tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post23899877881601092..comments2024-01-16T01:42:41.699+11:00Comments on Tune into Radio Carly: An atheist ChristmasCarly Findlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368145710452826385noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-5815292239440242982016-12-24T16:17:26.169+11:002016-12-24T16:17:26.169+11:00I celebrate Christmas in a completely non-religiou...I celebrate Christmas in a completely non-religious way and always have. I have a tree. I buy gifts. I get gifts. I have a family dinner. It is about family. And there will never be any religious connotations involved in it. I was agnostic as a child. Very philosophical about certain concepts. But I didn't like religion as an institution because it seemed irrational and restrictive. I became more of an atheist the older I got. My parents are not particularly religious either. Although my father went through a nostalgic catholic phase, in which I did see the inside of a church a few times. It was a bizarre experience for me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-42487065881116488132016-12-23T20:46:02.260+11:002016-12-23T20:46:02.260+11:00Oh, bother, got caught up in faith stuff and forgo...Oh, bother, got caught up in faith stuff and forgot to say: Christmas for me is about family and friends, catching up and experiencing, good food and good times. I love carols and other music because I love singing. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13274475287935615674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-5445074777468106912016-12-23T20:43:00.241+11:002016-12-23T20:43:00.241+11:00I'm Catholic but a firmly progressive one. The...I'm Catholic but a firmly progressive one. There are many things I don't believe in or am sceptical of - I prefer to think of things as "known knowns" and "known unknowns". Things I do believe in: religion/faith is about authenticity and there are fundamentalists in every belief system (even those who believe "too much" in the absoluteness of science...); the important thing as people is to be less judgy and more compassionate (Golden Rule!!), to meet people where they're at; and I also believe that "God does not make junk" - ergo, God accepts all, differently-abled, LGBTI+, black 7 white, etc. (it's humans who have issues with it). I have a disability, for context.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13274475287935615674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-48500726817040792112016-12-23T20:34:23.373+11:002016-12-23T20:34:23.373+11:00Agree so much with this....Agree so much with this....Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13274475287935615674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-81947789852803005202016-12-23T20:08:26.814+11:002016-12-23T20:08:26.814+11:00When I became a xn, I questioned why I do what I d...When I became a xn, I questioned why I do what I do at Christmas and if it was still meaningful to me. Having been baptised catholic I had been having the traditional christmas. Once xn, I wanted to dump the lot, but for the sake of my family I just toned it down. I now only have the tradtional elements that are important for my family, which are few. People are what make us run from religion. Christ brings us to faith in him. I have an enquirying mind and spent years searching faith through diverse cultures. Christ was my answer. My questions haven't ceased. In fact they have multiplied, but I have forever to learn more.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16640815248528912504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-11841886826357078832013-10-07T20:48:54.568+11:002013-10-07T20:48:54.568+11:00I've just come across this article via your Se...I've just come across this article via your September 2013 Guardian UK article. This sums up exactly how I feel about Christianity and Christmas, thank you for your eloquence. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-18747403930628612772013-09-12T15:15:04.360+10:002013-09-12T15:15:04.360+10:00Jesus was open-minded?? Wow... you need a theology...Jesus was open-minded?? Wow... you need a theology course Carly :)<br /><br />Blessings :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-73239455462254098052013-05-04T23:12:06.170+10:002013-05-04T23:12:06.170+10:00The point I made was that I've found my own me...The point I made was that I've found my own meaning of Christmas. Spending time with loved ones. I think that's how a lot of people I know celebrate and believe in Christmas too. Carly Findlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01368145710452826385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-53367082496689862382013-05-04T22:22:52.698+10:002013-05-04T22:22:52.698+10:00Why can't you enjoy any of those pleasures out...Why can't you enjoy any of those pleasures outside Christmas? I find it hypocrytical to partake when it's not meaningful to you.<br /><br />Do you particpate in Ramadam? Hannukah?<br /><br />Are you absolutely convinced Christmas if for you when you really don'y believe?Lissannehttp://sorted.net.aunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-12239268577554174002012-12-24T21:48:18.803+11:002012-12-24T21:48:18.803+11:00Replying just a year late :P I am another no n-rel...Replying just a year late :P I am another no n-religious person, so this quite an interesting piece. My mum had a semi religious upbringing, and my Dad is as athiest as they come. Both have instilled exactly the type of values in me that I think are important in people. I have to be completely honest though and say I have begun to question the place for religious faith in society and people's homes in the last couple of years after having a difficult time in my life and then completing my final teaching pracs in catholic and christian education. I really think that most people with who live by their faith are some of the most encouraging, positive and patient people I have met. I don't believe the bible is quite what it seems but I think many of the messages within it are actually very positive and enlightening. It is all about being grateful and kind to others. The part of christianity I struggle most with, is it's views about things like abortion and homosexuality. I believe all people should be accepted for who they are and the choices they make.