheists:
- Care enough about this to push for the dropping of "Happy Christmas"?
- Wield as much political power as Jewish groups?

iOrlando

Dec 18, 2009, 10:08 AM

you people are more dramatic than me. Here's my original post

"I received an email card today that said season's greetings. I sent it back and said you sent this to the wrong person.

Not sure what season's greetings is suppose to mean, and when you think about its a very stupid and pointless phrase.

i can say season's greetings every solstice or equinox throughout the year and chances are I wouldnt want to send you greetings anyway.

why do people do this?"

My main problem with the phrase is
1) why has the phrase been so popular this time of year and not June 21, September 21? My belief is seasons greetings does not capture the feeling that there are numerous religious holidays this time of year. If you wanted to do that...use Happy Holidays.
2) I have problems with the meaning of the phrase Seasons Greetings. Sort of like asking someone how are you when you really dont care how they feel. It seems like seasons greetings is just a cheap a$$ way of finding out what they belief in and sending an appropriate card or lack of one thereof if they dont follow anything.
3) I never said anything about the person I sent the email back too and I dont feel like i needed to explain the situation any further. Take it for what it is. To assume that i am some mean person who sent a reply email harshingly in return...you dont know the whole situation and i dont need to explain every aspect of that situation to you. It just doesnt matter. Read the post for whats there and dont make up stuff. I never even said it was a girl, I just ran with it because everyone was saying she and her.

Instead of debating the argument, you people are claiming i am trying to be dramatic and I get off from these type of threads, which is sickening to think about.

Concerning the doggy pants. The previous poster purposely picked weird looking pants for the dogs. Here are more appropriate pants.

and MJ was a big supporter of animal rights and thats why I like him. Very few people understand him, and I probably dont either.

yg17

Dec 18, 2009, 10:10 AM

and MJ was a big supporter of animal rights and thats why I like him. Very few people understand him, and I probably dont either.

So a cat touching his own balls is not OK, but a grown adult touching another kid's balls is?

djellison

Dec 18, 2009, 10:12 AM

'Happy Holidays' is a reflect, surely, of the fact that the US has a national holiday for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years in 5 weeks. It's a 'Holiday Season'.

It's not such a popular phrase outside of the US, because Thanksgiving doesn't happen elsewhere, so here in the UK for example, we have Christmas and New Year. So it's not a Holiday 'season' and thus no 'Happy Holidays'. It's Merry/Happy Christmas and Happy New Year.

As an atheist, you can say Happy Christmas to me and I will say it back - because for me (and I would wager most people in this country) Christmas is about:

Food.
Presents.
TV specials.
Mince Pies ( oh boy )
Time off work.
Putting up with annoying relatives who are visiting.
Crossing fingers for snow.

For some people - it's those, plus celebrating the birth of a Jewish kid about 2005 years ago.

That's lost in the noise of 21st Century Christmas over here.

iOrlando

Dec 18, 2009, 10:20 AM

So a cat touching his own balls is not OK, but a grown adult touching another kid's balls is?

what point are you trying to make? I am a supporter of public animal decency thats all. You act like I am some radical thinker. Go to NYC, go to a doggy clothing store...I am clearly not alone in this department...

Teh Don Ditty

Dec 18, 2009, 10:22 AM

what point are you trying to make? I am a supporter of public animal decency thats all. You act like I am some radical thinker. Go to NYC, go to a doggy clothing store...I am clearly not alone in this department...

Animal decency? That's a new one. A cat licking its balls is a common and normal occurrence that just happens to be funny to humans.

anjinha

Dec 18, 2009, 10:25 AM

This thread is so full of fail that I almost think this is just a prank.

iBlue

Dec 18, 2009, 10:26 AM

what point are you trying to make? I am a supporter of public animal decency thats all. You act like I am some radical thinker. Go to NYC, go to a doggy clothing store...I am clearly not alone in this department...

Hey man, don't push your bizarre sense of modesty onto a defenseless animal. They don't care about their junk swingin in the breeze, why should you? In fact, it worries me you're thinking so much about it.

The only time I've ever seen pants on a dog was because she was in heat and her owners didn't want blood getting all over the house. That dog didn't like those pants one little bit either.

Oh and FYI, just because something is being sold, doesn't make it a great or popular idea.

eawmp1

Dec 18, 2009, 10:30 AM

you people are more dramatic than me.

Snort...I just sprayed my computer with the Pepsi I was drinking.
You are the one who (rudely) sent a card back to the sender. THAT, was overly dramatic.

http://www.driko.org/blogicons/happychrismahanukwanzakah.jpg

rdowns

Dec 18, 2009, 10:32 AM

Concerning the doggy pants. The previous poster purposely picked weird looking pants for the dogs. Here are more appropriate pants.

I can't stop laughing. Do you have even the slightest inkling of how wacky you come off?

So a cat touching his own balls is not OK, but a grown adult touching another kid's balls is?

Hee-hee

For some people - it's those, plus celebrating the birth of a brown Jewish kid about 2005 years ago.

Fixed that for you.

what point are you trying to make? I am a supporter of public animal decency thats all. You act like I am some radical thinker. Go to NYC, go to a doggy clothing store...I am clearly not alone in this department...

Public animal decency? Dude, I'm crying here.

