RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving?

Collarspace Discussion Forums

Home Login Search

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving?

View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as: Guest

All Forums >> [Community Discussions] >> Dungeon of Political and Religious Discussion >> RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving?

Page: << < prev 4 5 6 [7] 8 next > >>

Message

<< Older Topic Newer Topic >>

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/23/2012 5:43:00 PM

littlewonder

Posts: 15659
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheHeretic

Now we know that atheists get their panties in a bunch over Christmas, but shouldn't a holiday established specifically to give thanks to the Divine bother them even more?

One would think so. I was actually thinking the same thing yesterday when I was thanking God for my blessings and "curses", before I ever read this thread.

_____________________________

Nothing has changed
Everything has changed

(in reply to TheHeretic)

Profile

Post #: 121

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/24/2012 12:45:43 AM

metamorfosis

Posts: 1132
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheHeretic
Should atheists participate. Simple enough question.

I think it would be better to ask the question about a different holiday. I had all but forgotten that Thanksgiving was ever religious. For me, it's almost like asking whether atheists should participate in Valentine's Day or St. Patrick's Day. The trouble is that all the Christian holidays have become really secularized.

So I'll pitch you one. One year, when I was a kid, I decided to celebrate some Jewish holiday. I think it was Yom Kippur. My only reason was that I thought being Mormon was boring, and I wanted an excuse to light candles and make latkes. I found out that they don't make latkes at Yom Kippur, but I made them anyway, instead of the food you're supposed to make. My whole family "celebrated" with me. (They were humoring me.) None of us had any Jewish heritage or knew anything about Yom Kippur, it was basically just a pretext for throwing a party.

Yom Kippur is a pretty serious Jewish holiday that hasn't been secularized or integrated into American popular culture. So my question is this: was what I did inappropriate?

Pam

< Message edited by metamorfosis -- 11/24/2012 1:03:03 AM >

_____________________________

Pam (aka gungadin09)

Forum Freak

(in reply to TheHeretic)

Profile

Post #: 122

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/24/2012 2:00:59 AM

thishereboi

Posts: 14463
Joined: 6/19/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Hillwilliam

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheHeretic

quote:

ORIGINAL: freedomdwarf1

quote:

ORIGINAL: tazzygirl

At what point does it stop being "celebrated" and starts being "pushed"?

When someone sees $$$'s in it and it becomes a truly commercial enterprise.

It's no longer a celebration - it's a money-making machine.

Now that is an interesting take, Freedomdwarf. My own perspective is that the pushing of the religious aspect of Christmas was a backlash to the increasing commercialization of the holiday.

I'll definitely agree to that.

Me too

_____________________________

"Sweetie, you're wasting your gum" .. Albert

This here is the boi formerly known as orfunboi

(in reply to Hillwilliam)

Profile

Post #: 123

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/24/2012 3:00:50 AM

crazyml

Posts: 5568
Joined: 7/3/2007
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheHeretic

quote:

ORIGINAL: Hillwilliam

Do you really believe that's why Aetheists are that way?

All atheists, Hill? No. Absolutely not. Some percentage of atheists? Oh you betcha.

Sure.... and some believers don't pick up their litter.

Some believers are total fuckwads, just as some atheists surely are.

I've even seen cases where some believers are so afraid of atheism that they create cretinous threads on boards to vent their feelings of inadequacy - But I wouldn't be so fucking stupid as to assume that all believers have their panties in such a twist.

Because that would be silly.

Wouldn't it!

_____________________________

Remember.... There's always somewhere on the planet where it's jackass o'clock.

(in reply to TheHeretic)

Profile

Post #: 124

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/24/2012 5:05:59 AM

freedomdwarf1

Posts: 6845
Joined: 10/23/2012
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheHeretic

quote:

ORIGINAL: freedomdwarf1

quote:

ORIGINAL: tazzygirl

At what point does it stop being "celebrated" and starts being "pushed"?

When someone sees $$$'s in it and it becomes a truly commercial enterprise.

It's no longer a celebration - it's a money-making machine.

Now that is an interesting take, Freedomdwarf. My own perspective is that the pushing of the religious aspect of Christmas was a backlash to the increasing commercialization of the holiday.

And who do you think is trying to make the MOST out of any Christian celebration by "pushing" the religious aspect of it - the greedy, grabbing church and those that run it!

I'm not talking about those at the bottom end of the pyramid - I think they are genuinely doing it for their religion. The ones I'm talking about are the top 10% of the pyramid that want the money to line their own nests because most of them can get away with the uncome as tax-free because of their 'religious' status.

Personally, I don't see it as one side pushing the other - I think they are both in it, right up to their necks, in promoting xmas and other christian holidays to wring out the last pennies of the devoted followers. And by 'followers' I don't just mean the religious nuts; it also includes all those buying into the whole festival of it, usually under the pretext of 'educating' and appeasing the kids.

