I think JSW07’s comment is a bit overbearing and I would generally agree, but Cam did start his article with an explanation of his disbelief. He obviously felt some dissonance with celebrating a holiday that is fundamentally about Christ and felt the need to share it on his MTB blog. I think it’s fair to question Western society’s strange devotion to celebrating Christmas while doing level best to distance their celebration from the fundamental tenets of Christianity. “Secular Christmas” is to me a pretty good oxymoron.
But it’s also fair to note that the winter holiday was originally “pagan” and actually celebrating the solstice. It was co-opted by Christians, and fair enough if it’s co-opted back.
As a Christian myself, I prefer to quietly observe that even as materialistic and secular as it is, the lights and trees, songs and gifts, all point me to Christ, whose loving example I hope to follow.
All that said, NSMB is excellent and I don’t care about the religious beliefs or holiday observances of the editors. We come here to share in our passion for MTB, not to answer the great philosophical questions. Can I wish everyone a happy New Year without risk of offense? :)
Dec. 26, 2021, 5:17 p.m. - Brigham_Rupp
I think JSW07’s comment is a bit overbearing and I would generally agree, but Cam did start his article with an explanation of his disbelief. He obviously felt some dissonance with celebrating a holiday that is fundamentally about Christ and felt the need to share it on his MTB blog. I think it’s fair to question Western society’s strange devotion to celebrating Christmas while doing level best to distance their celebration from the fundamental tenets of Christianity. “Secular Christmas” is to me a pretty good oxymoron. But it’s also fair to note that the winter holiday was originally “pagan” and actually celebrating the solstice. It was co-opted by Christians, and fair enough if it’s co-opted back. As a Christian myself, I prefer to quietly observe that even as materialistic and secular as it is, the lights and trees, songs and gifts, all point me to Christ, whose loving example I hope to follow. All that said, NSMB is excellent and I don’t care about the religious beliefs or holiday observances of the editors. We come here to share in our passion for MTB, not to answer the great philosophical questions. Can I wish everyone a happy New Year without risk of offense? :)