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Interestingly, I've discovered over the last few days that Christianity in the uk doesn't seem big in to Santa. The few openly Christian people I know have all

by aidos 11y ago

Interestingly, I've discovered over the last few days that Christianity in the uk doesn't seem big in to Santa. The few openly Christian people I know have all told their kids (4yo) that Santa isn't real. That's kinda ruined it for our kids. Not judging, but I find it astoundingly hypocritical to dismiss one made up figure while religiously worshiping another!

mercer 11y ago
It's not hypocritical if you believe the other is not made up. Much as I'm not a believer in a higher power, I really dislike these kinds of easy swipes at something that others (including people very dear to me) consider the foundation of their entire lives. It feels cheap and condescending.
- jessaustin 11y ago
  You see this again and again on HN. Apparently it's some sort of signalling, although what it signals besides "I'm an asshole!" remains unclear.
  - krapp 11y ago
    Mocking obvious logical fallacies and contradictions is an easy way to condemn religion as a farce, and religious people as being hypocrites at best, or imbeciles at worst. It signals intellectual superiority on the part of the skeptical in-group.
- aidos 11y ago
  My comment about it being hypocritical was meant to be somewhat tounge in cheek (as vaguely hinted at by the exclamation mark), though I can see how it could be offensive (and wasn't obvious). Apologies. There is a deeper interesting conversation to be had around this topic though. Unfortunately I'm not in the position to engage in it at the moment and I suspect the tone might already be set in the wrong way (given that a sibling comment here has already called me an asshole).
triangleman 11y ago
Santa is a falsification of the real thing. With Santa, there's no room for grace. You're either naughty or nice, and then you are rewarded accordingly. The Christian story, as told in the Bible, is quite different. First of all, you're not working for presents, you're working for God Himself. Secondly, we're all naughty: there is no way to be nice apart from Christ. And finally, you are not supposed to simply "believe" God exists; your faith is inseparable from your works. And by working faithfully you are rewarded immediately as well as eternally... "It is more blessed to give than to receive."
- jessaustin 11y ago
  That's perceptive, but with that understanding what purpose does "Santa Claus" serve? ISTM for many people the truth about Santa presages an eventual revelation about the nature of Christianity in general. The prior experience gives us psychological permission to experience further disillusionment. The Church Lady was right about this one.
- Canada 11y ago
  Well said.
lostlogin 11y ago
Something strange is happening and while I couldn't reply to you before, I can now. Regarding the UK attitude to Santa, does anyone have any thoughts on a perceived "Americanisation" of the whole character? I've often heard the British refer to him as Father Christmas. Perhaps this is behind the different attitude to him?

by aidos 11y ago

mercer 11y ago

It's not hypocritical if you believe the other is not made up. Much as I'm not a believer in a higher power, I really dislike these kinds of easy swipes at something that others (including people very dear to me) consider the foundation of their entire lives. It feels cheap and condescending.

jessaustin 11y ago
You see this again and again on HN. Apparently it's some sort of signalling, although what it signals besides "I'm an asshole!" remains unclear.
- krapp 11y ago
  Mocking obvious logical fallacies and contradictions is an easy way to condemn religion as a farce, and religious people as being hypocrites at best, or imbeciles at worst. It signals intellectual superiority on the part of the skeptical in-group.
aidos 11y ago
My comment about it being hypocritical was meant to be somewhat tounge in cheek (as vaguely hinted at by the exclamation mark), though I can see how it could be offensive (and wasn't obvious). Apologies. There is a deeper interesting conversation to be had around this topic though. Unfortunately I'm not in the position to engage in it at the moment and I suspect the tone might already be set in the wrong way (given that a sibling comment here has already called me an asshole).

triangleman 11y ago

Santa is a falsification of the real thing. With Santa, there's no room for grace. You're either naughty or nice, and then you are rewarded accordingly. The Christian story, as told in the Bible, is quite different. First of all, you're not working for presents, you're working for God Himself. Secondly, we're all naughty: there is no way to be nice apart from Christ. And finally, you are not supposed to simply "believe" God exists; your faith is inseparable from your works. And by working faithfully you are rewarded immediately as well as eternally... "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

jessaustin 11y ago
That's perceptive, but with that understanding what purpose does "Santa Claus" serve? ISTM for many people the truth about Santa presages an eventual revelation about the nature of Christianity in general. The prior experience gives us psychological permission to experience further disillusionment. The Church Lady was right about this one.
Canada 11y ago
Well said.

lostlogin 11y ago

Something strange is happening and while I couldn't reply to you before, I can now. Regarding the UK attitude to Santa, does anyone have any thoughts on a perceived "Americanisation" of the whole character? I've often heard the British refer to him as Father Christmas. Perhaps this is behind the different attitude to him?