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And, Yes, the title I give here is a twist on "What Child is This?" a not so subtle attempt at humor that may offend some, but I ask your forgiveness in this, for I do not think one should be offended, but should relize just what that offense they take means about their own heart in the matter. It may not be as they suspect, but for them to examine it woudl be good...
In Truth,
Mel
2007-02-09 19:26:14 Posted by Mel ()
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As you say the christmas tree tradition "comes from a very Pagan Fertility Celebration/Sacrifice/Ritual that has nothing to do with Christ! And yet we blissfully put gifts in front of this IDOL and furthermore partake in these gifts. I know this means nothing, but were I to have in my presence one who this did mean something to, I would cause that person to stumble by my knowledge."
The application then would be if someone who still worships such a tree/god were harmed spiritually by my having a tree it would be wrong to have it.
The chances of finding someone who still worships such a tree/god are pretty long. And the odds of them not knowing that it is now part of our culture that attaches no spiritual meaning to a tree more just just a holiday decoration are even longer.
However the chances of finding someone who wants to choose to have a problem with something just to be legalistic are pretty good.
(HI Mel!)
2007-02-10 12:30:49 Posted by Jon ()
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Jon,
Good to hear from you! Thanks!
Agreed. I still have a Christmas Tree, and do not intend to stop unless it comes to my attention that by doing so, I am causing problems for someone else that cannot be resolved except by my abstension. (a purely legalistic person, in my opinion, is really causing themselves to stumble, although, even then, I might choose to abstain for their sake.) It is fair to say that the likelyhood of someone attaching the roots of Halloween to that holiday is likely higher, and thus, people who choose not to participate in Halloween for the same reason is higher. Also, that you may not know the beliefs of those who come to your door on Halloween is another valid point for a person to consider when making their own choice in this matter.
In Christ,
Mel
2007-02-10 13:01:41 Posted by Mel ()
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"cannot be resolved except by my abstension"
that seems to pretty much solve the whole question. Its a little too deep for the audience anyway.
2007-02-11 11:46:49 Posted by Jon ()
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Jon,
If it is too deep for the audience, then that same audience should come to that realization, and stop 'tying up bundles and putting them on other's shoulders, without lifting a finger to help them.' (a paraphrase)
Those who do 'Harvest Parties' and the like as alternatives have 'lifted a finger to help' and I give them more leeway in what they say, although I still insist that they stop short of trying to pass judgement on others.
I plan on following this at some time with 'Codependant Christianity' and 'Christ's Church is NOT divided'. The titles may change, of course. Pray for me to have time to pursue these things. I really appreciate your comments. Even when people disagree with me, I appreciate their boldness to speak. (and that does include the ladies out there, even though they know that my attitudes about women in the chruch may seem a bit archaic.)
In God's Grace,
Mel
2007-02-12 11:46:13 Posted by Mel ()
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Mel, I've never known you to show an archaic attitude toward me and my comments! Of course, even if you did, I'd still comment if I wanted to. :)
Anyway, it seems to me that you've come to the same conclusion I did, after much thought and prayer, and several seasons of growing in grace in this matter. I live in an area whose economy relies heavily on casinos for revenue and also an area where Mardi Gras is celebrated with gusto. I don't like casinos (although the buffets can be a good place to eat), and my knowledge of the pagan roots of Mardi Gras makes me disinclined to participate (not to mention the fact that I have no use for all the plastic beads and trinkets that are thrown from the floats during the parades). However, I have relatives working in the casinos and participating in Mardi Gras parades, and I've come to a place where I can truly say that it's their choice and I'm not going to waste time being offended by it.
Does this make me less of a Christian? I think not. Does it make me a less legalistic Christian? Absolutely, and I pray to God that His love and gentleness are evident to all, not some legalistic hypocrisy that might emerge from some part of me that I haven't surrendered to Jesus and His Lordship yet.
The group Mercy Me has a new single making its way up the charts called "So Long Self." The lyrics are well worth listening to, and the song makes a point that we all need to heed -- "He must increase, and I must decrease."
Thanks for another thought-provoker, Mel!
In Christ,
2007-02-13 08:49:37 Posted by Traci ()
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Can we open our "Presents" now? I'm hoping for a RED RYDER LEVER ACTION SINGLE SHOT AIR POWERED BB GUN. Please don't tell me I'll shoot my eye out.
2007-02-13 16:19:53 Posted by Monte ()
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Traci,
Thanks! I can't say much more than that, but it is heartfelt.
Monte,
ROFL!!!
;'{P
2007-02-14 01:02:15 Posted by Mel ()
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What does ROFL mean? Please be kind. I have a 'condition'. It doesn't have a name yet...., but I've got it.
2007-02-14 16:39:19 Posted by Monte ()
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ROFL == Rolling On (the) Floor Laughing.
;'{P
2007-02-15 10:36:22 Posted by Mel ()
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