Well, Clogtowner, I think you've carefully chosen a definition of "observe" that fits your bias. Your assertion that Christmas is "entirely a religious holiday" is patently absurd. Taking time off work to visit family or participate in family traditions does not make anyone a "hypocritical" atheist. The mere disbelief in gods requires nothing of us, so there's nothing to be hypocritical about! One can be dishonest, perhaps, by pretending to believe, but not hypocritical.
We can be hypocritical about other things, though - political and economic beliefs, for example. That's what you're really talking about. Your understanding of church-state separation disallows the closing of government offices on days that have religious significance. My understanding does not necessarily disallow it. Your economic and social beliefs prefer businesses that stay open on religious holidays. Not so much with me. So, your Christmas rituals are consistent with your political, social and economic beliefs. Mine are, too. We just have (slightly) different beliefs about those things. Logically speaking, atheism has nothing to do with it. Even religious people could share our political positions. If you want to talk politics, though, we have to bring out the brandy. Aaron --~--~---------~--~----~------------~-------~--~----~ You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Memphis Freethought Alliance" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected] To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/memphisfreethoughtalliance?hl=en -~----------~----~----~----~------~----~------~--~---
