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GiaGiovanni

(1,247 posts)

266. Without Santa Claus mythology, there would be no reason for kids to have unreasonable expectations

Thu Dec 13, 2012, 09:12 PM

Dec 2012

While Santa may have started as a real saint (St. Nicholas) or an old Europe folk figure who gave out fruits or small gifts (Father Christmas, Sinterklaas), the American Santa Claus has become the symbol of consumerism run rampant. Holiday greed becomes "good" greed as children are encouraged to ask for more than they possibly can use (or than their parents can afford) since "Santa Claus" will be paying the tab. Parents who can't (or won't) deliver the goods risk having their children feel rejected by this great mythological creature, who gave expensive video games to their friends but not to them.

There is a reason that the retail sector relies on the semiotics of Santa Claus. Santa Claus appeals to children and makes their greed OK. Parents do not want to risk their children's sadness at being slighted by Santa Claus and will spend money they don't have. Macy's, Toys R Us, and Target make a fortune.

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Holiday message: Atheists dub Jesus a 'myth' on Times Square billboard [View all] DaniDubois Dec 2012 OP

Here's one of the best things I saw on Facebook: Zoeisright Dec 2012 #1

That sums up nicely... agtcovert Dec 2012 #2

Come on, it all makes perfect sense Arugula Latte Dec 2012 #3

I was religious when I was younger marlakay Dec 2012 #68

hrmm... nobadeeftw Dec 2012 #327

Zombie. DireStrike Dec 2012 #4

Technically, he's a lich pokerfan Dec 2012 #40

Very educational! DireStrike Dec 2012 #45

Thanks to xchrom! pokerfan Dec 2012 #58

Bloody brilliant n/t white_wolf Dec 2012 #71

Someone that understands undead. MrSlayer Dec 2012 #126

Each of the undead is special in his or her own way Politicub Dec 2012 #172

So basically he was Voldemort? hifiguy Dec 2012 #223

This message was self-deleted by its author backscatter712 Dec 2012 #227

J.K. Rowlng's take on a traditional lich's phylactery white_wolf Dec 2012 #248

I know what a Horcrux is, I was just wondering what Jesus would use as a Horcrux. backscatter712 Dec 2012 #255

Hmm maybe a part of the cross? white_wolf Dec 2012 #256

D'oh! I self-deleted the wrong post! backscatter712 Dec 2012 #259

The nails would be good! backscatter712 Dec 2012 #285

Voldermort was loosely based off the concept of a lich. white_wolf Dec 2012 #229

Wikipedia has a lich list pokerfan Dec 2012 #244

No. Zombies eat people. musical_soul Dec 2012 #92

And Xians eat the (symbolic) body & blood of Jeebus. stopbush Dec 2012 #257

inaccurate nobadeeftw Dec 2012 #323

It makes you wonder doesn't it? I can't wrap my head around it, but know many who do and DaniDubois Dec 2012 #5

Freaking Perfect malaise Dec 2012 #7

so much women-hating in old religions. Liberal_in_LA Dec 2012 #21

Love it! cleanhippie Dec 2012 #44

+1000000 Taverner Dec 2012 #83

That's perfect! Politicub Dec 2012 #169

Just copied and pasted (with light editing) for my FB timeline. Many coalition_unwilling Dec 2012 #331

So keep the commercial and dump the spiritual GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #6

Sounds rather Republican, doesn't it? cordelia Dec 2012 #8

It sounds very corporate-facist, actually GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #9

So, if Santa didn''t exist, there wouldn't be a reason to buy presents for lived ones? brooklynite Dec 2012 #265

Without Santa Claus mythology, there would be no reason for kids to have unreasonable expectations GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #266

well actually nobadeeftw Dec 2012 #324

Yes makes you wonder who thought of it. Spiritual is not popular in our society. sabrina 1 Dec 2012 #273

Sounds Republican? Republicans are all about jesus and spirits. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #47

You can "make merry" and spend little or no money obamanut2012 Dec 2012 #11

Ah, but the Cratchit's were religious. cbayer Dec 2012 #12

Yes, they were GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #15

There is more to the holidays than black Friday and Jesus Christ. progressoid Dec 2012 #24

The atheists who put up that sign would disagree with you GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #29

From the posts you have made, it would seem that it is you who are not informed. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #49

Actually, the atheists who put up that sign are not informed that there is an alternative GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #114

I really do not see what you do. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #121

You see two myths; I see two value systems. GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #284

No, progressoid Dec 2012 #66

The "merry" on their sign is not about family, friends, or giving. It's about Santa Claus, a symbol GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #115

Strange semiosis you have there dmallind Dec 2012 #147

The semiotics of the Coca-Cola created Santa image is very clear GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #286

Santa is only about that if you let it liberal_at_heart Dec 2012 #292

It should be noted theKed Dec 2012 #148

The precursors to the corporate Santa did not require parents to buy tons of gifts in his name GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #287

Uh Oh. progressoid Dec 2012 #167

You may wear whatever you wish GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #288

Yeah, they must be idiots. Ikonoklast Dec 2012 #90

Their poster speaks their opinion. I don't have to read their minds. GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #116

I agree. I think this billboard was not well thought out. cbayer Dec 2012 #25

It's quite simplistic in its thinking, actually GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #31

Much better. Something like, one doesn't need christ to share the spirit cbayer Dec 2012 #38

I agree. GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #42

Yeah, and I have some beachfront property in Nevada to sell you, too. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #50

That makes no sense GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #117

Sure it does, it's just over your head. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #157

Ad hominem arguments don't help your case GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #197

HA HA HA HA HA OMG LOLOLOLOL Skittles Dec 2012 #208

You're an avowed and outspoken Theist tkmorris Dec 2012 #204

I am? Wow. cbayer Dec 2012 #207

I think you've been very measured and respectful in your responses GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #212

Thank you. And those that make assumptions about what or who I am have their cbayer Dec 2012 #214

It's not just about you, I think GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #216

I know of what you speak. I am a hostess in the Religion group. cbayer Dec 2012 #217

Unfortunately, I think you're right GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #221

Someone who is not a theist (an atheist or agnostic) would also be lacking in objectivity GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #211

Sure, if you're dumb jeff47 Dec 2012 #62

^^^THIS^^^ cleanhippie Dec 2012 #113

Look at the sign itself. Their message is clear. GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #118

Or you could actually look at the sign instead of making assumptions jeff47 Dec 2012 #134

Santa Claus as we know him is a corporate invention GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #198

Santa Laochtine Dec 2012 #262

Christianity pre-existed Santa Claus, and unlike the American Santa, is anti-greed GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #268

Santa Claus as you know him is a corporate invention jeff47 Dec 2012 #275

Read the history of Santa Claus in America GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #280

Again, corporations only get to define him if you want them to. jeff47 Dec 2012 #299

Just because corporate entities have co-opted Santa doesn't mean Santa = Corporatism MessiahRp Dec 2012 #142

So... are you dumb, then?? Ghost in the Machine Dec 2012 #124

The holidays do not have to be different. jeff47 Dec 2012 #133

Santa does not automatically equal commercialism. MessiahRp Dec 2012 #145

Well, the important thing is that you figured out a way to make yourself feel superior to everyone. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #160

That's my favorite thing about the season. I don't get Politicub Dec 2012 #175

Except Santa isn't in that at all AlexSatan Dec 2012 #218

Companies abuse Santa because there's no trademark. jeff47 Dec 2012 #274

No reason except for reality AlexSatan Dec 2012 #279

According to corporations and the media jeff47 Dec 2012 #300

Really? AlexSatan Dec 2012 #303

There's a difference between expecting gifts and expect a mountain of gifts. jeff47 Dec 2012 #304

Please show me where I claimed that. AlexSatan Dec 2012 #306

Can't read your own thread responses? jeff47 Dec 2012 #308

"I apologize" would have been the correct response AlexSatan Dec 2012 #311

Not when you're the one that's wrong. jeff47 Dec 2012 #314

You claimed I said something I didn't AlexSatan Dec 2012 #315

Santa is all about sharing and helping others. Santa is a hippie. n/t Egalitarian Thug Dec 2012 #301

The only thing Santa does AlexSatan Dec 2012 #305

That's sharing or giving and you just didn't hang out with the right hippies, or maybe you Egalitarian Thug Dec 2012 #309

That spiritual part has been working so very, very well so far, too! cleanhippie Dec 2012 #46

Dump the commercial and dump the spiritual. NYC Liberal Dec 2012 #60

Asking people to dump their religion is not the answer GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #282

Don't see how you could get that from the ad unless you were looking for it. n/t Egalitarian Thug Dec 2012 #125

Didn't have to look, it was there. GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #283

Wow. I think you are projecting here. I'm not angry in the least, but you seem to be rather hostile. Egalitarian Thug Dec 2012 #289

I stand by my comments to you GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #290

Well, I went back and looked at the OP, then at my reply and I still think it is you Egalitarian Thug Dec 2012 #291

it doesn't actually say that nt Deep13 Dec 2012 #276

I don't care whether it's 100% accurate; I love the story. Nye Bevan Dec 2012 #10

It's probably because they see so many things like this all year long DaniDubois Dec 2012 #13

OK, I never saw those billboards before, but they are just as stupid if not more so. Nye Bevan Dec 2012 #14

There are thousands of billboards just like those Mariana Dec 2012 #23

THOUSANDS? Really? Bake Dec 2012 #69

Me neither. Atheistic evangelism is obviously a bigger business than I realized (nt) Nye Bevan Dec 2012 #74

Have never seen this billboards. Where do you live? GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #16

I live in a very conservative area Terra Alta Dec 2012 #34

That makes sense GiaGiovanni Dec 2012 #36

Even in the areas where they're relatively more common Mariana Dec 2012 #97

the funny thing is, the Christians who whine about the billboard in the first post Terra Alta Dec 2012 #20

Wow, that's fucking stupid sakabatou Dec 2012 #26

I spent a good part of 2011 as an Over The Road trucker traveling the lower 48. Never saw a single cherokeeprogressive Dec 2012 #101

If God and I are different, then a larger 'understanding' is needed for us to have a relation sanatanadharma Dec 2012 #103

Why do religious people feel threatened by atheists? Logical Dec 2012 #32

I don't. But some certainly do. Nye Bevan Dec 2012 #37

There's no need to travel all that way to find them. Mariana Dec 2012 #41

Read the sign and re-ask the question Ter Dec 2012 #65

Nobody likes being mocked or insulted. I think it's that more than pnwmom Dec 2012 #70

If you believe in mythical sky beings, prepare to be mocked LOL snooper2 Dec 2012 #140

Why do athiests feel threatened by religious people (namely Christians)? nt Skip Intro Dec 2012 #93

Because Christianity has a two thousand year history one can research. Ikonoklast Dec 2012 #146

So, in 2012, athiests fear mobs of Christians will murder them? Skip Intro Dec 2012 #193

Any question prefaced with a "So,..." creates a Straw Man. Ikonoklast Dec 2012 #200

How about a mob Laochtine Dec 2012 #264

Yes, and Stalin was a warm cuddly guy in the name of atheism. (nt) AlexSatan Dec 2012 #220

Reaction to Imperial Rule backed by the Orthodox Church. Ikonoklast Dec 2012 #242

Lots of Atheists used to be involved in the church or even ministry AlexSatan Dec 2012 #247

And you claimed he killed in the name of Atheism. That's not true. Ikonoklast Dec 2012 #249

Didn't you just say AlexSatan Dec 2012 #250

And he did the same to Marxists, supporters of Lenin, and Communist Party members. Ikonoklast Dec 2012 #252

George W. Bush is a Christian, yortsed snacilbuper Dec 2012 #254

Madelyn Murry O'Hair said it well; A HERETIC I AM Dec 2012 #258

I believe you're confusing "threatened" with "annoyed" Union Scribe Dec 2012 #237

It is from that single story that has sprung one of the most destructive forces known to humanity. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #51

Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. Nye Bevan Dec 2012 #61

Good point. randome Dec 2012 #72

"With or without religion, good people can behave well and bad people can do evil..." cleanhippie Dec 2012 #106

Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. white_wolf Dec 2012 #77

And good point. randome Dec 2012 #80

That's my problem with moderate Christianity. white_wolf Dec 2012 #81

I hear you but most do NOT accept the Bible as the word of God. randome Dec 2012 #82

But they DO accept it that way, for exactly the reasons you listed. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #108

Oh bloody hogwash - LTX Dec 2012 #162

You are entitled to your opinion, no matter how wilfully ignorant it may be. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #177

Remarkable - LTX Dec 2012 #178

Maybe not, but only because believers broke the irony meter eons ago. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #180

I don't know why that's relevant to the point, but LTX Dec 2012 #188

I am not very familiar with that. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #191

All depends on your definition of supernatural. LTX Dec 2012 #194

"A cult like devotion where one's family should be cut off if they don't believe." cherokeeprogressive Dec 2012 #102

Scary, isn't it. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #107

Zactly. We differ on which we believe is the worst though... cherokeeprogressive Dec 2012 #111

You just may be right. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #112

I've noticed that too liberal_at_heart Dec 2012 #293

Do we really need to go through the exercise where I rebut you with terrible things from the bible.. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #105

That's all well and good theKed Dec 2012 #151

None of which are original or unique to Christianity jberryhill Dec 2012 #159

You seem to be reversing cause and effect jberryhill Dec 2012 #158

This is traditionally the point where someone brings up the Crusades (nt) Nye Bevan Dec 2012 #166

While ignoring the fact that Damascus was invading Europe before the Crusades pulled them back. ieoeja Dec 2012 #183

There were no wars prior to the Crusades? jberryhill Dec 2012 #184

Organized religion, and especially christianity, has brought more death, destruction, and suffering cleanhippie Dec 2012 #174

How is your point made? jberryhill Dec 2012 #186

that is the most absurd thing I have ever read, other than that billboard nobadeeftw Dec 2012 #320

Greed and nationalism based on imaginary lines on map? LanternWaste Dec 2012 #235

Agreed ^^ nobadeeftw Dec 2012 #321

Lol. Union Scribe Dec 2012 #241

evangelizing atheism! now that's got some irony!! yawnmaster Dec 2012 #17

it's all about freedom of speech. Terra Alta Dec 2012 #22

hmmmm....if the myth is dumped as they ask, they have gained a convert! yawnmaster Dec 2012 #43

Convert to what? cleanhippie Dec 2012 #53

To atheism! there is even an organization and a website! eom yawnmaster Dec 2012 #206

! cleanhippie Dec 2012 #263

Allowed to, sure AlexSatan Dec 2012 #222

Yup. There are fundie atheists, too, pnwmom Dec 2012 #30

Well, if it makes you feel better to tell yourself that... cleanhippie Dec 2012 #54

I think you are a prime example. kwassa Dec 2012 #76

Judge not lest ye be judged? cleanhippie Dec 2012 #109

Hi. Why are you so persistently contentious, belittling and dismissive in any discussion pinto Dec 2012 #86

I know you don't. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #110

Sorry. truebluegreen Dec 2012 #63

Yeah except fundie atheists carry books and microphones. white_wolf Dec 2012 #79

lemme fix that for you theKed Dec 2012 #152

Or you can say evangelizing science... snooper2 Dec 2012 #141

huh?? your point is not clear. plus what is the spirit energy the contains atoms?? eom yawnmaster Dec 2012 #209

Why is that ironic? ieoeja Dec 2012 #185

you see, evangelism is usually equated with religion, yet this billboard is clearly... yawnmaster Dec 2012 #210

All advertising for a cause of some sort is technically evangelism. Bradical79 Dec 2012 #215

definition two below yawnmaster Dec 2012 #239

Fox News didn't like it one bit pokerfan Dec 2012 #18

Are you surprised? Terra Alta Dec 2012 #27

For some people, that's one of the benefits of being a Christian. Mariana Dec 2012 #35

This message was self-deleted by its author Nye Bevan Dec 2012 #67

Atheists wrap Anchorage buses in ads saying "Imagine no religion" Blue_In_AK Dec 2012 #19

I can imagine a world with no religion, and in it... yawnmaster Dec 2012 #48

True, but the less tools for destruction we have at our disposal, the better. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #55

it won't make any difference. The unintended consequences alone are not worth it. eom yawnmaster Dec 2012 #205

why? Enrique Dec 2012 #28

I see no reason to dump the myth theKed Dec 2012 #153

I'm not appalled by religious people believing absurd things. baldguy Dec 2012 #33

Saying Jesus doesn't exist is no more or less offensive RedCappedBandit Dec 2012 #39

This is why I don't call myself an atheist. randome Dec 2012 #52

I say I'm not a theist. Or a deist. Or a skiist. nt valerief Dec 2012 #56

What about a 'bee-ist'? What's not to like about bees? randome Dec 2012 #57

I love me some honeybees! I'm a beeist, for sure. :) valerief Dec 2012 #59

Very mean and militantly hostile for no reason Ter Dec 2012 #64

....or they made a few realize that there is, in fact, no god Taverner Dec 2012 #84

No. No they didn't. What they did do is create cordelia Dec 2012 #95

Those people were already hostile to atheists Warpy Dec 2012 #98

And this badly thought out sign is going to help? cordelia Dec 2012 #132

We can see that it revealed YOUR hostility, so it really was well thought out, wasn't it. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #165

I just object to creating churn where and when it's cordelia Dec 2012 #182

There it is! There is that christian love I hear so much about. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #190

You don't get it Warpy Dec 2012 #246

That hostility already existed. If it did anything, it pulled back the curtain on that hostility. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #164

I don't see how someone who is not hostile toward atheists would suddenly be filled with rage. Bradical79 Dec 2012 #219

Oh, I see AlexSatan Dec 2012 #224

Thing is, logically, if you spell it out, there is no god Taverner Dec 2012 #232

You belief in God or not is irrelevant AlexSatan Dec 2012 #236

I was converted to a composter because of a billboard Taverner Dec 2012 #251

you don't make someone realize there is no God anymore than Christians make people realize liberal_at_heart Dec 2012 #294

I agree. nt Skip Intro Dec 2012 #89

This atheist agrees loyalsister Dec 2012 #104

I'll Tell You Why... WiffenPoof Dec 2012 #120

there is a difference in fighting for you freedoms and trying to eradicate religion liberal_at_heart Dec 2012 #295

Here's one answer to your question Fumesucker Dec 2012 #122

Not seeing the connection to what I was talking about loyalsister Dec 2012 #149

Anything short of utter silence on the part of atheists leads to pain and defensiveness among theist Fumesucker Dec 2012 #161

Jeez loyalsister Dec 2012 #173

You know I've never knowingly met another atheist? Fumesucker Dec 2012 #230

Really? loyalsister Dec 2012 #260

talk to some young people liberal_at_heart Dec 2012 #297

"Their mythology is their business." - If that were the reality of the world, you would have a point cleanhippie Dec 2012 #168

A public she sign is directed at public consumption loyalsister Dec 2012 #201

your post is the best post of the thread liberal_at_heart Dec 2012 #296

Oh gimme a break. backscatter712 Dec 2012 #131

That's fine those fucking idiots are a dying breed... snooper2 Dec 2012 #143

"Very mean and militantly hostile" cleanhippie Dec 2012 #163

You can't see it Union Scribe Dec 2012 #243

Stop it Smalls, you're killing me!!! cleanhippie Dec 2012 #261

Of course, how could we have missed it for so long! It's the atheist's fault. Egalitarian Thug Dec 2012 #302

BTW the Obamas have no less than 54 Christmas Trees (not "Holiday Trees") in the White House, Nye Bevan Dec 2012 #73

Don't tell the religious right that. musical_soul Dec 2012 #94

I have heard right wingers treestar Dec 2012 #310

Well, I guess the 54 Christmas trees could be to throw us off the scent..... Nye Bevan Dec 2012 #313

Whatever. mn9driver Dec 2012 #75

As a christian I have no problem with this board. The locals complaining should spend their time hrmjustin Dec 2012 #78

I wish I could rec this post Marrah_G Dec 2012 #135

Isn't the Crucifixtion more of an Easter thing? Bok_Tukalo Dec 2012 #85

It would, but people view the Nativity scene with such affection that Nye Bevan Dec 2012 #88

There's a parade where I live close to Thanksgiving and Easter. musical_soul Dec 2012 #99

Ermmm.. have you seen where atheists rank in tests of religious knowledge? dmallind Dec 2012 #150

god, protect me from your followers! yortsed snacilbuper Dec 2012 #87

Isn't it funny..... musical_soul Dec 2012 #91

Few adults base their political opinions on a profound belief in Santa Claus Fumesucker Dec 2012 #123

The difference is one is a fairy tale people know is made up, the other fairy tale snooper2 Dec 2012 #144

How many laws have been Laochtine Dec 2012 #267

Is this really the most positive message? SpartanDem Dec 2012 #96

Some group ran that kind of ad on buses Mariana Dec 2012 #100

Oh the horror!! The poor Christians must feel so put-upon. gtar100 Dec 2012 #119

Oh my, how sensitive the fantasy believers are. Egalitarian Thug Dec 2012 #127

Santa is weird choice for the first pic, because Santa is a myth. nt ZombieHorde Dec 2012 #128

Good Evidence That Jesus Was A Myth Created By The Romans cantbeserious Dec 2012 #129

I have no problem with the board but why feed the idiots at FOX? gordianot Dec 2012 #130

Post removed Post removed Dec 2012 #136

Ah, capitalism gollygee Dec 2012 #137

Everyone has "myths," even atheists. Not polite to rub it in people's faces. yellowcanine Dec 2012 #138

Really? Like what? What myths do atheists share? cleanhippie Dec 2012 #170

Not saying atheists share the same myths. How did you get that? yellowcanine Dec 2012 #199

That they're smarter than everyone else, for starters. Union Scribe Dec 2012 #238

The myth is the date, place and holiday. mmonk Dec 2012 #139

What evidence is that? apart from the Bible that is? hobbit709 Dec 2012 #154

Here are some links. Mind you, the historical Jesus was just a person, not a god. mmonk Dec 2012 #179

I tend to lean towards him existing, but the links are pretty worthless on their own. Bradical79 Dec 2012 #231

no evidence what so ever that he was some sort of magical being...... bowens43 Dec 2012 #155

This is true. I did not claim there was. mmonk Dec 2012 #156

The date, place, holiday, miracles, words he supposedly said... Bradical79 Dec 2012 #225

Words that contradict the message or are problematic mmonk Dec 2012 #228

Not sure I understand Bradical79 Dec 2012 #233

The Gospels, letters, etc. have many mmonk Dec 2012 #245

There is? Can you point me to where I might see this ecidence for myself? cleanhippie Dec 2012 #171

Here ya go. Nye Bevan Dec 2012 #181

. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #189

More (actual books as opposed to the internet)...... Nye Bevan Dec 2012 #192

They all use the bible as a source. cleanhippie Dec 2012 #269

Amongst historians, the Bible is considered a valid secondary source.... LanternWaste Dec 2012 #271

I would challenge any historian that used the bible as a valid source to support an assertion cleanhippie Dec 2012 #278

That's a false conclusion nobadeeftw Dec 2012 #328

It's not just bible sources there are Roman historial SpartanDem Dec 2012 #312

Christians will point to the Annals by Tacitus. yortsed snacilbuper Dec 2012 #317

+infinity! cleanhippie Dec 2012 #319

This is why atheists continue to have an image problem. Tommy_Carcetti Dec 2012 #176

Point taken nobadeeftw Dec 2012 #326

So only religious people should advertise their beliefs but atheists should never speak up? Arugula Latte Dec 2012 #333

Score one for the good guys! datasuspect Dec 2012 #187

Do they have one for Hanukkah as well? Or are they afraid of Israel? The Straight Story Dec 2012 #195

Judah Macabee was arguably a violent extremist, but he likely had an objective historical existence. Warren DeMontague Dec 2012 #203

Why? mmonk Dec 2012 #213

I like truth in advertising moobu2 Dec 2012 #196

ZOMG!!! TEH FIEEEENDS! ZOMG O NO Warren DeMontague Dec 2012 #202

The money for that billboard could have gone to the Atheist soup kitchens, AlexSatan Dec 2012 #226

Lol. Union Scribe Dec 2012 #240

There certainly are a lot of people telling me how best to celebrate a holiday... LanternWaste Dec 2012 #234

'atheists' who would bother to spend the money for this aren't really atheists. IOW: "Who cares?" Bill USA Dec 2012 #253

no true scotsman nt Deep13 Dec 2012 #277

It would be nice to define one's own beliefs without dumping on someone elses Matariki Dec 2012 #270

What about church signs that tell us we're going to burn if we don't believe? Arugula Latte Dec 2012 #316

Those are so common, they don't attract much attention. Mariana Dec 2012 #318

Are you five years old? SpartanDem Dec 2012 #322

You know what? I'm nearly 50, and I've been hearing neverending noise about how "GOD IS REAL" Warren DeMontague Dec 2012 #329

I'm just pointing out that there is poutrage over one sign in NYC Arugula Latte Dec 2012 #332

What if somebody put up a billboard saying Santa Claus wasn't real? undeterred Dec 2012 #272

I prefer the Good without God signs liberal_at_heart Dec 2012 #281

Christianity has survived a lot more than silly signs. Zax2me Dec 2012 #298

Too bad that can't be said for so many other religions and their practitioners that xtianity Egalitarian Thug Dec 2012 #307

True nobadeeftw Dec 2012 #325

Right, and no one ever tells them to shut up. Arugula Latte Dec 2012 #334

TEH FIENDS!~!!!! Warren DeMontague Dec 2012 #330

I wonder if Joe McDonald knows about this one? yortsed snacilbuper Dec 2012 #335