Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Whatever!!

Posted Wednesday, December 2, 2009, at 1:44 PM

With the Holiday season kicked off by Black Friday, people have started the Christmas vs. Holiday controversy once again. Matter of fact, I have received numerous Facebook "cause" and "group" invitations to "put/keep Christ in Christmas." I just have a question. Where did He go? Did He leave?

It never ceases to amaze me how worked up people get over the subtle things. I once invoked a debate within my family over Happy Holidays vs. Merry Christmas and was reminded how this family says Merry Christmas. Consequently, I laughed to myself and moved on with my day.

In all actuality, what is the big deal? Why do so many people seem to cling to this very holiday that does not represent anything in the Christian faith? Numerous Christian scholars suggest Christ was born in the autumnal months of September or October. So should Christmas be celebrated then? Hey, we could call it Octoberfest! No, that one is taken. *shakes fist at the desk *

So what if someone wishes you a Happy Holiday as opposed to a Merry Christmas? Why are we offended by the non-confrontation? December holds quite a few religious holidays for others, and it is rather arrogant to think this month is made only for the WASP (White Anglo-Saxon Protestant).

Look, I get it, Christmas has been a part of our culture since the arrival of the Pilgrims, and saying anything different than Merry Christmas is a hard pill to swallow. I understand that point of view. What about the Jewish student who does not understand the notion of Kris Kringle and Santa Claus? Should we forget about them too?

Till next time

Comments
Showing comments in chronological order
[Show most recent comments first]

Drew,

I think the reason it is a problem with me is because organizations such as the ACLU and poeple who support organizations similar to them, are only pushing for the "Happy Holidays" theme and decorating a "Holiday Tree" as opposed to a Christmas Tree, to try and get Christ out of Christmas. When someone that I know is a Christian says to me "Happy Holidays", I dont think anything of it. It is a classic case of not what is being said, but the meaning behind what is being said.

-- Posted by longbeard_23 on Wed, Dec 2, 2009, at 1:59 PM

Happy Festivus!

-- Posted by Lil' Hahn on Wed, Dec 2, 2009, at 3:28 PM

Drew,

Again, your clueless. Christian scholars of the day are the one's that set a dedicated day in a dedicated month to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. They understood that they did not know the exact date and elected a specific date to honor the birth of the Saviour. The notion of Kris Kringle, etc has retarded the view of the very religious Holiday. People who think Christmas is about getting gifts and eating food have so distorted the view of the Holiday that its nearly unrecognizable and is the reason for keeping Christ in Christmas. The root word of Holiday is Holy...Holy day, as in celebrating something of religious significance. The liberals of society fight to take away any Christian semblence of any traditional religious practice in the United States despite the constitutional right WE have to practice it.

-- Posted by The Answer on Wed, Dec 2, 2009, at 3:41 PM

The Answer:

You are right about the origin of the word holiday, but Christians don't have a monopoly on the word "Holy." Therefore people say Happy Holidays as it refers to all religous holidays. No one is violating your Constitutional rights by saying Happy Holidays and no one is telling you not to say Merry Christmas, specifically the government. The last time I read the First Amendment it said "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free excercise of..." When Congress starts telling you that you can't say "Merry Christmas," I'll be behind you 100%. Until then, no one's Constitutional rights are being trampled on.

-- Posted by onetime on Thu, Dec 3, 2009, at 10:12 AM

In actual fact, the word "holy" traces its roots back to an ancient language known as proto-indo-european, which pre-dates the Christian era by a few thousand years. Bringing the word into the argument merely re-inforces those who argue that we are actually celebrating a more universal winter soltice festival than limiting it only to Christianity.

On the History Channel last week, it was mentioned that 80% of the non-Christian world also celebrates Christmas. Christians, instead of railing against what wording is used, should embrace the fact that others have accepted their holiday.

As Drew says above, whatever. Christians and non-Christians alike will call the holiday whatever they wish, it is their right. Christians should respect the rights of others instead of insisting upon their own dogma.

