Santa Claus and Lying to Children

[thephnxman]

Originally Posted by deacon blues

I think Santa is an anti-Jesus.

Who is the antichrist...?

"...as you have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many
antichrists...Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is
antichrist, that denies the Father and the Son."

Or have we not fully understood: "For there is none other NAME...",
by which we may receive THE gift?

[mfblume]

That's it!!!! Finally Revelation ununderstood. It's all about how bad Christmas is!

[Jermyn Davidson]

Growing up, we were never taught about satan claws from home. We knew December 25 was the day we celebrated Jesus' birthday and I do remember for a time as child not realizing that Jesus wasn't actually born on December 25.

My parents were adamant about ensuring that we never believed in satan claws. We didn't celebrate Easter with bunnies and eggs (we did for a couple years but stopped when I was about 7). We didn't participate in Halloween at all. We didn't go to dances and movie theaters at all. We didn't bring worldly music into the house openly at all. All of these issues are connected to me, based on the way I was raised and when I am a family man, it is likely that my family will be raised in the same manner.

The myth of santa claus adds nothing of value to the Christian's celebration of the birth of the Savior of the world.

[Jason B]

Originally Posted by votivesoul

No complaints from me. We have intentionally told our children that Santa Claus isn't real, that he's just a story made up for Christmas time. I am sure the Holy Spirit would indict us if we lied to our children, otherwise.

Additionally, we make no practice of including the myth of Santa Claus as part of our holiday traditions.

Same here. For the single and simple reason, I want my children to know that it is God who they should obey and glorify (and who watches over them).

I don't want "Santa" being their motivation for being "good" throughout the year.

I think the Santa myth really displaces God in the heart of children. Santa is watching them all year, his name is dropped when a child misbehaves. He is said to see you when you're sleeping and know when you're awake. I just see too many theological problems to start a kid off on that. Plus the very real possibility that at some point the kid says Santa Claus is a myth.....so is God. Which although doesn't happen for many children, yet certainly some DO arrive at that conclusion by adulthood.

I'm not anti Santa (I allow my kids to watch movies with Santa, or even use decor with Santa), but they've known he's make believe like Frosty and Rudolph.

PS, Deacon, did you mention Nicholas punched Arius in the face?

[shazeep]

You bring up a good point; that SC ends up being training for peoples' views about God. I think that is much more prevalent than we would like to admit, evidenced by many who pray to God as SC, the rise of Prosperity gospel, etc.

Originally Posted by deacon blues

When I finished the sermon I soon made the discovery that several people were highly upset.

that's when you know you are doing it right!

[shag]

http://www.bereanresearchinstitute.c...nta_Claus.html




Our God is a jealous God, we choose to avoid mixed messages...

[Aquila]

This is what I taught my kids, even allowed them to watch this video (attached). The fact of the matter is that "Santa" is a distinctly historic Christian tradition. Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I submit to you, St. Nicolas...

(There is even some evidence that Nicolas might have been a Modalist if you dig for it.)

[shazeep]

nice!

[Aquila]

Yes, giving gifts in the name of "Santa Claus" (Dutch for St. Nicolas) is a distinctly Christian tradition focused anonymous giving.

[shazeep]

to those in need, yes. Toys for children, not so much!