respecting religious beliefs

[delusionsofNORMALity]

and how many times must it be pointed out that there is nothing new under the sun, that each religion borrows and steals what it needs from its predecessors. we love to blame christianity for its excesses, but they are really nothing more than the latest manifestation of man's own insecurities and no better or worse than all that has come before. as the predominant religious force in the western world it makes an easy target, but attempting to replace it with a secular version of the same old game is no better.

[Breukelen advocaat]

I agree that Xmas and the other mainstream religous holidays are based on Pagan tradition.

I am an Atheist, and have no problem with public displays for religous holidays, so long as it is not on government property. I actually like Xmas, especially in NYC. Most of the department stores' displays, such as Macy's, are very secular and not objectionable.

[psychocat]

and how many times must it be pointed out that there is nothing new under the sun, that each religion borrows and steals what it needs from its predecessors. we love to blame christianity for its excesses, but they are really nothing more than the latest manifestation of man's own insecurities and no better or worse than all that has come before. as the predominant religious force in the western world it makes an easy target, but attempting to replace it with a secular version of the same old game is no better.

I get the feeling that you are maybe under the mistaken impression that I don't like Christians.
I don't like or dislike anyone I don't know , I find that many religious (NOT JUST CHRISTIAN) people to be "good" people at heart and they share a common theme of wanting to live a "good" life.
I don't subscribe to any religion and I actualy believe a lot of religious people to be ever so slightly deranged in thier venomous attacks on other religious beliefs.

This however does not detract from my dislike of all organised and disorganised religions and from seeing them as nothing more than heirachy disguised as piety.