A Philosophical Question

Why is it that atheists celebrate Christian / religious holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving? Atheists don’t believe in God so what possible significance could these holidays have for them?
Why is the atheists don’t celebrate other religious holidays such as Ramadan, Hanukkah, Passover, Kwanza and or Tet?
Grant it, mainstream Christian holidays have become so commercialized the reason for the season has been lost. Instead of worshiping almighty God allot of American worship the almighty dollar.
Anyone with a basic knowledge of Christian history know that the holidays of Christmas and Easter were pagan holidays that where brought in to the Christian faith by the Christians themselves. But regardless of the holidays represented in the past they have been adapted to conform with specific biblical events, thus making them religious / Christian holidays.
This brings me back to my original question. Why do atheists celebrate a religious holiday when by their own admission they don’t believe in a supreme being, a god or a deity. It make no since for them to celebrate in honor of any deity.
All Christmas is to the atheist is an excuse to eat, get stuff and get time off work. And an atheist celebrating Easter is an even bigger quandary. No gifts are exchanged and there is little to no time off work.
Now Thanksgiving is more an American holiday than it is a religious holiday. But the holiday does have it’s roots steeped in religion. The holidays name (Thanks-Giving) is self explanatory. We Christians give thanks to almighty God for all the blessings giving to us over the past year. And to give thanks for this great country that we live in.
But what is Thanksgiving to the atheist? To whom does the atheist give thanks to? It has actually been suggested that the original Thanksgiving was to give thanks to the Native American for not killing the pilgrims. As I am sure the pilgrims where thankful for not being killed by the Indians, their thanks went to God.
America was founded on Christian beliefs and values. If there is any doubt to this statement take a look at anything American. On our Money,“In God We Trust”. Our pledge of allegiance,“One Nation Under God,” Taking an oath in court (With the left hand on the Bible no less)“So help me God.” These are three undisputable examples of God being a predominate part of the foundation upon which this country was built upon. To deny this is just asinine.
Atheist love to attack and ridicule people with faith. The atheist will resort to spouting quotes from science in their efforts to discredit, dispute and refute anything Christian. The concept of faith is beyond their comprehension. But yet they cling to their “faith” in science.

Fleetcaptain wrote:

Why is it that atheists celebrate Christian / religious holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving? Atheists don’t believe in God so what possible significance could these holidays have for them?

1st, that wasn't a question, it was an essay. A rambling non sequitur that sounded like you just graduated from the Sarah Palin school of public speaking.

2nd, it was obviously meant to elicit a response from me since I recently disclosed my atheism, after which you blasted me in an extremely feral manner.

3rd, I am unaware of any Atheists who "celebrate" ANY Christian holidays. We may "reluctantly participate" out of respect for our loved ones, which is usually more than Christians will do for us, but no such celebrating takes place.

New Years Eve, the 4th of July, and Halloween are my favorite holidays. Joyous holidays minus the hypocrisy from people like Fleetcaptain.

What is your definition of an athiest?

Being a Christian, I understand where you're coming from on this. The fact is, it's been like this a long time, and we may never get a definitive answer. So long as we question athiests, they will question us. To my knowlede, they don't like being questioned to much. And I will say that there are Christians out there too who don't like to be questioned. America was founded on Christian beliefs, however, eventually the core values that originally constructed this country will be torn down. Our evidence is right there in the Bible. I believe fully in God, and his son Jesus, and I also believe that there are things we may never get that definitive answer on in this life. The devil is real too, and he twists, distorts, even tries to blend into Christian culture to pull us away. Keep you're eyes focused on God, and don't overthink these things, they tend to drag you down, believe me.

Not sure if that's kinda what you were looking for or not, but God Bless!

b_town_bob wrote:

<quoted text>
1st, that wasn't a question, it was an essay. A rambling non sequitur that sounded like you just graduated from the Sarah Palin school of public speaking.
2nd, it was obviously meant to elicit a response from me since I recently disclosed my atheism, after which you blasted me in an extremely feral manner.
3rd, I am unaware of any Atheists who "celebrate" ANY Christian holidays. We may "reluctantly participate" out of respect for our loved ones, which is usually more than Christians will do for us, but no such celebrating takes place.
New Years Eve, the 4th of July, and Halloween are my favorite holidays. Joyous holidays minus the hypocrisy from people like Fleetcaptain.

Bob, you don’t have to read me threads. But it’s obvious that you enjoy doing so. And I’m pleased you do. I almost gave you a complement. This response was less confrontational than most of your others. But you still managed to call me a hypocrite.
But see how your responses elicit different responses from me. I am not blasting you in the least. That is because this time you are half way being respectable. You have the right to freedom of religion. But I have the right to understand more about something I fail to.

