Just an Honest Question

[wordloch]

As Christian, Muslim and Jew, we should all be celebrating together the obedience of Abraham.  Though I'm curious why Muslims celebrate how God saved the direct descendant that resulted into the Jewish nation.  Ishmael being the oldest son and brother and Issac being the youngest and the son that was to be sacrificed and was spared by God at the last second.  Or does the Quoran and the Old testament/Torra differ?  Whatever you believe happy holidays and remember its never been about family and gifts and all the commercialism.....December truly is about sacrifice in a substantial way.  Not that we should give and still be comfortable, but to give in such a way that supersedes our means.  Just as Abraham, Jesus and the re dedication of the temple and keeping the oil lamp light were sacrifices, let us too share everything we have with those that need it more than us.  Peace.

[Achmed The Nudist]

As Christian, Muslim and Jew, we should all be celebrating together the obedience of Abraham.  Though I'm curious why Muslims celebrate how God saved the direct descendant that resulted into the Jewish nation.  Ishmael being the oldest son and brother and Issac being the youngest and the son that was to be sacrificed and was spared by God at the last second.  Or does the Quoran and the Old testament/Torra differ?

It does differ - in the Koran it is Ishmael who is saved not Isaac. Nevertheless both men are held in high regard among Muslims, both being the sons of Abraham who is acknowledged in Islam as the father of all messengers to come.

Whatever you believe happy holidays and remember its never been about family and gifts and all the commercialism.....December truly is about sacrifice in a substantial way.  Not that we should give and still be comfortable, but to give in such a way that supersedes our means.  Just as Abraham, Jesus and the re dedication of the temple and keeping the oil lamp light were sacrifices, let us too share everything we have with those that need it more than us.  Peace.

Amen to that. Beautifully put wordloch 

[Aaron Stern]

Two years ago today, I wrote in this thread,

Right you are, Doodles, and today, at Winter Solstice, let's not have our
Atheist nudie friends stand out in the cold, either; all are welcome  !!!
Aaron

Now, I'd like to ask my fellow YNAI-nudies who are Atheists, at this time of year, are you in any way bitter, angry and/or feel left out, with so much going on around Christmas?  Is it like a one-two punch: as a nudie (minority in society overall) and an Atheist (ditto)?  Once again, just curious, Aaron

[ChristineF]

For myself I'm not a religious person but I'm not bitter about the societal pressures to conform to organized religion. I respect the rights of each human being to have their own beliefs, faith, or whatever you want to call it. During family get-togethers I do not actively participate in any prayer, saying "grace", or religious ceremonies however I respect my family's and friend's beliefs and do not push mine and ask that we skip anything.

Christmas time to me (and please take no offense to this) *has* been about a commericalized holiday once a year to remember/spend time with friends and family, and exchange gifts with those we care about. Again, I respect the beliefs of others so please respect my right to believe differently.......

The only thing that bugs me is when atheism/agnosticism is called another form of religion.......

And, I have no problems using the expression "Merry Christmas", so,

Merry Christmas to everyone on here!

[Jared]

  That's pretty much exactly how I feel.

[Delta]

Two years ago today, I wrote in this thread,

Right you are, Doodles, and today, at Winter Solstice, let's not have our
Atheist nudie friends stand out in the cold, either; all are welcome  !!!
Aaron

Now, I'd like to ask my fellow YNAI-nudies who are Atheists, at this time of year, are you in any way bitter, angry and/or feel left out, with so much going on around Christmas?  Is it like a one-two punch: as a nudie (minority in society overall) and an Atheist (ditto)?  Once again, just curious, Aaron

Your question implies that Christmas is still celebrated in its religious nature, whereas I would argue that is has become a rather secular festival. Sure, the name Christmas remains, but I think it is remarkable how little remains of Jesus otherwise. As a German, I find it interesting that much of the secularization of that holiday came with the assimilation of American traditions (e.g. Santa), a culture in which Christianity is outstandingly influential for this age.
Also, while I do not necessarily believe in higher powers (in the theological sense), I do view religion as a part of our culture, which means that even without strong faith, the concept of religion is still significant.

[NudistMetalHead]

Two years ago today, I wrote in this thread,

Right you are, Doodles, and today, at Winter Solstice, let's not have our
Atheist nudie friends stand out in the cold, either; all are welcome  !!!
Aaron

Now, I'd like to ask my fellow YNAI-nudies who are Atheists, at this time of year, are you in any way bitter, angry and/or feel left out, with so much going on around Christmas?  Is it like a one-two punch: as a nudie (minority in society overall) and an Atheist (ditto)?  Once again, just curious, Aaron

I would consider my views atheistic, but when it comes to this time of year I don't let my views conflict with enjoying Christmas time.  I am giving gifts and receiving them, so I have nothing to be bitter about.

I actually like the "one-two punch" thing when it comes to being a societal outsider.  I'm atheistic and a nudist and could care less who thinks differently of me for being those things.