Atheists & the War on Christians

[Mommytoa3rdgradeboy]

So far, I am fortunate to work in a school where I feel I can still freely say "Merry Christmas." In fact, just today was the students' last day before the holidays, and we were "Merry Christmas"-ing all over the place -- teachers, students, parents, all were saying it! The media center even played "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" over the closed circuit system as one of several holiday specials during the day. I have always been blessed to work with a group of Christian co-workers wherever I have worked. I hope and pray that it stays that way.

You should definitely feel very fortunate! Right now, that is how it STILL is at my son's elem. school. I am bery grateful that, so far, he has had Christian teachers. I know that may not always be the case. Even on the cal., it says Merry Christmas.

I don't guess I personally know any "atheists" meaning the people who just ouright say there is no God. Unfortunately, I do have friends who haven't accepted Jesus as their lord and Savior, but I know of no one who outright says there is no God.

I just don't understand why the atheists continuously "fight" against Christians/Christian holidays when they deny a God even exists. If they truly believe there is no God, then hy "waste so much of their time?" I mean if I say I don't "believe in purple elephants, then why would why go out protesting/saying there are no purple elephants--just doesn't make sense. But, like someone else said, I do think that, deep down, they know they are wrong.

[saved by Grace]

So far, I am fortunate to work in a school where I feel I can still freely say "Merry Christmas." In fact, just today was the students' last day before the holidays, and we were "Merry Christmas"-ing all over the place -- teachers, students, parents, all were saying it! The media center even played "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" over the closed circuit system as one of several holiday specials during the day. I have always been blessed to work with a group of Christian co-workers wherever I have worked. I hope and pray that it stays that way.

i think the name of Christ brings conviction to them.was it a atheist that started "xmas" that deletes the "Christ" out of it?if they live the rest of their lives without accepting him they will have a eternity to ponder their mistake.

[SaberTruth]

Actually, somewhere I read that the X in "xmas" was a printer's way of typing a cross, and they meant it as honoring to God.

As for witnessing to atheists, I look at the example of Paul on Mars Hill, presenting his views to the philosophers. He did not dangle them over the fires of hell or tell them what sinners they were. Instead, he used their "catch-all" god as a hook; he told them about this God and they didn't dispute that such a God could be real. It was only when he presented "the resurrection of the dead" that they mocked.

So I learned two important points from this: that first they'd have to accept the evidence that Jesus rose from the dead, and second, they need to consider the consequences of that truth, of what is implied from it. Once you have them accepting it and understanding that it means Jesus is God, then it is up to them to decide what to do with that. Sometimes I think we get too impatient to let the Spirit work.

[rdy4jesus]

Definitely will always be Christmas for me. 'Happy Winter Solstice' etc just doesn't quite make sense sitting here in the Australian summer :P

[Azrael]

I might just be being ignorant of the here, but what does a Christmas tree have to do with the religious aspects of Christmas? Evergreens certainly didn't grow around Jerusalem.

Over in England in schools where I work they want to ban Christmas and call it 'the winter light festival'!

I live in England, and I've certainly never heard the term 'winter light festival'. I, like everybody else that I know, calls it Christmas.

i think the name of Christ brings conviction to them.was it a atheist that started "xmas" that deletes the "Christ" out of it?if they live the rest of their lives without accepting him they will have a eternity to ponder their mistake.

The first two letters of 'Christ' in Greek are Chi and Rho, which are written X and P. That's where the X comes from.
(I can't post a link to it here because I haven't made enough posts -- but do a Google Images search for 'XP christ' and the third image along is how it's usually displayed.)

[SaberTruth]

Here's an excellent article: 'Tis the Season

[rapturecalldan]

In my town, city hall had to remove their nativity scene because of this nonsense, me I still have a nativity in front of my house. If I were told to remove it I would go one step farther and use real animals and people!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!
Not happy holidays, seasons greetings or winter salstice......

(sorry, just thought snoopy looked cool LOL)

[Cellophane]

It wasn't until Jesus presented himself to me that I began to believe.

THIS. There is a Bible verse I love (but of course can't find... help anyone??) that basically states that He knows His sheep, and will call them in His own time. When I started my walk, that verse really hit home.

I don't celebrate Christmas, but it doesn't bother me that others do and if any one says "Merry Christmas" to me, I just say, "Thank you. You too!"

[tick...tick...tick]

I'm going to propose a question for all here.

If we had a "recognized day" for atheists on the calendar that was theirs to celebrate as they saw fit, would that end the madness?

Would they halt their attacks on all things Christian related? And if they did, would we, as Christians allow them their day and ignore their celebrations without feeling like we should go out into their celebrations and spread the word of Christ? We would know we had a gathering of people that need to hear His word, and some people would feel compelled to go out and share God's word to those that don't believe.

I know we are to share God's word, but can we pray for the people celebrating things that are not of Christ just as easily at home as we can pray at "their gathering".