Queso

Dec 18, 2009, 10:37 AM

Animal decency? That's hilarious!! :D :D :D

How can you sexualise a cat cleaning itself? Do you close your own eyes when you're in the shower? :D

yg17

Dec 18, 2009, 10:38 AM

what point are you trying to make? I am a supporter of public animal decency thats all. You act like I am some radical thinker. Go to NYC, go to a doggy clothing store...I am clearly not alone in this department...

People buy clothing for their pets because they think it's cute, not because they don't want their pet's junk hanging out.

Teh Don Ditty

Dec 18, 2009, 10:40 AM

People buy clothing for their pets because they think it's cute, not because they don't want their pet's junk hanging out.

Whatcha gonna do with all that junk, all that junk, all that junk up in your trunk?

robbieduncan

Dec 18, 2009, 10:45 AM

eawmp1

Dec 18, 2009, 10:48 AM

From someone with the balls to send back a well-intentioned holiday card to a kitty's balls, this is quite entertaining.

I vote this thread the thread of the month. :D

rdowns

Dec 18, 2009, 10:52 AM

You should see when he cleans his junk. :eek:

rdowns

Dec 18, 2009, 10:53 AM

I vote this thread the thread of the holiday season. :D

Fixed that for you. :D

jessica.

Dec 18, 2009, 11:06 AM

This thread is fantastic. All this talk of a cat cleaning itself. It's not like you can actually see it's balls or anything. This is, potentially, much worse:

http://img.fark.com/images/squirrel.jpg

And to be honest he probably could do with some pants to stop him dragging them on the ground and bashing them off things

Actually, and this may be a way for iOrlando to accept this ... the cat is neutered. Technically, he lacks balls or at least the testies. :D Scientifically speaking that is. iOrlando, I hope that allows you to feel somewhat better about this. Season's Greetings buddy! :D

maestro55

Dec 18, 2009, 11:17 AM

Tis' is the season to be jolly, why all the fuss about people saying "Seasons Greetings". Though I prefer Happy Holidays as it includes all the different holidays people celebrate this time of year and not just the season itself.

anjinha

Dec 18, 2009, 11:17 AM

^^ I love you guys! :D

iOrlando

Dec 18, 2009, 11:35 AM

Actually, and this may be a way for iOrlando to accept this ... the cat is neutered. Technically, he lacks balls or at least the testies. :D Scientifically speaking that is. iOrlando, I hope that allows you to feel somewhat better about this. Season's Greetings buddy! :D

i honestly didnt even look at what he was doing in the avator. or is it a girl cat? people have been saying both.

i guess i just dont get it. i think its very strange and creepy to upload a video of a dog cleaning himself on youtube, but according to you all..that is perfectly normal thing to do and in fact should embrace nature. who knows.

and you mention seasons greetings for what reason? dramatic effect i see. You even change your avatar. I am not offended though. I was more confused by the meaning, so you are not getting me worked up by spreading such language.

if there were other people here who felt similar about the phrase and the public animal decency stuff, i wouldnt be deemed such a dramatic and out-of-the-box thinker.

Teh Don Ditty

Dec 18, 2009, 11:38 AM

iOrlando

Dec 18, 2009, 11:41 AM

^Again, what's with this Animal decency thing?

We're not forcing a cat to lick its balls or a dog to clean its butt. They do it because they need to clean themselves.

They don't give a rats ass if they are being watched when they do it.

Nature, get used to it.

do i have a problem with that? no
we need to clean ourseleves too

but to videotape it or blow it up on a poster...thats where i draw the line.

yg17

Dec 18, 2009, 11:41 AM

i honestly didnt even look at what he was doing in the avator. or is it a girl cat? people have been saying both.

People have repeatedly said the cat is licking his balls. I'll let you figure that one out.

Teh Don Ditty

Dec 18, 2009, 11:43 AM

do i have a problem with that? no
we need to clean ourseleves too

but to videotape it or blow it up on a poster...thats where i draw the line.

It's funny FFS!! If you can't see humor in that or Jessica's avatar, then you got some bigger underlying problems.

Trust me, if the roles were reversed they'd be filming us wiping our butts.

maestro55

Dec 18, 2009, 11:47 AM

but to videotape it or blow it up on a poster...thats where i draw the line.

Are you really that prude?

iOrlando

Dec 18, 2009, 11:51 AM

Are you really that prude?

you can ask me ex

maestro55

Dec 18, 2009, 11:53 AM

you can ask me ex

Let me rephrase. Do you think you are prude?

iOrlando

Dec 18, 2009, 12:00 PM

Let me rephrase. Do you think you are prude?

i will be abstaining from further talk of indecent animal photos and public actions.

its christmas season anyways..

anjinha

Dec 18, 2009, 12:01 PM

i will be abstaining from further talk of indecent animal photos and public actions.

its christmas season anyways..

That's not what he asked.

Teh Don Ditty

Dec 18, 2009, 12:02 PM

i will be abstaining from further talk of indecent animal photos and public actions.

its christmas season anyways..

Indecent Exposure: Hawt Nekkid Ball Licking Animal Edition?

maestro55

Dec 18, 2009, 12:17 PM

i will be abstaining from further talk of indecent animal photos and public actions.

its christmas season anyways..

I take that as a yes.

Surely

Dec 18, 2009, 12:20 PM

Wow. Just wow to this thread.:rolleyes:

Season's Greetings and Happy Holidays to all.

weckart

Dec 18, 2009, 12:30 PM

i will be abstaining from further talk of indecent animal photos and public actions.

its christmas season anyways..

