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I consider myself atheist, and I am not sure that I understand your question. Why would I not be grateful or thankful. There are so many things to be grateful and thankful for that have nothing to do with religion. I am thankful that my family is healthy and happy. I am thankful that I am able to enjoy doing the things I love to do. I just don't feel that I owe my happiness or anything that has happened in my life to God. Thanksgiving to me is a time to spend with family and give thanks for the things you have in your life... religion does not have a monopoly on that.
I have a question back for you? Why do you feel that atheists would not have anything to be thankful for?
I thank the people around me for making my life worthwhile. they put up with me, allow me my freedom, and never complain. yes, I can truly thank them and mean it. They deserve thanks.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Thanksgiving an Indian ritual?
Anywayz, we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Europe.
I guess it's because there are no Indians here who taught us this Thanksgiving ritual.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Thanksgiving an Indian ritual?
Anywayz, we don't celebrate Thanksgiving here in Europe.
I guess it's because there are no Indians here who taught us this Thanksgiving ritual.
History isn't my strong suit, but I doubt that the white folk would have embraced an Indian ritual...didn't they...we? ...consider them heathens? I guess I am too cynical to even believe that whole happy scene of the Indians and whites breaking bread together like that. I'm sure that someone will fill us in on the real scoop.
Thank you to the other posters. And, again, not to antagonize, but what about a beautiful day or the ocean? I'm not suggesting that it has to be God that one thanks, but are you grateful for that? Maybe to mother earth? I guess what I am trying to wrap my head around is that there are so many things that bring me joy and for that I am grateful. And, as I believe in God, I am grateful to God. And those of other faiths have gratitude to their higher power. But if there is no belief in a higher power, then is the joy for things like that a response more than an appreciation for the creation of those things?
Again, please don't think that I am placing any judgement on how one appreciates nature, just wondering how it is perceived by those who do not believe in something greater than mankind.
Quote:
Originally Posted by ian6479
Well, I'm British, an Atheist, and I love Thanksgiving!! I have to celebrate it as my wife is from Chicago, but to me, its the best holiday anyway!!
Its Christmas without the BS
LOL! I agreee, but probably for different reasons....I hate shopping!
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't Thanksgiving an Indian ritual?
...consider them heathens? I guess I am too cynical to even believe that whole happy scene of the Indians and whites breaking bread together like that. I'm sure that someone will fill us in on the real scoop.