Most 'do not believe in nativity'

papa smurf · 20-12-2008, 10:37

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7793106.stm

what are your thoughts on the matter, the survey says most don't believe.

**Maggy J** · 20-12-2008, 10:51

I'd be interested on the average age of the 1000 sample used in the survey.

I suspect those of my generation will have a belief based on the history of the time as well as a Christian based religious education in the 50's/60's.Mind I did obtain an RE O'level and the RE prize in year 11.

Even as an atheist I know that Jesus existed because there is historical evidence that he did.

The trouble is that in the present time History in schools does not concentrate on that particular time in world history.In fact the present generations probably know more about WW1 and WW11 than anything further back than the industrial revolution.

I remember doing Bronze age history as well as Roman history but all the pre Roman stuff has completely disappeared off the syllabus and even Roman history has been reduced in content.

So if the average age was less than say 20-25 I would not be surprised at the findings.

**Hugh** · 20-12-2008, 12:10

There is a link on the same page which may explain the findings, from a story in the previous year.
"More than a quarter of adults in Britain do not know where Jesus was born, a survey has suggested.

The poll found that 27% of people were unable to identify Bethlehem as his birthplace, rising to 36% of people aged between 18 and 24. The poll, for public theology think tank Theos, also found 27% did not know who told Mary she would have a son. "

And, as with all surveys, it depends how the question was worded, as the findings state "Of 1,000 people questioned, 70% doubted the account".

There would be, I am sure, different answers to these questions -

a) do you believe that someone called Jesus was born in Nazareth 2000 years ago, who went on to found the religion of Christianity?
b) do you believe a baby was born 2000 years ago, surrounded by a host of angels, and visited by 3 wise men?

Xaccers · 20-12-2008, 12:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by foreverwar

There would be, I am sure, different answers to these questions -

a) do you believe that someone called Jesus was born in Nazareth 2000 years ago, who went on to found the religion of Christianity?
b) do you believe a baby was born 2000 years ago, surrounded by a host of angels, and visited by 3 wise men?

[pedant]Bethlehem not Nazareth[/pedant]

Also, question a) doesn't relate to the nativity or belief in it, but in the birth of the instigator of a jewish sect.

**Hugh** · 20-12-2008, 12:40

My bad, re geographical disparities.

punky · 20-12-2008, 13:02

I do find it funny how many non-religious people celebrate Christmas. I get a lot of stick being religious, but I find it funny the same people suddenly convert for the day. I wonder how many athiests or agnostics actually do send/receive no presents, no Christmas dinner, etc.

**Maggy J** · 20-12-2008, 13:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by punky

I do find it funny how many non-religious people celebrate Christmas. I get a lot of stick being religious, but I find it funny the same people suddenly convert for the day. I wonder how many athiests or agnostics actually do send/receive no presents, no Christmas dinner, etc.

Who says we are all celebrating Christmas?Maybe we are just sticking with the original midwinter feast the Christian church 'stole' from the Pagans...

icestar2 · 20-12-2008, 13:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by punky

I do find it funny how many non-religious people celebrate Christmas. I get a lot of stick being religious, but I find it funny the same people suddenly convert for the day. I wonder how many athiests or agnostics actually do send/receive no presents, no Christmas dinner, etc.

Christmas for me is about enjoying the relaxed atmosphere eating good food in the good campany of family and friends and getting a little merry.

For me its not really about the religious part of christams however I do respect the people for who it is about this. I just dont believe that thats all christmas is about.

Hope thats not off topic

**Hugh** · 20-12-2008, 13:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by icestar2

Christmas for me is about enjoying the relaxed atmosphere eating good food in the good campany of family and friends and getting a little merry.

For me its not really about the religious part of christams however I do respect the people for who it is about this. I just dont believe that thats all christmas is about.

Hope thats not off topic

Not knocking you, ice, but the word Christmas comes from "Christ's Mass", so really it couldn't be any more about the religious part of it, imho.

20-12-2008, 13:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maggy J

Who says we are all celebrating Christmas?Maybe we are just sticking with the original midwinter feast the Christian church 'stole' from the Pagans...

Actually the Romans used to Celebrate Saturnalia between the 17th and the 25th which was quite a nasty festival ending with the brutal murder of an innocent. When the Romans decided to become christian they themselves used this date for the new festival

icestar2 · 20-12-2008, 14:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by foreverwar

Not knocking you, ice, but the word Christmas comes from "Christ's Mass", so really it couldn't be any more about the religious part of it, imho.

Fair point. Maybe I should of said this time of year then rather than Christmas.

20-12-2008, 15:13

I accept The Truth.

**Hugh** · 20-12-2008, 15:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by NEONKNIGHT

I accept The Truth.

Veritas est adaequatio rei et intellectus

idi banashapan · 20-12-2008, 15:32

i find it a little difficult to accept 2000 years of chinese whispers as the truth. not to say there isn't some truth in it maybe, but excusing the pun, I wouldn't take it as gospel.

20-12-2008, 15:46

Christmas is just a rest day from spending. It gives the businesses time to count their profits.

Amen.