I’m not one to say this very often, but this is a great commercial and I think we should all patronize the good folks at the GAP, just to show them that nice people spend money too.
http://action.afa.net/Detail.aspx?id=2147489466
I’m not one to say this very often, but this is a great commercial and I think we should all patronize the good folks at the GAP, just to show them that nice people spend money too.
http://action.afa.net/Detail.aspx?id=2147489466
Since 1963, AMERICAN ATHEISTS has been the premier organization laboring for the civil liberties of Atheists, and the total, absolute separation of government and religion.
Copyright 2012. All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of American Atheists.
That is a nice commercial, it’s fun, pleasant, entertaining and most of all it tries to include everyone – even intolerant Jeebustards. I think I’ll buy my grandson a Gap gift certificate this year.
Following up on your though, Undogly, I went to Gap website and told them I was going to buy giftcards from their stores to give out this winter season.
So…who dislikes the commercial? I saw no link to who exactly would protest the message.
Now that’s inclusive. Go Solstice! Cool.
So what’s the complaint? I know…it’s too diverse, too tolerant, too open…something good that’s happening too much in one commercial.
Some people have said that Atheism is a big empty thing, an expression of something we’re not…like a gap. lol
I like it. It is a good commercial. There is nothing wrong. The religious are jealous once again. Probably GAP should show the myth characters wearing their jeans and dancing. Then, of course, it is good that Krishna has many arms and ‘normal’ legs and not otherwise.
As our holidays become ever more commercial something rebels in me.We are losing our culture our heritage just becoming a nation of mindless consumers,zombies disconnected from nature and the universe.Is this the kind of world we want to bequeath to those who follow.Is our legacy to be- humans as the new ants.
Reason : I submit the “legacy” of America in the annals of history will NOT be “democracy”, “liberty”, “Freedom of speech/religion”. Rather, I suggest the American “legacy” will be “capitalistic consumerism”, from Henry Ford, the Model-T , and the assembly line, to Sam Walton, and Super Stores, including birthing centers at one end…all of life’s accoutrements in between, and crematoriums at the other end— from Saginaw to Singapore, from Hoboken to Hong Kong, from Mexico City to Moscow, from Canberra to Caracas.
OT
Black teachers offers to pay to have gay student killed:
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/16/Teacher_to_be_Charged_for_Threatening_Gay_Student/
…and some in here dare to wonder why I, a gay white man in a majority black area, feels the way that I do about black folks.
Then fucking move. Homophobia isn’t greater or lesser due to melanin. Which you should know, if you were intelligent.
i just saw that commercial myself and thought it was awesome, then came here to see if anyone had noticed it yet.
I also googled to see who was complaining, they are asking people to boycott Gap and related brands, here is the link to that boycott request:
http://action.afa.net/Detail.aspx?id=2147489466
and here is a link to an article about it from a news site:
http://www.brandweek.com/bw/content_display/news-and-features/retail-restaurants/e3i7438f2169a632b520538d0a71bfaaf43?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign&imw=Y
summary from that article “The American Family Association is calling on consumers to boycott Gap Inc. and its brands, which include Gap, Old Navy and Banana Republic, this holiday season. The Christian organization alleges that the retailer’s ads downplay the word “Christmas.”
The boycott, according to the AFA, is in response to Gap’s holiday advertising and in-store promotions over the years, which have stayed away from recognizing any specific religion. For instance, last year’s campaign was themed “Merry Gap-mas,” substituting the chain’s name for Christ’s. The AFA—which had boycotted other retailers like Sears and Target in the past for their holiday ads—is singling out Gap this year. The AFA is planning to release a “Naughty and Nice” list of retailers who address “
But they actually said the word “Christmas” in this ad. I think the ad just angers them because it includes other holidays too.
This is one reason why I broke free from religion: Extreme religious selfishness. That seems to be a common theme among Christians this time of year. When I was a Christian, it was the backbone of that religion.
Sorry i neglected to post the link, and thanks to daisy for doing so.
Is AA tired of obama/democrats using the republican playbook when dealing with the religious?If so what will be done,not bashing those atheists who voted democrat but it just doesn’t seemed to have paid off.
We are very tired of it. We are making baby steps and are hopeful this kid will be running soon.
Actually you (plural) shouldn’t shop at Gap anyway because they use child labor in the 3rd world
Good point
Almost all religions have their root in sun worship (including Christianity). This is perfectly reasonable since it is the most powerful and visible object in our solar system and provides us with the energy that runs this entire planet. Because of this, these myriad religions usually have holidays around the solstices and equinoxes due to their solar significance. So the claim that the winter holiday season is “Christian” is completely silly. These people need to just get over it.
