Quote:
Originally Posted by stoutman
The topic of Christmas has without a doubt a deeply engrained religious context. However, our beliefs allow for the freedom of others to believe whatever and however they choose. I take no offense at all.
|
On that note... Yes, couldn't agree more about the religious context. In fact in Britain it has become pretty clear, as most likely has in other countries that Christianity was in the habbit of taking over existing religious sites and celebrations. Christmas for example in Britain is based on the day of the Winter solstice, a truly ancient Duids festival, which incidentally, is still widely celebated.
In Russia, one of my predecessors hailed from there in the mid 18th century, that's pretty much where Santa Clause had it's roots originally. All based on the ancient healers traditions of administering fly agaric (the mildly poisonous red and white variety Amanita Muscaria) mushrooms to reindeer, then collecting their urine and consuming it with a passion. It supposedly concentrates the halucinogenic properties of the active chemical principles leading the healers to experience vivid hallucinations. Not sure if drinking reindeer urine at Christmas would enhance my experience but each one to their own, I guess.
What I liked most about your post was the fact that you say
Quote:
|
our beliefs allow for the freedom of others to believe whatever and however they choose
|
. That is not the impression that comes across from the USA all too often. I am of course referring to the teachings of Billy Graham, just as an example, who tend to take a much stronger and more restricted view of religion.
Yes, live and let live, that's what I always say.