Is it hypocritical for an atheist person to participate in what is typically thought of as a religious holiday or activity?
Is it hypocritical to have Santa and a tree and not a savior birth? Is it hypocritical to have just a bunny and chocolate eggs without adoring a zombie? Is it hypocritical to wear a costume and have a party without reading the Scroll of Esther? Is it hypocritical to reflect on our behavior for the previous year on Yom Kippur without asking any gods for forgiveness?
Is it hypocritical to embrace a heritage that includes a religion without claiming that religion as yours?
If you do things like this, do you ever feel sheepish or guilty for it?
Do you have an urge to announce that your participation does not equal acceptance of the religious pieces of it?
If you do things like this, how do you respond to those who accuse you of hypocrisy?
I've had very few problems with any of these things and am wondering if some of us struggle with them. Maybe we can help each other out with suggestions for techniques to deal with it if so.
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Most holidays at least in the western world, are more homages to capitalism than any residual religion. But even if it is something religious I don't think its hypocritical, I have even attended church as an atheist. The great thing about atheism is that it is not a religion so it has no rules or expectations. Make holidays whatever you like.
"Is it hypocritical for an atheist person to participate in what is typically thought of as a religious holiday or activity?"-
No, I enjoy some holiday ceremonies as much as theists, especially Xmas parties, handing out gifts to kids, and the old Rankin/Bass Xmas cartoons. Good fun is just good fun as long as you are not being forced to participate in the fun. It's the same for religious art. Some calls to prayer (Islam) are astounding vocal pieces of art. Although I'm an atheist, I still can see the beauty of the man made art and ignore the bollocks religion behind it.
Of course not, theists may have their own reasons on why they celebrate specific holidays, but I celebrate holidays in order to have a good time with my family.