When people are gathered in mass to celebrate anything, someone with a differing opinion is not likely to sway the gathered mass to the other side. However, if we can talk to those people in every day life, as individuals, it might be a bit easier to carry on a conversation that will help them come to know Christ, and they in turn can carry the message forward.

Personally, I'd rather allow them "their day" as I could carry on with my life while praying for those that were celebrating.

[Caver]

I'm going to propose a question for all here.

If we had a "recognized day" for atheists on the calendar that was theirs to celebrate as they saw fit, would that end the madness?

Would they halt their attacks on all things Christian related? And if they did, would we, as Christians allow them their day and ignore their celebrations without feeling like we should go out into their celebrations and spread the word of Christ? We would know we had a gathering of people that need to hear His word, and some people would feel compelled to go out and share God's word to those that don't believe.

I know we are to share God's word, but can we pray for the people celebrating things that are not of Christ just as easily at home as we can pray at "their gathering".

When people are gathered in mass to celebrate anything, someone with a differing opinion is not likely to sway the gathered mass to the other side. However, if we can talk to those people in every day life, as individuals, it might be a bit easier to carry on a conversation that will help them come to know Christ, and they in turn can carry the message forward.

Personally, I'd rather allow them "their day" as I could carry on with my life while praying for those that were celebrating.

Several of us have thought of that and discussed it. I don't think it would help a thing because it isn't attacking the source of the hate.

The hatred of the Jew and the rebellion against all things of God and the bible is, IMHO, supernatural and not rational.

There are many "religions" around the world, each with their own days of celebration and scenes and symbols but none gather the opposition and hate the Christian faith does.

No, we are special and will be hated and discriminated against and our disappearance will be celebrated.

[Robert]

I'm going to propose a question for all here.

If we had a "recognized day" for atheists on the calendar that was theirs to celebrate as they saw fit, would that end the madness?

Would they halt their attacks on all things Christian related? And if they did, would we, as Christians allow them their day and ignore their celebrations without feeling like we should go out into their celebrations and spread the word of Christ? We would know we had a gathering of people that need to hear His word, and some people would feel compelled to go out and share God's word to those that don't believe.

I know we are to share God's word, but can we pray for the people celebrating things that are not of Christ just as easily at home as we can pray at "their gathering".

When people are gathered in mass to celebrate anything, someone with a differing opinion is not likely to sway the gathered mass to the other side. However, if we can talk to those people in every day life, as individuals, it might be a bit easier to carry on a conversation that will help them come to know Christ, and they in turn can carry the message forward.

Personally, I'd rather allow them "their day" as I could carry on with my life while praying for those that were celebrating.

They do have a day of their own: April 1st.

[iSong6:3]

Several of us have thought of that and discussed it. I don't think it would help a thing because it isn't attacking the source of the hate.

The hatred of the Jew and the rebellion against all things of God and the bible is, IMHO, supernatural and not rational.

There are many "religions" around the world, each with their own days of celebration and scenes and symbols but none gather the opposition and hate the Christian faith does.

No, we are special and will be hated and discriminated against and our disappearance will be celebrated.

You responded first and said what I wanted to say.

We don't fight against flesh and blood. The irrational and intractable historical desire to wipe out expressions and too often even the existence of Jews and Christians is a supernatural hatred. We are both the people of God. The enemy hates God, therefore, His people. It will not be placated by natural means.

[Holding Pattern]

I've noticed one thing in atheists, especially the more hostile ones against Christianity....the reason they're so hostile toward us is because they know, deep inside, that they're wrong. Of course they won't admit that...instead, they usually get more hostile toward us....much in the same way that I believe that no atheist can have real, good morals...that one really ticks them off!

I disagree...they don't know they are wrong... their shortsighted or bullheaded thinking makes them assume that we are wrong. I've seen many a hostile situation where a Christian pressured someone in this way, like it was a willful ignorance (which does happen but true ignorance is much more common.)

And, not to argue, but I disagree that non-believers can't have good morals. Those morals won't get them into Heaven but it does not mean that they sacrifice cats every night after work (extreme, I know.) I have met some wonderful, morally upright non-Christians. If we make judgments (especially aloud) then no wonder it upsets them, Christian superiority... it may be your belief, but it doesn't make it correct.

Good example, my mother is one of the most moral people on this Earth, but she doesn't believe... her tv viewing habits would be seen as more "proper" than many of ours...she never voices a negative thought, would help anyone ever in need...so, please show me an example of this supposed lack of any morals out of non-belief...

[Katia_0203]

I disagree...they don't know they are wrong... their shortsighted or bullheaded thinking makes them assume that we are wrong. I've seen many a hostile situation where a Christian pressured someone in this way, like it was a willful ignorance (which does happen but true ignorance is much more common.)

