We're Not Putting X-Mas Trees Up!

[Antipas]

Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

What makes you think they were average? Were does the Bible say they were average? Do you're homework outside of the house church movement.

The majority of Christians in Rome were among the lower peasant classes, slaves and servants. However, there were exceptions. I’m not saying that it’s a sin to have a church building, nor am I saying that they strictly worshipped in homes. My point is that the “church building” focus of Christianity didn’t exist in the beginning; it’s the result of Catholic influence.

Search the BAR, back issues for oldest Christian church found. It was in Judea, and it was a house renovated with walls removed, and a pulpit platform in the middle of the room. That is the oldest Christian assembly room to date. The Iran one I think you are referring to was never proven to be a Christian place of meeting. You need to look that up again.

I that they did find an even older location in like Joppa, it’s more like a cave, but it was a larger assembly room. It’s very interesting stuff. But my point is that the early church wasn’t so building focused until its Romanization.



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Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa

Didn't you just get overly righteous about the Catholic wafers, and Pentecostals not getting the Lord supper right?

Bro. Benincasa, I’m only demonstrating the spirit you’re exhibiting. You see, you observe the Lord’s Supper like a Catholic….but condemn a brother for honoring Christ’s birth on a day…because it was possibly a Catholic innovation. Personally, while I prefer the “Lord’s Supper”, I don’t think it’s a sin to eat wafer and drink grape juice...nor is it a sin to honor Christ’s birth on Christmas.

You see it is you who is not consistent in this area. You jump up and down over people who drink grape juice and saltines, and you advocate the Catholic Mass of Dec 25th? It's not consistent.

I’ve been to Mass with Catholic family members Bro. Benincasa, nothing my family embraces on Christmas reflects the Mass.

We put up a tree and decorate with seasonal decorations. We bake Christmas cookies and put presents under the tree. On Christmas Eve the family gets together and typically I’ll read the Christmas story from Luke and we ponder God becoming flesh…for us…salvation…God’s gift to mankind. Last year I shared a little about St. Nicolas, the Bishop of Myra, and his example of generosity and compassion. I want them to know the historical figure behind the legend of Santa Claus. Then we’ll rush the little guy up to bed. I’ll pour a couple glasses of Pinot Noir or a nice Riesling, and me and the misses will then settle in and spend some quality time under the mistletoe and Christmas lights.

What are you talking about? We don't need to do them. This is what blows my mind! The anti-standard groups blast the holiness crowd, and then fight like gladiators to defend xmas. Too much fun!

We don’t “need” them, you’re right. However, we’re not condemned if we embrace them either. If you don’t wish to observe Christmas, that’s your conviction. I respect that. But I don’t respect how you’re not willing to live in harmony with brethren who disagree with you. It’s not that we’re defending Christmas, we’re defending ourselves from your self righteous condemnations.

I was a Cavalry Scout Medic in the Army…I don’t run from opposition, I adapt to the battle field and take ground for Jesus Christ. I don’t hole up in a foxhole, nor do I retreat giving a single inch to the enemy. I take it all.

On a side note, I’ve even taken Halloween. Yes, two years ago I began discussing the nature of evil, the lives of martyrs, and the history behind how we got the King James Bible on October 31st. In my home, even October 31st belongs to Jesus.

[RandyWayne]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

WHY I do not have a Xmas tree?
The same reason:
I do not make the sign of the cross
sprinkle holy water
use prayer beads
wear ash on my forehead
light candles for the dead
pray to saints
say the rosary
use a confessional
wear my collar backwards
have statue of Mary
encourage young ladies to be Nuns
am not called Father Epley
I AM NOT A CATHOLIC.
Very simple.

How about a Festivus pole?

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

How about a Festivus pole?

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

It isn't Catholic in origin. It's pagan in origin.

Catholic to me.

[Steve Epley]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

How about a Festivus pole?

I don't even know what that is?

[aak1972]

Idolatry is defined as the worship of any cult image, idea, or object. If putting up a Christmas tree and decorations is worship then I think your problem is in your idea of worship. If thats all the worship you give to Jesus that may be why you feel the need tio argue this anti-Christmas view. If you just walk in the church on Sunday and look at all the fixtures, sing a hymn, listen to a sermon and say you worshiped Jesus well maybe you do worship a tree.

[MissBrattified]

Really, the Catholics get way too much credit. They just integrated. They didn't invent everything.

[Digging4Truth]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

How about a Festivus pole?

You ain't even right.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I don't even know what that is?

It's from the show Seinfeld. You wouldn't be expected to know what it is.

It's pretty funny actually...here's a rundown of where it came from:

"Festivus is an annual holiday invented by writer Dan O'Keefe and introduced into popular culture by his son Daniel, a scriptwriter for the TV show Seinfeld.[1][2] Although the original Festivus took place in February 1966 as a celebration of O'Keefe's first date with his wife, Deborah,[2] most people now celebrate the holiday on December 23, as depicted on the December 18, 1997 Seinfeld episode "The Strike."[1][3]

...The holiday includes novel practices such as the "Airing of Grievances", in which each person tells everyone else all the ways they have disappointed him or her over the past year. Also, after the Festivus meal, the "Feats of Strength" are performed, involving wrestling the head of the household to the floor, the holiday only ending if the head of the household is actually pinned.

...The original holiday featured far more peculiar practices, as detailed in the younger Daniel O'Keefe's book The Real Festivus, which provides a first-person account of an early version of the Festivus holiday as celebrated by the O'Keefe family....[4]"

[holinesswoman]

Originally Posted by Steve Epley

I don't even know what that is?

Oh my! Sir I must say that when I saw your picture in your posting that I thought I saw a ghost. You look so much like my late husband Horace.
Oh and he was good looking man in his day. Please take no offense to this.