Christmas-A Christian Holiday? (churches, evolution, sinners, testament)

[lovethetruth]

Originally Posted by alicenevada

But there is mention of wedding celebrations...very significant I'd say. Yes, there is much not mentioned in the bible that we can enjoy.. I agree. But if I have reason to believe that a celebration is not approved by God, I avoid it.

But why do you have a reason to believe? Why can I be able to see the difference in an innocent birthday celebration and a drunk fest where someone was beheaded and you can not?

[alicenevada]

Originally Posted by lovethetruth

But why do you have a reason to believe? Why can I be able to see the difference in an innocent birthday celebration and a drunk fest where someone was beheaded and you can not?

Because you obviously WANT to see a difference. There is nothing about either of those celebrations that leads me to believe they were 'innocent' in nature. And further research of those celebrations (via history books) and the attitude that the early congregation had towards them helps me make an educated decision. I don't care enough about my birthday or celebrating it to rationalize the things I've learned. I can receive and give gifts any day of the year. I can have parties for no reason. Why choose my birthday?

[lovethetruth]

because the birth arrangement was instituted by God, that is reason enough.

[lovethetruth]

Originally Posted by alicenevada

Because you obviously WANT to see a difference. There is nothing about either of those celebrations that leads me to believe they were 'innocent' in nature. And further research of those celebrations (via history books) and the attitude that the early congregation had towards them helps me make an educated decision.

Which history books? and do you know that many of those same history books will not contradict another aspect of your belief?

[alicenevada]

Originally Posted by lovethetruth

because the birth arrangement was instituted by God, that is reason enough.

Birth isnt an 'arrangement'. It's a means to propogate His creation. The love we feel for our children is celebratory in nature...yes. But we can show our appreciation for them every day...in many ways. I prefer it that way. Birthday parties are not for me. Or my kids. And since 'the day of one's death is better than the day of one's being born' I teach them to live each day for Jehovah and make their lives a constant source of joy for him. And my kids personally LOVE that they don't have to wait for holidays or birthdays to receive gifts. They can get them any time and for no reason other than that we love them to distraction!

[Towhee]

Originally Posted by lovethetruth

But why do you have a reason to believe? Why can I be able to see the difference in an innocent birthday celebration and a drunk fest where someone was beheaded and you can not?

What 'day' were Job's children celebrating????? Since the scripture says 'their day' I would presume it was their birthday.

The significance of the birthdays mentioned is not the evil that followed (in this case), it is the significance that the only B-days mentioned in the entire Bible are about 2 evil men, and Job's children!
And no...I am not a JW!

[alicenevada]

Originally Posted by lovethetruth

Which history books? and do you know that many of those same history books will not contradict another aspect of your belief?

The History of the Christian Church During the First Three Centuries
The Catholic Encyclopedia
The Encyclopedia Britannica
The Imperial Bible Dictionary
The Lore of Birthdays (pub. 1952 Ralph and Adelin Linton)

and 'yes'.

[lovethetruth]

But these very same books that you list also teach about the trinity, Jesus dying on a cross, and so many other things. Either go with the bible alone, or allow other christians the same amount of legitimacy that you grant yours. My faith is based on the bible, not any secular book. I don't need a secualr book to back up my religious beliefs, why do you?

[alicenevada]

Originally Posted by lovethetruth

But these very same books that you list also teach about the trinity, Jesus dying on a cross, and so many other things. Either go with the bible alone, or allow other christians the same amount of legitimacy that you grant yours. My faith is based on the bible, not any secular book. I don't need a secualr book to back up my religious beliefs, why do you?

Yes, they do 'teach' about those things. And I'm all for learning about the history of doctrines that conflict with the bible. Aren't you? The bible is not a textbook...it's a guide for humans. And if you can't supplement the bible with history books, your faith won't ammount to much. Just because I trust the word of God, doesnt mean I'm a 'blind believer'. I believe strongly in study and research...it actually helps bolster my faith that the bible is trustworthy.

[lovethetruth]

So basically you live by sight and not by faith? Does everything have to be known by you, or can you trust God when you personally dont find evidence?