Look into the origins of...

[RoadtoEmmaus]

Friends,

I can't tell you how many issues have been presented by suggesting that I "look into the origins of..."

This time of year is rampant with the suggestions. From wreaths to Christmas Trees to Santa Claus. The organizations that have tied Pagan roots to a number of symbols is not limited to the Watch Tower.

However, the Watch Tower seems to take everyone's questions about origins to run with them.

In deference to my bride, I do not decorate the house. There is no tree, no nativity scene, no lights, not even a card wishing us well.

There are those who have worshiped fire, and others who have used it in sacrifices, and others who have used it to kill and destroy... not to mention how it has been used symbolically by the pagan world... does this keep us from using it to cook our food or warm our houses.... I think not...

And yet, I cannot convince these same people to look at the origins of the organization? that they claim is God's channel of communication here on Earth.

Some opportunities to ponder...

Merry Christ-Mass everyone!!!

[onpatmos]

Let's suppose that they're correct in saying certain customs do have pagan "origins". The question I have is this - is there a difference between doing something out of an intention to keep "one foot in" paganism, and doing something with the intention only of it being Christian?

Gideon tore down the altar to Baal - Judges 6:25-28. The reaction of the people seems to suggest that they knew it was an altar of Baal - So the townspeople said to Joash, "Bring out your son that he may die, for he has destroyed the altar of Baal and has cut down the sacred pole that was near it." (Judges 6:30)

Is "tearing down" a Christmas tree the same as tearing down an altar to Baal in the way it was done in Judges? If not, what are the differences?

When you ask a devout Catholic or Evangelical if they intended to do something pagan by celebrating Christmas, what would their answer be?

How would what is said in the following apply to this? -

Stop judging by appearances, but judge justly. (John 7:24)