Cornflower said: "If one attends carols by candlelight sponsored by the local community church because the secular local government will not support the occasion, it is unreasonable to chaff because there was a prayer - which would have been expected and most likely demanded by the parishioners present."

Just to clarify, I wasn't aware the arrangements had changed when I turned up for the Carols by Candlelight. I imagine (but have no proof) that the decision to let the church host it was made on financial grounds. And, I admitted, myself, in the article, that it took just 'two beats' to realise my initial reaction was harsh.

Merry Christmas, Chrys

If anyone is interested in reading more about the pagan origins of Christmas, my friend Colin Kline has written an excellent piece, Saturnalia, which appears the Atheist Foundation of Australia's website.

http://www.atheistfoundation.org.au/articles/saturnalia

Colin says, in part:

"Pagan theologies were the model for christian inventions, which mischievously glued their monotheism over older tritheisms by demanding a logic-defying "mystical faith." The previous notions of a trinity had derived from the Ancient Greeks, who believed their world, Earth, was separated from the Underworld by the river Styx. The Underworld was in turn divided into three, The Elysian Fields (c.f. ‘Heaven'), Tartarus (c.f. ‘Hell') and The Asphodel Fields (c.f. ‘Purgatory'). The similarities between the two theologies are so stark, that one wonders at the might of the social forces that separated them .... "

Cornflower, I didn't 'tar all with the same brush' - I said "a (singular) rock-concert-type evangelising one". Touchy, touchy. Sheeesh!

Anyone who is offended that the majority of Australians are Christians and who are further offended that the majority of Australians celebrate Christmas, are not the type of people that embrace tolerance and are certainly not the type of people we really need in Australia.

If you’re not Christian, who cares! Have a beer, then some turkey or goose and then some pudding, argue politics with irrational family member and enjoy the other important element to Christmas, a time to catch up with family, (and to gather excellent leftovers for the cricket on the 26th).
h

Apologists can be so frustrating sometimes. Especially when they’re not even one of these who they’re apologising for.

Great articles and posts, Chrys.

Keep them coming!

If you’re not Christian, who cares! Have a beer, then some turkey or goose and then some pudding, argue politics with irrational family member and enjoy the other important element to Christmas, a time to catch up with family, (and to gather excellent leftovers for the cricket on the 26th).
h
Posted by Angry Oak, Friday, 17 December 2010 1:02:32 PM

Now That makes sence.

BLUE