alexander284
Well-Known Member
What is your response to Christians who don't celebrate Christmas, due to its "pagan" origins?
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What is your response?
- Thread starter alexander284
- Start date
Their choice.
I would ask them - what Scripture demands that?
then I would ask them if they are comparing Scripture with Scripture.
Here is the thing - if it is not a real conviction -
then I am helping that individual to be released from legalism.
I would explain that just because that some Christmas traditions may have pagan backgrounds,
does that mean it is wrong to celebrate. That's like saying that because Roman Catholics believe in transubstantiate,
then we should not take communion. Is that what we believe - of course not!
then I would ask them if they are comparing Scripture with Scripture.
Here is the thing - if it is not a real conviction -
then I am helping that individual to be released from legalism.
I would explain that just because that some Christmas traditions may have pagan backgrounds,
does that mean it is wrong to celebrate. That's like saying that because Roman Catholics believe in transubstantiate,
then we should not take communion. Is that what we believe - of course not!
Depends.
Are they asking for a response?
If so and they are arguing the actual origins to be pagan they are not on strong ground. I would discuss this with them if that is what they were seeking.
If they are simply saying they do not observe a specific day to celebrate the Incarnation, then I would not respond. We do not have to observe a specific day.
If they are saying I am wrong to celebrate Christmas then I'd just wish them a merry Christmas and go on.
Whatever floats their boat.
Its aggravating - because it's ridiculous, but not a hill to die on.
canadyjd
Well-Known Member
To be clear, they have a point concerning the pagan influence.
The early church was much more focused on Christ’s resurrection than His birth.
When Constantine became the first Christian emperor (supposedly) about 325 or so, he had a big problem. Roman soldiers worshipped the “undying sun” or, “Mithra” the Persian goddess of light. Both “deities” supposedly were honored during the winter solstice (late December).
The Roman Church assimilated these traditions into the church by claiming Jesus was born on December 25th.
The Romans worshipped all the gods, so adding the Christian god would not be unusual. In fact, the RCC bishop at Rome took the title Pontifical Maximus, which meant high priest of all the gods.
Scripture does not say when Jesus was born. However, scholars note the Shepherds were in the fields with their sheep. Sheep were brought into pens during the winter months.
The best guess, and it is a guess, is fall or spring.
As was stated, follow your conscience.
Peace to you
The early church was much more focused on Christ’s resurrection than His birth.
When Constantine became the first Christian emperor (supposedly) about 325 or so, he had a big problem. Roman soldiers worshipped the “undying sun” or, “Mithra” the Persian goddess of light. Both “deities” supposedly were honored during the winter solstice (late December).
The Roman Church assimilated these traditions into the church by claiming Jesus was born on December 25th.
The Romans worshipped all the gods, so adding the Christian god would not be unusual. In fact, the RCC bishop at Rome took the title Pontifical Maximus, which meant high priest of all the gods.
Scripture does not say when Jesus was born. However, scholars note the Shepherds were in the fields with their sheep. Sheep were brought into pens during the winter months.
The best guess, and it is a guess, is fall or spring.
As was stated, follow your conscience.
Peace to you
If the angels in heaven can celebrate it, I have more reason to. I may be a few years late. I hope everyone will give me reasonable excuse for late birthday celebrations. I couldn’t make it on time.
I think a distinction needs to be made between supposed pagan origins of Christmas and the time Christmas is observed.
But it is interesting. While the Romans (as a whole) did not observe the worship of Mirtha, some did (primarily soldiers) as a secret mystery religion starting in the 2nd or 3rd century AD. The first recorded celebration of Christimas on Dec 25 is 336 AD.
It is reasonable that the date was chosen to both fix that date (the pagan worship was not necessarily on Dec 25, but around that time) and to change it to a Christian day.
Throughout history Christians have been divided on Christmas (not typically because of the choice of a date but because it celebrated Christ, in their mind, as a baby).
Easter is a fun one to look at as well. And Halloween.
GentleGospeller
Member
I send them this link (sermon), entitled "EVERGREEN" -