OT Religious thread do not open if easily offended.

[shnuke]

Interesting to see UT implementing this as a rule. Or maybe not. It kind of irks me to see the free speech university's blocking the freedom of religion and the reason for the season.

If you plan on having a Christmas party at the University of Tennessee be sure to leave the Baby Jesus and Santa Claus at home.

The taxpayer-funded university’s Office for Diversity and Inclusion recently released an “unofficial” edict calling for the campus to host holiday parties that do not emphasize religion or culture.

“Ensure your holiday party is not a Christmas party in disguise,” the organization warned in an online document titled, “Best Practices for Inclusive Holiday Celebrations in the Workplace.”

 

[gbbaber]

After reading that, it's an unofficial edict from a campus organization. There will be Christmas parties at UT this year OP.

 

[geoffhog]

I'm not religious by any means but this is getting ridiculous. If you disagree with those beliefs, then don't go to the freakin party. People are really getting stupid these days.

 

[BBHAWGS2]

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion...

Funny that they would exclude and limit diversity and understanding.

 

[chicks1244]

I'm not religious by any means but this is getting ridiculous. If you disagree with those beliefs, then don't go to the freakin party. People are really getting stupid these days.

^^^^^^^^THIS x1000000^^^^^^^^

 

[rzrbk7777]

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion...

Funny that they would exclude and limit diversity and understanding.

In order to qualify, you must be gay, atheist, muslim, pro abortion, socialist, from a foreign country, or any combination of those. Christians and conservatives are excluded. Odd how exclusive and intolerant the tolerance crowd tends to be.

 

[Charlie B Barkin]

Still have trouble wrapping my brain around Christmas being a Christian holiday...

 

[mallardhog]

Still have trouble wrapping my brain around Christmas being a Christian holiday...

Really?

 

[rzrbk7777]

Still have trouble wrapping my brain around Christmas being a Christian holiday...

I have trouble wrapping my head around those who think it isn't supposed to be.

 

[rzrbk7777]

Really?

Drugs and alcohol issues.

 

[geoffhog]

Really?

It's been decades or more since Christmas was actually a religious holiday, regardless of why it was started. If the word Christmas offends someone, then they're taking life way too seriously or just looking for something to get pissed off about.

 

[gbbaber]

In order to qualify, you must be gay, atheist, muslim, pro abortion, socialist, from a foreign country, or any combination of those. Christians and conservatives are excluded. Odd how exclusive and intolerant the tolerance crowd tends to be.

Is that true? You can't be conservative or Christian to take part?

 

[Hog Alumni]

Political Correctness is now getting people killed on the reg. This crap has to stop. The fear of offending some poor soul's delicate sensibilities is allowing stuff like San Bernardino to happen. There will be a breaking point, the backlash will be ugly and will rest at the feet of the PC crowd that has pushed this ridiculous failure to deal with their own insecurities.

 

[gbbaber]

Political Correctness is now getting people killed on the reg. This crap has to stop. The fear of offending some poor soul's delicate sensibilities is allowing stuff like San Bernardino to happen. There will be a breaking point, the backlash will be ugly and will rest at the feet of the PC crowd that has pushed this ridiculous failure to deal with their own insecurities.

See, that's not what this thread is about. How do you stop San Bernardino? Do you have a suggestion?

 

[rzrbk7777]

It's been decades or more since Christmas was actually a religious holiday, regardless of why it was started. If the word Christmas offends someone, then they're taking life way too seriously or just looking for something to get pissed off about.

Because non believers want to exchange presents and enjoy the time off does not mean it is any less a religious holiday. Just b/c Christians have never attempted to exclude them doesn't mean they have passed the holiday on to athiests. It seems Christians are far more tolerant than the tolerance crowd.

 

[rzrbk7777]

Is that true? You can't be conservative or Christian to take part?

You don't know the obvious answer to that? Do they try to stifle gay activists or atheist events? Of course not. You need to take a closer look at who you support. You obviously don't really grasp your own agenda.

 

[murp]

I despise political correct liberal hacks. It's a disease that is eating the foundation of this country away. These people are weak and mentally ill, and we allow them to continue to rewrite what is acceptable in today's society.

 

[geoffhog]

Because non believers want to exchange presents and enjoy the time off does not mean it is any less a religious holiday. Just b/c Christians have never attempted to exclude them doesn't mean they have passed the holiday on to athiests. It seems Christians are far more tolerant than the tolerance crowd.

Christmas has become it's own thing.i don't think anyone owns. Christians or otherwise. I'm not trying to argue about whether that's right or wrong, but it's just how I believe it is. Also, I'm not anti Christian, but I know a lot of Christians that could use a little more tolerance too. I agree though, that the ones preaching tolerance show less of it than anyone.

 

[jpenrod86]

Still have trouble wrapping my brain around Christmas being a Christian holiday...