(in reply to TheHeretic)

Profile

Post #: 125

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/24/2012 5:10:25 AM

GotSteel

Posts: 5871
Joined: 2/19/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Hillwilliam

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheHeretic
I'll be interested to see the atheist take on the atheists who are mostly just mad at their parents, and taking it out on God

Do you really believe that's why Aetheists are that way?

I mean, if they don't believe God exists, how can they be taking anything out on him....or her.....or it.

As a vocal atheist I've noticed what I can only describe as a compulsion to misunderstand me on the part of many religious people. When reality doesn't fit ones world view there are only a couple of options, change your world view or change reality. I went with the first option, others very noticeably pick the second.

(in reply to Hillwilliam)

Profile

Post #: 126

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/24/2012 7:33:55 AM

cordeliasub

Posts: 528
Joined: 11/4/2012
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: GotSteel

quote:

ORIGINAL: Hillwilliam

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheHeretic
I'll be interested to see the atheist take on the atheists who are mostly just mad at their parents, and taking it out on God

Do you really believe that's why Aetheists are that way?

I mean, if they don't believe God exists, how can they be taking anything out on him....or her.....or it.

As a vocal atheist I've noticed what I can only describe as a compulsion to misunderstand me on the part of many religious people. When reality doesn't fit ones world view there are only a couple of options, change your world view or change reality. I went with the first option, others very noticeably pick the second.

There is a third option as well:

Being comfortable enough in One's own belief (or non belief) that one can be just fine with everyone else's view even if they are different.

I think the problem with some religious (and non religious) people is that they feel others MUST agree with them. I don't understand that.

< Message edited by cordeliasub -- 11/24/2012 7:35:42 AM >

(in reply to GotSteel)

Profile

Post #: 127

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/24/2012 7:41:02 AM

tazzygirl

Posts: 37833
Joined: 10/12/2007
Status: offline

I dont get it either. My friends find it hilarious because I will say things like.. Oh lord. Its not religious.. its cultural thing.... like honey chile, please. I own a bible... its the family bible handed down to my great, great grandmother who passed it to me. I decorate for Christmas because I love the pretty lights and colorful ribbons. And I give cash because I refuse to stress myself out over gift buying.... go shop the after Christmas sales yourself.

_____________________________

Telling me to take Midol wont help your butthurt.
RIP, my demon-child 5-16-11
Duchess of Dissent 1
Dont judge me because I sin differently than you.
If you want it sugar coated, dont ask me what i think! It would violate TOS.

(in reply to cordeliasub)

Profile

Post #: 128

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/24/2012 7:42:32 AM

cordeliasub

Posts: 528
Joined: 11/4/2012
Status: offline

Well bless yore little ole heart......want some sweet tea?

(in reply to tazzygirl)

Profile

Post #: 129

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/24/2012 7:48:43 AM

tazzygirl

Posts: 37833
Joined: 10/12/2007
Status: offline

~groans~ would oh so love some... but the sugar has got me.

_____________________________

Telling me to take Midol wont help your butthurt.
RIP, my demon-child 5-16-11
Duchess of Dissent 1
Dont judge me because I sin differently than you.
If you want it sugar coated, dont ask me what i think! It would violate TOS.

(in reply to cordeliasub)

Profile

Post #: 130

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/24/2012 11:46:37 AM

TheHeretic

Posts: 19100
Joined: 3/25/2007
From: California, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: metamorfosis

One year, when I was a kid, I decided to celebrate some Jewish holiday. I think it was Yom Kippur. My only reason was that I thought being Mormon was boring, and I wanted an excuse to light candles and make latkes. I found out that they don't make latkes at Yom Kippur, but I made them anyway, instead of the food you're supposed to make. My whole family "celebrated" with me. (They were humoring me.) None of us had any Jewish heritage or knew anything about Yom Kippur, it was basically just a pretext for throwing a party.

Yom Kippur is a pretty serious Jewish holiday that hasn't been secularized or integrated into American popular culture. So my question is this: was what I did inappropriate?

Pam

Oh, yeah. Straight to Hell for that one, Pam. You might as well have decorated a tree for Good Friday.

Ok. Sorry. I just can't help myelf sometimes. Seriously though, some cross-cultural exploration from a kid with an indulgent family. especially something which encourages further study and a better understanding, strikes me as a good thing.

_____________________________

If you lose one sense, your other senses are enhanced.
That's why people with no sense of humor have such an inflated sense of self-importance.

(in reply to metamorfosis)

Profile

Post #: 131

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/25/2012 4:58:03 AM

GotSteel

Posts: 5871
Joined: 2/19/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: cordeliasub

quote:

ORIGINAL: GotSteel
When reality doesn't fit ones world view there are only a couple of options, change your world view or change reality. I went with the first option, others very noticeably pick the second.

There is a third option as well:

Being comfortable enough in One's own belief (or non belief) that one can be just fine with everyone else's view even if they are different.

I think the problem with some religious (and non religious) people is that they feel others MUST agree with them. I don't understand that.

There is a fourth option as well....WAFFLES!!!

