Haha, My Liberal cousin sent out this email about Christmas

[guitar man]

I have a second cousin who is an unapologetic liberal and heartfelt Christian. She just sent this email out to the whole family, even the RW extremists. I bet it has some of them stewing in their own juices! :rofl:

Letter from Jesus about Christmas --

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.


How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.

Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.

Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1 - 8.*

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.

2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.

3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up.... It will be nice hearing from you again.

4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.

5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.

6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.

7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families

8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.

9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.

10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.

Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember :

I LOVE YOU,
JESUS

[dysfunctional press]

1. blasphemy!

is how a lot of fundoids will see it.

[azmouse]

2. I love it!!!

:)

[classof56]

3. Excellent! Kudos to your cousin.

And thanks to you for posting!

Blessings.

[kiapolo]

4. Great letter...

Even better message...

Helps remind everyone of the true meaning of Christmas...

[lapislzi]

5. Heck, I'm an atheist, and even I have to rec this! n/t

[Laura902]

9. me too

and definitely made my day a little happier!:)

[LeftishBrit]

22. And me!

[Romis]

52. Same here

[Sal316]

6. Beautiful...

...truly beautiful.

[liberalmuse]

7. Another rec from an atheist.

That's awesome!

[intheflow]

8. I can suppor tmost of this except #8.

Fuck the missionaries! People in other countries have their own faiths, they don't need Christianity crammed down their throats. Missionaries have led the charge in oppression, cultural eradication and appropriation, and genocide--all in the name of Christ. I don't think Jesus cares, really, who or what the people of Earth believe, just that they treat each other with compassion and kindness. Historically speaking, missionaries have not done that.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

13. Agree with you, intheflow - n/t

[gratuitous]

15. Missionaries had and have a far different function

Yes, there were indeed many who crammed things down other people's throats. But the folks I know in the mission field are more likely to be building schools of general instruction or digging wells or teaching sustainable farming and animal husbandry techniques than cramming things down people's throats. They're dedicated professionals working for very little money to go places and do things that government agencies and non-governmental organizations (e.g., the Red Cross) can't or won't do for various reasons.

[intheflow]

23. Most missions worldwide

do provide some good community services, but at what price? Very few just go into remote communities and do not also try to convert "the heathen" alongside the good works they perform. If you're they're with a religious organization, there's some kind of conversion agenda. That's not to say individuals don't go off to remote places on personal spiritual missions, but as someone who was a volunteer coordinator with a left-wing, non-denominational religious organization on the Gulf Coast after Katrina, I can tell you my mission was both to put volunteers to work rebuilding and also to grow membership in the local church.

[Lorien]

30. Agreed. My mother is a missionary, and the places she goes to have

certainly heard of Jesus-there's pretty much no one on earth who hasn't. The message she preaches isn't one of love but one of fear, misogyny and judgment. She helps create more fearful, intolerant, and ignorant soldiers for her church. It does no one any good.

[Jackpine Radical]

43. That pretty much says it for me.

[KBlagburn]

44. I must interject here...........

You cannot and must not lump all missionaries or all mission goals into the same pile. My sister was a missionary in a remote area of Kenya for most of the 60's and the early 70's. She was a nurse in a very small rural hospital. She cared for the elderly and the very young. She helped save many lives. While she was supported by our local church, she let her actions speak for her. She gave them love and the care the would not have known otherwise. While she understood her inherent mission was to spread the "word", it was not her priority. Her priority was thier physical health and well being, and through that work, they understood that God loved them and sent someone to care for them. She never crammed anything down anyones throats. She let her actions do all the talking. Which is what true Christianity is all about.

[intheflow]

47. Please see my post #23:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=7224791&mesg_id=7226954

[mrbarber]

50. The poster addressed everything in that post.

And he's right, stop lumping all missionaries together. My fiancee's mother and father did missionary work in South America, helping to build schools and such. And there Quakers, so no preaching.

[intheflow]

57. Yeah, and I was a UU minister.

So please don't tell me what the agenda of religious organizations are. I know far too well.

[supernova]

10. Wonderful and

it made me :cry:

:D

KnR!

[NikolaC]

11. K&R

That's a wonderful letter. Thanks for sharing it.

[guitar man]

12. thanks everybody

for all the k&r's and great commentary :hi:

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

14. K&R, coz a real Jesus like that would be trés cool. -nt

[Soylent Brice]

16. i don't know. i have a feeling Jesus would like something cool for his birthday

like a a real lightsaber.

i know i would.



