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11th December 2007, 07:15 PM
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Reps: 656,397,554 (power: 656,404) | | | I forced a Salvatin Bell ringer to say Merry Christmas before I stuffed my money into the pail. She was quick to oblige me after I asked what Happy Holiday are we refering to?
Do atheists have Christmas trees?
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11th December 2007, 08:18 PM
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Reps: 870,812,427,306,886 (power: 870,812,427,323) | | Originally Posted by indagroove  I forced a Salvatin Bell ringer to say Merry Christmas before I stuffed my money into the pail. She was quick to oblige me after I asked what Happy Holiday are we refering to?
Do atheists have Christmas trees?
As a non Christan visitor to your forums I'm just curious if this is the kind of behavior I should expect from most Christians? Is it acceptable and encouraged? I'm just wondering because I normally strive to be polite to everyone, especially during the holidays, and if this is what I would have to do if I ever convert I'm not sure I should consider it. |
11th December 2007, 09:50 PM
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Reps: 22,818,612,937,454,916 (power: 22,818,612,937,465) | | Originally Posted by flicka As a non Christan visitor to your forums I'm just curious if this is the kind of behavior I should expect from most Christians? Is it acceptable and encouraged? I'm just wondering because I normally strive to be polite to everyone, especially during the holidays, and if this is what I would have to do if I ever convert I'm not sure I should consider it.
I'm just gonna throw my 2 cents worth in here...
No...this is not a typical response...I would not presume to speak for indagroove...
...I would, however, just like to comment that some of us are starting to become "offended" (and that's really not the correct word...tired and concerned is more appropriate) by the lack of respect for our beliefs...
It seems...quite often...that it's more than OK for people to to voice their angst over saying "Merry Christmas" or public displays of Nativity Scenes...or Christmas Trees and such...
But....Oh my goodness if a Christian displays some angst over Christ being removed from Christmas...
Please don't misunderstand...I believe you have a valid question and I personally have respect for your thoughts...but it is a little tiring for the most part...to have to always be concerned about offending everyone else...and it seems very few are concerned about, and sometime go out of their way to offend believers...
...those who also cause such a hoopla (as well as taking legal action) over Christmas...the 10 Commandments...religious statements/art displayed not only in government facilities...but simply in public places...
I'm personally discouraged and it breaks my heart when these things are forcibly removed by legal action...is this what I can continue to expect from non-Christians?  flicka...I hope this helps shed a bit of understanding...
Blessings! |
11th December 2007, 10:44 PM
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Reps: 69,863,510,186 (power: 69,863,517) | | Originally Posted by flicka As a non Christan visitor to your forums I'm just curious if this is the kind of behavior I should expect from most Christians? Is it acceptable and encouraged? I'm just wondering because I normally strive to be polite to everyone, especially during the holidays, and if this is what I would have to do if I ever convert I'm not sure I should consider it.
I would just like to point out that the bell ringer is the face of Christian outreach.
Each and every one of us needs to be aware of our witness in Christ is a moment by moment thing. Every thing we do, everything we say, every reaction we have is a witness to our faith.
As imperfect humans, we should strive to emulate our Saviour, but do not always make it there, but still we are to try, in His strength. When we fail it is due to us doing it in our own strength. Php 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
God Bless.
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11th December 2007, 10:53 PM
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Reps: 177,239,923,559,412,704 (power: 177,239,923,559,435) | | Originally Posted by flicka As a non Christan visitor to your forums I'm just curious if this is the kind of behavior I should expect from most Christians? Is it acceptable and encouraged? I'm just wondering because I normally strive to be polite to everyone, especially during the holidays, and if this is what I would have to do if I ever convert I'm not sure I should consider it.
Don't consider Christianity if it's something you try out to see if the bahaviour fits. But you do raise an excellent point on how we're perceived and I think people should take note.
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12th December 2007, 07:58 AM
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12th December 2007, 08:25 AM
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Reps: 22,818,612,937,454,916 (power: 22,818,612,937,465) | | I agree with you Nadiine...
alas...the problem lies in the written word once again...