-- Posted by Lil' Hahn on Thu, Dec 3, 2009, at 11:56 AM

I don't particularly care what people say as far as Happy Holiday or Merry Christmas. The argument is the distinct anti-Christ view held by a small minority that fight to take Christ out of everything related to Christmas and the obscured view of church and state. Its a mute point to say that one doesn't acknowledge the other December Holiday or religious practices that occur. We are talking about Christmas, the birth of Christ which is very specific. This isn't a rail against Christmas Trees or anything else secular; its a rail on the anti-Christian movement toward a very specific and important Christian Holiday.

-- Posted by The Answer on Thu, Dec 3, 2009, at 12:50 PM

In 1491, a Kentucky coconut farmer heard on FOX news that 3 Somalian-hijacked supertankers, Mother, Juggs and Speed, were headed to the United States. He immediately began preparations for a feast to serve them and called Squanto on his cell phone for help. When they landed at Pigeon Forge, the farmer (who was named Rick "Rocket" Hudson) suddenly remembered that he forgot to pick up the items from Wal-Mart that his wife had asked for. He uttered these words..."christ, Ma's stuff!" The Somalias heard these words and "christ,ma's" was an instant holiday. They only celebrated for a couple of hours because they had to leave for the Black Friday sale in Barbados.

-- Posted by on the Blood trail on Thu, Dec 3, 2009, at 3:11 PM

Drew Landry's response:

Wow....that was interesting. OK, now that we can disregard that off the wall comment, maybe we return to the discussion: why people get so offended with the non confrontational "Happy Holidays," than the upfront "Merry Christmas" around this time of year. Thank you

Ok.. it's real simple...christians are offended because it takes Christ out of christmas. Non-christians are offended because it pushes Christ onto the holiday season. Which, if you are talking about Dec. 25, is the reason for the celebration. So, what to do? I prefer to say Merry Christmas but, try not to be offended by the other because, at the end of the day, I can only answer for my own actions. So.... Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza and Happy Holidays. Hope your's is enlightening and joy is had by all!!!

-- Posted by LEO63 on Fri, Dec 4, 2009, at 2:08 PM

Rick Hudson is offended because on the Blood trail is saying that he is well over 500 years old, when I know for a fact that he isn't a day over 450.

-- Posted by Lil' Hahn on Fri, Dec 4, 2009, at 2:23 PM

Drew Landry's response:

The Answer brought up an interesting point that I would like to expand on. He said this:

"The argument is the distinct anti-Christ view held by a small minority that fight to take Christ out of everything related to Christmas and the obscured view of church and state. Its a mute point to say that one doesn't acknowledge the other December Holiday or religious practices that occur. We are talking about Christmas, the birth of Christ which is very specific."

First, I think he meant "moot point" instead of "mute point," but anyway, he said a "small minority fight to take Christ out of everything related to Christmas..." I did a little bit of research on this "small minority." 16.1% in the United States claim to be either agnostic or atheist (2007 Pew Research Center). There are roughly 308 million people in the United States, so if 16.1 is multiplied to the estimated US population we get 49,600,719. That is a lot of people. Granted that is less than those who claim to be religious, but if we take a closer look at those who claim to be religious, the outlook isn't as great.

Gallup International suggests in a recent survey that 41% of Americans regularly attend church services. In 2006, an online survey was conducted of 2,010 participants. The findings were something The Answer may not like. It suggests that 26% (of those surveyed) attended church services every week or more often, 9% went once or twice a month. Furthermore, 21% went a few times a year, 22% less than a year, and 18% never attended.

Now, if we cross referenced the data, which isn't exactly the best idea because the units of analysis could be different. Just for fun, however, let's do it. If we cross the 41% of those said to be regularly attending services according to Gallup International and multiply that to the 78.5% of those who claim to be Christians according to the Pew Research Center, we get 99,155,227 (I took the est. US population and multiplied it by 78.5% and then multiplied that answer by 41%). So for the sake of contrasting, there is roughly a 50 million difference between the 16.1% who are not religious, to the 41% who are.

