I think you’re watching too much Fox. I think you’re mixing up the fact that atheists don’t want our tax money spent to promote YOUR religion anymore than you’d want your tax money spent to promote Hinduism, Islam or Wicca.
I’m an atheist, neither I, nor anyone I know, wants to “stigmafy” Christmas. In fact, I personally celebrate Christmas; it’s one of my favorite times of year. I love the family time, tree and gift-giving, lights marking the lengthening days, festive meals, time off work and end-of-year reflection side of the holiday (customs that preceded Jesus in pagan holidays).
The birth of Jesus from a supposedly virgin mother, an event not included in the two oldest gospels, but later developed from a mistranslation of the Hebrew word “Almah”? An event completely not-dated in the Bible, but based on the descriptions in the BIble, most likely not in the winter, let alone December 25? Not so much.
Anyone can justify anything one wishes. For example, Christians justified the Inquisition, the killing of Jews and slavery. Many Christians justify discrimination against homosexuals and atheists today.
I’m an atheist. I’m married, am faithful to my wife, and we adopted two kids from difficult, impoverished situations. I happily pay my taxes and donate to charity. As an avocation, I’m a doctor who works with patients with chronic renal disease at end stage of life. I can’t always do much, but I do what I can. And I don’t need to believe in the supernatural to do that.
Relying on the existence of a Spirit, Ghost, Specter or Jin to explain your religion does not a sound philosophy make. I’d submit that this is why you find the manifestations of such to be “hard to describe.” Indeed, they would be.
I think you’re watching too much Fox. I think you’re mixing up the fact that atheists don’t want our tax money spent to promote YOUR religion anymore than you’d want your tax money spent to promote Hinduism, Islam or Wicca.
I’m an atheist, neither I, nor anyone I know, wants to “stigmafy” Christmas. In fact, I personally celebrate Christmas; it’s one of my favorite times of year. I love the family time, tree and gift-giving, lights marking the lengthening days, festive meals, time off work and end-of-year reflection side of the holiday (customs that preceded Jesus in pagan holidays).
The birth of Jesus from a supposedly virgin mother, an event not included in the two oldest gospels, but later developed from a mistranslation of the Hebrew word “Almah”? An event completely not-dated in the Bible, but based on the descriptions in the BIble, most likely not in the winter, let alone December 25? Not so much.