Dude, you used the s-word. I am sending your post back in shock. :eek:

notjustjay

Dec 18, 2009, 12:37 PM

I am in favor of celebrating the birth of all religious figures on consecutive days so we get at least a week off work. Moses on the 23rd, Mohammed on the 24th, Jesus on the 25th, FSM on the 26th, Bhudda on the 27th. And for the Atheists, we can celebrate the birth of nothing on the 28th.

I have nothing to add to this thread other than I think this quote was hilarious.

(I'm amused by the spectrum of different opinions being offered by a variety of people in this thread who each call themselves Christians -- myself included. And the animal pictures are just silly.)

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 18, 2009, 12:48 PM

Sorry to the two people when I made that joke about blaming America's issues on the Jews. I meant for that to be funny. (Although your theory does blame the Jews, and is a pretty weak theory at best. In fact it's stupid.)

As for the rest of the thread, I think iOrlando is either one of the most clueless people on the forum (entirley possible since he seems to like getting his ass handed to him in the PRSI) or he's just a troll who knows how to get people riled up. He changed from being a supporter of animal modesty, to someone who's just offended by pictures of animals cleaning their balls. --So it's not like I can take anything he says seriously.

If he is just some clever guy who knows how to mess with the people on the forum I say bravo and
MERRY XMAS (My way of taking the Christ out of Christmas)

Surely

Dec 18, 2009, 01:08 PM

Your words... not mine. I don't blame anyone, "blame" implies negativity and judgement and I really don't care one way or the other!

But as a reason behind the adoption of the secular "Happy Holiday" greeting in the US, yes, I do think that it's more to do with Jewish intolerance/influence than some sort of Atheist anti-religious plot.

Do you really think that American Atheists:
- Care enough about this to push for the dropping of "Happy Christmas"?
- Wield as much political power as Jewish groups?

That is absolutely ridiculous.

Need some tinfoil to make your hat?

There is no Jewish intolerance for Christmas. How many Jews do you actually know?

I'll let you in on a little secret......the whole "the Jews feel left out of Christmas" thing isn't real..... it's a joke. It makes for good stand-up comedy material. Most Jews enjoy Christmas- the lights, the decorations, the food (William Sonoma peppermint bark FTW), the parties, the egg nog, the sales, the time-off of work..... There is no plot by Jewish groups to secularize Christmas. LOL Hell, some Jews do the tree thing.
Secular Jews don't care, and the ultra-religious Jews in America keep themselves pretty sheltered by living in their own bubble (living in specific neighborhoods, going to synagogue, sending their kids to Jewish private schools, and going to Kosher stores and restaurants) that they probably hardly even notice Christmas is going on.

Do you really think that there is some anti-Christmas Jewish lobby group in Washington lobbying Congress to take the Christ out of Christmas? We have more important things to worry about.

I'd guess that more Atheists than Jews get into a huff about Christmas.

If anything, as someone else pointed out in this thread, "Season's Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" refer to all of the holiday season holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Chanukkah, Kwanza, and New Years. Is there really something so wrong with being inclusive?

I also think that the US, as a whole, is a very touchy and sensitive country. I'd say that "Season's Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" is, unfortunately, also partially a result of trying to be unnecessarily PC. Mostly, I think this is more a result of corporations trying to cash in on everyone instead of just some people. Perhaps they think that "Merry Christmas" is offensive to some people, and figure that they are better off marketing to all people.

Corporations have decided to take the whole "Season's Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" thing under their wing because it includes more people, not just Christians. If more people are included, there are more customers to buy their crap.

Anyways.......

Happy Holidays, Season's Greetings, Happy Chanukkah, Happy Kwanza, and Merry Christmas.

/I hate venturing into the PRSI forums.......

skunk

Dec 18, 2009, 01:40 PM

If you are one of those people, and considering your response I suspect you are, it is your war. You don’t want nativity scenes, you don’t like people saying “Merry Christmas,” you don’t like "one nation under God” in the pledge of allegiance, and a list that goes on and on. You have chosen to actively involve yourself in this battle, or support those who do engage it either verbally or silently. So it is your war. Thus this time of the year your life must suck.I do not consider myself at war at all. You can believe whatever nonsense you want. This time of year does not "suck" as you so prettily put it: it is a period of festivities which predate Christian tradition by several millennia.
Have a merry Christmas, and may you see the light of the Lord Jesus in the coming new year.I shall enjoy myself and greet the turning of the year. As for Jesus, if he lived, and if his teachings are accurately reflected by the early accounts written after his death, then I acknowledge that he was a great and enlightened teacher and exemplar, though hardly unique in his teachings, which form part of a long tradition.
they chose Islam, I didn’t. I have no respect for Islam, or the belief for those who chose it, or the choice to believe it.A foolish stance, since your choice and theirs was in all probability based more on parental beliefs and geographical location than any supposed freedom.

leekohler

Dec 18, 2009, 01:58 PM

I shall enjoy myself and greet the turning of the year. As for Jesus, if he lived, and if his teachings are accurately reflected by the early accounts written after his death, then I acknowledge that he was a great and enlightened teacher and exemplar, though hardly unique in his teachings, which form part of a long tradition.

A teacher whose followers rarely understand his teachings.

"Jesus is cool. It's his fans I can't stand."

