Spiritual Abuse and Christmas Trees

Axehead · Dec 9, 2012

By Eric M. Pazdziora
I think I finally figured out what Christmas trees are really about.
A while ago I found a blog article on the subject of our friend Mr. Tannenbaum. Apparently (the author observed) some folks believe that Christmas trees are pagan symbols that the church has adopted in sinful syncretism. They appeal to Scriptures such as Jeremiah 10 to support the idea: the passage describes trees being chopped down, decorated with precious metals, and worshiped by pagans (“A-ha!” chorus the neo-Scrooges).

Knowing a bit about interpreting Scripture in context, I smelled an opportunity to cry “Humbug!” True, Jeremiah describes pagans chopping down trees for idolatrous worship. But it also mentions the trees being “shaped by chisels” into images of false gods like these. Those don’t look much like Christmas trees to me. Anyone for some eisegesis?

The underlying logic is even more significant. Follow it through: Idolaters once used decorative trees to worship false gods. Therefore, anyone else who uses a tree for decoration ever againmust only be pagan.

Bah. Humbug.

I explained in another article in more detail exactly why this genre of anti-Christmas rhetoric is so absurd. Pagans didn’t make trees; God did. So even if pine trees were once misused in pagan worship, it hardly follows that they must always and for all time be unacceptable to people who believe that “only God can make a tree.”

But when a few outspoken commenters started chiming in to quarrel in favor of that phony interpretation of the Bible, my Spiritual-Abuse-Survivor Sense started tingling. Some people seem inordinately concerned with proving that the majority of Christians are sinful pagan syncretists. Not that I’m in favor of bringing paganism into the church, but somehow that obsession struck me as suspiciously like a warning sign of Spiritual Abuse.

Next time you hear one of these Scrooges, pay close attention to the subtext:

Everyone who doesn't believe precisely what we believe is unbiblical and pagan! (Exclusivity, dogmatism, spiritual pride.)
The vast majority of Christians are evil pagans, so you had better stick with us if you want to please God! (Legalism, elitism, manipulation.)
We have standards that you have to follow if you want to be holy, and if you don't follow them you're an ungodly pagan! (Superiority, shame.)
Your external actions and displays--whether or not you put up a Christmas tree--are very important. (No mention of the grace of Christ.)

I could go on, but if you know about Spiritual Abuse, you've heard all this stuff before. It's the classic, archetypal sign of abuse, and they're taking the occasion of the birth of Christ to pull it out on us. Forget "Happy Holidays"; here's the real war on Christmas.

But, spiritual abuse awareness aside, what these sorts of people say about the poor pine tree turns out to show the real message of the Gospel better than they know....

The pagans used trees to sinfully honor their false gods instead of the Creator. The devil influenced me to sinfully honor myself above my Creator.

The spiritual abusers say that, since the trees were used sinfully, they can only ever be regarded as sinful. They said that about me too.

God says, "It may have been used sinfully, but I made it in the first place. Don't you go calling anything I made unclean (Acts 10). If I made it good in the first place, that means I can make it good again."

At one time the pagans chopped down a tree, cut it into pieces, and hung it with metal to worship their false gods.

But another time some pagans chopped down a tree, cut it into pieces, and with metal, hung something on it that redeemed our souls.

Jesus came into the world at Christmas to be hung on a tree.

Jesus was hung on a tree for the sins of the world, including idolatry.

Because of what happened with that chopped-down, metal-adorned tree, we are free from the rules that say we can only ever be sinful.

Because of what happened with that chopped-down, metal-adorned tree, nobody can ever say that God is about anything other than grace and forgiveness.

Because of what happened with that chopped-down, metal-adorned tree, anyone who looks at a tree now can see not a symbol of idolatry, but an outward and visible sign of the infinite grace of God.

Because of what happened with that chopped-down, metal-adorned tree, anyone who looks at you now can see not a sinner, but someone who has been cleansed and made new by the infinite grace of God.

The devil intended to use that tree for evil. The spiritual abusers say it could only ever be evil. But God used that tree for the greatest good that has ever happened.

The devil intended to use you for evil. The spiritual abusers say you can only ever be evil. But God intends to use you for a greater good than you can imagine.

