>>I think this doesn't really fall under the heading of keeping other cultures intact. It's more like pure paganism, worhipping other gods, breaking the first commandment.
I used to be a Pagan and my best friend was a Christian. I took him to a gathering once and he watched us as we basically "toasted" the Gods and honored them. He didn't feel he was betraying Jesus because he merely observed. People are not worshipping the old Greek Gods. If I were you, I'd pay more attention to the worship of money of so many around you. God cares more about that than silly statues who no one worships. Some may call it idolatry, but some Christians even believe the cross is a graven image, and they might have a scriptural point. But regardless, it is what is in your HEART that is important, not the trappings of religion. John very clearly and eloquently explains this. I also should point out that Christmas is not a Christian holiday, it is a Pagan holiday which the Pope turned into a Christian holiday to assimilate the Pagans into the new religion. Jesus was born at a time when the sheep were kept out of doors. That wouldn't be in late December. He never told us to celebrate holidays, only to commemorate His death. Are we engaging in idolotry when we celebrate Christmas? It is a cultural tradition of western peoples, and it is harmless. Before we judge others, we have to take the log out of our own eyes. Unless the Greeks fall at the feet of these statues, this isn't a big deal considering the sin in the world today.
I have no Gods before my own, but I do have Pagan jewelry showing images of the Gods and if I thought for a minute that Jesus was offended by the contents of my jewelry box, I'd dump them on ebay. I believe that when the Lord says have no Gods before Him, He means do not worship any other Gods, and worship is quite different than having Pagan trinkets around or a statue of Venus at the Olympics.
***I used to be a Pagan and my best friend was a Christian.***
I agree with much in your post and disagree with a few things.
***People are not worshipping the old Greek Gods.***
The people in the article claim to be. Revival of the old religions is a bad sign for the Western world.
***I'd pay more attention to the worship of money of so many around you.***
Agree! You can not serve God an mammon.
***Are we engaging in idolotry when we celebrate Christmas?***
Well, to use your point, if you are consumed with the greedy, gift-oriented side of it... then yes! :)
***but I do have Pagan jewelry showing images of the Gods and if I thought for a minute that Jesus was offended by the contents of my jewelry box, I'd dump them on ebay.***
I too came out of deep spiritual darkness. As one how has seen the other side, I would seriously caution you about keeping (especially wearing) items from a Pagan (read demonic) background. I have done quite a bit of reading into the expericence of people coming out of the occult/paganism and seemingly harmless things can have unexpected consequences years later. Freepmail me if you want to know more.