MasterDev

Dec 18, 2009, 02:04 PM

Seasons Greetings everyone! :D

Technically, it is more than one season that all of these holidays fall into, so it's very correct.

skunk

Dec 18, 2009, 02:11 PM

Seasons Greetings everyone! :D

Technically, it is more than one season that all of these holidays fall into, so it's very correct.To be correct, it would have to be Seasons' Greetings, then. :)

Queso

Dec 18, 2009, 02:13 PM

To be correct, it would have to be Seasons' Greetings, then. :)
Well done that man. There was something subconsciously bothering me throughout this thread, and that's it. Seasons' not season's :)

Thanks. I'll go drink some more Verve now :D

Macky-Mac

Dec 18, 2009, 02:20 PM

To be correct, it would have to be Seasons' Greetings, then. :)

oh for crying out loud! get on to the important stuff...how do you feel about pants on dogs?

notjustjay

Dec 18, 2009, 02:37 PM

I'd guess that more Atheists than Jews get into a huff about Christmas.

I also think that the US, as a whole, is a very touchy and sensitive country. I'd say that "Season's Greetings" and "Happy Holidays" is, unfortunately, also partially a result of trying to be unnecessarily PC. Mostly, I think this is more a result of corporations trying to cash in on everyone instead of just some people. Perhaps they think that "Merry Christmas" is offensive to some people, and figure that they are better off marketing to all people.

What bothers me most is all this wishy-washiness in the name of tolerance that is based on nothing but conjecture.

Do you know anyone who is offended by "Merry Christmas"? Santa Claus? Christmas trees? Have you ever heard of anyone -- of any religious position -- who is truly offended by any of this? Do you know anyone who is so closed-minded about their religion (or lack of it) that they refuse to even acknowledge that it exists, even if it's not something they believe in or celebrate?

All of this "holiday tree" and "winter festival" nonsense is based on people who think we need to downplay Christmas just in case it offends someone. I suspect they are more interested in tooting their own horn (oh good for you, you're so considerate of other faith groups) than truly warding off any of this fictitious ill-will. It's always some outspoken politician or parent that says "we should change it, we don't want to offend anybody!" Who is being offended?!

In fact, as this whole thread has proven, far more people are offended by the "political correctness" movement than any religious aspects of the holiday.

bobber205

Dec 18, 2009, 02:40 PM

What bothers me most is all this wishy-washiness in the name of tolerance that is based on nothing but conjecture.

Do you know anyone who is offended by "Merry Christmas"? Santa Claus? Christmas trees? Have you ever heard of anyone -- of any religious position -- who is truly offended by any of this? Do you know anyone who is so closed-minded about their religion (or lack of it) that they refuse to even acknowledge that it exists, even if it's not something they believe in or celebrate?

All of this "holiday tree" and "winter festival" nonsense is based on people who think we need to downplay Christmas just in case it offends someone. I suspect they are more interested in tooting their own horn (oh good for you, you're so considerate of other faith groups) than truly warding off any of this fictitious ill-will. It's always some outspoken politician or parent that says "we should change it, we don't want to offend anybody!" Who is being offended?!

In fact, as this whole thread has proven, far more people are offended by the "political correctness" movement than any religious aspects of the holiday.

The only people I've known that are truly insulted are people that are offended by everything.

skunk

Dec 18, 2009, 03:12 PM

I'll go drink some more Verve now :DWith Zest, I hope. :)

renewed

Dec 18, 2009, 03:32 PM

You don't have to believe facts. It happens all the time here.

I could give a spill about why Catholics are NOT Christians but there are bigger issues, like proper punctuation in the word "Seasons" which is in fact properly written as:

Season's.

skunk

Dec 18, 2009, 03:34 PM

I could give a spill about why Catholics are NOT ChristiansOh, yes please! We could do with some light entertainment.there are bigger issues, like proper punctuation in the word "Seasons" which is in fact properly written as:

Season's.Depends how many seasons you're talking about, doesn't it?

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 18, 2009, 03:35 PM

I could give a spill about why Catholics are NOT Christians...

Of course you would be dead wrong (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholisism). But you seem like someone who likes to be wrong consistently for the entertainment of others.

renewed

Dec 18, 2009, 03:42 PM

Depends how many seasons you're talking about, doesn't it?

Of course. But since we are replacing 'Merry Christmas' with 'Season's Greetings", I am assuming it is one season (Winter, Christmas time) that we are referring to, thus being ONE season.

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 18, 2009, 03:45 PM

Of course. But since we are replacing 'Merry Christmas' with 'Season's Greetings", I am assuming it is one season (Winter, Christmas time) that we are referring to, thus being ONE season.

Except we start seeing seasons' greetings around Thanksgiving, which we all know takes place in the Fall, hell it's still Fall. It's not even Winter until the twenty-first.

And I like how you completely dodged the part about you being completely wrong about your own religion. :rolleyes:

renewed

Dec 18, 2009, 03:45 PM

Of course you would be dead wrong (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholisism). But you seem like someone who likes to be wrong consistently for the entertainment of others.

A rebuttal is coming but be patient, it may take longer than posting a link to wikipedia...

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 18, 2009, 03:57 PM

A rebuttal is coming but be patient, it may take longer than posting a link to wikipedia...

patiently awaiting with bated breath.

renewed

Dec 18, 2009, 04:05 PM

CATHOLIC TRADITION - Call priests father, e.g., Father McKinley.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS -

Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
* * * *
CATHOLIC TRADITION - Forbidding the priesthood to marry.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS -

1) It is devilish to forbid God's people to marry when He has given marriage to be received with thanksgiving.
1 Timothy
4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

2) Peter was married (remember the pope is supposedly continuing the apostolic line through Peter).

