Monday, December 17, 2007

'tis the season

i have been trying really hard to stay positive and not disparage anyone overtly lately. it is because so many folks are already in a down mood more than any other reason. i have been of the thought that we should live and let live whenever possible and i am still of that thought. what frosts me is this- my blog and some of the blogs i frequent in particular are quite clear about the positions we hold on religion. i don't hide it and anyone who reads here for any length of time knows my feelings on the subject. it isn't something that is hidden. same for the aforementioned other blogs. i am deliberately not naming them as i don't want embarrassment or more trolls. trolls are out and about again because i guess they feel that we non believers have started the 'war on xmas' up again. some folks aren't trying to be trolls but are shocked that so many folks aren't buying into the christian, consumeristic claptrap of years past this year. so- this is my thought on the whole thing-

if the blog you are reading is clearly anti christian, it's probably a good bet you aren't going to win them over by preaching. just a thought.

i don't believe that jesus was the son of god and i certainly don't believe he was born in december. there is much evidence to support the notion that early roman powers that be made the date up anyway. google it- you won't believe me anyway. believe what you want and decorate and shop until your heart is content- just don't be a hypocrite about it. my biggest issue in my own life is the number of folks we know- employment and whatnot- who profess to be christian and then don't behave as the bible exhorts them to. i have read the bible through completely twice and different passages here and there much more. no where- and if i am wrong give me chapter and verse- can i find where it says that jesus preached to go out and get shit faced to celebrate anything. no where can i find where he says go and spend thousands of dollars on disposable gifts that teach your children greed and coveting. no where can i find a damned thing about santa claus. and i did find the passage about worshiping false idols.

my point is this- there are many different cultures and many different belief systems out there that perhaps you should acclimate yourself to if you are at all in shock at the fact that some folks don't buy into the corporate christian hype of christmas. some folks have been dealt heavy losses this season and don't feel norman rockwellian. others don't have the money. some folks don't have family or friends. so- my advice to you- get your head out of your ass- or your pew- and take a good look at the world around you. the real world. and then tell me if you can fault the folks who aren't buying it this year.

10 comments:

Unknown said...

Bravo Betmo!!! This is exactly what chaps my hide too. Jesus, when he was born, or the story goes..got some bullshit gifts that you could pretty much bet didn't impress anyone. Frankenscense? wtf?

Anyway..I agree with you totally that plenty of hypocrites dwell on the gift giving of this most silly of seasons...and it wrong. It should be about emotions and goodwill..not out spending your neighbor, or getting pissed because someone in the office got you a cheap gift and you spent 30 bucks on the one you got for someone..

Its fucking ridiculous, and has nothing to do with celebrating the birth of Christ.

Unknown said...

OH, and another thing...

Any Christian worth a hoot will not begrudge anyone their feelings at this time of year. The commercialization of this crap takes the fun out of any gift exchange if you care to take part in any such endeavor.

Its about having goodwill towards your fellow humans..not based on their feelings but on YOUR feelings as a legitimate Christian.

Unknown said...

See now, you just killed my mood for going out and getting all "shit-faced"...I so wanted to do that this Christmas (this is the only time of year you can get pre-made eggnog...just add rum).

I'm totally feeling you, though. I've been surfing a few other sites in regards to the topic of celebrating Christmas with kids and it seems like the "good christians" are the ones who get so damned up in arms about how "important" it is that all little children be indoctrinated in the spirit of Christmas.

I say bah-humbug to that. I asked my kids if they knew who God or Jesus was and they looked at me as if I was telling them about the Rolling Stones...ummm...wtf, mom??? The only imaginary person they ever knew and whom Lil' Dizzy still can't let go of is the Jolly Fat Dude, no matter how many times I tell her he's just a cartoon character. You can see her beady little eyes still looking to find a reason to believe. I try not to press the issue, but Santa hasn't visited this house in years and yet she still believes...

ummm...you won't get pissed if I get shit-faced with Jesus this Christmas will you?

Unknown said...

ummm...you won't get pissed if I get shit-faced with Jesus this Christmas will you?

Dez..I will be getting shitfaced with you girl! Honest to God, I catch a buzz every Christmas..its my 'tradition'now that the kid is grown up and moved out ;p

The ball and chain bought our quart of Skyy vodka, spicy V8 and limes today..I told him..its a tad early darlin' that will be gone by Christmas..he laughed and said its on sale..knock yourself out girl :)

billie said...

i am not exactly sure what it is that you two are trying to tell me- but hey- as long as you don't try to convert me- we are all good. :) my issue is with people who are self righteous and sanctimonius about issues and don't walk their own walk. some of the folks in mr. betmo's office go to church every sunday- and god forbid you curse- but they belly up to the bar in their belly shirts and short skirts and date through dating services. hmmmmmm.........

Unknown said...

honestly, I'm just ribbin' ya. I was reading your post and the part about gettin' shit-faced just caused me to snicker, especially since I know far too many people in my own line of work who do just that AND preach at the bar for good measure. I have zero tolerance for idiots like that.

billie said...

i hear ya :) i have no problem with folks having a good time- just don't be a hypocrite about it. you would think that they would have learned all about that from the masterminds in the rethuglican party :)

Anne said...

i sure liked this post.

John Good said...

It would be my true honor to get shit-faced with all of you anytime/anywhere! =)

Daniel said...

Hey Betmo, you radical you! You'll end up on the religio-capitalist hit-list if you keep this up.

You'll become an outcast, one hated by the wealthy. How are they going to maintain their luxury motor yachts and mansions with questioning people like you around?

Take it easy, girl. And enjoy the Festive Season on your own terms.