The Christmas tree reminds us that everything God created is good.

The Christmas tree shows us that everything God does is gracious.

The Christmas tree tells us that you don't have to accept the label that you're only a sinner.

And as for me, anything that makes legalists and abusers that upset is something I'm glad to decorate my house with. The other reason Jesus came into the world, of course, was to annoy the heck out of legalists.

Raeneske · Dec 9, 2012

Axehead said:
By Eric M. Pazdziora
I think I finally figured out what Christmas trees are really about.
A while ago I found a blog article on the subject of our friend Mr. Tannenbaum. Apparently (the author observed) some folks believe that Christmas trees are pagan symbols that the church has adopted in sinful syncretism. They appeal to Scriptures such as Jeremiah 10 to support the idea: the passage describes trees being chopped down, decorated with precious metals, and worshiped by pagans (“A-ha!” chorus the neo-Scrooges).

Knowing a bit about interpreting Scripture in context, I smelled an opportunity to cry “Humbug!” True, Jeremiah describes pagans chopping down trees for idolatrous worship. But it also mentions the trees being “shaped by chisels” into images of false gods like these. Those don’t look much like Christmas trees to me. Anyone for some eisegesis?

The underlying logic is even more significant. Follow it through: Idolaters once used decorative trees to worship false gods. Therefore, anyone else who uses a tree for decoration ever againmust only be pagan.

Bah. Humbug.

I explained in another article in more detail exactly why this genre of anti-Christmas rhetoric is so absurd. Pagans didn’t make trees; God did. So even if pine trees were once misused in pagan worship, it hardly follows that they must always and for all time be unacceptable to people who believe that “only God can make a tree.”

But when a few outspoken commenters started chiming in to quarrel in favor of that phony interpretation of the Bible, my Spiritual-Abuse-Survivor Sense started tingling. Some people seem inordinately concerned with proving that the majority of Christians are sinful pagan syncretists. Not that I’m in favor of bringing paganism into the church, but somehow that obsession struck me as suspiciously like a warning sign of Spiritual Abuse.

Next time you hear one of these Scrooges, pay close attention to the subtext:

Everyone who doesn't believe precisely what we believe is unbiblical and pagan! (Exclusivity, dogmatism, spiritual pride.)

The vast majority of Christians are evil pagans, so you had better stick with us if you want to please God! (Legalism, elitism, manipulation.)

We have standards that you have to follow if you want to be holy, and if you don't follow them you're an ungodly pagan! (Superiority, shame.)

Your external actions and displays--whether or not you put up a Christmas tree--are very important. (No mention of the grace of Christ.)

I could go on, but if you know about Spiritual Abuse, you've heard all this stuff before. It's the classic, archetypal sign of abuse, and they're taking the occasion of the birth of Christ to pull it out on us. Forget "Happy Holidays"; here's the real war on Christmas.

But, spiritual abuse awareness aside, what these sorts of people say about the poor pine tree turns out to show the real message of the Gospel better than they know....

The pagans used trees to sinfully honor their false gods instead of the Creator. The devil influenced me to sinfully honor myself above my Creator.

The spiritual abusers say that, since the trees were used sinfully, they can only ever be regarded as sinful. They said that about me too.

God says, "It may have been used sinfully, but I made it in the first place. Don't you go calling anything I made unclean (Acts 10). If I made it good in the first place, that means I can make it good again."

At one time the pagans chopped down a tree, cut it into pieces, and hung it with metal to worship their false gods.

But another time some pagans chopped down a tree, cut it into pieces, and with metal, hung something on it that redeemed our souls.

Jesus came into the world at Christmas to be hung on a tree.

Jesus was hung on a tree for the sins of the world, including idolatry.

Because of what happened with that chopped-down, metal-adorned tree, we are free from the rules that say we can only ever be sinful.

Because of what happened with that chopped-down, metal-adorned tree, nobody can ever say that God is about anything other than grace and forgiveness.

Because of what happened with that chopped-down, metal-adorned tree, anyone who looks at a tree now can see not a symbol of idolatry, but an outward and visible sign of the infinite grace of God.

