Christian symbol, secular symbol or pagan tradition

Brainstrained · Dec 14th, 2006, 10:14 PM

According to the CBC a Toronto judge has banished the Christmas tree from a provincial courthouse because it's a "Christian symbol".

Dr. Robert Buckman (is this the cancer doctor/writer?) of the Humanist Association of Canada calls it a "secular symbol" of a festive period."

I thought it was just a pagan tradition.

zoziw · Dec 14th, 2006, 10:15 PM

Historically speaking, and I've said this in other threads, they are a pagan/christian symbol. I guess these days they are whatever you want them to be.

Chris · Dec 14th, 2006, 10:16 PM

A tree is a tree, it's the decorations which may have a sectarian value. Pretty lights and decorations are just nice to have at this, the darkest time of the year.

Gerbill · Dec 14th, 2006, 10:40 PM

It's just another self-important Grinch grabbing publicity at the expense of other peoples' feelings. I hope Santa brings him a lump of coal. The judge, too.

SINC · Dec 15th, 2006, 02:45 AM

What else would you expect from a "judge".

They are normally out of touch with reality.

MacDoc · Dec 15th, 2006, 06:11 AM

Out of touch with reality - you should talk Sinc.

••

I voted in the Globe poll that it was an over the top reaction but it was split 50/50.

	Quote:
	An Ontario judge ordered Thursday that a Christmas tree be moved from the lobby of a Toronto courthouse to a more remote corridor because it might make some entering the building feel uncomfortable. Do you agree with her decision? Yes (50%) 3780 votes No (50%) 3813 votes

Despite my vote I feel she has a point IF the tree is overtly religious instead pf clearly inclusive or secular in it's decorations.

If there was ONLY a Hannuka candelabra prominently displayed it what would the reaction be???

If it was ONLY a manager scene?

Only a???.....pick any religious symbol.

The "holiday" season is morphing to an inclusive, secular, religious, pagan, commercial melange of images but it's hardly there yet and being fought tooth and nail by those who seem ( like the early church did ) wish to "own" the holiday.
I like the concept of an overarching holiday season celebrating family and cultures and, at least for the nothern hemisphere bringing lights and festivities to the darkest season of the year.

Santa Claus would not likely have been moved.

When you consider that you can understand the judge's defence of public spaces needing to be religiously neutral or all inclusive.

I find it amusing the now "non- majority" wailing about their symbols which in any cases were swiped in the first place. 'Bout time

I'd like to see trees celebrated...period. Much better symbolism.

miguelsanchez · Dec 15th, 2006, 07:44 AM

Christmas tree? I thought it was called a Hannukah bush?

Brainstrained · Dec 15th, 2006, 07:50 AM

The No's are pulling ahead of the Yes's now in The Globe's online poll with a 12 percent margin as I write this.

Fortunately or unfortunately, depending on your point of view, Christmas has become exceedly secular over the past 30 years. Few Christmas cards display religious symbols or themes. It's a "Santa Claus" parade, not a "Christ" or even a "Christmas" parade. Radio stations never (save the CBC and then only rarely) play religious Christmas carols. Community Santa Funds and Christmas Stocking funds are available to all in need. Christmas TV shows and movies seldom refer to Christ's birth. There are many more secular Advent calendars (a chocolate a day) than religious Advent calendars in stores. And the list goes on.

Bottom line is there just isn't much Christ in Christmas any more, unless you as an individual choose to put him in your celebration. And that's the way it should be.

miguelsanchez · Dec 15th, 2006, 07:55 AM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by Brainstrained
	Bottom line is there just isn't much Christ in Christmas any more,...

Hence, the term X-mas. 'X' as in crossing out Christ.

Brainstrained · Dec 15th, 2006, 08:21 AM

	Quote:			Originally Posted by miguelsanchez
	Hence, the term X-mas. 'X' as in crossing out Christ.

Well, maybe . . ., but probably not. X was (and I suppose still is) an abbreviation for Christ.