Matthew
8:14 And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.

Mark
1:30 But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.

Luke
4:38 And he arose out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house. And Simon's wife's mother was taken with a great fever; and they besought him for her.

3) Paul, a great apostle, remained single; however he made it very clear that he could marry if he wanted to.

1 Corinthians
9:5 Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?

* * * *
CATHOLIC TRADITION - Mary never had other children after the Lord Jesus. A perpetual virgin.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS - Mary and Joseph indeed had children. They were the Lord's half brothers and sisters for their father was Joseph and mother was Mary.

Matthew
13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?
13:56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Whence then hath this man all these things?
Mark
6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

* * * *
CATHOLIC TRADITION - Mary is the queen of heaven.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS - Worshipping the queen of heaven (which is not the Mary of the Bible) is worshipping another god and it provokes the Lord to anger.

Jeremiah
7:17 Seest thou not what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?
7:18 The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the queen of heaven, and to pour out drink offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.
7:19 Do they provoke me to anger? saith the LORD: do they not provoke themselves to the confusion of their own faces?
* * * *
CATHOLIC TRADITION - Mary is the mother of God.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS - Mary is the mother of the earthly Jesus, not God. Jesus pre- existed from everlasting as God (see John 1:1). When He came to redeem mankind, He laid aside His glory and was made like unto sinful man so that He could take our punishment (Hebrew 2:9). God has no mother. He has lived from everlasting which means He had no beginning.

Isaiah
43:10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. [If Mary gave birth to God, she'd be God.]
Psalm
93:2 Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting.

Micah
5:2 But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler [Jesus] in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

Philippians
2:6 Who [Jesus], being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

* * * *
CATHOLIC TRADITION - Pope called Holy Father.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS - The term Holy Father is only found one time in the entire Bible. It was when Jesus prayed before He and His disciples went to the garden of Gethsemane. He referred to God the Father as Holy Father. It is blasphemy to call a man by God's name

John
17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
* * * *
CATHOLIC TRADITION - Purgatory, nuns, popes.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS - None of these is mentioned in the Bible. It is a sin to add to the Bible.

Proverbs
30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
The pope is a man who takes upon himself honor which belongs to no human being. Even the very name by which he allows himself to be called (Holy Father) is highly presumptuous and blasphemous (see above).

One does not need the pope to determine what God's will is. The Bible says that God has given the Holy Ghost to each believer and that He (the Holy Ghost) guides and leads us into all truth. All a believer needs is the Bible and the Holy Ghost to know the will of the Lord. Popery has been treacherous, but worse, each pope has been the blind leading the blind. Jesus said that both will fall into the ditch. Catholics, come out of this system that cannot save and know Jesus for youself, intimate and up-close.

NOTE: Purgatory is supposedly a place where a person is purified of sins--even popes supposedly go there. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the one that purifies us of our sins. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.... When a person dies their eternal home is sealed--heaven or hell--no in between. Hebrews 9:27 ...it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.

* * * *
CATHOLIC TRADITION - Venerating/worshipping images. Pope bows to statues of Mary, people worship the eucharist and have statues/candles in their homes and churches.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS - It is idolatry to venerate images. We are not even supposed to make them.

Exodus
20:4 Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.
20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God...
* * * *
CATHOLIC TRADITION - The mass. Through transubstantiation, the wafer/host and the wine supposedly become the actual blood and body of Jesus Christ when the priest prays over them.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS - Jesus died once for sins, never to be repeated. He sits on the right hand of God and does not reappear in the mass as a mass of blood and flesh.

Hebrews
10:12 But this man [Jesus], after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
10:13 From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
10:14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.
10:15 Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before,
10:16 This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;
10:17 And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
10:18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
John
19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

1 Corinthians
11:24 And when he [Jesus] had given thanks, he brake it [bread], and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
11:25 After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.
11:26 For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death till he come (not for the forgiveness of sins or to receive Jesus).

* * * *
CATHOLIC TRADITION - Saved, in part, by good works.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS - Good works are the fruits that grow out of being saved. They do not make you saved. An apple does not make its tree an apple tree, it was already an apple tree before any apples appeared. When you see the apples; however, you know what kind of tree it is. If a person is saved, he will shew forth good works because he has the spirit of Christ in him. The good works don't make him saved only the blood of Jesus can do that.

I John
1:7b ...the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
Acts 16:31b
...believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.

Romans
3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
3:25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
3:27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

What about James 2:20 "faith without works is dead"?

The kind of faith that saves is a faith that shows forth the works of God. Even devils believe in Jesus and tremble (James 2:19). Many people believe in Jesus but they won't follow Him. They have a faith, but not the kind that saves. If a person has true faith in Jesus, the Holy Ghost dwells in him and will cause good works will show forth in his life. The good works confirm the faith by which the person was saved. James 2:21-23 uses Abraham as an example. Abraham believed God so when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac, Abraham, out of his faith in God, offered up Isaac.

* * * *
CATHOLIC TRADITION - The church is founded on Peter.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS - Jesus Christ is the foundation of the church. Peter was a man like you and me. Jesus called Peter Satan in Matthew 16:23 when Peter rebuked Jesus dying. When Cornelius tried to worship Peter, Peter responded, "Stand up; I myself also am a man." (Acts 10:26). The pope needs to remember Acts 10:26 when he has men bowing to him and kissing his hand like he is worthy of worship.