Because of what happened with that chopped-down, metal-adorned tree, anyone who looks at you now can see not a sinner, but someone who has been cleansed and made new by the infinite grace of God.

The devil intended to use that tree for evil. The spiritual abusers say it could only ever be evil. But God used that tree for the greatest good that has ever happened.

The devil intended to use you for evil. The spiritual abusers say you can only ever be evil. But God intends to use you for a greater good than you can imagine.

The Christmas tree reminds us that everything God created is good.

The Christmas tree shows us that everything God does is gracious.

The Christmas tree tells us that you don't have to accept the label that you're only a sinner.

And as for me, anything that makes legalists and abusers that upset is something I'm glad to decorate my house with. The other reason Jesus came into the world, of course, was to annoy the heck out of legalists.

The author fails to mention, the date that is taken from Pagan worship, the fact that ornaments are still involved to deck the trees, mistletoe, yule tide, yule log... Pagan..Pagan...Pagan...Pagan...Pagan.

God made trees. The smell of pine is good for you. Enjoy the beauty, enjoy the scent.

Decking it with ornaments, placing gifts underneath it as it's decorated, celebrating it exclusively on December 25th, Yule Tide, Yule Log, Mistletoe, Stockings... I could go on really.

Also, Jesus wasn't born anywhere near December 25th.

See, the problem is not one something minor, where if you have a tree one would go bananas. Pine trees smell fabulous, and I do believe that, and I love their scent. What's wrong with having a tree? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

The problem is, as I said above, December 25th, the ornaments, the gifts, the mistletoe, stocking, etc. etc. etc.

Axehead · Dec 9, 2012

Raeneske said:
The author fails to mention, the date that is taken from Pagan worship, the fact that ornaments are still involved to deck the trees, mistletoe, yule tide, yule log... Pagan..Pagan...Pagan...Pagan...Pagan.

God made trees. The smell of pine is good for you. Enjoy the beauty, enjoy the scent.

Decking it with ornaments, placing gifts underneath it as it's decorated, celebrating it exclusively on December 25th, Yule Tide, Yule Log, Mistletoe, Stockings... I could go on really.

Also, Jesus wasn't born anywhere near December 25th.

See, the problem is not one something minor, where if you have a tree one would go bananas. Pine trees smell fabulous, and I do believe that, and I love their scent. What's wrong with having a tree? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

The problem is, as I said above, December 25th, the ornaments, the gifts, the mistletoe, stocking, etc. etc. etc.

Raeneske,

Do you sit in a church building with pews and is there a lectern and/or a pulpit for the preacher? These came from Roman Catholicism.

Do you light candles? This also came from Roman Catholicism.

Church buildings did not begin to be built until after Constantine "legalized" Christianity.

But is the idea of a church building pagan? Since the Bible does not instruct Christians to build church buildings, does that mean it is wrong to have a church building?

Are you then saying that God is against pews, lecterns, podiums and candles, because their absolute source was paganism.

Pagans also drank water and ate meat. Should we not drink water and eat meat?

No, the problem Raeneske, is that we cannot judge someone's heart just because they have a tree with decorations on it, in their house.

Raeneske · Dec 9, 2012

Axehead said:
Raeneske,

Do you sit in a church building with pews and is there a lectern and/or a pulpit for the preacher? These came from Roman Catholicism.

Do you light candles? This also came from Roman Catholicism.

Church buildings did not begin to be built until after Constantine "legalized" Christianity.

But is the idea of a church building pagan? Since the Bible does not instruct Christians to build church buildings, does that mean it is wrong to have a church building?

Are you then saying that God is against pews, lecterns, podiums and candles, because their absolute source was paganism.

Pagans also drank water and ate meat. Should we not drink water and eat meat?

No, the problem Raeneske, is that we cannot judge someone's heart just because they have a tree with decorations on it, in their house.

I'm not even going to answer such ridiculous questions as those. The heart of the matter is blending Pagan worship with Christianity. It has nothing to do with using a building, tree, etc. etc. etc.