So what's my point? Both parties are relatively small. I'd feel more comfortable if I did not have to cross reference the data, but for the sake of argument, it is what it is. At any rate, is it really a "small minority?" I don't think so. I think it's more of one minority than the other. Anyway, this is fun.

This is typical of secularisim, what a joke.

-- Posted by Doctor Scooter on Fri, Dec 4, 2009, at 3:47 PM

Secular humanists or "secularisim" as I like to call it, will always try to remove Christ from everything. Look at the Supreme Court Justice here in Indiana who said it was illegal to end a prayer in Jesus name however, it would be okay to end prayers in Allah's name! What an idiot, talk about a un-fair rule, Someone had enough brains to see through the judges idiocracies and have it overturned. We have allowed these types of people to remove the ten commandments from public places, remove prayers for school and even try to change our countries motto of (In God We Trust).

If people get offended, ohh, sorry, lets see, we'll change the laws to suit you, now I am offended as a christian, but they wont change the laws for us!

I could go on and on however, there isnt enough time nor room on this blog for all of the things I could say about secular humanists.

God be with you all!

-- Posted by Doctor Scooter on Sun, Dec 6, 2009, at 3:24 PM

Merry Christmas - yesterday, today and tomorrow because Jesus is the reason for the season.....MERRY CHHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!

-- Posted by Wordmaster on Sun, Dec 6, 2009, at 8:19 PM

Are Jews trying to take Christ out of Christmas? Does this make them secular humanists? Buddhists? Native American animists?

I see arguments against secular humanism centering on those who are not Christians. There are many minority religions in this country, it does not make their followers non-religious simply because they do not worship Christ.

For those who are so concerned, let me remind you that it is the responsibiity of Christians to keep Christ in Christmas. It is not everyone else's duty to do so. It is their responsibility to honor their own faith and traditions, is it not?

-- Posted by Lil' Hahn on Tue, Dec 8, 2009, at 9:22 AM

I think a problem with many in America is apathy.

The English have given up any broadstream conviction to Christ and are now reaping the benefits of a Christ-less society. Murders are up, divorce is out the roof, rape is up and the English now have the problem of enforcing law in an apathetic society without a moral compass, other than themselves (sounds like America). I'm sure their growing Islamic population will teach them about the morals in their religion.

I am disturbed that anyone would say "Merry Christmas" and follow it with "whatever". The "what" is a savior who has purchased the gift of salvation to whomever receives it.

It truly takes a lazy, non-thinking person to answer any command or statement with such an ignorant response of "whatever". How about thinking of a response and form a statment with at least a noun and a verb?

Don't you consider it a disrespectful statement to blurt out "whatever" when expecting a well formed statement in English?

Example: Mom said, "Timmy, take out the trash." Timmy responds, "whatever". I hear this from children and employees often. This is a gutter mentality at best.

It is exponentially insulting to do so when referring to Jesus Christ and the day named after Him.

I have a solution for those who prefer to say "Happy Holiday". Why don't you work on Christmas when all the businesses and schools are closed. I'm sure you enjoy your time off thanks to Christianity and I also bet you never complain that you would prefer to work on that day.

Have a Merry Christmas!

-- Posted by cow rancher on Tue, Dec 8, 2009, at 7:53 PM

How do you find it offensive? I have Muslim friends also and they are very dedicated to their Alah. I think you are offended at something we agree on.

There comes a time, when , as a Christian, you don't have to tolerate insults against the Lord Jesus Christ. Enduring persecution is one thing, but insulting God by saying that His followers are jealous of Muslims is another. You , jimmy, have crossed the line. Put on the whole armour of God. I have told my Muslim friends my position and the truth in the Bible about Abraham and his trip up the mountain with Isaac, not Ishmael, as Mohammad re-wrote it. They understand that I will not debate the Bible with them but simply proclaim it. We have a reasonable agreement to disagree...then we play chess.