1 Corinthians
3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Matthew
21:42 Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected [Jesus], the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

* * * *
CATHOLIC TRADITION - Confessing sins to a priest. Petitioning saints and Mary.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS - We are to confess our sins and needs to God alone.

I John
1:9 If we confess our sins, he [God] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Matthew
6:9, 12 After this manner...pray ye: Our Father... forgive us....

1 Timothy
2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus [not Mary, not saints, not priests, not the pope];

I John 2:1, ...And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

* * * *

Source (http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/cath.htm)

Rt&Dzine

Dec 18, 2009, 04:07 PM

You don't have to believe facts. It happens all the time here.

You took the words out of my mouth.

On a totally different subject . . . putting clothing on dogs and cats. Creepy. Just buy a plastic lawn goose and have fun dressing it.

.

bobber205

Dec 18, 2009, 04:12 PM

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 18, 2009, 04:17 PM

hey I never said Catholicism isn't ridiculous. It's one of the sillier religions (in my opinion).

http://itodyaso.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/pope1.jpg
http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2005/02/02/pope_dove_wideweb__430x410.jpg
and all that little boy touching...

my favorite part, is the source is a site that is usually only posted here in mocking (or by InTheNet)

http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/
http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/niv.jpg

renewed

Dec 18, 2009, 04:30 PM

How does contradicting the Bible make you Catholic but not Christians.

Christians are simply defined by the belief in Jesus. Unless something has changed Catholics are still Christians by this one fact. Catholics are a subset of Christians.

Why is being a subset bad?

Being a subset isn't bad. That's not the point. The point is that to be a Christian, as even you stated, you must follow Jesus solely. Catholics do not follow Jesus solely. They look to the Pope for spiritual guidance, look to the priests forgiveness for repentance, pray to Mary and other "saints" that were merely human, believe that going to Mass saves (going to church will bring you to heaven), as well as basing a church on peter.

Jesus states, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father but through me." John 14:6.

This shows that Jesus is the only way to salvation. Not repentance or good works or listening to the pope or priests etc...

The point is that to be a Christian you must believe entirely what Jesus said, Catholics (as a religion, not individually, yet to call yourself something you should believe what that group does) do not. They add their own beliefs about salvation.

skunk

Dec 18, 2009, 04:32 PM

That was the very first result on Google if you type in "Catholics are not Christian". You claimed it wasn't as simple as a link to Wikipedia, but it was even simpler, wasn't it?
CATHOLIC TRADITION - Forbidding the priesthood to marry.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS -

1) It is devilish to forbid God's people to marry when He has given marriage to be received with thanksgiving.
1 Timothy
4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.So, if you take 1 Timothy as your guide, I take it that you also agree with this:2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.
12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.
13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.
14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.
15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.and this:5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man.
10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry;
12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.Just how Christian are you?

renewed

Dec 18, 2009, 04:34 PM

http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/
http://www.jesus-is-lord.com/niv.jpg

The point is that it shows a small portion of the reasons why Catholics are not Christians, showing sources out of The Bible. I thought the list was reasonably set up and therefore quoted it so to give the original creator credit.

It's use for other means by other forum members is ultimately irrelevant.

IntheNet

Dec 18, 2009, 04:47 PM

hey I never said Catholicism isn't ridiculous...

:rolleyes:

Leave it to the secular to smear and make fun of what they clearly misunderstand. Is there some unwritten rule that those that disbelieve in a faith or religion are required to smear those that do?

skunk

Dec 18, 2009, 04:54 PM

:rolleyes:

Leave it to the secular to smear and make fun of what they clearly misunderstand. Is there some unwritten rule that those that disbelieve in a faith or religion are required to smear those that do?Well, it isn't exactly required, but it is regarded as "good form".
Incidentally, did you notice that your post makes a creditable attempt to smear "the secular"?

anjinha

Dec 18, 2009, 04:58 PM

:rolleyes:

Leave it to the secular to smear and make fun of what they clearly misunderstand. Is there some unwritten rule that those that disbelieve in a faith or religion are required to smear those that do?

You didn't seem too bothered when in this same thread Christians have referred to Islamism as "not a real religion" :rolleyes:

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 18, 2009, 05:02 PM

:rolleyes:

Leave it to the secular to smear and make fun of what they clearly misunderstand. Is there some unwritten rule that those that disbelieve in a faith or religion are required to smear those that do?

I think I understand religion very well. I attended church every Sunday until high school, attended church retreats (until recently) and went to a Christian school for much of my education. Don't tell me I'm blindly bashing faith.

IntheNet

Dec 18, 2009, 05:06 PM

Well, it isn't exactly required, but it is regarded as "good form".

Perhaps in grade school; beyond that adult behavior generally respects faiths and beliefs since the majority in the world have them.

firestarter

Dec 18, 2009, 05:10 PM

Perhaps in grade school; beyond that adult behavior generally respects faiths and beliefs since the majority in the world have them.

Why would I respect something that I believe to be misguided, foolish and dangerous? I do not.

skunk

Dec 18, 2009, 05:12 PM

Perhaps in grade school; beyond that adult behavior generally respects faiths and beliefs since the majority in the world have them.You appear (a) to have missed the light-hearted nature of my first comment, and (b) to have failed entirely to answer my second. How surprising that is.