And, not to argue, but I disagree that non-believers can't have good morals. Those morals won't get them into Heaven but it does not mean that they sacrifice cats every night after work (extreme, I know.) I have met some wonderful, morally upright non-Christians. If we make judgments (especially aloud) then no wonder it upsets them, Christian superiority... it may be your belief, but it doesn't make it correct.

Good example, my mother is one of the most moral people on this Earth, but she doesn't believe... her tv viewing habits would be seen as more "proper" than many of ours...she never voices a negative thought, would help anyone ever in need...so, please show me an example of this supposed lack of any morals out of non-belief...

I agree. I know many non-Christians with good morals, but I always wonder what they base these morals off of. We base ours off of Christ and the Bible, but where do they learn these morals and why do they feel the need to uphold said morals? Are these morals based on societies morals? Are they simply passed down through families? Do they learn them from other Christians and decide to have these morals but cut out the Christianity part? Do they simply "just know" deep down how to behave morally in a Christ-like manner without believing in Christ? I've had these questions for awhile, and my curiousity was sparked when a friend of mine who is an athiest told me he had good morals and I wondered why he felt compelled to behave morally.

Anyone have any answers?

[rdy4jesus]

I agree. I know many non-Christians with good morals, but I always wonder what they base these morals off of. We base ours off of Christ and the Bible, but where do they learn these morals and why do they feel the need to uphold said morals? Are these morals based on societies morals? Are they simply passed down through families? Do they learn them from other Christians and decide to have these morals but cut out the Christianity part? Do they simply "just know" deep down how to behave morally in a Christ-like manner without believing in Christ? I've had these questions for awhile, and my curiousity was sparked when a friend of mine who is an athiest told me he had good morals and I wondered why he felt compelled to behave morally.

Anyone have any answers?

So how do you explain non-christian countries like Singapore where there are very few Christians, but also very little crime and an incredibly stable society? You seem to have some kind of belief that we Christians invented morality?

Unlike you I don't actually think humans are inherently savages that would run around cutting each others heads off if Christian morality wasn't holding them back. I think most people are actually pretty decent. Love thy neighbour and all of that.

[Julian4JC]

So how do you explain non-christian countries like Singapore where there are very few Christians, but also very little crime and an incredibly stable society? You seem to have some kind of belief that we Christians invented morality?

Unlike you I don't actually think humans are inherently savages that would run around cutting each others heads off if Christian morality wasn't holding them back. I think most people are actually pretty decent. Love thy neighbour and all of that.

It's NOT Good morals.
Stiffer laws is to blame for low violence in countries like Singapore. FEAR is the reason. The extent ofpunishement plays a huge role in these type of Countries.


I believe an athiest can have good morals up to an extent, but can the society go on with their moral standard NO, because sin will destroy it eventually, and are they good enough to God's standard. NOPE


Can christian morals be good enough for God, YES, because they don't allow sin to creep in, and can christian morals keep a society going, YES .

[saved by Grace]

I am blessed... all of the business around my town have "Merry Christmas" on their signs, even the firestation!

some parts of the country is more God fearing than others.

[Katia_0203]

So how do you explain non-christian countries like Singapore where there are very few Christians, but also very little crime and an incredibly stable society? You seem to have some kind of belief that we Christians invented morality?

Unlike you I don't actually think humans are inherently savages that would run around cutting each others heads off if Christian morality wasn't holding them back. I think most people are actually pretty decent. Love thy neighbour and all of that.

Not sure where you got that from my post.

My point is, why do they feel the need to behave morally? They are not seeking out any kind of reward because athiests do not believe in Heaven or Paradise after death (at least I don't think they do?). If the law doesn't say anything about something, why not do it? It feels good right? It's fun right? Why not go around and sin when you believe there's no such thing as sin? What is it that motivates someone to behave morally?

"Christians" did not invent morality. GOD created the morals by which we are to live by. Many non-Christians inadvertantly live by most or even all of these morals, even if they don't give the credit to God for creating them. Many will say "Well I am living morally because I believe it is the right thing to do." Why is it the right thing to do, in their opinion?

Humans have a sin nature, which I'm sure you already knew. We have the free will to behave as we want, but when you have the Holy Spirit within you, it is easier to fight temptation and you can find joy in living as God calls you to live.

[Cellophane]

why do they feel the need to behave morally?

I think this is as simple as the Golden Rule, "Treat others as you want them to treat you".

They are not seeking out any kind of reward because athiests do not believe in Heaven or Paradise after death (at least I don't think they do?). If the law doesn't say anything about something, why not do it? It feels good right? It's fun right? Why not go around and sin when you believe there's no such thing as sin? What is it that motivates someone to behave morally?

There are things they do based on their own morality, which is based on society norms plus what was passed to them from their families. Morality (not law) is considered subjective, and there is usually a strong element of "harm none". In otherwords, most A/A's feel that their right to extend their arm ends where your nose begins.