We agree rarely, but this time we agree. For all the hoopla raised this year about Christmas and the lack of interest by many in the real reason for that celebration, it seems odd that so many want to perpetuate the silly fairly tale of Santa Claus.
A lot of conservative Christians oppose the entire Santa Claus myth specifically because it masks the true meaning of Christmas.
This teacher, apparently, is one of those who consider the Santa Claus story, as it is told to children, is not consistent with Christmas.
So, she explained the origins of Santa Claus to the students. And related it to Christmas as celebrated by Christians.
So, what do we have here: A bunch of the same people who were decrying the "War on Christmas" slandering a woman who is pointing out that Santa is not a deity, nor is Santa real.
"Twas the Night before Christmas" makes no mention of Jesus' birth. It doesn't mention the reason Christmas is celebrated at all. It's a strictly secular poem. It's about gifts and that sort of thing, and venerates a mythical character that distracts from the real story of Christmas.
I'm an atheist, and don't believe in the divinity of Jesus in the first place, but I'd like to see some consistency from those who do. Santa and this poem are purely secular, as presented here.
You want the "War on Christmas?" The commercial use of Santa Claus is at the heart of it. "The Night before Christmas" has nothing to do with Christianity, nor with the reason Christmas is celebrated.
I am amazed that one of the few people who acutally gets the point of this whole thing is an atheist.
Thanks for getting it.
The problem was the age of the kids. If they'd been older, fine.
A lot of conservative Christians oppose the entire Santa Claus myth specifically because it masks the true meaning of Christmas.
I am one of them. When I had my children, I NEVER taught them that nonsense. There was a church I went to where the pastor even taught against telling children about Santa Claus. I believe MANY churches do so your observation that a lot of conservative Christians oppose Santa because of the reason you stated is absolutely true.
So, what do we have here: A bunch of the same people who were decrying the "War on Christmas" slandering a woman who is pointing out that Santa is not a deity, nor is Santa real.
"Twas the Night before Christmas" makes no mention of Jesus' birth. It doesn't mention the reason Christmas is celebrated at all. It's a strictly secular poem. It's about gifts and that sort of thing, and venerates a mythical character that distracts from the real story of Christmas.
I'm an atheist, and don't believe in the divinity of Jesus in the first place, but I'd like to see some consistency from those who do. Santa and this poem are purely secular, as presented here.
You want the "War on Christmas?" The commercial use of Santa Claus is at the heart of it. "The Night before Christmas" has nothing to do with Christianity, nor with the reason Christmas is celebrated.
Never thought I'd find myself agreeing with an atheist but HERE! HERE! And AMEN to that!
It's got nothing to do with Santa Claus. It has to do with a substitute teacher way overstepping her bounds. What would be your response if your child's teacher told your children that you are a liar and that there is a god? Beliefs, regardless of what they are, are not the domain for teachers. This substitute should have just read the poem or let the kids do a word find, but telling the kids that their parents are liars was what inexcusable.