God was very plain about the traditions of the heathen, that none can mistake His words. As I stated above, it has nothing to do with simply using a tree, or even simply using a church pew for that matter. It has everything to do with, the tree & yule tide, yule log & the stockings &, the christmas lights & December 25th & the decorating of the tree & placing gifts under the tree & & & & &.

THAT is the problem. God clearly told us not to follow after the customs and traditions of the heathen, to celebrate and worship our God, the way they do theirs. If you have questions such as water, meat, etc, please review scripture regarding such things. God wanted them to stay away from their customs, that is plain, that is final. Deuteronomy 12:28-32, Leviticus 18:30, Jeremiah 10:1-6 are such a few examples.

I judge no man Axe, simply placing the facts scripture has, has not made me a judge.

epostle1 · Dec 9, 2012

Bill Donohue released the following comments today:

“Have a holly, jolly, bloody good Christmas with these tampon crafts.” That’s the opening line on the homepage of tamponcrafts.com: the website offers instructions on how to construct nativity scenes out of tampons, including Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and the Three Wise Men. Indeed, it advises the reader to “Gather ‘round the manger for the Christmas Miracle. These three kings come bearing gold, frankincense, and…fresh-scented feminine hygiene products.” To show how inclusive the web designer is, there are also guidelines on how to make a menorah out of tampons.

The tampon nativity scene, which has been around for several years, is the source of much humor this year. NPR likes it so much that one of its correspondents asked Martha Stewart about it. Some bloggers love it so much they can hardly contain themselves. It is so popular with social media addicts that over 21,000 Facebook users are already on board. Indeed, as a measure of how popular tamponcrafts.com is this Christmas season, it is currently posting a 92 percent Social Media Impact score.

In any event, American Atheists and the Freedom From Religion Foundation have not said whether they would sue a municipal government that displayed a tampon nativity scene on public property. My guess is they would fund it.

Axehead · Dec 9, 2012

Raeneske said:
I'm not even going to answer such ridiculous questions as those. The heart of the matter is blending Pagan worship with Christianity. It has nothing to do with using a building, tree, etc. etc. etc.

Thank you. I don't know anyone that "blends Pagan worship" with Christianity. I do now people that have Christmas trees, though.

Groundzero · Dec 9, 2012

Well, I have no issues with having a tree and decorating it. But I do have issues when that tree is brought inside and decorated only ONCE a year, at a specific time to commemorate what? JEsus? Are we in dreamland here? What the heck does a pine tree have to do with Jesus??? I know what all my friends commemorate Christmas with: drinking and wild parties and sexual binges. Yep, tis the season.

If Christmas really is the Christian holiday that everyone proposes it is, then why the heck do we have just about every belief under heaven following it? Do we see them doing Communion? No. Do we see them washing each other's feet? No. If Christmas truly was Christian, the heathen wouldn't be following after it with such glee.

I think it's good to have a holiday period, but I strongly resist relating it to Christianity when it has NOTHING to do with Christianity.

Axehead · Dec 9, 2012

ZebraHug said:
Well, I have no issues with having a tree and decorating it. But I do have issues when that tree is brought inside and decorated only ONCE a year, at a specific time to commemorate what? JEsus? Are we in dreamland here? What the heck does a pine tree have to do with Jesus??? I know what all my friends commemorate Christmas with: drinking and wild parties and sexual binges. Yep, tis the season.

If Christmas really is the Christian holiday that everyone proposes it is, then why the heck do we have just about every belief under heaven following it? Do we see them doing Communion? No. Do we see them washing each other's feet? No. If Christmas truly was Christian, the heathen wouldn't be following after it with such glee.

I think it's good to have a holiday period, but I strongly resist relating it to Christianity when it has NOTHING to do with Christianity.

Oh sure, there are all kinds of "ironies" you can find wrong with it. However, I have found that many unbelievers are more receptive to the Gospel during the Christmas season. I don't know what your experience is, but that's mine. Also, no reason to alienate brethren over it, is there? I know a young couple who were raised by missionary parents and they won't even go home during Christmas to visit their folks (bring the grandchildren home) because their folks celebrate the birth of Christ and have a tree. To me that seems very manipulative.

Well, people go to a lot of lengths to make a point with those that love them.