Go Solstice!
Hahaha, i would love to see you prove how Christianity came about by sun worship. I can’t believe how completely ignorant atheists are about Christianity. I have no problem with this commercial, its just a commercial, it means nothing to me. Do you realize that Christianity started 2,000 years ago on the basis that Jesus Christ from Nazareth, Israel claimed to be God and was raised from the dead in affirmation to that claim? Where is sun worship in this? Maybe if you said “Son” worship then you would be correct but Christianity has nothing to do with worshipping the sun. I can’t believe you would just throw something like that out there and think people would believe you.
Oh, oh! Pick me! (raises hand)
Christainity has its roots based in earlier religions, such as Eygptian and Zorasterism. These religions worshipped the sun god as the cheif deitity. Therefore, Christianity is really a modified sun-god worship. Nevertheless, ties still exist between the religions that are obvious when approached with an open mind. Here are some suggestions if your actually interested:
http://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Sixteen-Crucified-Saviors-Christianity/dp/1434680401/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258915481&sr=8-24
http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Lost-Goddess-Teachings-Christians/dp/1400045940/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258915537&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Mysteries-Was-Original-Pagan/dp/0609807986/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258915537&sr=1-2
http://books.google.com/books?id=KnIYRi3upbEC&pg=PP1&dq=acharya+s&ei=V_ekSvqvH4y0NJfDrJUI#v=onepage&q=&f=false
In case you don’t like reading:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqP5KdYKFB0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ-kvw1fYXs&feature=fvw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMlWPNDiVrE&feature=related
Any Questions?
I can’t believe how completely ignorant christians are about their own religion and it’s origins and the origins of their celebrations. Has Mr. Varner not heard of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti? Dies Natalis Solis Invicti means “the birthday of the unconquered Sun.” The festival was placed on the date of the solstice because this was on this day that the Sun reversed its southward retreat and proved itself to be “unconquered.” Several early christian writers connected the rebirth of the sun to the birth of Jesus. “O, how wonderfully acted Providence that on that day on which that Sun was born…Christ should be born”, Cyprian wrote. John Chrysostom also commented on the connection: “They call it the ‘Birthday of the Unconquered’. Who indeed is so unconquered as Our Lord . . .?”
You can find more complete information here: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03724b.htm.
The new testament makes no reference as to the date of Jesus’ birth. In fact, it wasn’t even a festival on the early church calendar for at least 200 years.
I am not a scholar but I do know how to research unlike most christians who refuse to acknowledge the inconsistencies and inaccuracies of their claims. So please, Mr. Varner when you lash out at someone’s comment that you know nothing about, take the time to “look it up”. You might learn something.
Hah, I just called that 800# and talked to some dude on the other end. I told him that I celebrate Solstice and that I hope that they NEVER listen to those wackos who want them to only mention xmas. I then asked him how many calls he gets from those kind of wackos, and he says they get quite a few every day. He said he hasn’t gotten any crazies yet, but he said they usually call up, saying such things as: “Hi I’m a devote xian and I’d like to say that I don’t support your store since you don’t mention xmas, blah blah blah”. He tells them that according to the last commercial, they DO mention it, but so do they for other major holidays. He hasn’t had anyone preach to him yet. He said he was happy to get my feedback and will pass it on.
I called GAP as well, and told them that I’m an atheist, that I appreciate the nod to the solstice, and not to listen to the bigots who complain. The nice lady on the phone was VERY HAPPY to hear from me!
The number is 1-800-427-7895 and the word to say is “feedback”
I think GAP is walking a fine line with this commercial and the values that it establishes for people across the United States. We are so quick to support a company who doesn’t adopt “Christmas” or a specific religion, but a universalistic view on religion is just a slippery slope to a relativistic approach to life and morals. What if we actually followed the advice on this video…our society would crumble on top of itself. “Tis the time to liberate.” Who are we liberating, the oppressed? Aren’t Christians being oppressed for drawing the line for their morals and beliefs? Doesn’t this video not suggest that they should have the freedom to protest things that they find offensive? Also, we should “86 the rules, do whatever feels right, do whatever you wantika.” I would think that everyone would agree that people cannot just do “whatever they like.” There are laws which govern society and laws which govern man and a view of relativism (what’s right for you isn’t necessarily what’s right for me) would lead to absolute anarchy. I am a Christian and I don’t think that boycotting the world is the right answer, but we should all be more careful about the things we accept into our lives without any thought or care.