Christians didn't start the celebration and its in no way a biblical thing but Christians certainly are what keep the holiday going.

 

[rzrbk7777]

See, that's not what this thread is about. How do you stop San Bernardino? Do you have a suggestion?

Yeah, quit letting people into this country that want to harm us. Oh, and why in the heck do we allow people who make the terrorist watch list stay? How insane is that? Non citizens should not get the benefit of the doubt. Had you lost a loved family member in Cali, at Ft. Hood, or in the WTC, I bet you wouldn't be so generous with our country.

 

[BBHAWGS2]

I figured this thread would take a turn for the worse.

But the bottom line is that the UT Office of Diversity and Inclusion is not really about Diversity and Inclusion. They have an agenda just like many other groups and organizations.

 

[rzrbk7777]

Christmas has become it's own thing.i don't think anyone owns. Christians or otherwise. I'm not trying to argue about whether that's right or wrong, but it's just how I believe it is. Also, I'm not anti Christian, but I know a lot of Christians that could use a little more tolerance too. I agree though, that the ones preaching tolerance show less of it than anyone.

Note the word Christ in the name. It is a celebration of His birth. The fact that Christians don't throw a fit b/c others get drunk at Christmas and don't really believe, does not mean it's not our holiday. It absolutely is. If folks want a holiday that excludes Christ, there are 364 other days in the year to pick from.

Christians are no more tolerant or intolerant than anybody else. This whole tolerance thing is as phony as it gets. Absolute tolerance does not exist. Everybody tolerates some things and everybody is intolerant of others. Why should Christians be expected to be any different?

 

[Naturallyhawgferocious]

The Office of Diversity and Inclusion...

Funny that they would exclude and limit diversity and understanding.

Well get ready it's starting here !!

 

[Hog Alumni]

See, that's not what this thread is about. How do you stop San Bernardino? Do you have a suggestion?

I'm sorry,I took the thread to be about a PC anti Christian agenda. The same PC police support teaching about Islam in schools, but have an aneurysm if someone wants to pray on the field or locker room at a High School football game. Part of that agenda is to attack Christian related iconography while going out of their way to avoid even using the term Islamic terrorist. Santa isn't the problem.

As far as stopping San Bernardino? Not allowing radicalized brides from Pakistan into this country might have made a difference. We are not taking care of our own vets and citizens right now. Maybe a pause or moratorium on Muslim immigration might reduce some of the bad actors from coming here. I'm much more concerned about Muslims coming here than I am by an appearance of Santa Clause at a Christmas party. Since Muslims appear to be far more likely to kill Americans on American soil we need to devote more attention to eliminating them more so than Santa.

Sorry my interpretation of the PC problem was not to your liking. It was just like my option, man.

 

[smallmouthhog]

Yeah, quit letting people into this country that want to harm us. Oh, and why in the heck do we allow people who make the terrorist watch list stay? How insane is that? Non citizens should not get the benefit of the doubt. Had you lost a loved family member in Cali, at Ft. Hood, or in the WTC, I bet you wouldn't be so generous with our country.

Exactly what I said earlier in here. What is it going to take? If this cat out in Cali don't get mad and rush his plan, it would most likely would have been 50-100 dead. It has to start with intelligence and then we cannot be afraid to hurt someone feelings. If they suspect anyone is affiliated with terrorist then we need to get them off American soil. It can be done.

 

[WMFC]

I'm not religious by any means but this is getting ridiculous. If you disagree with those beliefs, then don't go to the freakin party. People are really getting stupid these days.

Agree with all this.

 

[Naturallyhawgferocious]

Well get ready it's starting here !!

View embedded media

 

[Hog Alumni]

Yeah, quit letting people into this country that want to harm us. Oh, and why in the heck do we allow people who make the terrorist watch list stay? How insane is that? Non citizens should not get the benefit of the doubt. Had you lost a loved family member in Cali, at Ft. Hood, or in the WTC, I bet you wouldn't be so generous with our country.

This guy gets it.

 

[BOSSHOGFREE]

This is the same organization that proposed replacing pronouns he,she, his, hers, etc to eliminate "gender identication". You can't make this garbage up. Yes, there will be Christmas parties at UT this year and they will likely be singing away in a manger along with other Jesus related carols.

http://m.nydailynews.com/news/national/university-tennessee-invents-new-pronouns-article-1.2341537

 

[DaxC]

I am self defined bible beating Christian so let's get that out of the way.

Our country was founded on religious freedom and rights to free speech. We are a Christian nation, no doubt about it.

I don't feel threatened by any other religion. And, I have no issue with people attacking my religion. Actually, Jesus teaches that one should expect that and welcome that. It's not easy but it's a foundation of Christianity.

