A black Santa Claus at the mall.

[Rue]

On ‎2016‎-‎12‎-‎20 at 7:07 AM, betsy said:

On second thought.....I have to retract my statement above in saying that Santa Claus is based on Christianity. 

 

Santa Claus has become the epitome of materialism - no one thinks of Christ when we think of Santa Claus.  We think of gifts!  Of things we'll be wishing for that we're gonna get.

 

  Santa Claus is a corruption of Christianity.

 

For me to have said what I said in my previous post, was a mistak on my part.  I fell unconsciously to the worldly trap!  That would be like me saying Valentine's Day is "Christian-based" because it's about love - when in fact, it's a celebration of Cupid (the god of love in mythology).

I knew what you meant. It has corrupted Christianity but it doesn't have to. Technically Christmas is a pagan holiday but it doesn't mean it can't also be a holiday like you said it could be used for. You don't have to be Christian to appreciate Christian holidays or the peaceful messages of Christianity. Why should I not be able to enjoy Christmas as a Christian holiday. Just because I am Jewish it doesn't mean I can't agree with the peaceful doctrines and healing and sharing lessons of many Christ parables. Christ parables are about Teekam Olam as we call it in Judaism, healing the world through positive sharing and actions with and for others. That's the basic message, its a Christian message and its a Jewish one, etc. and Betsy you are right it can be a time where people learn to share and be grateful, etc.

Christmas for me has always been a reminder to do good deeds. Sure its become corrupted but I blame people for doing that on their own.

There is nothing wrong with a symbolic holiday teaching people to one day a year be grateful  and care for others.

So there and I say you can make Christmas exactly what you originally said and for many it is.

Yah maybe the Santa Claus you and I know is a crass material one, but you can reinvent him to be any agent of positive good you want or to hell with Santa who says you can't have faith in your saviour at this time of year. If it gives you positive meaning and purpose then cherish it, and I will be the first to support you.

Faith that gives you hope and positive hope at that,  is a great thing.

As a Jew I can't imagine Christians without Christmas. Its who you are and I enjoy you guys sharing it. Thank you

  

[OftenWrong]

4 hours ago, The_Squid said:

So you go to malls for culture?  You are forced to go to a mall that has a black Santa and celebrate Xmas with everyone there?

Cultural marxists often use the excuse that "no one is forced to participate" when in fact, the opposite is true. You cannot avoid participation, unless you want to drop out from society entirely.

[Wilber]

1 hour ago, OftenWrong said:

Cultural marxists often use the excuse that "no one is forced to participate" when in fact, the opposite is true. You cannot avoid participation, unless you want to drop out from society entirely.

Go to a different mall.