I’d have to disagree here, because a universalisitic approach on religion would help to water it down, weakening its clutches on society.
Show your work on this, please.
You’re assuming we’re all moral relativists, which isn’t correct. Also, I think you’re reading too much in between the lines. Following the bible will do that to ya.
& I’m sure the commercial was advocating universal understanding, not ‘boycotting the world’.
In regards to my comment on the message of the video, I was emphasizing the fact that all people have a sense of morals, beliefs, and faith. Even to not believe in God takes faith. Whether you think I’m reading too much between the lines or not, the video clearly says “you 86 the rules, you do whatever feels right.” I wasn’t suggesting that people who see this video would automatically become moral relativists, but it is a slippery slope. When do we draw the line beween right and wrong? Do you even think there is a line to be drawn? You said that you weren’t a moral relativist so where do your morals come from? What truth can there be except an absolute truth which is from God. I don’t believe and follow the Bible because I’m a legalist or desire that kind of lifestyle. I believe in God and respond to His love through applying the truths of the Bible into my life. At some point you have to establish a foundation for your morals and beliefs and I think that the only thing that isn’t relative is an absolute God. As I mentioned, I am all for universal understanding, but that doesn’t mean that I blur my line of integrity and morals to appease others. If I cease to hold to my moral convictions, then I cease to believe them as such.
No, it takes a degree of skepticism, an eye for the evidence, & a willingness not to worry about what some guy on a blog has to say, however rhetorically unsound it is.
Not the supernatural. Most definitely not your book of fables.
Same tired, rehashed old arguments. Truth comes from reality, not the supernatural.
The bible? Are you kidding? It’s a compilation of old superstitious cautionary tales from a bunch of Iron Age shepherds. It’s not historical, it’s not even remotely moral.
Your demand for absolutes marks a simple mindedness.
Well, we agree on something.
I’ll be unambiguous: your religion is a load of crap. No offense.
All your talk of ‘absolutes’, but you’re unable to let go of what you consider your ‘moral convictions’. So, I’m guessing you’re not REALLY all for ‘universal understanding’, just for folks who agree w/you.
Mike, you are taking the “86 the rules” line out of context. They are talking about how you celebrate the holidays (real tree, plastic tree, no tree, etc.). They are saying that you can celebrate however feels right to you. They aren’t talking about laws and anarchy.
OT
Tomorrow the banana brain and kirk cameron pass out their bullshit religion attached to Darwin’s Origin of Species….apparently you can get a free copy at one of 50 to 100 universities and colleges through out the states….
unfortunately for them we live in the information age…..and in the information age is where bullshit dies…
stupid religion
Saying that Christianity is a bullshit religion doesn’t make it a bullshit religion. Why don’t you try throwing in some facts to why Christianity is a bullshit religion? By the way, Naturalistic Evolution is an impossibility. Take the LAW of Biogenesis for example, it states “life cannot come from non-life.” So if that is true, then how did non-living molecules turn into living molecules? By the way, Darwin said if you could find irreducible complexity within a cell then his theory would crumble. Well, we have found irreducible complexity within the cell. You should read on the flegellum. By the way, irreducible complexity means that something couldn’t have evolved into operating the way it does and be functional. The flagellum couldn’t function without all of it’s essential parts. Take the extremely simplistic mouse trap for example. It has a wooden base, a spring, a weight, and a hammer. Now, take one of those things away and the mouse trap won’t work. You might have a paper weight or a door stop but those things aren’t mouse traps. That’s irreducible complexity and it shows Darwin was wrong…again.
You’re right. All religion is bullshit. There, happy?
Wrong again.
A. You can assemble it on the floor as a base.
B. I can have a cat that has 1 eyeball, 3 legs & no tail, & it’ll still catch mice.
C. You can’t compare biological units w/a machine. It breaks the analogy.
D. Behe was proven wrong on the blood cascade, the flagella, & the eye.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irreducible_complexity#Reducibility_of_.22irreducible.22_systems
Really, it’s hard to take anything you say seriously, since you muck everything up so much.