So while you are sitting there getting offended at stuff we agree on, you should understand that a true offense is when people perverse the Bible to suit their own needs (like Mohammad did when he wrote the Koran).

What do you tell people during Easter, Happy Hoppidays?....great solstice this year...nice daffodils...?

-- Posted by cow rancher on Wed, Dec 9, 2009, at 12:09 AM

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, Happy Holidays. How someone is greeted is not the point. If you celebrate Christmas, you are accustomed to saying "Merry Christmas". If you celebrate Kwanza, it is certainly appropriate to reply with "Happy Kwanza". Likewise for other holidays (not only Christian) and faiths.

Being offended by how someone greets you is ridiculous, unless they cussed you out or used some slander/put down. It may be polite to use "Happy Holidays" if you don't know that person you're greeting observes the same holidays as you. It may be respectful to use a phrase common to that person's practices if you know what they celebrate but it is certainly not required nor should offense be taken if it is not.

What people, Christians in particular, have a problem with is the singling out of one particular group. There is an effort to secularize Christmas, to remove the religious meaning. What if there was a movement to rename the menorah (Hannukah) or the Mishumaa saba (Kwanza) a "festive, multi-candle holder"? What would happen if someone tried to rename Iftar (the traditional meal eaten during Ramadan) to "chow time"?

Also, I don't understand why Drew "laughed to himself" when told his family says "Merry Christmas". If his family celebrates Christmas then it is entirely appropriate they would use that, even they are adamant. I could understand if the norm were "Hey fatty." If they were Jewish, would he laugh that they preferred to greet with "Happy Hanukkah"?

-- Posted by James30096 on Wed, Dec 9, 2009, at 9:11 AM

Good points.

-- Posted by cow rancher on Wed, Dec 9, 2009, at 9:56 AM

cow rancher: I am not following you in your reference to England. The United States leads England in violent crime statistics. The murder rate in the US is four times higher than the UK.

http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_mu...

-- Posted by Lil' Hahn on Wed, Dec 9, 2009, at 1:14 PM

Maye we are too far gone to save our youth and the American dream of the freedom to succeed.

I know this ...what this generation does in moderation, the next generation does in excess.

I think since the Dewey humanistic manifesto in 1942, America has tried to remove God from as much as possible. With the removal of the Bible in 1962, in public schools, our morals have declined precipitously.

I am not buying products from Best Buy, Gap, Aeropostle, American Eagle and Target for their "no-Merry-Christmas policies.

I will buy Christmas products from Sears, K-Mart, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shops and Angells' grocery for their pro-Merry Christmas stance.

If you hear of other merchants who say Merry Christmas, just post it on here and I'll tell others as well.

-- Posted by cow rancher on Thu, Dec 10, 2009, at 12:26 AM

You are correct. I will not buy from a store that refuses to say Merry Christmas. It's called boycotting.

Why would I give money to a non-Christ-centered store when there are plenty of Christ-centered stores to buy from?

Sure, Target has lots of stuff for sale to make money from Christmas but has a very specific agenda that prohibits it's employees from saying "Merry Christmas". If you buy something from them the next couple of weeks don't say anything and see what greeting they have for you. You make the point that our society is so moderate that Christ himself would spew out the "lukewarm" Christians from His mouth (Revelation 3:16).

I choose to give my money to whomever I want, except of course, the government, who takes it by force.

How many children would attend Sunday School on their own? none Do you think their parents made them go? absolutely

To do what the children like is just not a mature plan. If it was, then they would worship Spongebob. It's time to take a stand, if you are Christian, and stop compromising. Our country is so full of compromisers, the next generation will be all "nothinarians" the way we are headed.

Once again, "Merry Christmas!"

