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A group of German Catholics wants to do away with Santa Claus because of the fictional figure’s commercial hype and replace him with St Nicolas and the selfless giving they say he represents.
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The organization sees Santa as “an invention of the advertising industry designed to boost sales” and as “a representative of consumer society” who has little to do with the historical figure of St Nicolas.
Its website describes Nicolas, the patron saint of children, as “a helper in need who reminds us to be kind, to think of our neighbors, and to give the gift of happiness.”
via German Catholics want Santa-free Christmas – World news – Europe – msnbc.com.
Well, good for them!
Joel Landon Watts is a Masters of Theological Studies student with a focus in Mimetic Criticism of the Gospel of Mark. His interests include exploring the role of mimesis in human civilization, specifically in the study of religion and media, as well as science fiction and the way in which it has allowed mythology to be explored in light of scientific ideals of the past century. Currently, he is a TA for Old Testament at United Theological Seminary under Dr. Vivian Johnson, Associate Professor of Old Testament. His first book, Rhetorical Strategies of the Evangelist: Mimetic Criticism of the Gospel of Mark, is expected to be published by Wipf and Stock early next year. He is currently co-editing a book on moving from Fear to Faith (Energion, 2013).
At the very least, Santa’s the only even moderately verifiable aspect of the holiday.
Christmas has definitely gotten hyper-commercialized, but such is the magical power of capitalism…
German Catholics want Santa-free Christmas and who doesn't? #tcot #christianity #god- http://tinyurl.com/2772g87
Hurray! I agree!
Well done, the Catholics! (Sorry, Newtaste!)