-Caveat Lector-
In a message dated 12/28/98 3:01:39 PM Eastern Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> Caveat Lector-
>
> And pagan elements being incorporated into the actual structures of the
> churches, not to forget superstitions that became part of the rituals.
>
Why are so many on this list making a big deal about the pagan elements of
Christmas? I have been hearing this for decades with each teller under the
impression he/she is stating some new finding. Folks, this info has been
around for hundreds of years.
The early missionaries merely coopted the pagan festivals and imagery. Of
course, new meanings were supplied, these new meanings incorporated to a
greater or lesser degree the underlying beliefs of Christianity. The adults
understand that the Christmas decorations or the determination of the birthday
of Jesus of Nazareth are not Christian beliefs, they are trivia that keeps
certain people occupied.
This is slightly analogous to the Israeli religious practice of using the
common stories of their region for their purpose such as the stories of
creation or the story of the flood. Of course the Israeli prophets charged
them with profound and extraordinary meaning. The analogy is somewhat shallow
because, in the case of the early Christians, we are speaking of co-option at
a much shallower level. For instance, the specious claims that the Christmas
tree stands for the wood of the cross or that since the tree was at least once
alive, it stands for the living God are harmless though very weak linkages.
Jerry
DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER
==========
CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic
screeds are not allowed. Substance�not soapboxing! These are sordid matters
and 'conspiracy theory', with its many half-truths, misdirections and outright
frauds is used politically by different groups with major and minor effects
spread throughout the spectrum of time and thought. That being said, CTRL
gives no endorsement to the validity of posts, and always suggests to readers;
be wary of what you read. CTRL gives no credeence to Holocaust denial and
nazi's need not apply.
Let us please be civil and as always, Caveat Lector.
========================================================================
To subscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SUBSCRIBE CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To UNsubscribe to Conspiracy Theory Research List[CTRL] send email:
SIGNOFF CTRL [to:] [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Om