-- Posted by cow rancher on Thu, Dec 10, 2009, at 6:18 PM

Thank you Jimmy42 for the excellent reference. By reading this, one should realize that we serve a jealous God who warns us against worshiping idols (or substituting anything where He belongs). This address, in Isaiah 1 is to the heathen or non-believer.

Therefore "Merry Christmas", scripturally" is the proper greeting this time of year.

Another scripture comes to mind:

Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father - Matt10:33?

So...next time you want to say "Happy Holidays" and you know you are denying Gods omniscience, you need to realize that not only are you showing others around you that you are a moderate to non-existent Christian but that you are offending your one chance to accept Christ and be in his presence forever. The alternative is not very appealling.

-- Posted by cow rancher on Fri, Dec 11, 2009, at 8:36 AM

What exactly are these alternatives that are not very appealing? Attending one's synagogue or mosque?

Again, there are other religions besides Christianity, and they should be respected as well. Respecting the religious beliefs of others should not be offensive to Chrisitans. After all, 80% of the non-Christian world respects Christmas, why not return the favor?

We do live in a country where the citizens are dominated by the Christian faith, even if they do not faithfully attend church like Drew pointed out. However, in no way should we have a Christian government that legislates Christian beliefs on those who choose to follow another path.

If Christians wish to spread their faith, then they have every right to do so, by persuasion or mission. This is their right.

But insisting that, simply because they say "Happy Holidays," they are doomed to some "alternative that is not very appealing," is preposterous.

-- Posted by Lil' Hahn on Fri, Dec 11, 2009, at 9:48 AM

The non-appealing part of not accepting Christ is dying and going to a Christ-less hell, then being thrown into the lake of fire for eternity.

Are you saying that you are not a moderate or not lowering your standards ,as a Christian, to say "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas"?

I have a frien who is Jewish and very wealthy. I still wish him Happy Hannuka and wish him Merry Christmas, as well as give him a gift. He loves it and appreciates it that I recognize his different beliefs. Christians are to pray for the Jewish people, when most others won't (heck, the Muslims want them dead).

I am just amazed that the 24% of Americans that say "Happy Holidays" even think they represent believers. Would a lost person go up to a Happy Holiday person and ask them how to get into heaven?

Remember, I love all peroples' souls. I don't love all peoples actions or their inactions. That's OK with you, right?

or...do we have to compromise our beliefs and just accept the liberal montra?

-- Posted by cow rancher on Fri, Dec 11, 2009, at 11:29 AM

Is there an online equivalent of the three knock rule? When you're in a meeting and the discussion gets off topic, someone can knock on the table three times which is supposed to get the conversation refocused.

The original entry was about a phrase, or greeting. Now we're getting into personal beliefs and things that belong in a separate discussion. I'm not saying they're not important, they just don't relate to the original topic.

*knocks on table three times*

-- Posted by James30096 on Fri, Dec 11, 2009, at 3:39 PM

While you may think that personal religious views are off topic, I contend that if there was a blog in this paper that requires religious preferrence is this one.

The topic demands comparison of people who want to keep Christ in Christmas verses those who want to secularize it.

I finish your gaming challenge by "knocking six times" and by saying "Merry Christmas"!

-- Posted by cow rancher on Sat, Dec 12, 2009, at 7:41 AM

Happy Holidays refers to a group of Holidays - Christmas is part of that group and so is New Years, heck if you start saying it early enough even Thanksgiving. As well as the many other Holidays celebrated throughout the world this time of year. I just think people like to argue for the sake of arguing. Makes people feel important.

-- Posted by downtownalleycat on Sat, Dec 12, 2009, at 3:31 PM

Jimmy 42

You should know that I don't assume anything, but have facts to back up my statements.

Here are only two of dozens of Koran or Hadith references. For that reason, I have also provided a link for you to read some more.

It is not smart to be willingful ignorant or naive. Especially since this is the religion that America is fighting two wars to stop.