Seriously though, I don't think we're talking about the same thing. I'm talking about the situations where one is demonstrably wrong. In this case that believers have been explaining what atheism is and how it works to each other for quite some time and haven't exactly been doing an unbiased job of it.

It makes for some weird conversations where I'll explain my position only to be promptly informed by someone that's not my position, my position is something else and they then try to explain my position to me.

Sorry guys, atheism doesn't live up to the false advertising.

(in reply to cordeliasub)

Profile

Post #: 132

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/25/2012 5:04:55 AM

Toysinbabeland

Posts: 1693
Joined: 3/4/2012
From: the other end of Cx's leash
Status: offline

I don't believe in atheists, so they can celebrate at the unicorn table, next to the kids table.

_____________________________

*Smitten fox* that's all you need.

(in reply to GotSteel)

Profile

Post #: 133

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/25/2012 7:32:51 AM

cordeliasub

Posts: 528
Joined: 11/4/2012
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: GotSteel

quote:

ORIGINAL: cordeliasub

quote:

ORIGINAL: GotSteel
When reality doesn't fit ones world view there are only a couple of options, change your world view or change reality. I went with the first option, others very noticeably pick the second.

There is a third option as well:

Being comfortable enough in One's own belief (or non belief) that one can be just fine with everyone else's view even if they are different.

I think the problem with some religious (and non religious) people is that they feel others MUST agree with them. I don't understand that.

Ah yes, I agree with you there. I am not an atheist, so I would be displaying my own ignorance to try to tell someone who is what is going on in their heads. Heck, I hate it when other Baptists try to tell me what is going on in MY head.....of course I did read Harry Potter, so maybe I am really a witch........lol

There is a fourth option as well....WAFFLES!!!

Seriously though, I don't think we're talking about the same thing. I'm talking about the situations where one is demonstrably wrong. In this case that believers have been explaining what atheism is and how it works to each other for quite some time and haven't exactly been doing an unbiased job of it.

It makes for some weird conversations where I'll explain my position only to be promptly informed by someone that's not my position, my position is something else and they then try to explain my position to me.

Sorry guys, atheism doesn't live up to the false advertising.

(in reply to GotSteel)

Profile

Post #: 134

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/25/2012 7:35:07 AM

SilverMark

Posts: 3457
Joined: 5/9/2007
Status: offline

Hell, I thought Thanksgiving had transcended religion a bit ago, and really just became a day of thanks for many things aside from the blessings of the Christian God?

_____________________________

If you have sex with a siamese twin, is it considered a threesome?

The trouble with ignorance is that it picks up confidence as it goes along.
- Arnold H. Glasow

It may be your sole purpose in life to simply serve as a warning to others!

(in reply to kalikshama)

Profile

Post #: 135

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/25/2012 8:03:36 AM

GotSteel

Posts: 5871
Joined: 2/19/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: Toysinbabeland
I don't believe in atheists, so they can celebrate at the unicorn table, next to the kids table.

That should be funny but start reading this stuff:

https://www.google.com/search?q=atheists+don't+exist

(in reply to Toysinbabeland)

Profile

Post #: 136

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/25/2012 10:32:28 AM

TheHeretic

Posts: 19100
Joined: 3/25/2007
From: California, USA
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: GotSteel

It makes for some weird conversations where I'll explain my position only to be promptly informed by someone that's not my position, my position is something else and they then try to explain my position to me.

So, not much different than being a conservative in this place, then.

_____________________________

If you lose one sense, your other senses are enhanced.
That's why people with no sense of humor have such an inflated sense of self-importance.

(in reply to GotSteel)

Profile

Post #: 137

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/25/2012 2:19:19 PM

GotSteel

Posts: 5871
Joined: 2/19/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: TheHeretic
So, not much different than being a conservative in this place, then.

Yes, that's a good example.

(in reply to TheHeretic)

Profile

Post #: 138

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/26/2012 5:39:11 AM

GotSteel

Posts: 5871
Joined: 2/19/2008
Status: offline

quote:

ORIGINAL: cordeliasub
Ah yes, I agree with you there. I am not an atheist, so I would be displaying my own ignorance to try to tell someone who is what is going on in their heads. Heck, I hate it when other Baptists try to tell me what is going on in MY head.....of course I did read Harry Potter, so maybe I am really a witch........lol

Rotfl did they actually tell you that?

(in reply to cordeliasub)

Profile

Post #: 139

RE: Should atheists participate in Thanksgiving? - 11/26/2012 6:11:54 AM

cordeliasub

Posts: 528
Joined: 11/4/2012
Status: offline

I have a friend who told me she would pray for protection for me when she found out I read them. Is it mean that I kind of want to shout "Expecto Patronem!" at her sometimes.........

I grew up in a very fundamentalist, legalistic church and bought it all hook, line, and sinker. Then I kind of say "F- it" for awhile. Now I am at a place where I feel comfortable with what I believe, but I do not feel the need to push it on anyone else, as if I even could. My job is to make sure my actions line up with my beliefs, not to dictate everyone else's.

Ridikkulus!

(in reply to GotSteel)

Profile

Post #: 140