K&R

[amb123]

17. NowTHIS is the Jesus I know!

:applause:

[rd_kent]

18. As an atheist, THESE are the words from Jesus I can support.

[zeemike]

54. Then that makes you a christian atheist.

Or an atheist christian....eather way it's OK.
Because those ARE the values that are written in the bible, and no where in it does he contradict any of them.

[HuckleB]

19. Fantastic!

[Nye Bevan]

20. Before writing us a letter about Nativity scenes on public property

perhaps he should write a letter (from both him and His Dad) emphasizing that "Thou Shalt Not Kill" means exactly that, with no exceptions for Jihadis, killing of infidels, murdering abortion doctors, striking a blow against the "Great Satan", etc. When people stop committing murder in his and his Father's name, then he can move on to issues like whether people should say "Christmas Tree" or "Holiday Tree".

[Hekate]

29. Uh, did you actually read it all the way through? The author says put a Creche on you lawn...

... and stop stressing about Nativity scenes on public property. Quote: "If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town."

As for the rest -- maybe you should write a letter too. There's always room for another.

Hekate

[Vickers]

21. Another godless-heathen Rec. n/t

[Mithreal]

24. Excellent

[AnneD]

25. Another recommendation from a liberal Christian......

this is the Christ I know. Will share with my friends.

[Raine]

26. TOTALLY on point! nt

:thumbsup:

[earth mom]

27. No doubt Fundie heads are exploiding! nt

[Hekate]

28. Dang, that brings a tear to my eye. Thank your cousin for me, the Unitarian.

:hug:

Hekate

[edogawa]

31. This is Wonderful.

As a secular Buddhist/Shinto I admit I do not understand the passions of Christians and frankly, there is little difference, from outside looking in, between Christians, muslims, Jews, or Hindus or any religion. Just today I was sent this: by a friend who is christian, but I not understand why some are so upset. It seems to me that non-religion is treated as an offense of some kind.

[earcandle]

32. Enjoying a myth is a leisurely past-time, employing a ghost for war efforts and hate campaigns

is simply insane.  

I think any intelligent person puts Jesus, and any other
imaginary or heroic dead archetype, amusingly into the
category of applicable myth and allegory. As such, one can
imagine the best for all, and won't let contrariness or
disbelief interfere with family, community or planetary
efforts to get along.  If we could only move out of the
judgment phase of being human, we could probably end family
feuds and the necessity of war.  May we see peace on earth and
forget the heavens for a while this Christmas?  Consideration
of the mythologies that people use to refuse responsibility
for their murderous actions only cause us problems in the long
run.   Give it up already.  Just be ethical, logical and
passionate about what you do and say and we'll be just fine. 
We don't need all of these fantasies to grow up.  We just need
to grow up.  

Frankly, I have not seen any love coming from Christ, or the
churches that molest boys, attain wealth and run guns from
your donations.  Have you?  Can anyone show me some evidence
of anything good that has come out of the church besides
language about being good?  And can you point to any good that
has done?  Anyone?  

I am sick of drivel as the quality of our lives hurl toward
absense a al Jean Genet.  I'd rather be an existentialist and
not get involved.  I just learned that even Mother Theresa was
a front for C Street family crap.  What a bummer. 

[Skelly]

48. Well,this brought a smile to my face...

First I read...
"Enjoying a myth is a leisurely past-time, employing a ghost for war efforts and hate campaigns
is simply insane. I think any intelligent person puts Jesus, and any other
imaginary or heroic dead archetype, amusingly into the
category of applicable myth and allegory."

And two sentences later...
"If we could only move out of the judgment phase of being human, we could probably end family feuds and the necessity of war."

Having just judged many of us here, and most of the world as "insane" and unintelligent, I can understand your desire to not to get involved.

[earcandle]

59. arrogance is the fear of being judged and found wanting

And religion seems to be the final say on morality, and who is
good and who is bad.

I think it is insane.  If people here really believe that
crap, I am shocked and 
mostly think you just want to belong, and you don't believe
this at all. You are too
intelligent, but not so dumb to be ostracized for your
beliefs, or thoughts, or pov. 
To me, that is hypocrisy.

[Skelly]

61. Each individual

has the final say on morality, on who is good or bad. Some base it on their religion (what ever form that may take), others base it on another set of beliefs.