Groundzero · Dec 9, 2012

Axehead said:
Oh sure, there are all kinds of "ironies" you can find wrong with it. However, I have found that many unbelievers are more receptive to the Gospel during the Christmas season. I don't know what your experience is, but that's mine. Also, no reason to alienate brethren over it, is there? I know a young couple who were raised by missionary parents and they won't even go home during Christmas to visit their folks (bring the grandchildren home) because their folks celebrate the birth of Christ and have a tree. To me that seems very manipulative.

Well, people go to a lot of lengths to make a point with those that love them.

I still go to my family's Christmas parties. But I don't actually celebrate it myself.

As for unbeliever's being more receptive, why's that? Could it be because the church actually starts spreading the Gospel because 'tis the season? We should be spreading the word all year round, not just during Christmas. We should be reaching out to help the homeless and less fortunate ALL year. Not just christmas.
And why not bring up the real truth? I have had many discussions with people who aren't Christians, because they are stumped when I tell them I don't celebrate it. It's an opportunity to tell them the Truth.

Rach1370 · Dec 10, 2012

You know...at times, I wonder why Christians have such a hard time with things. Let's just take a step back and review....God made everything, and it was good. People got involved and it got bad. After Jesus came both He and Paul made some fairly huge issue's over Christians having freedom...and we do, we have freedom in our lives. Of course there's still the problem of people messing things up....
When it comes down to Christmas, I believe the only thing that matters is who you worship. I don't reserve my praise and worship of Christ for one day of the year. I don't think of Jesus only when I see a decorated tree or sparkly baubles. I think of him every day and when I do most everything. But what, I ask you, is wrong with putting aside one day of the year....as we do with everyone else who is important in our lives....and saying "this day, we recognise the wonderful moment you entered human history...it was a happy, momentous day for us...it changed our lives".
I put up a tree with lights because it's pretty. I give presents because I enjoy giving to others...I teach my kids that as well, and that also God gave us the best gift. I teach that Christmas is Jesus' birthday (and yes, I know it's not the actual day...but unless someone can tell me the exact date Christ was born, that will do well enough...it's the point, I believe).
I think it doesn't hurt to focus for a minute, not only on Christ's life, death and resurrection, but on his birth. Can we not stop for a moment and appreciate the massive moment it was when God went from all glory, to a baby....anyone who's ever had a helpless little baby to care for...indignities and all, knows what an incredible change that was for our God. He didn't step down into a fully grown man, able to care for himself and make his own decisions...nope...he came like the rest of us, subjected himself to parents!! Why would he do this? To be the advocate who can fully sympathise with us!
So taking a moment out of the year to really make that magical moment in history...well, magical...is not 'pagan'...it's worshipful...and the only way you can mess that up, is if you let it become something other than about him. If your decorations, food, songs, gifts...if they all circle around and teach about him...then it's us praising him...and you'd think that would be 'amened' by other believers, not criticized...

Axehead · Dec 10, 2012

I still go to my family's Christmas parties. But I don't actually celebrate it myself.

As for unbeliever's being more receptive, why's that? Could it be because the church actually starts spreading the Gospel because 'tis the season?

Well, I can't answer for you or anyone else, but spreading the gospel is 365 for me. I wasn't talking about our brethren's receptivity but rather the open hearts of the unbelievers that I encounter.

We should be spreading the word all year round, not just during Christmas. We should be reaching out to help the homeless and less fortunate ALL year. Not just christmas.

And why not bring up the real truth? I have had many discussions with people who aren't Christians, because they are stumped when I tell them I don't celebrate it. It's an opportunity to tell them the Truth.

Best to lift up Jesus and He will draw all men to Him, rather than get onto side discussions about what some Christians do or do not observe. Evangelizing others is about them and their alienation from God, not about what different Christians observe or don't observe.

dragonfly · Dec 10, 2012

The Christmas tree did not exist in Britain until Prince Albert brought the custom over from Germany. It is a relatively recent diversion, iow.

Rae, I completely agree that the tree has pagan origins. O Tannenbaum is a song of worship to the tree. This has nothing to do with Christianity. All the associations to it which have been made with the gospel, are in the same category as renaming statues of a god and goddess, 'Peter' and 'Mary'. The lights are representations of the sun god, and he is, in certain organisations, incorporated into so-called Christian worship. That's too far!