<br /><br />I have come to discover though, that I quite like the idea that there is a higher power out there, a divine power that might be helping to guide me in some way. I think I am in a place where I am exploring my spirituality - I do think it is there - and working out what helps me to strip back all the BS and live the most peaceful and enlightened life I can. I figure if people need to believe something to help them change their thoughts from negative to positive, and to realise the power of gratitude then that can't be a bad thing. I just don't like the extremist stuff, I hate war and hatred and I am too broad minded to put all my eggs into one basket when it comes to faith.<br /><br />As for Christmas - I make it about family and giving, and I like to reflect on my year and ponder the year ahead. I try to think about what I am grateful for. I have always loved Christmas and like to think of it as a time to believe in magic and miracles. I do think Christmas has become too commercialised though. I sometimes wish I lived in the time of Little Women, a time when things were simple and gifts were small and thoughtful.<br /><br />LucyLucy In The Skyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16219804064860354484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-41201464658441021282012-12-24T20:34:03.985+11:002012-12-24T20:34:03.985+11:00Me too! Our multicultural Australia needs to embra...Me too! Our multicultural Australia needs to embrace and celebrate all faiths special times, or none. Cannot wait for true inclusion for all.Tashhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12852274995696256872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-40076515038161039622012-12-24T18:23:33.038+11:002012-12-24T18:23:33.038+11:00I am not religious (though as a child I was baptis...I am not religious (though as a child I was baptised in two different religions) but for me, it sounds similar to you - it's a nice time to catch up with people. <br /><br />I do have my own issues with religion though, and some religious family. Thankfully they never ask us to go to church or anything, but one or two do have that excessive superiority complex that they are religious and I am not. <br /><br />Either way, luckily for me it doesn't come up too often.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-53075871113430909612011-12-24T23:40:52.447+11:002011-12-24T23:40:52.447+11:00I think Christmas is as much a cultural festival t...I think Christmas is as much a cultural festival these days as it is a religious day if significance. It is a celebration of the year that was, the importance of family and friends and a coming together of people to be there for others. <br /><br />Merry Chrisrmas to you! xMaxabellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15761220164069379437noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-52954783131379341282011-12-22T23:30:28.300+11:002011-12-22T23:30:28.300+11:00Er, I meant "missionaries'". The chi...Er, I meant "missionaries'". The children I was surrounded by came courtesy of more than one missionary! Punctuation fail.amberhttp://wabiblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-30912106761332255782011-12-22T23:24:19.710+11:002011-12-22T23:24:19.710+11:00This is so tough. I was raised in a very religious...This is so tough. I was raised in a very religious environment (many of my peers growing up in a third world country were missionary's kids) and that part of my life was great. In Australia, not so much. I had some very painful, hurtful experiences. Can I suggest that at least some of the things that happen within a church depend on that church's idiosyncratic culture? And to talk about religion versus non-religion is a bit like talking about plants and non-plants: there are so many varieties and sub-varieties in the "ecosystem", it's difficult to make any generalisations or judgments. <br /><br />I suffer from auto-immune disease. Although my illness is not outwardly noticeable (except for bad spells like now where I am stiff and slow and obviously limpy), I know what it is like to live in pain 100% of the time. I don't think God gave me this illness. I still believe in God, but I don't believe that God makes decisions for people. And we have thousands of years of human decisions: hate, violence, war, toxins, pollution, poor nutrition, workaholism, drought. I believe in evil just as much as I believe in good. And I also believe that everybody is touched by life's dark underbelly at some point. <br /><br />For every arthritis sufferer like me, there's an icthyosis sufferer like you or a cancer sufferer up the street. A friend of mine was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease at the same time I was diagnosed with AI. I have a long life ahead of me. She doesn't. <br /><br />You have to take what you get. Because there is no choice, unfortunately. :-/<br /><br />I love Christmas. Sometimes I forget about its true meanings and origins. I say that with a little regret. But I always cherish the excitement and the "specialness" of the time, all the opportunities it offers.<br /><br />Thanks for such a thoughtful post, Carly. I don't know if anybody feels that they've got it all worked out, but it's healthy to weigh things up from time to time.amberhttp://wabiblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-59321368429917728912011-12-22T23:11:13.522+11:002011-12-22T23:11:13.522+11:00"Some of the suggestions made by Sunday schoo..."Some of the suggestions made by Sunday school about why I was born with ichthyosis were: I was not baptised, my parents are black and white and that's a sin and my parents drink alcohol. I was also told that if I lived in biblical times, I'd have been considered a leper."