Queso

Dec 18, 2009, 05:12 PM

Perhaps in grade school; beyond that adult behavior generally respects faiths and beliefs since the majority in the world have them.
The majority of the world also thought the world to be flat. Worthy of respect?

firestarter

Dec 18, 2009, 05:13 PM

CATHOLIC TRADITION<stuff>
WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS -
<more stuff>

Here's a fun link (http://www.ianpaisley.org/antichrist.asp) to a well known (and respected) politician's web site that I'm sure you'll enjoy.

iOrlando

Dec 18, 2009, 05:19 PM

wow you people are quite interesting. Most of you have no clue what you are talking about so I just stopped reading.

Merry Christmas all.

and Happy Chakenuh to our Jewish humans.

I am getting my Season's Greetings cards for the upcoming Spring season coming March 21. Very excited about that.

skunk

Dec 18, 2009, 05:22 PM

and Happy Chakenuh to our Jewish humans.No points awarded for complete disregard for the correct name of the Jewish holiday.

Surely

Dec 18, 2009, 05:24 PM

No points awarded for complete disregard for the correct name of the Jewish holiday.

No, no, no....... Chakenuh is a very important holiday. It's the only day of the year that we're allowed to eat bacon.

skunk

Dec 18, 2009, 05:27 PM

No, no, no....... Chakenuh is a very important holiday. It's the only day of the year that we're allowed to eat bacon.Oh. Well, Happy Chakenuh to you, then. :)

Queso

Dec 18, 2009, 05:39 PM

Leave it to the secular to smear and make fun of what they clearly misunderstand.

Most of you have no clue what you are talking about so I just stopped reading.
LOL. Yeah, the old superiority thing hasn't worked for a couple hundred years now. Try a new tactic :D

Surely

Dec 18, 2009, 05:44 PM

Oh. Well, Happy Chakenuh to you, then. :)

LOL thanks.

/of course you know I'm joking......

yg17

Dec 18, 2009, 05:56 PM

No, no, no....... Chakenuh is a very important holiday. It's the only day of the year that we're allowed to eat bacon.

It's also the only day when we're allowed to spend money :D

IntheNet

Dec 18, 2009, 06:03 PM

Merry Christmas all.

And Merry Christmas to you and your family...

http://i46.tinypic.com/vnnll1.jpg

pivo6

Dec 18, 2009, 06:22 PM

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 18, 2009, 06:26 PM

And Merry Christmas to you and your family...

http://i46.tinypic.com/vnnll1.jpg

Nothing like having an agenda behind absolutely everything you say.

Badandy

Dec 18, 2009, 07:16 PM

Nothing like having an agenda behind absolutely everything you say.

I know, it's quite pathetic. Isn't it funny how the many religious people in this thread say there is some war on Christmas and that atheists aren't tolerant when it's one of them took a good-will gesture of a greeting card and are ungrateful for it? I mean, for all the aggression and inconsiderateness many of you "believers" attribute to us atheists, I doubt many of us would feel offended if someone took time out of their day to think of us and send us a religious-themed holiday card.

Merry Christmas all.

and Happy Chakenuh to our Jewish humans.

Disregarding the fact that you absolutely butchered the name of one of the most important Jewish holidays (excellent tolerance and thoughtfulness!), do you have anything to say to the atheists here who don't believe in any deities? I mean, we all like seeing family, going to parties, and having a good time near the end of the year and we sure like well wishes...

bobber205

Dec 18, 2009, 07:23 PM

Nothing like having an agenda behind absolutely everything you say.

Always feeling prosecuted makes what is probably a otherwise unremarkable person feel special and oddly secure.

yg17

Dec 18, 2009, 08:30 PM

An oldie but goodie:

http://breaktheterror.files.wordpress.com/2008/12/christian_oppression_pie1.png?w=350&h=262

Rt&Dzine

Dec 18, 2009, 08:40 PM

I just received my Season's Greetings card from my boss. I should explain that I am a remote worker, so the card was mailed to me. The question is should I send it back to her or accept it and appreciate the sentiment that it was given.

Send it back to the dirty heathen and give her a good tongue lashing! I learned in this thread that Seasons' Greetings are vile and worthy of nothing but contempt.

eawmp1

Dec 18, 2009, 08:42 PM

I learned in this thread that Seasons' Greetings are vile and worthy of nothing but contempt.

As are unclothed animal genitals (particularly those being licked).

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 18, 2009, 08:45 PM

As are unclothed animal genitals (particularly those being licked).

And that Christians in the US are being oppressed, despite the fact that they are the majority.

skunk

Dec 19, 2009, 03:40 AM

Nothing like having an agenda behind absolutely everything you say....says the gay person. :rolleyes:
:p

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 19, 2009, 04:13 AM

...says the gay person. :rolleyes:
:p

but at least we're upfront about trying to corrupt the youth!

EricNau

Dec 19, 2009, 04:27 AM

I am getting my Season's Greetings cards for the upcoming Spring season coming March 21. Very excited about that.
I'm actually ridiculously offended that these cards will not explicitly allude to my birthday, which is on March 21. I'd hate for your cards to possibly include other celebrations that might occur on the same day. It's my holiday and you're defaming it with generic warm wishes.

