Oh Virginia He s Real But Not In The Way You Think
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Society -> subcategory Religion.
Oh, Virginia, He’s Real, But Not In The Way You Think
Santa Claus has more in common with Jesus Christ than you might imagine!
Santa’s Reality
The famous response by the New York Sun to young Virginia affirmed every child's hope: Santa Claus is real. Many children employ various tactics to test their belief in Santa. The logical ones realize that a large, jolly man couldn’t possibly fit down a chimney or visit every home in one night. Some have their illusions shattered by teasing older siblings or are gently informed by their parents around the age of twelve. Other kids bravely ask an adult, only to have their magical belief in Santa firmly placed in the past. This revelation is often accompanied by a bittersweet sense of loss, as the mystical magic of the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy fades along with Santa. Yet, as the magic slips away, a new understanding of the beauty of giving begins to blossom.
Questioning the Christmas Story
As adults, many of us find the supernatural elements of the Christmas story?"such as the virgin birth, prophecies, stable, singing angels, wandering star, and wise men?"as delightful fairy tale components that are easily dismissed. These stories were never meant to be taken literally, but without proper explanation, churches continue to tell them, making it hard for people to take their message seriously.
Rethinking God
Theologians like John Shelby Spong are encouraging us to consider God differently. The traditional view of God as temperamental?"alternating between a warlord and a benevolent figure?"no longer resonates with everyone. As Nick Cave poignantly expressed, "I don't believe in an interventionist God." Despite this, churches engage in centuries-old prayers seeking divine intervention in various facets of life. God has often been portrayed as a sky-dwelling magician, a figure to be pleased for his benevolence.
Reevaluating Miracles
Miracles, such as healing, the feeding of 5,000 with loaves and fishes, and walking on water, are still presented by churches as literal events. Spong, however, suggests that if we read the Bible chronologically, we see that supernatural events and ancient Hebrew symbolism were added by successive writers as the first century progressed. Early writings, like Paul’s, had no mentions of supernatural events or the virgin birth. The inclusion of miracles might be seen as a reflection of the profound transformation brought about by the adult Jesus, which left writers at a loss for words.
A New Understanding
Spong's ideas build on the work of theologians like Robinson, Bonhoeffer, Barth, and Tillich. Tillich argued that God should not be defined as a person but considered as the Ground of All Being. If Spong is correct, what does this mean for those who grew up believing in the miracles, virgin birth, resurrection, and ascension?"the angels, wise men, and star? Spong’s exploration of a new understanding of God was both thrilling and daunting, akin to a child daring to question Santa.
Moving Beyond Santa
Most of us uncover the truth about Santa early on, realizing that the North Pole, elves, chimneys, and reindeer sightings don't match our physical world experience. For some kids, this initiation is exhilarating, though it carries a tinge of sadness for lost beliefs. Yet, as the magic of Santa fades, children draw closer to understanding generosity.
A Deeper Discovery
When we peel away the magical layers surrounding God, we embark on a journey toward a deeper discovery of Jesus?"a more authentic experience that aligns with our understanding of the universe and reaffirms our soul’s wisdom.
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