(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Many atheists, besides denying the existence of a God, have an issue with organized religion.

Although most argue against all belief systems, Christ, in particular, and the religions that support belief in him, have been debated as being harmful to society.
Followers of Christianity have been accused of being ignorant of scientific fact and deluded by religious tenants as well as the cause of many wars, deaths, and conflicts.

I will not bring in other religion's holy days because most on this site are unaware of them, but Christmas is probably the most recognized religious day of the year and has transcended its original meaning to become the holiday season in the west.

Although many non practicing religious people celebrate this season, is it appropriate for Atheists, with contempt for religion, to celebrate a religious holiday?

I'm sure many will argue that it is more than that now, but if one is going to argue against religion the rest of the year, why should they overlook it at this time of year?

If one has made a intelligent informed opinion on God and religion, then shouldn't they take a principled stance against celebrating the Christian holiday season?

To be the first to undermine my own position:

Happy Holidays too all!!!

I am wearing my Santa suit, hopefully it is flame proof.

yea even muslisms celebrate it in the us

I celebrate the fact I get two weeks off work. If we're going to get presents then we might as well give them back. It's a good excuse to spent time with the family and get wasted!

Problem there.
I know/known Atheists who haven't been brought up to any religion, yet they still celebrate Christmas. In fact, I bet about 90% of Atheists celebrate it even though it has nothing to do with them. It doesn't matter what religion it is or isn't for you to celebrate/not celebrate it. Like Ede. You're not Muslim so you wouldn't celebrate it. You're not Catholic/Christian any more, so your shouldn't celebrate it. You have nothing to do with Christmas, yet you celebrate it. You can't say it has something to do with you when it's your family that are Catholic. In my opinion, if you're not a Catholic or Christian, you shouldn't celebrate it.

Seeing as how I'm atheist and I've been thinking about this recently, I'll put in my 2 cents.

I personally will continue to celebrate Christian holidays, because that is what I have always done. It is part of my tradition, and just because I've changed my viewpoints on God doesn't mean I need to stop a great tradition.

Also, here's some food for thought: My history teacher claims that the idea of giving presents on birthdays came from the birth of Jesus, and that atheists who partake in this are contradicting their beliefs.

To that I would also respond with the fact that it's tradition for me, but it's ignorant to claim that gift giving BELONGS to a religion. But I would like to hear how others would respond to that.

---------- Post added at 10:50 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:46 AM ----------



If it has to do with your family, it also has to do with you. Completely dumping a holiday (and therefore your family traditions) due to a decision that's ultimately arbitrary is just plain stupid. Christmas is something I grew up with and have fond memories of, and just because I've stopped believing in God doesn't mean I need to stop that fun. If you want I could even call it something else!

This is a good post and topic to discuss!

How many people actually celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday? I know in just the last 2 years we started to make a cake to celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas has honestly become much more then a religious holiday, it's a cash-cow holiday now. A time for stores to have sales, and at the same time raise their prices, road rage, family gathers. Same is with Halloween and Easter..

Modern times = a lot of changes.
Very slowly, more and more people lose their religious views, but most of the time, they've grown up celebrating the holiday with family and they cannot just drop that. Like, I grew up celebrating Christmas with my family and just because I am now atheist, doesn't mean I'm not going to celebrate it.

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Most Atheist's (Me and Fionn <33) do celebrate Christmas but do not actually call it Christmas...I call it "Yay I get some god damn things today day!"

This annoys the s*** out of me, some people I know call themselves Atheist but celebrate Christmas and Easter.