<br /><br />What the everloving fuck? That just makes me want to punch people. Not to mention it's unChristian - you are not punished for being good or bad (Jesus =/= Santa Claus), the Bible says we're all sinners, you make it to heaven based on whether or not you have faith, not because of what you do or don't do in life.melissasavagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16337887016996220628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-82921179109577035092011-12-22T22:21:19.954+11:002011-12-22T22:21:19.954+11:00Carls, that sunday school was messed up for everyo...Carls, that sunday school was messed up for everyone. I went once and got told I probably shouldn't go back because my 'religious conversion' had come to late. I was about 10 and only went for the pizza.<br />My faith has a celebration at christmas time anyway so I just sign 'merry christmas' to avoid tricky questions.KittyExpresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10906270563817314872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-14598895120969753792011-12-22T22:20:17.911+11:002011-12-22T22:20:17.911+11:00I was honestly writing in my head an almost identi...I was honestly writing in my head an almost identical post to this on my way home from work today, though mine probably wasn't as well written! Having cystic fibrosis and seeing many friends pass away over the years, one who was even 5 at the time, I have always thought that there just can't be a God. I am sometimes almost sad to not have that kind of faith in some higher power, but then think I am strong because I made me strong, not because of another being, if that makes sense. I too find Christmas a fabulous time of year for all the reasons you pointed out. I use it like a thanksgiving I suppose, thinking of all the things I am grateful for and making the extra effort to spend time with the ones I love. Thanks for the great post Carly, and Merry Christmas!Selinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13677873091396001547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-44953666378939319842011-12-22T22:01:06.989+11:002011-12-22T22:01:06.989+11:00I do not practice any religion, but I do believe i...I do not practice any religion, but I do believe in something beyond this life. What it is, I have no real idea, but I guess I'll find out in due course.<br /><br />I see value in most religions, but see religion itself as divisive. Christmas was preceded by a range of other pagan feasts, including Saturnalia, whilst Mithra was purportedly born on December 25. Mithra bears a striking similarity to Apollo. There's also parallels with other deities. To say Christmas celebrates Christ's birth is to ignore the pagan origins of the feast and to play ostrich about the symbols taken from more ancient traditions.<br /><br />Celebrate family, friends and life, Carly. I don't agree that getting together with family to eat, drink and be merry is a sign of consumerism at all. It's simply that an annual gathering such as Christmas is often celebrated over food - hence the word 'feast'! Saturnalia, afterall celebrated agriculture.Watersheddhttp://forks-in-the-road.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-26828254658643502042011-12-22T21:57:21.523+11:002011-12-22T21:57:21.523+11:00Great post Carly. I agree with you that family is ...Great post Carly. I agree with you that family is the most important reason for celebrating Christmas. If I was on my own, I probably wouldn't feel like celebrating it. At the end of the day, as long as you're not hurting anybody, celebrate in whatever way you want!Katiehttp://www.atrueloveofmine.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-35808283800228794012011-12-22T21:21:40.289+11:002011-12-22T21:21:40.289+11:00I feel very simular about religion and Jewish fest...I feel very simular about religion and Jewish festivals<br />- Ya'elAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-74111896330236162262011-12-22T18:58:32.908+11:002011-12-22T18:58:32.908+11:00And I have given the sin/God/religion argument abo...And I have given the sin/God/religion argument about why I have ichthyosis more thought.<br /><br />I guess I inherited the ichthyosis gene from Adam or Eve. Probably Adam. It's x-linked. ;)Carly Findlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01368145710452826385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-38713299393320542322011-12-22T18:14:45.092+11:002011-12-22T18:14:45.092+11:00Hi again - thank you to those who have left furthe...Hi again - thank you to those who have left further replies - it is interesting reading about your experiences of Christmas. Sorry my reply before was a bit typo/caps ridden, I was typing on my phone, on the run at lunchtime.Carly Findlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01368145710452826385noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-40594746865536529602011-12-22T16:39:35.033+11:002011-12-22T16:39:35.033+11:00Carly, I know lots of aetheists who celebrate Chri...Carly, I know lots of aetheists who celebrate Christmas as the coming together of family etc.<br /><br />I do not believe God "gave" you your condition. I believe your genetics did. <br /><br />For the record some of the cruelest nastiest people I know are very religious. Doesn't make sense does it. <br /><br />Keep up the good work, I love your strength and you are a true survivor xxxxFaux Fuchsiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17317677066408030053noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1720872153813357167.post-88798778035411088302011-12-22T16:04:54.589+11:002011-12-22T16:04:54.589+11:00Im an athiest too my friend, but only an hour ago ...Im an athiest too my friend, but only an hour ago i was singing christmas carols nice and loud with the kids in the car! <br /><br />My husband (who is a little bit religious) cant quite work out why im into the whole Christmas thing... but like you, i like to have drinks with friends and catch up with the family, wear something pretty, make some yummy desserts and just chill. <br /><br />I haven't raised my kids to be religious, but i let my daughter attend scripture at school, the bible is a story she should know, along with other stories like Snow White and Snugglepot and Cuddlepie :) When they are older they can work out what they want. The reason most people are the religion they are, was due to what they were raised as! <br /><br />Go wear that pretty dress Carly and sing Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer as loud as you can xxBelindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15215090988205177674noreply@blogger.com