However, Paul says that all things are ours, and just like the Salvation Army wrote a lot of good Christian words to secular song tunes, I believe that if we know the Lord Himself, we can be free to remind ourselves of the coming of Christ as THE Light of the world, within modest reason.

1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

Axehead · Dec 10, 2012

dragonfly said:
The Christmas tree did not exist in Britain until Prince Albert brought the custom over from Germany. It is a relatively recent diversion, iow.

Rae, I completely agree that the tree has pagan origins. O Tannenbaum is a song of worship to the tree. This has nothing to do with Christianity. All the associations to it which have been made with the gospel, are in the same category as renaming statues of a god and goddess, 'Peter' and 'Mary'. The lights are representations of the sun god, and he is, in certain organisations, incorporated into so-called Christian worship. That's too far!

However, Paul says that all things are ours, and just like the Salvation Army wrote a lot of good Christian words to secular song tunes, I believe that if we know the Lord Himself, we can be free to remind ourselves of the coming of Christ as THE Light of the world, within modest reason.

1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. 20 And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. 21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; 22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; 23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

Thank you, dragonfly.

That helps to make my point. There are many pagan origins (not practices) of things we have in the Protestant church because they came from Roman Catholicism. Luther broke away from Catholicism spiritually, but not structurally, meaning many "traditions" are continued in the Church. Does that mean every one is practicing paganism?

epostle1 · Dec 10, 2012

Whenever one encounters a proposed example of pagan influence, one should demand that its existence be properly documented, not just asserted. The danger of accepting an inaccurate claim is too great. The amount of misinformation in this area is great enough that it is advisable never to accept a reported parallel as true unless it can be demonstrated from primary source documents or through reliable, scholarly secondary sources. After receiving documentation supporting the claim of a pagan parallel, one should ask a number of questions:

1. Is there a parallel? Frequently, there is not. The claim of a parallel may be erroneous, especially when the documentation provided is based on an old or undisclosed source.

For example: "The Egyptians had a trinity. They worshiped Osiris, Isis, and Horus, thousands of years before the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost were known" (Robert Ingersoll, Why I Am an Agnostic). This is not true. The Egyptians had an Ennead—a pantheon of nine major gods and goddesses. Osiris, Isis, and Horus were simply three divinities in the pantheon who were closely related by marriage and blood (not surprising, since the Ennead itself was an extended family) and who figured in the same myth cycle. They did not represent the three persons of a single divine being (the Christian understanding of the Trinity). The claim of an Egyptian trinity is simply wrong. There is no parallel.

2. Is the parallel dependent or independent? Even if there is a pagan parallel, that does not mean that there is a causal relationship involved. Two groups may develop similar beliefs, practices, and artifacts totally independently of each other. The idea that similar forms are always the result of diffusion from a common source has long been rejected by archaeology and anthropology, and for very good reason: Humans are similar to each other and live in similar (i.e., terrestrial) environments, leading them to have similar cultural artifacts and views.

For example, Fundamentalists have made much of the fact that Catholic art includes Madonna and Child images and that non-Christian art, all over the world, also frequently includes mother and child images. There is nothing sinister in this. The fact is that, in every culture, there are mothers who hold their children! Sometimes this gets represented in art, including religious art, and it especially is used when a work of art is being done to show the motherhood of an individual. Mother-with child-images do not need to be explained by a theory of diffusion from a common, pagan religious source (such as Hislop’s suggestion that such images stem from representations of Semiramis holding Tammuz). One need look no further than the fact that mothers holding children is a universal feature of human experience and a convenient way for artists to represent motherhood.

3. Is the parallel antecedent or consequent? Even if there is a pagan parallel that is causally related to a non-pagan counterpart, this does not establish which gave rise to the other. It may be that the pagan parallel is a late borrowing from a non-pagan source. Frequently, the pagan sources we have are so late that they have been shaped in reaction to Jewish and Christian ideas. Sometimes it is possible to tell that pagans have been borrowing from non-pagans. Other times, it cannot be discerned who is borrowing from whom (or, indeed, if anyone is borrowing from anyone). (I think celebrating Christmas on Dec. 25 falls into this catagory)

For example: The ideas expressed in the Norse Elder Edda about the end and regeneration of the world were probably influenced by the teachings of Christians with whom the Norse had been in contact for centuries (H. A. Guerber, The Norsemen, 339f).