My Muslim friends have renounced their countries of origin and are now citizens of America. They also are not active in any mosque. They are ashamed of their religions behavior but still won't denounce the Koran, the Hadith, Allah or Muhammad. I can't fully trust them as I know there belief system ultimately puts them diametrically opposed to God and Jesus Christ as Lord.

So, if you could understand where I am coming from, them you would uderstand why I am dissapointed that there are those who are ashamed of saying "Merry Christmas" and stick to the moderate to liberal version of Christ' birth and say "Happy Holidays." Let's just say it on the fourth of July, OK?

KORAN [4.89] They desire that you should disbelieve as they have disbelieved, so that you might be (all) alike; therefore take not from among them friends until they fly (their homes) in Allah's way; but if they turn back, then seize them and kill them wherever you find them, and take not from among them a friend or a helper.

KORAN [9.30] And the Jews say: Uzair [Ezra] is the son of Allah; and the Christians say: The Messiah is the son of Allah; these are the words of their mouths; they imitate the saying of those who disbelieved before; may Allah destroy them; how they are turned away!

http://www.bvml.org/webmaster/koranquote...

Merry Christmas!

-- Posted by cow rancher on Sat, Dec 12, 2009, at 8:03 PM

Jimmy 42,

I appreciate the thoughtful dialouge. I also wouldn't worry about a three knock rule as this discussion of Christ is exactly relevant to the topic of saying Merry Christmas.

There are a couple of things that need to be mentioned about your response.

First, God hates sin. He, in the Old Testament, brought His wrath upon people when they were disobedient. The book of Deuteronomy is in the Old Testament. Since it is in the Old Testament, you are referring to the "Dispensation of Law". It is what the Jewish people follow today and we, as Christians are to pray for their salvation according to the Bible.

Since Christ's birth (which is our topic), we are in the "Dispensation of Grace" which ushered in the gift of God's salvation if it is received after repentance.

For almost 2,000 years God's wrath has not been seen as the dispensation of grace is the expression of the free will of people, being converted with the unction of the Holy Ghost while accepting that Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior and was bodily raised the third day after crucifiction where he sits now at the right hand of God, the Father, making intercession for us. Pretty much, the groups of people who sin against God (i.e. radical Muslims in this case) are bringing judgement upon themselves.

This discussion could go deep and long...and I will refrain.

Secondly, when God ordered the distruction of Amelek, destroyed Sodom and Gamorah (for homosexuality, idol worship and disregarding God's laws and warnings), he wasn't destoying whole religions. In this case, you have Radical Muslims who want to kill Christians, Jews and anyone else that doesn't convert to Islam. This racially biased hate is quite a bit different than the Old Testament.

The Old Testament is clear that Abraham sinned by fornicating with a slave girl and having an illegitamate son named Ishmael (he was the start of the Arab race, half Jewish and half Egyptian). This is where Mohammad changed his version of history by lying in the Koran about who Abraham took up on the mountain to obey God's demand for a sacrifice. His story has Abraham taking Ishmael up and not Issac as it is written in all texts except Mohammad's version. He used this lie to legitimize the Arab people in their eyes. The Bible says they are "a wild ass that will never be tamed." Even today, they kill each other, with no regard, as well as their mortal enemies Christians and Jews.

Our war is with RADICAL Muslims, to be clear. I don't think I would bring up the military Muslims as that is exactly who killed our troops last month in Ft. Hood.

I agree, both religions should promote peace, but it will never happen, when taliking about the radical Muslims. I still can't find one Muslim, radical or moderate, who condemns the 9-11 attacks or the Ft Hood shooting. I'm sure there are some out there, but if they speak up, their own will kill them.

Sorry about the word salad, but there is more than needs said but not in a blog.

Merry Christmas!