Finally, and this is my opinion only, but I scoff at people comparing the Bible to the Quran or any other book, teaching, or laws. If one reads the New Testament and the Gospels it is a guide to how to live. It's not rules - actually it tells us that rules are of and by man and are irrelevant to our faith and to God. Further it tells us that faith without acts is like a fruit tree that doesn't bear fruit.

So, bring it. I celebrate Christmas. I celebrate my faith in a way that tries to shine a light showing the Grace that Jesus has given me. And, I certainly know that it was not my acts that 'earned' that Grace. It is available to all. It is simple but not easy. By the way, I try really hard and I suck at it. But, I do try.

I see stuff like this and I don't like it but I do understand and expect it. Have you seen the outpouring of people mocking prayer for the people impacted in San Bernadino? Again, sad but I have come to expect it.

Faith with Acts will always win over words.

Rant over.

 

[Hog Alumni]

This is the same organization that proposed replacing pronouns he,she, his, hers, etc to eliminate "gender identication". You can't make this garbage up.

http://m.nydailynews.com/news/national/university-tennessee-invents-new-pronouns-article-1.2341537

So just to make sure I understand...the folks over at the Think Tank that is office of diversity pushes an agenda that is supposed to have us all addressed the same?!?!? WTF? If that isn't proof of how stupid these PC brainwashed jack holes are I don't know what is.

 

[Wapiti Hawg]

I am self defined bible beating Christian so let's get that out of the way.

Our country was founded on religious freedom and rights to free speech. We are a Christian nation, no doubt about it.

I don't feel threatened by any other religion. And, I have no issue with people attacking my religion. Actually, Jesus teaches that one should expect that and welcome that. It's not easy but it's a foundation of Christianity.

Finally, and this is my opinion only, but I scoff at people comparing the Bible to the Quran or any other book, teaching, or laws. If one reads the New Testament and the Gospels it is a guide to how to live. It's not rules - actually it tells us that rules are of and by man and are irrelevant to our faith and to God. Further it tells us that faith without acts is like a fruit tree that doesn't bear fruit.

So, bring it. I celebrate Christmas. I celebrate my faith in a way that tries to shine a light showing the Grace that Jesus has given me. And, I certainly know that it was not my acts that 'earned' that Grace. It is available to all. It is simple but not easy. By the way, I try really hard and I suck at it. But, I do try.

I see stuff like this and I don't like it but I do understand and expect it. Have you seen the outpouring of people mocking prayer for the people impacted in San Bernadino? Again, sad but I have come to expect it.

Faith with Acts will always win over words.

Rant over.

Amen to that Brother.

 

[geoffhog]

Note the word Christ in the name. It is a celebration of His birth. The fact that Christians don't throw a fit b/c others get drunk at Christmas and don't really believe, does not mean it's not our holiday. It absolutely is. If folks want a holiday that excludes Christ, there are 364 other days in the year to pick from.

Christians are no more tolerant or intolerant than anybody else. This whole tolerance thing is as phony as it gets. Absolute tolerance does not exist. Everybody tolerates some things and everybody is intolerant of others. Why should Christians be expected to be any different?

I understand that Christmas includes the name Christ in it, but it's gonna be Santa Clause that everyone is going to the mall to see, not Jesus. A lot of churches will have a special service for Christmas and the pews will be full, but for the majority of folks, Christians included, that will be as religious as it gets. The secular side of the holiday gets a lot more attention.
As far as tolerance goes, I'd say Christ was considerably more tolerant than the average Christian today. Once again, having said that, those libs that preach tolerance actually show less, though.

 

[Stew-Man]

While lots of folks get all riled up over this stuff, the basic principle is solidly in line with our Constitution. If you have an event based upon a religion, then all religions get treated the same by those public entities. So, is there a Hanukkah or Ramadan or other similar type event? No, then just have a holiday party that covers everyone. Been that way for a long time, & is just basic separation of church and state to treat people equally.

Notre Dame or Georgetown or SMU can have a Christmas party because they are private schools with religious affiliations. Public institutions can't promote a specific religion.

 

[rzrbk7777]

I understand that Christmas includes the name Christ in it, but it's gonna be Santa Clause that everyone is going to the mall to see, not Jesus. A lot of churches will have a special service for Christmas and the pews will be full, but for the majority of folks, Christians included, that will be as religious as it gets. The secular side of the holiday gets a lot more attention.
As far as tolerance goes, I'd say Christ was considerably more tolerant than the average Christian today. Once again, having said that, those libs that preach tolerance actually show less, though.

The inspiration for Santa Claus was a priest(?) who gave anonymous gifts to the needy. So, even Santa is Christian based. The secular side embraced Christmas long ago b/c they live in a Christian nation where Christmas is the biggest holiday of the year. All have always been welcomed to join in the celebration regardless of belief. That does not mean it is a secular holiday. It certainly does not mean folks have the right to remove Christ from the holiday.

 

[UTRIP UMP]

I am self defined bible beating Christian so let's get that out of the way.

Our country was founded on religious freedom and rights to free speech. We are a Christian nation, no doubt about it.

I don't feel threatened by any other religion. And, I have no issue with people attacking my religion. Actually, Jesus teaches that one should expect that and welcome that. It's not easy but it's a foundation of Christianity.

Finally, and this is my opinion only, but I scoff at people comparing the Bible to the Quran or any other book, teaching, or laws. If one reads the New Testament and the Gospels it is a guide to how to live. It's not rules - actually it tells us that rules are of and by man and are irrelevant to our faith and to God. Further it tells us that faith without acts is like a fruit tree that doesn't bear fruit.

So, bring it. I celebrate Christmas. I celebrate my faith in a way that tries to shine a light showing the Grace that Jesus has given me. And, I certainly know that it was not my acts that 'earned' that Grace. It is available to all. It is simple but not easy. By the way, I try really hard and I suck at it. But, I do try.

I see stuff like this and I don't like it but I do understand and expect it. Have you seen the outpouring of people mocking prayer for the people impacted in San Bernadino? Again, sad but I have come to expect it.

Faith with Acts will always win over words.

Rant over.

In many ways, thank you.

 

[geoffhog]

The inspiration for Santa Claus was a priest(?) who gave anonymous gifts to the needy. So, even Santa is Christian based. The secular side embraced Christmas long ago b/c they live in a Christian nation where Christmas is the biggest holiday of the year. All have always been welcomed to join in the celebration regardless of belief. That does not mean it is a secular holiday. It certainly does not mean folks have the right to remove Christ from the holiday.

I agree with most of what you're saying. I just see with my eyes that the secular side of Christmas gets the most attention these days and has for a long time. I completely agree that trying to make people quit saying the word Christmas is absurd.

 

[lahawg1]

I understand that Christmas includes the name Christ in it, but it's gonna be Santa Clause that everyone is going to the mall to see, not Jesus. A lot of churches will have a special service for Christmas and the pews will be full, but for the majority of folks, Christians included, that will be as religious as it gets. The secular side of the holiday gets a lot more attention.
As far as tolerance goes, I'd say Christ was considerably more tolerant than the average Christian today. Once again, having said that, those libs that preach tolerance actually show less, though.

You sure seem to know a lot about us Christians. Its a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. until you have it you cant understand it. Don't judge me or other Christians on your inability to understand our faith.

 

[BOSSHOGFREE]

I understand that Christmas includes the name Christ in it, but it's gonna be Santa Clause that everyone is going to the mall to see, not Jesus. A lot of churches will have a special service for Christmas and the pews will be full, but for the majority of folks, Christians included, that will be as religious as it gets. The secular side of the holiday gets a lot more attention.
As far as tolerance goes, I'd say Christ was considerably more tolerant than the average Christian today. Once again, having said that, those libs that preach tolerance actually show less, though.

There is a movement among believers to not associate with the term "Christian" as Jesus never called his followers "Christians". He called them deciples. A deciple is someone who follows the teachings of a leader. Christian is a term that does not encompass the actions of what Jesus called us to do but merely is an association. The term came about in the 1st century and was even used in the bible but it was given by non belivers originally as a way to classify the new group.

I don't want to say or have people simply say that I am a Christian. Anyone can associate with whatever they choose to. To be a deciple of something/somones you must live out the lessons. I want my life to be that of a deciple of Christ who actually adheres to his teachings not just call myself a Christian. Long way to go obviously

 

[chicks1244]

I am self defined bible beating Christian so let's get that out of the way.

Our country was founded on religious freedom and rights to free speech. We are a Christian nation, no doubt about it.

I don't feel threatened by any other religion. And, I have no issue with people attacking my religion. Actually, Jesus teaches that one should expect that and welcome that. It's not easy but it's a foundation of Christianity.

Finally, and this is my opinion only, but I scoff at people comparing the Bible to the Quran or any other book, teaching, or laws. If one reads the New Testament and the Gospels it is a guide to how to live. It's not rules - actually it tells us that rules are of and by man and are irrelevant to our faith and to God. Further it tells us that faith without acts is like a fruit tree that doesn't bear fruit.

So, bring it. I celebrate Christmas. I celebrate my faith in a way that tries to shine a light showing the Grace that Jesus has given me. And, I certainly know that it was not my acts that 'earned' that Grace. It is available to all. It is simple but not easy. By the way, I try really hard and I suck at it. But, I do try.

I see stuff like this and I don't like it but I do understand and expect it. Have you seen the outpouring of people mocking prayer for the people impacted in San Bernadino? Again, sad but I have come to expect it.

Faith with Acts will always win over words.

Rant over.

One of the best posts i have seen on here...