Using a word such "forced" stirs up images of someone in your face...arm twisted behind the back shouting "say uncle" or "say Merry Christmas"
There are many times...when shopping for Christmas...I just want to step up on a soapbox and start screaming...
"MERRY CHRISTMAS"
One of my favorite home and garden stores no longer carry Nativity Scenes...the manager's response..."We just don't carry them anymore"
This is a Home & Garden Store with about 2 square blocks of "Holiday Decorations" but no Nativity Scenes for the Christmas Holiday??  I don't shop there anymore...
Holiday gifts and such I can understand...as Hanukkah is also celebrated this time of year...
I used to live in a predominately Jewish area...and not one Jew I ever said Merry Christmas to was offended...
Not one...
I certainly would not be offended if someone wished me a Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Kwanza
...As BustedFlat noted...I don't think it's unreasonable for someone to expect a Christian organization not to fall into the PC pit...."Onward Christian Soldier" right into the PC pit.... 
I seriously doubt anyone would be running amuck "forcing" Average Joe on the street to say Merry Christmas...
Last edited by Cris413; 12th December 2007 at 08:42 AM.
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12th December 2007, 10:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Cris413 I agree with you Nadiine...
alas...the problem lies in the written word once again...
Using a word such "forced" stirs up images of someone in your face...arm twisted behind the back shouting "say uncle" or "say Merry Christmas"
There are many times...when shopping for Christmas...I just want to step up on a soapbox and start screaming...
"MERRY CHRISTMAS"
One of my favorite home and garden stores no longer carry Nativity Scenes...the manager's response..."We just don't carry them anymore"
This is a Home & Garden Store with about 2 square blocks of "Holiday Decorations" but no Nativity Scenes for the Christmas Holiday?? I don't shop there anymore...
Holiday gifts and such I can understand...as Hanukkah is also celebrated this time of year...
I used to live in a predominately Jewish area...and not one Jew I ever said Merry Christmas to was offended...
Not one...
I certainly would not be offended if someone wished me a Happy Hanukkah, or Happy Kwanza
...As BustedFlat noted...I don't think it's unreasonable for someone to expect a Christian organization not to fall into the PC pit...."Onward Christian Soldier" right into the PC pit....
I seriously doubt anyone would be running amuck "forcing" Average Joe on the street to say Merry Christmas...
I hate to say this (namely of myself), but ALL OF US ARE CONDITIONED BY THE PC agenda.
We live in a culture saturated with it, and we have to operate in it to some degree.
How many times in the pulpits have I even heard strong pastors say this "I'm sorry to have to admit this, but God says.... ______________" (fill in the blank).
Are we SORRY that we have to relay God's truth on a matter? Are we SORRY that it's God's truth? No, but we say that to "lessen the blow" to the offensed crowd... becuz our culture is so PC.
It's a spirit of offense imho. And public speakers like Joel Osteen are helping to promote this dark spirit. Truth isn't welcome today.
Anyways, I'm on a derailed tangent... *puts on the breaks* lol Back to topic -
yes, I think it was his wording that gave that impression of a negative/hostile act: using "forced" and "stuffed my money" lingo puts that spin onto it... but it doesn't mean he badgered her like an angry bear.
I HOPE he didn't! (so much for the Christmas spirit!) LOL
HO HO HO... say Merry Christmas or I'll take your bell and hit you over the head with it. |
12th December 2007, 10:53 AM
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Reps: 22,818,612,937,454,916 (power: 22,818,612,937,465) | | Originally Posted by Nadiine I hate to say this (namely of myself), but ALL OF US ARE CONDITIONED BY THE PC agenda.
We live in a culture saturated with it, and we have to operate in it to some degree.
<snip>
I think this is an important issue and deserves a thread of it's own...think I'll start one... |
12th December 2007, 10:59 AM
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Reps: 176,280,132,234,744,160 (power: 176,280,132,234,763) | | Originally Posted by indagroove
Do atheists have Christmas trees?
yes
and Merry Christmas to you guys.
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), we should ask to find out what was in his mind at the time.
He's done more than alot of other "kinder" people who might not donate anything. 