4. Is the parallel treated positively, neutrally, or negatively? Even if there is a pagan parallel to a non-pagan counterpart, that does not mean that the item or concept was enthusiastically or uncritically accepted by non-pagans. One must ask how they regarded it. Did they regard it as something positive, neutral, or negative?

For example: Circumcision and the symbol of the cross might be termed "neutral" Jewish and Christian counterparts to pagan parallels. It is quite likely that the early Hebrews first encountered the idea of circumcision among neighboring non-Jewish peoples, but that does not mean they regarded it as a religiously good thing for non-Jews to do. Circumcision was regarded as a religiously good thing only for Jews because for them it symbolized a special covenant with the one true God (Gen. 17). The Hebrew scriptures are silent in a religious appraisal of non-Jewish circumcision; they seemed indifferent to the fact that some pagans circumcised.

Similarly, the early Christians who adopted the cross as a symbol did not do so because it was a pagan religious symbol (the pagan cultures which use it as a symbol, notably in East Asia and the Americas, had no influence on the early Christians). The cross was used as a Christian symbol because Christ died on a cross—his execution being regarded as a bad thing in itself, in fact, an infinite injustice—but one from which he brought life for the world. Christians did not adopt it because it was a pagan symbol they liked and wanted to copy.

source

HammerStone · Dec 10, 2012

As for unbeliever's being more receptive, why's that? Could it be because the church actually starts spreading the Gospel because 'tis the season?

Please don't take this as any sort of criticism towards you, but I think this statement is one with the wrong focus. I see this a ton in the faith, and I have been guilty of it myself. However, I think this statement comes from a me-centric (or us-centric) point of view as Christians.

Recall the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the the woman and lost the coin. (Luke 15)

Christmas presents a time of year that nonbelievers can approach the faith. IE: Even though Christmas has its obvious commercialization and consumerisms, the core of the season remains yet about family, love, and even sacrifice. Nonchristians can see a very public showing of values that Christians hold very dear because we celebrate those things in celebration of what our Savior did for us. On the other hand, nonbelievers can approach the faithful under the guise of the season, so that sometimes makes things more palatable to visit a church or sing a Christmas hymn when the societal pressures trend in the opposite direction.

I for one view that as an obvious blessing. Remember that our Lord effectively said, we'd drop everything for that lost person - leaving behind the 99 others or dropping the work that needed to get done that day. As such, our thoughts become focused on the thoughts of that lost sheep. Anything that contributes to that lost sheep finding a way home is a blessing.

In view of the topic here, all of this fuss over Christmas is something I don't personally have a lot of patience for. The Bible speaks to us doing whatever we do to the glory of God. If I decorate a tree in honor and remembrance of the Tree of Life, who came to Earth to save, then I do that to the glory of God. If my friend gives presents in representation of gifts freely given by an Almighty God, then she or he does that for the glory of God.

Ya'll are in no way, shape, or form in the seat of judgment on such things and I caution you very soberly to remove yourself from anything approaching that. (I Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17) Even the most evil things can be purposed or re-purposed for good. Recall the lesson from the book of Job as an example. It is the intent of the heart that matters.

Axehead · Dec 10, 2012

Very well stated, indeed Hammer!

Secondhand Lion · Dec 10, 2012

HammerStone said:
Ya'll are in no way, shape, or form in the seat of judgment on such things and I caution you very soberly to remove yourself from anything approaching that. (I Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17) Even the most evil things can be purposed or re-purposed for good. Recall the lesson from the book of Job as an example. It is the intent of the heart that matters.

So are you also proud of your own humility? Do you find yourself impressed with your own modesty? Are you in the judgement seat of who is in the judgement seat? Or...maybe...just maybe...can two people discern two things in Christ two different ways with neither really needing to be chastised? Does this fall into the "do as I say, not as I do" category of Christianity again?