Insider11 wrote:

Being a Christian, I understand where you're coming from on this. The fact is, it's been like this a long time, and we may never get a definitive answer. So long as we question athiests, they will question us. To my knowlede, they don't like being questioned to much. And I will say that there are Christians out there too who don't like to be questioned. America was founded on Christian beliefs, however, eventually the core values that originally constructed this country will be torn down. Our evidence is right there in the Bible. I believe fully in God, and his son Jesus, and I also believe that there are things we may never get that definitive answer on in this life. The devil is real too, and he twists, distorts, even tries to blend into Christian culture to pull us away. Keep you're eyes focused on God, and don't overthink these things, they tend to drag you down, believe me.
Not sure if that's kinda what you were looking for or not, but God Bless!

Thank you! Very insightful and food for thought.

I say to each their own. I know what I believe, and if someone else chooses to believe something that differs from myself so be it. Their differing view does not make me insecure in what I believe to the point where I have to argue that I am right. Nor does it make me question my own beliefs. I do what is right for myself and I try not to worry about what other people's belief system happens to be or what motivates them to celebrate a certain holiday.

miracle ear wrote:

I say to each their own. I know what I believe, and if someone else chooses to believe something that differs from myself so be it. Their differing view does not make me insecure in what I believe to the point where I have to argue that I am right. Nor does it make me question my own beliefs. I do what is right for myself and I try not to worry about what other people's belief system happens to be or what motivates them to celebrate a certain holiday.

Faith is such an easy thing. I find it so sad that someone is willing to forfeit their immortal soul and risk an eternity of suffering just because they refuse to except something that is so obvious. Maybe this is just my kind gesture of love and kindness, reaching out to a lost soul. If one person questions why, or seeks God because of something I said, I did my job.

If someone does not celebrate Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas because of their religion or non religion, then why do they accept present given to them by others, such as monetary bonuses (christmas bonus) or food (thanksgiving turkey, christmas ham, given by employers)? They could just as easily decline such things.

Thrifty_Soul wrote:

If someone does not celebrate Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas because of their religion or non religion, then why do they accept present given to them by others, such as monetary bonuses (christmas bonus) or food (thanksgiving turkey, christmas ham, given by employers)? They could just as easily decline such things.

Very well put.

Why do atheists participate in holiday celebrations you ask? Most people will take a bonus or a free meal provided by their employer so long as it's on company time. If they have to make a special trip out at night for the free meal, many will decline. Heck, they figure, why not if it's free? They may do that even if they don't like or respect the employer. People tend to take advantage of freebies if it's something they can use and they don't have to go too much out of their way. Who wouldn't like an extra day off? Many people are delighted when there's a snow day or a power failure at work. They wouldn't like it so much if the company folded, but they'll certainly take advantage of any holiday that comes along, whether they're believers or not. Take a look at the Fourth of July. All the foreigners at a facility would take the day off if it fell during the week and they got paid. They might even attend the fireworks display or go to a party just for a fun thing to do.There are lots of people that go to football games for the excitement of the crowd, even though they have no interest in sports whatever. People like holidays because they are fun and they get time off from work. Celebrating is a part of human nature. Atheists and foreigners enjoy holidays too, even if they don't honor the occasion. Most Jews and Moslems wish their Christian co-workers a "Merry Christmas," regardless of the fact they do not believe in Jesus as a god or savior. It's just a social thing to do. If I knew an atheist was traveling to a national atheists convention, I'd wish her a happy trip and ask her about her experiences when she got back. It would be interesting, and you care about the people you associate with.

Olivier wrote:

What is your definition of an athiest?

An Atheist is someone who denies the existence of god, or a supreme being. I'm an Atheist.

An Agnostic, however, is someone who allows for the possibility god or a supreme being exists, but feels that such things are unknowable and therefore participation is pointless. For instance, Larry King describes himself as an Agnostic Jew. He believes in god but he doesn't participate in any religious events. I actually feel that most people are Agnostic, they're just not educated, enlightened, or courageous enough to admit to it.

Fleetcaptain wrote:

