Hi all ...
Just a thought that whipped in my head when I read this question and answer ... :shocked:
bangalore ...
Did they not also forbid the celebration of Christmas because of its pagan origins?
mavos ...
I don't think it was necessarily because of the Pagan roots, but because of the lewd practices, carousing, and debauchery that were common during "Christmas" practices up until the 19th century.
I wonder what these puritans would have said when they saw our Lord 'celebrate' ... be it weddings or whatever ...? :shocked::huh::dontknow:
Would they have said as these ...? :thinking:
Matt. 11:19 ...
New International Version (©1984)
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and "sinners."' But wisdom is proved right by her actions."
International Standard Version (©2008)
The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look, a glutton and a drunk, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Absolved from every act of sin, is wisdom by her kith and kin."
So, when I think on this and the rigidity that some who have come to 'believe' is ... NECESSARY ... to 'prove' their righteousness ... well it sadly can come to some real harm to others as history has shown ...
One extreme to another has come to pass ... and not always in the name of 'religion' ... although that tends to be the case more often than not doesn't it ...:priest::rabbi: :(
May we not seek to 'judge others' but what they do if we really do not know ... and I sometimes think we 'think' we do ... when we really don't ...
For example ... someone may 'judge' that wearing a wedding ring is the MOST UNCHRISTIAN or PAGAN thing there is because of what it is SUPPOSED to have come to signify by some ... but others do not judge this to be so according to how they view it ...
So Paul's (was it Paul?) wise words warning us not to judge others by what they or how they celebrate may be something to consider ...
Instead should we not focus on the LOVING CHRISTLIKE CONDUCT of others and IMITATE that ... and as our brother said on the previous page ... there certainly is no better example than our Lord!
Hope this made sense ... had a looooong day and am tired but just wanted to a pennies worth of thought ...:2cents:
Luv as always ... BR :sheepy: :bouncyhearts:
Dear BR.
I have always been wondering about all the bans religious leaders and The Watchtower Society have issued and followed up with sanctions, among them Birthday parties and other special events and days, which people likes to celebrate in balance and good order.
Wondering how they would have act in question of and when Joseph and Maria celebrated Jesus Birthday together with the gentiles from the far east, which fell down and :worthy: worshipped him and presented gifts in form of gold, and frankincense, and myrrh :opps:
The Watchtower Society argue for, that the memorial shall be one time in the year, opposite other religious, with a possibility to do it every day. Why shall such an important event for a person, being granted with the life, not be possible to selebrate once a year :dontknow:
An important question it rise is: Shall conventions also be banned, since The Romans killed Christians in the Arenas and public places, when lot of people was gathered together :thinking:
So Paul's (was it Paul?) wise words warning us not to judge others by what they or how they celebrate may be something to consider ...
I see you had Paul’s words, in Colossians chapter 2 versus 16, in mind and further to this, I take the liberty to ad versus 21 and 22, where he describes what it could be and the background: :read:
16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath [days]:
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using; after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Paul he describes why and confirms this in Galatians Chapter 5 and 6. why religious leaders was so anxious to power abuse people and in question of and how we shall understand Acts chapter 15 verse 29, as recommendations, not as a new law, a no no, since he admitted eating of meat offered to idols, that is maybe why The Watchtower Society have maked Paul to an apostate. :lol:
Religious leaders, in the whole world history, they have create rules and regulations after eachother and condemned people with sanctions into a premature death, opposite Jesus Christ who released us and replace all the regulations, with principles based at love.
13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
Galatians Chapter 5 versus 1-5:
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love... :heartbeat:
Galatians Chapter 6 versus 11 to 18:
11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace [be] on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Amen. <[To [the] Galatians written from Rome.]>
10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be :whistle: