On Tribes, Ethics, and Enemies
Hosts
The Monstrous Crew
Description
We know we've been on a bit of a hiatus. Y'all may have noticed that there's been a lot going on! Plus, we have all been busy working hard at our various callings. But we still have a lot to say, and you are not going to want to miss this one.
Join Monstrous Host Elisabeth for a compelling discussion on tribalism: what it is, how it impacts Christian discourse and behavior, and what its implications in a "culture war".
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Transcript
A thrill of hope… the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. That, my friends, is a line from a Christmas hymn, celebrating the incarnation of Jesus Christ, our savior. On its surface, it sounds like a song of praise to the one true God, but when we sing it could we be accidentally worshiping pagan gods? I’m Kate Robinson, and you’re listening to the Monstrous Regiment.My friends, it’s the most wonderful time of the year. A time for warmth, generosity, worship, love, and raging battles in Christendom. When it comes to Christmas, there are two fronts on which these battles are usually fought: one the one hand, a host of conservative Christians triggered by greetings of underpaid Wal-Mart employees, are loudly demanding that the world “put the Christ back in Christmas”, and standing strong against the “Liberal war on Christmas”. In other circles, Christians are urging each other not to celebrate Christmas at all, citing its “pagan roots” and declaring Christmas trees to be idols lifted up to pagan gods.The second is the one we’ll be focusing on today.Interestingly, opposition to Christmas from both sides — from Christians because it’s too pagan, and from atheists because it’s too Christian — has been ongoing for literally centuries. Puritans in England and New England even banned its celebration for a period of time in the 18th century, resulting in widespread pro-Christmas riots that included rioters decorating doors with holly. That’s not important, I just think it’s interesting. If you’re going to have rioters at your door, it’s nice of them to leave it decorated (see Lords of Misrule: The Puritan War on Christmas). Exploring the Pagan Roots of ChristmasI first encountered the idea that Christians should abandon the celebration of Christmas and a shocking expose of its pagan origins in my early 20s. Being sincere in my desire to honor Christ, I was immediately alarmed. Had I been dishonoring him my whole life? What were the implications of that? Was my resistance to this revelation simply a selfish desire to indulge in worldly pleasantries? I’m sure a lot of people who adhere to the “Christmas is pagan” ideologies have experienced similar thoughts, especially the last. There can be a tendency in the journey to die to ourselves and put to death the flesh, to become afraid that anything we hope is not true, must in fact be true, and it must be our sinful nature resisting it. Of course our flesh does often resist the commands of the Lord,
