A controversial Christmas card reading “O come all ye faithless” has been strongly criticized by Christians as an “ill judged and insensitive joke.” Borders book stores began giving away the card free with every copy of Richard Dawkins’ well known atheist work, The God Delusion, this Christmas.
The Rev. Jonathan Edwards, general secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain. said the idea was “crass.”
“I am quite sure that Borders intended their Christmas card as a joke. However, I personally find it an ill-judged and insensitive joke,” he said, as reported by Baptist Times.
He continued, “Christians have always been used to being punch bags but I would have hoped that, in a society in which we are seeking to show respect to all people and beliefs, we might have grown out of this kind of nonsense.”
He was supported by Justin Thacker, head of theology at the Evangelical Alliance, who said, “It won't surprise me if this spectacularly fails. Christmas still holds a high place in people's hearts - I think a lot of people will be offended by it."
Borders has responded to the criticism by issuing a statement which said it “did not intend it as anti-Christian or a swipe at the Christian faith,” and said that it “apologizes to any of our customers who feel it was that,” according to Baptist Times.
The book store described the card as a “continuation” of the debate on atheism that had come as result of the book, which was a bestseller for Borders this year.
“Our customers are intelligent, curious people who enjoy exploring all types of books and music. Naturally, some of the thousands of books and music selections we carry could be considered controversial or objectionable depending on individual views, tastes and interest,” Borders said in a statement.
"However, Borders stands by its commitment to let customers make the choice.”
The Evangelical Alliance's Thacker noted, “I think the atheists will love it because it's bashing Christians around the head. It's another thing to take a Christian festival and abuse it.
"Borders wouldn't do this to any other religious festival. Borders [has] made a strategic mistake and Christians will boycott it.”
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How in the world a jab at atheists, become an attack on Christians? I have to believe Jesus got a chuckle out of that bit of satire and perplexed why so many of His followers "didn't get it". I wouldn't be surprised if most Atheists "got it" and shrugged it off, not worth sweating.
And God's plan is even better than that! That anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. And that anyone who is saved (regardless of their affiliation) who surrenders themselves to Him...them He will use and bless. I like that plan better than one that says that I have to go to a particular church. Because it's the truth. And that's God's plan. For centuries the RCC has been trying to shut up the protestants, usurp them, woo them, discredit them, slander them...and never came close to destroying them. Protestants may be "divided" but they have endured...and will endure until Jesus comes back for us.
You are correct, good WILL triumph.
The Masons Guild in Europe during the 1800's had a one-hundred year plan in which they believed they could eliminate catholicism in Europe. They killed nuns and priests, they burned schools, they closed churches. They almost won. Yes, they had a very good plan. But Mary had a plan too. And guess what. Hers was better.
Let Borders and the likes of them have their fun while they can, we'll have the last laugh won't we?
Merry Christmas everyone!
OK, I'm a latecomer to this issue. Read the article. Read the posts. A little confused. Here's my take:
Take this opportunity to think of one nasty, tasteless thought of the person of your choice. It, of course, would depend entirely on your personal background, so said person could be GW, Hillary, Osama (your choice), the Pope, Dawkins (either one), whomever. Think very hard about how witty this would sound in certain (but surely, not all) circles. Have something mean, vicious, and demeaning?
[INSERT MORONIC TASTELESS IDEA HERE]
Now, turn this novel thought into a card for the occasion. But while doing so, try to understand the mindset of a business that creates such greeting cards for a means of making a living. Imagine, an occupation that thrives by the generation of ill-will, insults, and satiric wit that targets one group to become the butt of society's jokes.
I find it runs counter to a season that propmotes peace on earth, goodwill toward men. Don't you?
I'm Christian but I'm not offended at all. I wouldn't buy the book or the card, but those that would probably do fall into the faithless category. Seems to me the ones to be offended would be the ones being called faithless...
In response to the statements about how large the Christian section is in Borders, it seems to vary by store. Probably has to do with the way the purchasing department views the demographics for the neighborhood. Some have a few Bibles and some do not. I usually find a better selection for my area at Barnes and Nobles, but if I'm just wanting to locate a book on a specific topic, I go to the Christian bookstore or search online.
And Kinfishers voice gets lost among all the other voices speaking the Truth. Isn't that how it usually goes?
anniefourjesus, you are right on! Another website which details persecution of Christians around the world is www.opendoors.org
"I don't know if I'd call a mocking card from a chain store "persecution.""
There's definitely groundwork being laid for persecution. But God is able to take care of His own. No fear. :-)
"Christianity in particular has been responsible for the abuse and debasement of humanity and the Earth - we should start by eliminating that so-called "faith". Wake up!"
Wake up, indeed! kingfisher is calling for the extermination of Christians after pushing his propoganda. If I believed in reincarnation, I'd think old Adolf was back among us.
"Since when is Borders facilitating the faith debate? I thought they were a bookstore."
Good point, Lex!
BTW -- Dinesh D'Souza is 3-0 thus far in his debates with atheists. Dawkins hasn't yet accepted his challenge.
Seems to me Borders has just pointed out the obvious here! But I guess some people just have to look hard for something to be offended about. I should think Dawkins would find “O come all ye faithless” to be complimentary!
To WiccanTexan:
Sorry for the late response, forgot about this article.
You said: "JC, are you kidding? Borders has a huge Christian section. At least, the one in my area does."
I'm serious, I really am. I went looking because of a class assignment, you know, thinking this was a bookstore after all. It is entirely possible that they could have been sold out. They do have a decent size section called "Religion", but I still found no Bible. I guess it could be called a "Christian Selection", as there were books written ABOUT the Bible, but no Bible. There were books written about the apostles, Mary, etc. I really did look.
I'm still going back to Borders though, they still have great coffee :-)
First, it is unclear that this was meant as an insult to Christians - the fact that people think it is only indicates the failure of logic so common among religeous people. Second, Richard Dawkins is awsome, fearless, smart, and funny. Third, Christianity, and all the other things that debase and confuse the human race (TV, Islam, Judaism, private insurance companies, sexism, racism, anti-druguse laws, and the entire Republican platform, to name a few) should be left under the rocks from whence they crawled. The most important thing that we can do to promote peace, health, happiness, and good relations between countries is to ditch the false, ignorant teachings of the three main religeons of the world. Without christianity, judaism, and islam, the world would have far fewer wars, far better education, a far more enlightened approach to international politics and our place in the ecosystem, reduced or eliminated famine and disease, a stable population, and thoughtful approaches to the furture. Christianity in particular has been responsible for the abuse and debasement of humanity and the Earth - we should start by eliminating that so-called "faith". Wake up!