Oh, by the way, you seem to be chastening a persons point of view not yet represented on the board...

Oh now look at me....sitting in the judgement seat of who should sit in the judgement seat and preside over who gets to sit in the judgement seat that was originally highjacked by the judgement seat highjacker....

I tend to avoid these conversations, but do acknowledge, I have a serious problem with church people. Mainly for this very specific reason.

So now I must comment on the original post:

1. There are differing gifts and differing burdens given by our Savior to each of the children in His care. (I think on this we should all agree)

2. If the Holy Spirit of God does not bother you and you have a clear conscience in Christ, put up your Christmas tree and may the Lord of all things greatly bless you and all your house.

3. If the Lord of all things has given you a burden that something just is not right with Christmas and the focus is not in/on Christ, then by all means preach it to everyone who would listen (with a Christ like Spirit) and may the Lord of all things greatly bless you and all your house.

May the Lord lead you in all discernment and truth. To feel you need to make a statement in defense of a tree/lights/whatever is a shame, let no man steal from you the freedom you have in Christ. If you have a burden that the millions of people who put up decorations are wrong and anyone chastises you for a discernment Christ has given you, let the shame be on them. Can we please start having a respect for the work Christ may be doing in a life not our own?

Finally, I agree wholeheartedly (Hammerstone), use whatever tool is in your hand to forward the cause of Christ. If that be Christmas, amen. If that be Easter, (so I do not need to comment when evil eggs come up

h34r: ) amen. Whatever situation you find yourself in...be prepared to share the BEAUTIFUL message of Christ.

Please forgive me if the overall tone I took in this post is offensive. It is not my intention to make people angry, but do acknowledge I have a problem seeing things I say that offend people.

aspen · Dec 10, 2012

It is a pretty tree with lights, people........

We are free people and can enjoy God's creation, especially when it points to God.

Getting all caught up and crazy about symbols belonging to pagans or Christians is obsessive compulsive and superstitious!

Christ, himself, took a symbol of torture and death (the cross) and turned it into victory - there is nothing wrong with reclaiming creation for Christ by recognizing it all, rightfully glorifies God.

Rach1370 · Dec 10, 2012

In regards the Christmas tree...worship to a pagan entity, to the tree itself....I don't know if that's something we can ever know for certain. As many 'pagan' explanations as there are for the tree, there are also stories of worship to the true God.
Take for example the story of Martin Luther. He related that one night as he was walking through the woods and as he looked up he saw the moon shining off the snow on the branches`and stars winkling through the leaves. He said it was such an amazing moment of God's glory...as only nature can sometimes do!...that in an effort to show his children that wonder, he cut down a tree, adorned it and hung tiny candles on it...lighting them in honour of Jesus' birth.
Was this the first occasion of a tree showing up in human celebrations? Probably not. But it does illustrate a good point...it's how we use God's creation, not the object itself. Paul tells us that if we eat meat that had been sacrificed to idols, no big deal, unless we make a show of eating it in front of others when they and we full well know that it has been. He's talking about intent. What had happened to the meat before it landed on their plate didn't matter, so long as Christians ate it giving thanks to God for a meal. Likewise with the tree...if we use it as the pagans did, well yeah...it becomes a problem. But if we bring a little bit of God's nature in doors, for beauty and to remind us of a special time of year (namely the birth of our Saviour), then as Hammerstone says...we've not perpetrated the pagan tradition, we've redeemed it. And that's really the point. Humans are sinful...there is probably not a single thing in God's wonderful creation that some man or woman hasn't used in something ungodly. Does that mean we stop using or admiring God's work? It cannot be...and so we take things and we redeem them, using them in Godly ways, celebrating that Christ has redeemed us in the same way.

THE Gypsy · Dec 10, 2012

Well, I for one am certainly glad that the great commission has been fulfilled, all wars have ceased, no one is starving to death, all crime has been abolished and Gods people are so bored by all the tranquility that they have the time to worry about whether or not someone brings a tree inside and throws some lights on it. HALLELUJAH!!!!! We have finally won the battle!

Now...would someone please pass me some egg nog?

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