Interesting pagan comment

[Rich Koster]

One of the guys at work made a statement that really made me think. He said that he hated "the Christmas season" because people who normally hate you and stab you in the back pretend to be nice and like you for a few days. I am in agreement with what he said about the false actions and wonder....WHY? Is the hypocrisy generated by anticipated obligatory gifts, time off, the office party stupor, or something else?

 

[Grafted In]

Ahhhh, the sin masking benefits of our civil religion.

 

[Rich Koster]

Ahhhh, the sin masking benefits of our civil religion.

Yes, but why does it peak around winter solstice? Flesh gratifying religion takes place all year.

 

[au5t1n]

People feel like they need to be nicer around Christmas, I suppose. Certain feelings come along with the Christmas season. People start watching lots of movies about being nice around this time.

As a side note, I love how PBers say "pagans" instead of "unbelievers."

 

[Montanablue]

One of the guys at work made a statement that really made me think. He said that he hated "the Christmas season" because people who normally hate you and stab you in the back pretend to be nice and like you for a few days. I am in agreement with what he said about the false actions and wonder....WHY? Is the hypocrisy generated by anticipated obligatory gifts, time off, the office party stupor, or something else?

I agree with him - BUT I don';t think this is just true at Christmas. I think people tend to do this at many times. For example - birthdays, funerals, Esther, thanksgiving. Anytime people are reminded of their own mortality, they fell guilty about their actions and make a (usually short-lived) attempt to "be nice." Similarly, during "sentimental" times of year, people feel a similar guilt. So, I sympthize, but I don't think its just Christmas (although that's perhaps when it happens the most)

 

[Rich Koster]

People feel like they need to be nicer around Christmas, I suppose. Certain feelings come along with the Christmas season. People start watching lots of movies about being nice around this time.

As a side note, I love how PBers say "pagans" instead of "unbelievers."

I see the common use of the words interchangeable. In Germany, a missionary friend of mine has his congregation registered as pagan/heathen. Why? In Germany the two recognized "state churches" are RC & Lutheran, everything outside is pagan or heathen.

 

[au5t1n]

People feel like they need to be nicer around Christmas, I suppose. Certain feelings come along with the Christmas season. People start watching lots of movies about being nice around this time.

As a side note, I love how PBers say "pagans" instead of "unbelievers."

I see the common use of the words interchangeable. In Germany, a missionary friend of mine has his congregation registered as pagan/heathen. Why? In Germany the two recognized "state churches" are RC & Lutheran, everything outside is pagan or heathen.

That's hilarious.

 

[Grafted In]

Ahhhh, the sin masking benefits of our civil religion.

Yes, but why does it peak around winter solstice? Flesh gratifying religion takes place all year.

For the same reason that most Americans, in subjection to the forces of civil religion, go to church only on Easter and Christmas. It is just what you are suppose to do no matter how painful it might be.

 

[Jack K]

The unbeliever still feels a need for justification, so he tries to justify himself. Christmas provides opportunity. Let's spread cheer. Let's feel better about ourselves.

 

[Skyler]

I am no nicer at Christmas than I am the rest of the year.


Well... with the possible exception of those who might be inclined to give me a Christmas present, I suppose... a very little bit.

 

[Poimen]

Actually, for those of us who think Christmas is pagan we tend to be more surly and antagonistic at this time of the year.

 

[Rich Koster]

Actually, for those of us who think Christmas is pagan we tend to be more surly and antagonistic at this time of the year.

, it brings out the bah humbug in me too. I don't do popish mass.