A friend and I were talking today, and the topic of celebrating holidays of different religions came up. Being agnostic, she couldn't understand that I would be less than thrilled to give up a celebration, but would choose to do so because of conversion. In her words, "I don't see why it has to be so black and white...why can't you take what you like from all religions and create your own religion?"
In theory, you could. But you would certainly be creating your own religion if you were to do that individually, and you would be part of a syncretistic faith if you did it as part of a group effort. I am not trying to do religion buffet style; I believe what I believe. In the Sh'ma, it's very plain that Judaism does not accept other gods, and I would hazard a guess that YHWH would not appreciate his people celebrating the birth of a larger culture's "god," or the raising of the same.
On another interesting, related note, my sister-in-law is waging a "revival" campaign to get me "back in the fold," Baptist-style. I've been pressured to come to the women's bible study Sunday night get-together, as well as the church's Easter Sunday celebration. I say pressured, and not invited, because she issued the invitation, then badgered me about why I turned her down, and how I could bring the whole family along as well. Although I understand her reasonings, she has shown no respect for my own reasonings.
Other religions, former religions...so much to try to respect in others, while trying to respect my own beliefs as well.
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