from Slate
It is that time of the year again. The Season of goodwill, cheer, frost and a lot of love and Peace on Earth et al et al.
And of celebration. Even if it is not a cultural tradition or a religious one. Through the Friendly Atheist I came across this piece.
The last line says it all.
Sure most celebrations are geared around religious tradition. And sure one can be a non-believer. But why should the celebration be dampened by that.
God is like Santa Claus- I can enjoy it all- including the relgious music - Handel's Messiah is a really gorgeous work of art, religious iconography,. heavily sculpted temples, Sufi music- without "believing " in it. ( After all I do sing Clementine soulfully at "How I missed her" without an iota of feeling for the "real" Clementine). So, we do Christams, and we did Diwali, also Thanksgiving, we will try t remember Eid and the rest- just as we do our birthdays and "other special" days.
I just wonder why do we need to be "different" for the sake of being so. Or creating needless controversy. I was a non-believer in school- propah Catholi School- with prayer every mroning. So while everone prayed. I would stand quietly and think of something else- it was not a problem. I did it during most of the religious chanting at my wedding ceremony too( tell me I am not married, now!).
It is not even about conciliation. Just about being peaceful. I will not submit to people telling me I "must" believe or be saved or have their religious objections drive my life. Bute sure enough I am not going to be a wet blanket in the celebration. or mope and feel left out- of the cheer.
I will not attend a religious function if I can help it, but to socialize, why not?
And as the New Year rolls by I will party, and a week before it I will do a Happy Holidays, Hanukkah, Sphagettimas, Festivus, Solstice, Christmas- all together celebration.
Happiness is a rare, precious commodity and I need all of it to get by, presents anyone- and then we can listen to the Disney Christmas Carols.
3 comments:
I did it during most of the religious chanting at my wedding ceremony too(tell me I am not married, now!).
LOL :) That's quite my kind of thing.
I found the mother's worries unnecessary. I had made sure my kids had Santa every year... and and any interpretation of religion that takes away a child's innocent fun is not a very wise interpretation.
Aapko naye saal ki haardik shubhkamnayein :)
?
I never met an atheist who opposes celebrations, parties or anything else.
There's nothing wrong in celebrating christmas or deewali, or Eid or Lodhi, why should it be bad or wrong? its people's freedom.
Even some enjoys celebrating valentine's day on 14th of feburury without realizing who was Sir Valentine!
While some of the mad atheist like me rather prefer to enjoy and celebrate Darwin's day on 12th of feburary
Actually, it is doesn't matter. What matters is, one should not get a drift along the ills of crowd mentality, because if he/she do so, a new sort of terrorism may evolve
Also, in general atheist do not oppose any sort of celebration. But when some authoritative Christmas message comes in such shape, it need to be repudiated, opposed and criticized within the limits of Freedom of speech/expression, Because if wrong won't be criticized, oppression won't end. Evil requires the sanction of victim, and to allow evil to victimize people is obviously nothing good.
Anyways it was a good read, and many happy new year wishes for you!
Reason For Liberty
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