By media, mass entertainment and retail practices, the celebration of Christmas is no longer just for Christians. This has some implications for both religious and non-religious people.
In popular culture and media, Christmas is portrayed as a time of happiness, togetherness, generosity and peace. is the standard.
Whether it’s the rekindling of a long-lost love or the reconciliation between families after a long and painful dispute, viewers are left with a sort of Comes to believe that the “magic” of the “holiday season” is at work.
Many people believe, overtly or implicitly, that Christmas and the celebrations associated with it bring joy, peace, happiness and togetherness.
In my research in a field called public theology, I study such “beliefs” to find out where such “beliefs” come from, why people hold them, and how they are socially and politically influenced. , we are trying to understand how it affects our economic lives.
I call these “secular beliefs” to distinguish them from traditional “religious beliefs.” Secular beliefs are either not formally tied to a religion or have become detached from a particular religion over time. In this sense, Christmas has come to embody a kind of ‘worldly spirituality’. It has much more in common with the dominant symbols and aspirations of our time (leisure, entertainment, social control, consumption, etc.) than it does with religious roots.
Understanding Christmas Christmas, as its name suggests, is tied to the birth of Jesus Christ. As a professor of theology, I have often jokingly said, “Christ is not the surname of Jesus.” The word “Christ” comes from the Greek Χρίστος (Christos), the Greek translation of the Hebrew word “savior”. To the Jews, and later to Christians (those named after their Messiah, Christ Jesus), the Messiah is God’s promised deliverer, freeing God’s people from their oppressors and liberating them. He was a king who led peace and prosperity.
Christians believe that Jesus is the promised Messiah (according to biblical passages such as Isaiah 9:6-7, John 4:25, Acts 2:38). He came to preach a message of love, peace and anti-materialism.
Early in the history of Christianity, Christians began celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ (The Promised Liberator) in a special service that became known as the “Mass” after the Latin word for Mass. Thus, these two words of his combined later into his single word Christmas. This is a celebration of liberation, peace and joy through the Messiah.
Presented in these terms, it’s not surprising to ask what modern representations of Christmas (especially in the Western world) have to do with the celebration of Jesus Christ. Santa Claus, snowman and reindeer seem to have replaced Jesus and his disciples.
Instead of focusing on messianic liberation and anti-materialism, Christmas focuses on parties, family gatherings, and gifts. Transformed into a thing, and from a god into a human self.
Research shows that there are seven main activities and experiences that accompany the modern Christmas holiday. Spending time with family Participating in religious activities Maintaining cultural, national or family traditions (such as decorating a Christmas tree) Buying gifts for others Receiving gifts from others Other people (e.g. local charities) enjoying the sensual side of the holiday (good food and drink, rest, relaxation, etc.)
But the same research shows that for many, these “peaceful” or “fun” expectations are not being met. Christmas is no longer a time of joy, generosity, family unity and rest.
Rather, modern expectations of a festive “season” such as gifts, travel, and expenses associated with celebrations (work functions, family gatherings, community events, etc.) lead to frustration, stress, conflict, and disappointment. There is a possibility. Moreover, the burden on women is often much higher than on men. Women are often expected to arrange gatherings, buy gifts, prepare meals, clean up aftermath, and keep the peace.
Rekindling the True Spirit of Christmas So, given these realities, how can you rediscover the ‘true’, or at least the historical ‘spirit’ of Christmas this year (if you’re religious? regardless of whether). Here are some suggestions based on sociological research.
First, social and psychological research shows that people report a much greater sense of ‘happiness’ in general, and also at Christmas. When focusing on the material aspects of the season, “decreased well-being” has been reported. Additionally, research has shown that religious people who actively participate in religious gatherings tend to experience Christmas more positively, and that their expectations are generally met. .
Therefore, whether you are a Christian or have a secular spirituality, use your money and time responsibly, and by choosing positive consumption practices, you can make the message of Christ’s Mass historically meaningful. It may be wise to regain some of that “spirit”. , aims to foster good relationships with family, friends and colleagues.
Also, pay close attention to the gender division of labor and responsibility. By doing so, you may have a happier Christmas.
(This article is not edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