-- Posted by cow rancher on Sun, Dec 13, 2009, at 11:43 AM

well the way I see it is: if someone wish's to wish me a happy holiday, it tells me They are not celebrating Christmas, they are celebrating a different holiday, It also say's to me that they are working on christmas and not reaping any of the benefits of christmas which is Christs Birth!

on the same token when someone wish's me a Merry Christmas, it tells me they are Christians, they beleive in christ, and will be celebrating the birth of christ.

We all have the choice to beleive or not to beleive, if you choose not to beleive, don't celebrate any of the christian celebrations. work on those Celebration day's! Christmas celebrations, tree's deco, lights, and all are part of our christmas celebrations celebrating christs birth. Your not forced to celebrate! but you choose to.

-- Posted by whatsupingreenecounty on Sun, Dec 13, 2009, at 12:01 PM

Wow! I generally say Merry Christmas, but on a rare occasion I'll say Happy Holidays....didn't realize I was less of a Christian those days. What a crock! On the rare occasion I say Happy Holidays...it is in reference to the season from Thanksgiving to New Year's...the other religions aren't really on my radar.

I find it humorous to see people throw fits about prayer in school or the phrase Happy Holidays. Neither have anything to do with the big picture. The problem seems to be a percieved/actual breakdown in the christian family. Fix that and the other issues are insignificant.

-- Posted by GCC on Mon, Dec 14, 2009, at 8:45 AM

You can't be any less of a Christian. Either you are or you're not.

As for family training, I agree with you.

In the 60's people used to shum others who had gotten divorces. Now it it greater than 50% of marriages. How sad. It's the children that pay, right?

How many devotions do you do a week with your family? Who trains your children the way they should go...the husband, wife, pastor, teachers?

Great "side bar" to the Merry Christmas discussion.

I greet my Jewish college roomate with Happy Hannukah and not Happy Holidays. Is that OK with you or am I less of a Christian?

-- Posted by cow rancher on Mon, Dec 14, 2009, at 9:06 AM

Cow Rancher, do you make the rules? In your post from December 11, you seem to say that there are levels of Christianity....and I quote,

"So...next time you want to say "Happy Holidays" and you know you are denying Gods omniscience, you need to realize that not only are you showing others around you that you are a moderate to non-existent Christian but that you are offending your one chance to accept Christ and be in his presence forever. The alternative is not very appealling."

But, today you seem to say there are not levels..and I quote again, "You can't be any less of a Christian. Either you are or you're not."

Maybe you would be a better witness if you kept your message straight. It seems like you just like to argue.

-- Posted by onetime on Mon, Dec 14, 2009, at 10:33 AM

well I beleive you have taken my words and twisted them,I didn't say you were "Less of a christian" if you read it that way, sorry. I just think alot of people who are Muslim, Jehovah witness, Jewish, alot of times do not know how to go about telling they do not celebrate christmas so they will say happy holiday's due to their faith, they are not of the christian faith they are of a different faith, like I said everyone has a choice to beleive in "something" or "nothing"

-- Posted by whatsupingreenecounty on Mon, Dec 14, 2009, at 10:44 AM

Onetime,

Thanks for your criticism.

To be clear: Either you are born again or not...hence Christian or not a Christian.

However, I am also aware that we can all backslide and transgress.

I think you mis-read the quote that you posted or I wrote it poorly.

If I, or any other person, seems to be incorrect, then refer to the intruction manual (the Bible).

Merry Christmas!

PS Doesn't a nice slab of roast beef sound good about now? Go meat!

-- Posted by cow rancher on Mon, Dec 14, 2009, at 11:09 AM

The greatest thing that satan can do is to convince the world that there is no God, no Jesus, no heaven, no hell, and of course no satan. From the content of some of these blogs, I can see that he is doing a fabulous job.

Merry Christmas! May the one true God bless you and your families, today and everyday

-- Posted by LEO63 on Mon, Dec 14, 2009, at 11:21 AM

Roast beef sounds great. Merry Christmas!

-- Posted by onetime on Mon, Dec 14, 2009, at 2:00 PM

...with mashed potatoes, gravy and dinner rolls...

