Far be it from Da Rev to wanna piss off the fundangelicals anymore than they already are, but in their zeal and outrage over what may be a waning interest in the traditions and symbols of their particular sect, they miss an important point in the larger scheme of things. They celebrate the birth of their "Baby Jesus", while other folks may think its the birthday of Bing Crosby. But that's it - even Solstice isn't universal. If ya live somewhere south of Brazil, you may celebrate the Summer Solstice, probably wearing less clothing than those of us in the Northern Hemisphere who celebrate the Winter Solstice. It's another year around the Sun, but in Chile the Sun's goin' away; in Metro Fairborn, Ohio, it's comin' back.
Our friends over @ American Atheists sent us the following:
...What is a Baby Jesus? It is a fable. A precious little story set
out in the bible about the imaginary son of god whose father god
conceived him in the body of an unwed underage teenager, the goddess
Virgin Mary. Maybe a god, like a man, is only as old as the woman he
feels. God thus made the Baby Jesus so he could grow up and be killed
as a child sacrifice to his god father for your sins......Among the new fake ancient symbols of a Christmas heritage that never was is the beloved "creche," or "manger scene." This is a manufact of three dimensional living or fake figures representing the Baby Jesus in a feed trough, surrounded by his mother the teenage goddess Virgin Mary, his cuckolded wanna' be father, Joseph, sheep, shepherds, lambs, sheep crooks in the shape of candy canes, a star, angels, a cow, a jackass, some straw, and three terrorists (riding) camels bearing gifts to the "Christ Child."A creationist version of the sacred scene includes a stegosaurus. This godly diorama is often offered on public property, especially in Kentucky, in open violation of the First Amendment... [Edwin Kagin]
American Atheists simply repeats what most of us already know:
There is a renaissance of interest... in events like the Solstice as people seek new rituals and means of celebration appropriate to our increasingly diverse, secular world... Different groups including many Atheists, Freethinkers and Humanists have taken up the call, and various organizations sponsor Winter Solstice events. Under a tapestry of names, we search for new ways to re-connect with the natural world in the spirit of friendship and conviviality without the need for religious dogmas.
KIDDIN' THE FUNDANGELICALS!!
In the face of incessant sectarian harrasment from Christianist proselytizers, Da Rev has hit upon a series of responses to the infliction of their insistent "Merry Christmas" upon everyone they see. They could not care less about the personal beliefs or wishes of others. So, let's play a little word association with 'em. It won't stop 'em, but it'll slow 'em up:
THEY SAY REPLY
Merry Christmas! No! Happy Solstice! (smile)
Have a Blessed Christmas. Uhhmmm - nope, probably more like a cool Yule!
I hope you get what you Run, run, Rudolph!
want for Christmas.
Jesus is the reason for Reason is never out of season.
The Season.
Feliz Navidad! Jose Feliciano!
Y'all have a cool Yule and a frantic First, y'hear?
Peace...