Why is it that atheists celebrate Christian / religious holidays such as Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving? Atheists don’t believe in God so what possible significance could these holidays have for them?
Why is the atheists don’t celebrate other religious holidays such as Ramadan, Hanukkah, Passover, Kwanza and or Tet?
Grant it, mainstream Christian holidays have become so commercialized the reason for the season has been lost. Instead of worshiping almighty God allot of American worship the almighty dollar.
Anyone with a basic knowledge of Christian history know that the holidays of Christmas and Easter were pagan holidays that where brought in to the Christian faith by the Christians themselves. But regardless of the holidays represented in the past they have been adapted to conform with specific biblical events, thus making them religious / Christian holidays.
This brings me back to my original question. Why do atheists celebrate a religious holiday when by their own admission they don’t believe in a supreme being, a god or a deity. It make no since for them to celebrate in honor of any deity.
All Christmas is to the atheist is an excuse to eat, get stuff and get time off work. And an atheist celebrating Easter is an even bigger quandary. No gifts are exchanged and there is little to no time off work.
Now Thanksgiving is more an American holiday than it is a religious holiday. But the holiday does have it’s roots steeped in religion. The holidays name (Thanks-Giving) is self explanatory. We Christians give thanks to almighty God for all the blessings giving to us over the past year. And to give thanks for this great country that we live in.
But what is Thanksgiving to the atheist? To whom does the atheist give thanks to? It has actually been suggested that the original Thanksgiving was to give thanks to the Native American for not killing the pilgrims. As I am sure the pilgrims where thankful for not being killed by the Indians, their thanks went to God.
America was founded on Christian beliefs and values. If there is any doubt to this statement take a look at anything American. On our Money,“In God We Trust”. Our pledge of allegiance,“One Nation Under God,” Taking an oath in court (With the left hand on the Bible no less)“So help me God.” These are three undisputable examples of God being a predominate part of the foundation upon which this country was built upon. To deny this is just asinine.
Atheist love to attack and ridicule people with faith. The atheist will resort to spouting quotes from science in their efforts to discredit, dispute and refute anything Christian. The concept of faith is beyond their comprehension. But yet they cling to their “faith” in science.

Well I am one of these Atheist you are talking about. No I do not believe in a higher power or God. But do believe that Jesus existed on this world. No I do not believe he was anything other than a mere man that people chose to follow because they chose to believe what he said. Christmas is suppose to be the day of his birth am I right? So I honor the mans birthday with everyone else. I don't celebrate easter because I do not believe in all the reserection stuff or what ever you want to call it. I am not speaking for all atheist only myself so don't quote me as doing so. But why are you calling into question people's religion or lack there of? You seem to be questioning everything and everyone lately as if you are some sort of supreme being. Everything from political opinions to religion now. What is next what they ate,when they ate it,how they ate it,why they ate it? You seem to be looking down on most everyone on this forum and I do not think you have that right.

Fleetcaptain wrote:

<quoted text>
Faith is such an easy thing. I find it so sad that someone is willing to forfeit their immortal soul and risk an eternity of suffering just because they refuse to except something that is so obvious. Maybe this is just my kind gesture of love and kindness, reaching out to a lost soul. If one person questions why, or seeks God because of something I said, I did my job.

If that makes you happy and gives you a degree of satisfaction in your life......then I say go for it. Nothing wrong with expressing ones beliefs.

Thrifty_Soul wrote:

If someone does not celebrate Easter, Thanksgiving or Christmas because of their religion or non religion, then why do they accept present given to them by others, such as monetary bonuses (christmas bonus) or food (thanksgiving turkey, christmas ham, given by employers)? They could just as easily decline such things.

Maybe the non-believers have picked those exact days to celebrate a holiday of his or her own choosing. Never know, it could be the case. I assume people have the right to designate certain days as their own personal holidays.

DR X wrote:

<quoted text>Well I am one of these Atheist you are talking about. No I do not believe in a higher power or God. But do believe that Jesus existed on this world. No I do not believe he was anything other than a mere man that people chose to follow because they chose to believe what he said. Christmas is suppose to be the day of his birth am I right? So I honor the mans birthday with everyone else. I don't celebrate easter because I do not believe in all the reserection stuff or what ever you want to call it. I am not speaking for all atheist only myself so don't quote me as doing so. But why are you calling into question people's religion or lack there of? You seem to be questioning everything and everyone lately as if you are some sort of supreme being. Everything from political opinions to religion now. What is next what they ate,when they ate it,how they ate it,why they ate it? You seem to be looking down on most everyone on this forum and I do not think you have that right.

Even roman history proves that jesus existed and that the romans killed him. com'on get real. don't be so thick

the one wrote:

<quoted text>Even roman history proves that jesus existed and that the romans killed him. com'on get real. don't be so thick

No one is questioning the fact Jesus lived and died some 2,000 years ago. BTW, it was really his own people, the Jewish hierarchy, that had him killed. The Roman governor saw no harm in the man and sought to let him go. It was the Jewish aristocrats who demanded he be put to death.

Why do Christians need a special day to profess their faith? Isn't it with you at all times? Why do you need the time off work to celebrate something you practice every day? Or is it the same reason an athiest would accept the holiday..to spend time with friends and family..the arrogance of the monotheistic dogma continues to astound me.
Being atheist does not make you less of a human, and the thought that it should is so non-Christian it is amazing that a devout beleiver would even suggest it.

Hells dining room- Btown Bob, party of one.

notbelievinthenads wrote:

Why do Christians need a special day to profess their faith?...

It's just a tradition like so many other social customs. Christmas was like any other work day in the 19th Century. You would have had to arrange with your employer to take it off without pay if he was so kind as to let you.