Maybe I need a cardiologist for dessert!

-- Posted by cow rancher on Mon, Dec 14, 2009, at 2:33 PM

Drew Landry's response:

Hey, it's my old buddy Cow Rancher! How have you been? I see you have written a few comments to my entry. I appreciate that. I must agree, however, with James30096 (or whatever his username is) when he said we need to get back on topic. Some digression is acceptable and understood, but this was not a blog concerning religious affiliation. You, CR as well as others, have mentioned how Christ is the reason for Christmas. Is He really? If anyone could show me in the Bible the scripture that says Christ was born in December, I'll buy that person a 96 ounce steak.

The following websites are taken from the United Church of God and the History Channel (at least I think it is from there). Both of them say Christmas was invented by secularists.

http://www.ucgstp.org/lit/gn/gn008/gn008...

http://www.thehistoryofchristmas.com/ch/...

What I'm saying is Christmas is what you make it. If you want it to be around Jesus and the notion of God's gift, that is fine. If you want to work on Christmas, fine. Do your own thing, and please do not impose on others. What you would find from the above sources are not entirely fulfilling of what people perceive of the Founders and Framers.

I anxiously await the responses.

Dear Preacher,

I am sorry to announce that I will not be in church this Sunday. I have been reading the Greene County Daily World Blogs and feel that I have had my sermon for this week. Also, since I have caught up with technology, could you please text me with next week's sermon and record the Praise Band's music so I can listen to it on youtube or Itunes.

Sincerely,

John Q. Worshipper

ps- Would somebody please pass the collection plate?

-- Posted by on the Blood trail on Mon, Dec 14, 2009, at 5:12 PM

Apparently, in the world of absolutes, there are rights and wrongs, and very few or no gray areas. I humbly disagree.

Put me in the category of those who believe that your own personal heaven or hell, whether here on on Earth or elsewhere, is determined more by your actions towards your fellows, than the beliefs, doctrine and dogma you have subscribed to.

Oh, and before I forget ...

Happy Holidays, everyone!!

-- Posted by Lil' Hahn on Mon, Dec 14, 2009, at 10:33 PM

Do you believe the Bible is the word of God?

-- Posted by cow rancher on Mon, Dec 14, 2009, at 10:41 PM

No, it is the word of the men who wrote and translated it. Do you believe the Bhagavad Gita is the word of God?

-- Posted by Lil' Hahn on Tue, Dec 15, 2009, at 10:10 AM

I was talking to notgreenenative.

I already know what your decision is.

Have a good "December 25, 2009" to you.

-- Posted by cow rancher on Tue, Dec 15, 2009, at 11:15 AM

And, to you too.

-- Posted by Lil' Hahn on Tue, Dec 15, 2009, at 11:51 AM

Straight is the gate and narrow is the way and few there be that find it but broad is the road and wide is the gate that leads to destruction!

This Christmas, I pray all will receive the love of Jesus and accept him in their hearts as personal savior and Lord.

Merry Christmas to all!

-- Posted by Doctor Scooter on Tue, Dec 15, 2009, at 1:38 PM

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TRAVEL/12/17/rel...

-- Posted by Lil' Hahn on Thu, Dec 17, 2009, at 4:25 PM

I think it would be good for everyone to read, and understand, this piece of literature at this time of year (or anytime). It was written by a great man, Ford Porter, and has surpassed over a billion publications since he wrote it.

http://www.godssimpleplan.org/gsps-engli...

-- Posted by cow rancher on Tue, Dec 29, 2009, at 1:49 AM

How do you keep a bunch of hicks busy...

-- Posted by horrorwriter on Sat, Jan 2, 2010, at 11:28 PM

Horrorwriter ... you ask "how do you keep a bunch of hicks busy". Answer: turn them on to Drew Landry.

-- Posted by vintner on Tue, Feb 16, 2010, at 3:12 PM