Lionel Posted December 19, 2003 #1 Share Posted December 19, 2003 (edited) Almost a third of Dutch nationals do not know why Christmas is celebrated, according to a new survey quoted by the Dutch ANP news agency.A survey of 750 Dutch adults made public late on Wednesday showed that 26 per cent of respondents did not know which Biblical story was commemorated at Christmas. Six per cent named an event other that the birth of Jesus Christ. The poll remarkably revealed that even Christians do not always know the origin of Christmas. Some 29 per cent of Protestants polled pointed to the wrong Biblical story, while 26 per cent of Roman Catholics did not think of the birth of Jesus. Among the non-religious, 35 per cent could not say why Christmas was celebrated. The poll was commissioned by Dutch Christian television broadcasting organisation NCRV. View: Full Article | Source: Hindustan Times Edited December 19, 2003 by Lionel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doomgirl Posted December 19, 2003 #2 Share Posted December 19, 2003 I know what it's about and I hate what it has become. Time is running out to buy crappy gifts oh what joy hum bug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nxt2Hvn Posted December 19, 2003 #3 Share Posted December 19, 2003 The poll remarkably revealed that even Christians do not always know the origin of Christmas. That is one of the saddest things I have ever heard !! Just shows you what our world is coming to!! If I had it my way... there would be no more Santa Clause and no more gift giving! We need to celebrate the real Reason for the Season!!!! To Celebreat the BIRTH OF CHRIST!!! And to spend time with Family and Loved Ones!!!! THIS IS THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS!!! LETS NOT FORGET! *************************************************** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PsychicPenguin Posted December 19, 2003 #4 Share Posted December 19, 2003 Um.. isn't it equinox? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nxt2Hvn Posted December 19, 2003 #5 Share Posted December 19, 2003 Um.. isn't it equinox? Huh? Oh.. excuse me "The Celebration of the Birth of Christ"... Observed! Which is Christmas!!! (Better?) <No need to be a smart a--... you know what I mean> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mowo Posted December 19, 2003 #6 Share Posted December 19, 2003 hmmm... do you think they carried out the survey in Dutch coffee shops? If so then I'm not surprised! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aslan Posted December 19, 2003 #7 Share Posted December 19, 2003 Now, now Nxt2Hvn. Steady. I would be interested to see how the rest of Europe got on. I'm sure quite a few countries didn't do much better (and very possibly a lot worse). As far as I can tell, a lot of the world is now living in a post-christian environment, and certainly among most of the people I know, the symbolic meaning of Christmas - as a time to celebrate the birthday of Jesus - has just ceased to become important, or indeed necessary. Over here in the Czech Republic, which is quite definitely a post-christian society, Christmas is regarded more as a celebration for the end of the year. And you can't put the genie back in the bottle, as they say. So that's the end, I think, for any connection between Jesus and Christmas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fluffybunny Posted December 19, 2003 #8 Share Posted December 19, 2003 "The Celebration of the Birth of Christ"... Observed! Which is Christmas!!! I guess that depends on who you ask...Here is a website that gives a little bit of a different view: link Christmas, as everybody knows, is not the birthday of Christ. He was not born in the middle of Winter, we know that for sure because the sheep were out in the fields. and The Roman Pagans used to celebrate the birthday of their child-god on 25th December, and the Roman Catholic Church sought to win over as many people as possible to nominal Catholicism by proclaiming the same day to be the birthday of Jesus. So the Pagans had no difficulty worshipping the Catholic Madonna and child. They were seen as yet another manifestation of the Queen of Heaven and her son. The Pagans made no compromises, they didn't need to, they just continued their Pagan worship within the church. The article is an interesting one, and explains the pagan influences on the December 25th choice... Not that I m trying to: No need to be a smart a--... you know what I mean Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nxt2Hvn Posted December 19, 2003 #9 Share Posted December 19, 2003 Now, now Nxt2Hvn. Steady. LOL Alslan ! I'm trying... I can get a little on the passionate side when it comes this subject. In my opinion the reason for post-christian environments (not only in Euorpe and other Countries.. but the U.S. as well) .. is because of people that still believe in the "true meaning of Christmas" (I know I did it again)...are scared to talk about it for fear of "stepping on toes"... or "not being cool". I am lucky to be living in the "Bible Belt" which is the Deep South in the U.S. Christianity is still alive and well for the most part. I'm just the exception... I am going to try to keep God alive.. with all my might! I will always do what I can to help spread the word of Christianity... that is just how I am!! I am a very vocal... opinionated ... well... you get the ponit! It seems that in this day and age... it just isn't "cool" to be Christian and that's sad.... because (in my opinion of course)... it sure isn't going to be "cool" where they are going! (of course this is all my opinion... not meant to offend anyone... but oh well if it does!!) I'm not trying to push my religion on anybody... (though it may seem that way)... I just like to share my beliefs and if you decide to believe .. then GREAT... if you don't .. oh well... I've done my part... then you are on your own! Sorry... didn't mean to get "passionate" again!!! I am done now... well.. for the moment anyway! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pappagooch Posted December 19, 2003 #10 Share Posted December 19, 2003 Hey guys, I know this is a Christmas thread but lets not forget that "Christmas" is not the only holiday celebrated this time of year. I mean, everyone around here my area is always spittin out "Merry Christmas" which is fine... But I think that in this day and age Happy Holidays is more appropriate. Some of us Jews celebrate what is called: "Chanukah". I dont go around yelling "Happy Chanukah" everyone! I'm not in the stores telling the retail merchants "Happy Chanukah". What about those who celebrate Kwanza? Happy Holidays everyone!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pappagooch Posted December 19, 2003 #11 Share Posted December 19, 2003 BTW, sorry for the rant... It's just a pet peeve... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fluffybunny Posted December 19, 2003 #12 Share Posted December 19, 2003 BTW, sorry for the rant... It's just a pet peeve... I am with you on that one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nxt2Hvn Posted December 19, 2003 #13 Share Posted December 19, 2003 I know the facts... don't need the "link".. but thanks for your efforts! Just to prove I know what you are trying to say....here is something of interest. The first mention of December 25 as the birth date of Jesus occurred in A.D. 336 in an early Roman calendar. The celebration of this day as Jesus' birth date was probably influenced by pagan (unchristian) festivals held at that time. The ancient Romans held year-end celebrations to honor Saturn, their harvest god; and Mithras, the god of light. Various peoples in northern Europe held festivals in mid-December to celebrate the end of the harvest season. As part of all these celebrations, the people prepared special foods, decorated their homes with greenery, and joined in singing and gift giving. These customs gradually became part of the Christmas celebration. And here is something from your link "So why do we celebrate Christmas on 25th December? Some people say it's as good a time as any, and it doesn't really matter when Jesus was born as long as we celebrate his birth at some time. Jesus would not have celebrated his own birthday because it wasn't a Jewish custom to do so. It never has been, except insofar as they have picked up the idea from the Gentiles." And I understand all of what everybody is trying to say!!! I am simply stating.. from my point of view... It is very sad that Christmas is not viewed by the majority of the world as Jesus' Birthday! And I will forever ... for as long as I am bodily able ... share my beliefs with the world! And my beliefs are.....I don't mind sharing it one more time with you: We need to celebrate the real Reason for the Season!!!! To Celebreat the BIRTH OF CHRIST!!! And to spend time with Family and Loved Ones!!!! .. I guess you could say I am being a smart a-- now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nxt2Hvn Posted December 19, 2003 #14 Share Posted December 19, 2003 BTW, sorry for the rant... It's just a pet peeve... I didn't mean to offend any Jewish people Pappa!!! I believe that the Jews are God's People! Everythiing I have stated in this thread has been strictly my Opinion.. and I have stated that over and over again!! I understand... and I offer my apologies! It it sad for me to admit.. I do not know much about Jewish holidays!!! I really need to do some studying! But ... let me try.. "Happy Chanukah" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bangali Posted December 19, 2003 #15 Share Posted December 19, 2003 who cares about the dutch... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pappagooch Posted December 19, 2003 #16 Share Posted December 19, 2003 (edited) who cares about the dutch... Thats an ignorant statement! I didn't mean to offend any Jewish people Pappa!!! I know you didn't. I was just rantin cause people around here and everywhere do it all the time. Even co-workers, who know I'm jewish are like "Merry Christmas". Today, I'm like "At sundown, it's the first night of Chanukah" and they look at me like I'm from Sirius B or sumthin... Anyways, it's all good Happy Holidays to you as well! Edited December 19, 2003 by pappagooch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aslan Posted December 19, 2003 #17 Share Posted December 19, 2003 This thread is rapidly descending into something that's going to seriously offend somebody sooner or later, and it's in official danger of being locked. Nxt2Hvn, can I politely request that you don't post your religious beliefs in bright red capital letters; some people might consider, however erroneously, that you are shouting at them. As for Bangali, this forum has members of many different nationalities and religions and your crass statement is neither appreciated nor tolerated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nxt2Hvn Posted December 19, 2003 #18 Share Posted December 19, 2003 This thread is rapidly descending into something that's going to seriously offend somebody sooner or later, and it's in official danger of being locked. Nxt2Hvn, can I politely request that you don't post your religious beliefs in bright red capital letters; some people might consider, however erroneously, that you are shouting at them. As for Bangali, this forum has members of many different nationalities and religions and your crass statement is neither appreciated nor tolerated. Sorry for the offense!! I just wanted my statements to stand out and to get my point across! (Sure seems like it did) But I have said all I have to say here! Okay guys.. carry on! (and Thanks Aslan, for repremanding Bangali... I know I push the line sometimes... but I feel he went too far) Peace! Nxt2Hvn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Posted December 19, 2003 #19 Share Posted December 19, 2003 who cares about the dutch... I do, but maybe that is because I am Dutch... But back on topic? Christwhat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aslan Posted December 19, 2003 #20 Share Posted December 19, 2003 I was expecting a somewhat more robust response. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crosswarrior Posted December 20, 2003 #21 Share Posted December 20, 2003 Although I realilize that some 60% of the world does not believe in Christianity, I still think that it is extremely sad that we who have do not even remember the easiest and most important parts. We need to remember if merely because our heritige is part of who we are. This goes for anyone, and any religion, and any nationality. Do not forget from where you have come! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anirbas Posted December 20, 2003 #22 Share Posted December 20, 2003 Perhaps it's the peroxide seeping in again but I fail to see what relevance being Dutch has. I mean why didn't they just survey 300 turnips about why we celebrate Christmas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AncientLight Posted December 20, 2003 #23 Share Posted December 20, 2003 that would be the 33% of the poplulation that wasn't born here (immigrants ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lionel Posted December 20, 2003 Author #24 Share Posted December 20, 2003 What have you guys done to my thread ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kismit Posted December 20, 2003 #25 Share Posted December 20, 2003 The true bueaty of the holiday we celibrate at this time of year is in the fact that we all share in traditions world wide at a similar time. Traditions are very important to our developement as societies . If they wern't we wouldn't have threads like this one getting everyone all hot and bothered. It's a holiday that is symbolic in meaning to every religion ,except maybe for them pesky agnostics who will probably just lol around enjoying not grading papers for a day As for the dutch , I like them too . I'd even say I cared , what would we do with out those bueatiful tulips , coffee shops , porn museums and wooden shoes..? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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