Eraserhead

Dec 19, 2009, 04:49 AM

Here's a fun link (http://www.ianpaisley.org/antichrist.asp) to a well known (and respected) politician's web site that I'm sure you'll enjoy.

I can't believe how bias that is :eek:.

OllyW

Dec 19, 2009, 06:25 AM

I can't believe how bias that is :eek:.

Are you not familiar with Doctor Paisley?

He's always had a bee in his bonnet about the Roman church and usually uses the term AntiChrist when referring to the Pope.

Eraserhead

Dec 19, 2009, 06:52 AM

Are you not familiar with Doctor Paisley?

He's always had a bee in his bonnet about the Roman church and usually uses the term AntiChrist when referring to the Pope.

I didn't realise that he was that extreme. I suppose it shouldn't have been a great surprise.

Queso

Dec 19, 2009, 07:50 AM

Ian Paisley and the rest of the foul DUP are as big a scourge on UK politics as Nick Griffin's gang of idiotic thugs. Nasty bigoted scum who hide behind their Bibles whilst spouting pure hatred. Saying they are respected is a stretch.

rdowns

Dec 19, 2009, 09:01 AM

I went through the McDonald's drive thru for some coffee this morning. The cashier wished me a happy holidays. Where do I go to report this war on Christmas attitude?

yg17

Dec 19, 2009, 09:10 AM

Where do I go to report this war on Christmas attitude?

billoreilly@foxnews.com

Rt&Dzine

Dec 19, 2009, 09:34 AM

If you're going to get worked up about season's greetings, you also shouldn't partake in gift giving and putting up greenery and/or lights. These practices were stolen from pre-Christian winter festivals.

william sire

Dec 19, 2009, 10:19 AM

Good luck with that... :rolleyes:

It's the SAME GOD. Jeez! Ever heard of the Abrihamic faiths?

And no, if you grew up Iranian, you'd be on your mat on the floor 5 times daily. There's no way you would be 'seeing through the indoctrination'. Lol.
There are Christians in Islamic countries that wold disagree with you. If they haven’t already been put to death they might soon be, but that fate would be preferable over worshiping the imagination of Elisa Muhammad, the flesh and blood man who created Islam.

william sire

Dec 19, 2009, 10:21 AM

That's very christian of you. :rolleyes:
As much as you are being sarcastic, that is still very true, and I am quite happy that it is.

william sire

Dec 19, 2009, 10:24 AM

From the man who obviously knows what he's talking about. :rolleyes:
Because we both know your god and a Muslim's god are one in the same, right? There are very minor differences between your two silly mythologies.

If that is what you wish to believe, GOD gave you a free will, you can believe anything you want.

Rt&Dzine

Dec 19, 2009, 10:33 AM

If that is what you wish to believe, GOD gave you a free will, you can believe anything you want.

Possibly, but not your God.

skunk

Dec 19, 2009, 10:38 AM

There are Christians in Islamic countries that wold disagree with you. If they haven’t already been put to death they might soon be, but that fate would be preferable over worshiping the imagination of Elisa Muhammad, the flesh and blood man who created Islam.Your ignorance is spectacular. The name of the prophet from whom the Koran originated was Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullāh. Elijah Muhammad was the founder of the Nation of Islam, born in Georgia, USA, in 1897. What relation is Elisa to either of these?

william sire

Dec 19, 2009, 10:52 AM

Your ignorance is spectacular. The name of the prophet from whom the Koran originated was Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullāh. Elijah Muhammad was the founder of the Nation of Islam, born in Georgia, USA, in 1897. What relation is Elisa to either of these?
Would an answer be of any relevance? Islam was created by a flesh and blood man, concocted completely from his imagination. Islam is a lie, what does it matter if I know the correct name of the originator of that lie? Everything that has come from it is as baseless as the original lie.

Rt&Dzine

Dec 19, 2009, 10:58 AM

All religions are man made.

OllyW

Dec 19, 2009, 11:04 AM

Just got this email from Microsoft. Add them to your blacklist. :rolleyes:

207817

yg17

Dec 19, 2009, 11:30 AM

bobber205

Dec 19, 2009, 11:30 AM

skunk

Dec 19, 2009, 12:35 PM

Everything that has come from it is as baseless as the original lie.Does that include the Renaissance?

TuffLuffJimmy

Dec 19, 2009, 03:10 PM

Would an answer be of any relevance? Islam was created by a flesh and blood man, concocted completely from his imagination. Islam is a lie, what does it matter if I know the correct name of the originator of that lie? Everything that has come from it is as baseless as the original lie.

Sounds more like you have absolutely no idea what Islam is and you're just spreading FUD that you heard in Sunday school. Could you please enlighten us on the history you seem oh so familiar with? Could you explain how Islam came from man while your specific brand of Christianity (which has changed heavily in the passed 200 years) came from god almighty?

LethalWolfe

Dec 19, 2009, 03:25 PM

Sounds more like you have absolutely no idea what Islam is and you're just spreading FUD that you heard in Sunday school. Could you please enlighten us on the history you seem oh so familiar with? Could you explain how Islam came from man while your specific brand of Christianity (which has changed heavily in the passed 200 years) came from god almighty?
He could explain it but that doesn't mean the explanation will be logically sound. Too many people confuse having faith with having facts.

Lethal

IntheNet

Dec 19, 2009, 04:16 PM

All religions are made by man...

:rolleyes:

So Moses chiseled the Ten Commandments in stone all by himself?