Christmas trees 'provocative:' Nazareth suburb's mayor

[james&olya 1,121]

sure...

As you're Channeling Keith Olbermann nightly.

You mean to tell me you watch the big KO? I don't often get to see him due to my work schedule. He really knows how to rip apart right-wingers! Almost made me feel sorry for gwb once. But no, I haven't seen him refer to this story. Maybe you saw it there?

[ready4ONE 5,400]

With all the money American taxpayers and charities pump into Israel, is it ok for their government officials to promote one religion over another? Muslim governments are criticized here for policies favoring Islam. Is the same criticism applicable in this case?

You have a point. What say we push for lighting a giant Menorah in Mecca in exchange for Christmas tree's in Israeli town squares?

[Danno 1,228]

You have a point. What say we push for lighting a giant Menorah in Mecca in exchange for Christmas tree's in Israeli town squares?

Isn't that what we did in Washington dc, swore off religous displays ... except for Menorahs of course.

A National Hanukkah Menorah is lit on the White House grounds, at the Ellipse during the eight day Jewish holiday commemorating the Jewish Maccabees' military victory over Syrian oppression more than 2,000 years ago. During Hanukkah, Jews across the world celebrate the miracle of light that burnt for eight days out of a single-days-worth of oil found in the Temple. One Hanukkah candle is lit the first night, and an additional candle is lit each successive night. The holiday is a celebration of religious freedom and hope.

[james&olya 1,121]

You have a point. What say we push for lighting a giant Menorah in Mecca in exchange for Christmas tree's in Israeli town squares?

This might reflect what tends to happen anyway, Christians and Jews 'resolve' their problems by dumping on Muslims. Doesn't really seem like such a good idea.

[ready4ONE 5,400]

This might reflect what tends to happen anyway, Christians and Jews 'resolve' their problems by dumping on Muslims. Doesn't really seem like such a good idea.

We display a Menorah and Star and Crescent at the National Christmas Tree display.

[james&olya 1,121]

We display a Menorah and Star and Crescent at the National Christmas Tree display.

I think we set a good example by doing this. I would hope that this bit of symbolism could be truly reflective of our official and collective personal attitudes. I think we still have work to do there. Tolerance and respect might defuse some of the tension and hostility that, if not abated, may result in great loss of life and fortune on both (all three?) sides.

[Danno 1,228]

I think we set a good example by doing this. I would hope that this bit of symbolism could be truly reflective of our official and collective personal attitudes. I think we still have work to do there. Tolerance and respect might defuse some of the tension and hostility that, if not abated, may result in great loss of life and fortune on both (all three?) sides.

Wonder if all that tolerance allows for a Cross on that tree as well>?

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

What do christmas trees actually have to do with xmas?

It's not as though pine trees are exactly common in that part of the world....

[Bad_Daddy 2,209]

What do christmas trees actually have to do with xmas?

It's not as though pine trees are exactly common in that part of the world....

Pine tree's ? Here in the west part of the states we usually use Noble fir's or Norwegian Spruce.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedrus_libani

Lebanon Cedar

Edited December 24, 2010 by Why_Me

[faust-yusov 103]

What do christmas trees actually have to do with xmas?

It's not as though pine trees are exactly common in that part of the world....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule_log

"The Yule log was originally an entire tree, that was carefully chosen and brought into the house with great ceremony with the purpose being to provide maximum warmth and endurance."

It was apparently adopted into the Christmas tradition in sixteenth-century Germany.

[james&olya 1,121]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule_log

"The Yule log was originally an entire tree, that was carefully chosen and brought into the house with great ceremony with the purpose being to provide maximum warmth and endurance."

It was apparently adopted into the Christmas tradition in sixteenth-century Germany.

The pagans were not 'evil'. For many of us they are our direct ancestors. I find truth and beauty in much of their beliefs. The 'christmas' tree and yule log among them. I also like the 'earth, air, fire, water, spirit' concepts that have been branded by some christians as 'evil'. Why is it that the monotheistic religions seem to provoke so much hostility against non-believers? It is especially ironic when some of the most cherished traditions of christmas and easter had their origins outside christianity and especially from paganism.

[Danno 1,228]

The pagans were not 'evil'. For many of us they are our direct ancestors. I find truth and beauty in much of their beliefs. The 'christmas' tree and yule log among them. I also like the 'earth, air, fire, water, spirit' concepts that have been branded by some christians as 'evil'. Why is it that the monotheistic religions seem to provoke so much hostility against non-believers? It is especially ironic when some of the most cherished traditions of christmas and easter had their origins outside christianity and especially from paganism.

Dude you really have to make up your mind.

DO Christians think all these things are evil or did they embrace them into their traditions?

Go with one story... and stick with it.

[ready4ONE 5,400]

Wonder if all that tolerance allows for a Cross on that tree as well>?

A Nativity Scene isn't good enough for you?

[james&olya 1,121]

Dude you really have to make up your mind.

DO Christians think all these things are evil or did they embrace them into their traditions?

Go with one story... and stick with it.

I know that the concept of irony is a difficult one for you. Maybe you could look it up, I'm not sure I have the time or patience to tutor you on such things!

[Danno 1,228]

I know that the concept of irony is a difficult one for you. Maybe you could look it up, I'm not sure I have the time or patience to tutor you on such things!

The word "irony" does not spare your unreasonable position.