Acting on those beliefs (where ever they stem from)can result in "life" (helping someone in need, for instance) or "death" (judging, belittling, or harming another because they don't believe the same, again, for instance). This happens with or without religion being involved. And it is my opinion, when religion IS involved, it is really a skewed perspective of that religion, not the religion itself. To me, THAT is hypocrisy.

[earcandle]

62. I am not sure what you said, but it sounds like you believe it, so go to!

You don't deny that religion causes war and manages the
selection processes that determine the victims, do you?  
In the guise of governments... or are religious institutions a
cover story for their participation and justification of just
wanting to steal other countries stuff. and throw in a little
rape, plunder and pillage cause they can?

Was it the churches that funneled the money for all these
mercenary groups peddled by C street gang?  

Can you speak to my anger?  And like a good christian forgive
me my heathen ways and try to help me to understand?  Or like
any good hypocrite try to put me down rather than answer the
questions that are inevitable if we are struggling for the
survival of intelligence on this planet, which I am committed
to totally?  But maybe you are not committed to what I am
committed to, but committed to your god?

I used to love "God", and still call on the concept,
but believe me, my gullibility was rancid and needed repair,
which I got through a good education and some hard times. 
Maybe you are set for life?  Good for you, but if you are
going to declare being a religious person, you need to
practice compassion and forgiveness if your beliefs follow
Christ, not old testament.  


But forgive me for intruding altogether on this post.  I am
getting pissy and impatient and old.  There, please allow me
to make amends.  Do I say ten hail marys and two lords prayers
or what?   

[Skelly]

63. You are asking the wrong person

when it comes to hail mary's and our fathers.
Other than that, let me see if I can answer some of questions (whether or not you were really seeking answers....I am sort of a literal person, ask me a question, I'll try to answer).

Yes, I believe religion causes war. From the crusades (and actually before) to 9/11. But that is like saying drinking alcohol leads to pregnancy. It is the MISUSE of alcohol, that CAN lead to pregnancy. It is the ABUSE of religion that CAN lead to war.

As far as churches and the C street gang, I have no idea. Sorry. Not even an opinion on that one. Pleading total ignorance here. Would definitely look into it more if you give me some direction.

I understand your anger. I feel it too, perhaps even more so because I see 'believers' that do harm. That isn't what my God would do. How can they justify what they do in "the name of God" when all their actions show hatred? I don't understand. I don't pretend to understand. I can only act on what I know, what God has shown me. I can only answer for myself. God has given me a brain to use. It doesn't make sense to harm (physically, emotionally, mentally) another. Have we not learned from the Hatfields and McCoys? Has no one ever played the original Prince of Persia game where to win, you can not fight your shadow but lay down your sword? (my pitiful attempt at a little levity, but the principle remains).

And I would be the last person to refer to myself as a "religious person". Do I have a personal relationship with Jesus/God? Call me delusional (and many would), but yeah, I do. Am I "set for life"? Well, that would depend on what you mean. Financially? Hell no. I am not going hungry (like many are). I have a home (it is really a boat, but that is my choice). I doubt I will ever be able to 'retire' like the generation before. But I live with the love of my life (of 27 years), who happens to be my best friend. My children are healthy and happy adults. I do what I can, when I can, to make life easier for others. I am happy. So, I guess I am "set for life", at least by my standards (though probably not by other's standards).

But I still believe. My initial response to the OP was, "well, duh". Is this not the way it should be? Why are so many responding to this like it is something that isn't well known? Am I so secluded in my own little universe that this isn't the Jesus that everyone knows? Do people really think that Christianity is represented by only those who are seen spewing forth hate? I understand that the Muslim world is not represented by those responsible for 9/11. Can not others see that Christianity is not represented by those on the far right?

I am a liberal. I am a democrat. I am a progressive. I am a Christian. I am an American. I am all of those. And if you care for, love, or even have reverence for others, then I don't care if you are any or none of those labels. And if you (and I am speaking of a universal 'you', not you personally since I don't really know you personally) do not care for others, then I can only be kind and wish you peace, because, well, your life probably sucks big time. Karma is a bitch.

[earcandle]

64. That's also a Hindu concept, not a Christian one (Karma).. but I really feel you in this post and I

honor and thank you for representing what a Christian would be
like if there were any really represented as such.

Really, are you slacktivist reader?  (my husband asks). .... 
Its a Christian Blog he links to because the guy is a wise and
smart writer.  SO are you.  I really thank you for the post
and have completely forget any issues at all.  Good to meet
you.