1. We know what a mousetrap is. You don’t have to explain it.
2. ID? You mean the thing that was disproven in Court? OK, I’ll bite. In order for something to be scientific, there has to be a way to disprove it. You already hit the hypothetical achilles heel of evolution (even though it has yet to be proven) with irreducible complexity. I’ll agree that if something can be shown DEFINITELY not capable of having been evolved, it didn’t evolve. Now, what is a way to disprove Intelligent Design? If there isn’t one, its not science.
3. Nonliving to living didn’t happen instananeously. What you had was self-replicating chemical reactions based with RNA and Ammino Acids(reproduction). These were contained by a bilayer lipid membrane, which allowed for a different internal environment (homeostatis). These chemicals involved assembled into increasingly complex chains and groups, which would occasionally undergo change (mutations). The ones that were best at reproducing and had advantageous changes lasted longer and left behind more copies of similar reactions (evolution through natural selection). The process continued in a crecendo reaching the level of today.
4. Facts against Christianity? Deal. Two contradicting ideas cannot both be true. The godliest king of Israel, David was bi: “David and Johnathan entered into a covenant, because they loved each other as much as their own soul” (1 Samuel 18:3) yet homosex is an adbomination to the lord. Explain how you can go both ways.
Mike508, if we based our society’s morals on the Bible, we would still be stoning people to death for working on Sundays. The few good moral principles the Bible does contain (such as the golden rule) are things every rational person understands as good, regardless of religion. The Bible Morality vs. Moral Relativism argument is a false dichotomy; it leaves a third option, living life as a rational, civilized human being, out of the discussion entirely. It is not only possible, but desirable, to lead a moral life, and be of good character, without the Bible (or any particular religion). Most prison inmates identify as Christian.
Dagny3, thank you for your response and your polite tone. I think you made some very interesting points in your response. In regards to basing our society’s morals on the Bible, I think we must understand first that the Bible, just like any book must be read in context. Too many times Christians “proof text” Scripture and imply a meaning that the Bible never meant it to have. As far as stoning goes, stoning was a punishment that was given for the most serious of crimes committed within Scripture. Just as today we have the electric chair or lethal injection, so was stoning a punishment during those times. Also, it is important to note than when Jesus came, he brought new meaning and progressive revelation to the scene. When a woman was caught in adultery, instead of Jesus joining along to stone her, he asked if anyone was without sin to cast the first stone. So I think that when seen in context, the Bible is very applicable to today’s society and life and that the principles and foundations it establishes would be helpful to our society.
Second, I would still have to ask where one’s rational understanding of good, civilized human beings come from? Without a standard or judging stick, we cannot say what is right or wrong or what a rational, civilized human being should even look like. I think we get that standard from God and what He has revealed to us through the Bible. Over 75% of Americans identify themselves as Christian so that doesn’t surprise me that most prison inmates identify themselves as Christians as well. But to use a poor analogy, just because you say your a football fan of a certain team doesn’t mean you are a true loyal football fan. A true Christian is one whose life has been changed by the message of Jesus Christ and in turn desires to live a life glorifying to God and loving to his neighbor. Thanks again for your response!
We are most definitely NOT basing society’s morals on your fairy tales. Stop allotting credit to what doesn’t deserve it. If we were, slavery would never have been abolished.
Like picking up firewood on the Sabbath? Disobedient children? Taking the lord’s name in vain? Be serious. EVERYTHING was a serious crime back then. Oh, but wait! Let me guess: that was back in the day! Doesn’t count, don’t quote outta context, etc, etc, ad nauseum.
Funny how xtians use moral relativism to their own advantage, ain’t it?
The Israelites were anything but rational or civilized. They brag about committing genocide in their own damn book, dude.
You realize that the bible is also a compendium of ancient myths borrowed from other societies, right? Of course you don’t. A grab-bag of purloined stories that can be traced to thousands of other sources. There’s barely an original story in the entire damn thing.
Here’s a link to PRATT – Points Refuted A Thousand Times.
http://rationalwiki.com/wiki/PRATT
The basic “do no harm” works pretty well.
KA
You know darn well the Israelites were rational and civilized.They had a legal code,cities,a written language.How can you be so hard on the real israelites and give a pass to the Europeans that are israel today.
Our understanding of right and wrong is based on whether our actions do harm to people or society. This requires judgment on the part of everyone. Having a Bible doesn’t eliminate the need for you to use your judgment to decide if something is moral or not. If your son smarts off to you, would stone him to death? The Bible says you are supposed to, but I’ll bet you would find a less severe punishment, if any. Why would you not stone him as the Bible says? Because you use your own judgment to decide what is right to do. Everybody does, Bible or not.