[Skelly]

65. Karma

is the Hindu word for the same concept in Christianity, "you reap what you sow". I use Karma because it is more concise.

Never heard of slactivist. Will definitely look into though. (I've been called a 'slacker' before; though I prefer the phrase "work smart, not hard") :)

Thank you for your kind words, but I have found I am really quite average in most of my life. So, I have to base the following assumption on that premise: There are many more of me than the more vocal elements of what most see as "Christians". It is sometimes hard for others to just get past the label. Perhaps we are sort of like that hoped for "new car". Ever discover a new make/model of a car? You see one for the first time and go "wow, cool". Then, for the next week you tend to see that car all over the place? (I am currently secretly lusting after a Jeep; tis why the analogy came to mind).

[Skelly]

67. Oh dear

I just did some quick googling on "slacktivist" and "slacktism". It doesn't sound like something one should aspire to, more like something to avoid. However, I did find the slacktivist blog that WAS very interesting (at least the few posts I read). Have added it to my bookmarks to keep lurking for awhile.

[earcandle]

68. Cool! Yea we were referring to the blog, not the definition of the words.

Glad it is of interest.  I should go check it out myself. 

[mrbarber]

51. Google "Religious charities".

That should answer that question.

Oh, and not being condescending towards religious folks and their beliefs would help also.

[earcandle]

60. charities are a great front for gun running, huh?

[southernyankeebelle]

33. Hey Jesus, pretty nice but how come you don't tell these fools you weren't born

at christmas time and the christmas tree or holiday tree or whatever you want to call it was really a pagan tradition. Just wondering Jesus. Your people have sure slipped off their high horse. Greed has replace the almighty Jesus. Sad that most people don't care and have even given up on the church. Yes we believe in you but not organized religion any longer. Some how the religious leaders think its more important to use our contributions to fight anti this or anti that. There is no money to really help the poor. But thanks for your wisdom. Maybe someone will take it in.

[happygoluckytoyou]

34. SALVATION ARMY... better to buy a gift and pass it to an undocumented worker---S.A. WON'T

salvation army is requiring USA documentation to hand kids a gift, because F anyone who isn't documented..... oh wait... Christmas....

[treestar]

35. That is great!

Someone who gets where they really should be coming from.

[Mad_Dem_X]

36. SUPERB!

I'm sure all of us here on DU know at least *one* person they could send this to!

[Kalyke]

37. Fantastic.

K and R!!

[Fire1]

38. Amen. n/t

[jschurchin]

39. Brother, that is a beautiful letter.

Now it's making it's way to my friends. Perhaps, we could all copy and paste it to our contacts and get it viral.

Thanks,
John

[Obamanaut]

40. I am a non-believer, and this is good, common sense stuff. Rec and N/T

[Arugula Latte]

41. So now Jesus made trees?

:crazy:

Religious people sure have to stretch their imaginations, huh?

Oh, well, if it pisses off some fundies I'm all for it, except for the part about supporting missionaries. A pox on missionaries. People in other lands don't need this silly Jesus mythology.

[skippy911sc]

42. I sent this one to

My pastor. I thought he would really appreciate a positive email for once.

[Unca Jim]

45. Anti-religion knee-jerkers are missing the point...

This letter is meant for believers.

I understand that *you* don't like and/or believe in christianity, but this isn't about *you*. It's about making people who profess to be christian really think about what that means during the holidays.

If an atheist organization put out a motivational tract encouraging good behavior, it would be just as ridiculous for non-atheists to critique it based on theology.


Most of the atheists who read the post understood that. Why didn't you?

[guitar man]

56. Exactly

Spot on. And if the fundie nuts are going to choke on it it has to be written from the pov of a believer or they'll just regard it as atheist garbage. But they can't do that with this, it baits them in then ensnares them and beats them to death with the thoughts and words of the one they claim to follow and worship. Very clever IMO.

[blondeatlast]

46. Amen to that! nt

[AspenRose]

49. I am so stealing this.

:thumbsup:

[zeemike]

53. Fucking brilliant.

Warning;
I am going to steal that letter.

[The_Commonist]

55. Yet another athiest rec.

"One thing I'll say for him, Jesus is cool..."

[we can do it]

58. kick for much needed comedy

[deaniac21]

66. Tried to read but am easily bored.