These religious groups don’t agree with celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ every year on December 25.
This religious organisation is one of the biggest group of Christmas-shunners. The interesting thing is that they were not always this way. Once upon a time, Jehovah’s Witnesses used to observe Christmas. This was until 1928, after further study by one official.
According to spokesman J. R. Brown from the church’s Brooklyn, New York, headquarters, this official’s findings led to the church dropping the holiday. ADVERTISEMENT.
The official found that this is based on“false religious beliefs or activities. According to Deseret News, this is written about in a book from 1993 called “Jehovah’s Witnesses — Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom.” ”.
Of course, it took a while for everyone to get on board with the new tradition of not having Christmas.
Brown says that after the group “threw out religious teachings that had pagan roots, they also stopped doing many other things that were debased in the same way.” But for a time, certain holidays were not given the careful scrutiny that they needed. One of these was Christmas. ”.
The main reason they don’t celebrate is that they think the Bible would have said something if Christmas was important. But that doesn’t mean they don’t let other people celebrate, and they also don’t like tattoos.
As Brown put it, Witnesses now ask, “Does this please God, since it’s not in the Bible?”
“If someone says ‘Merry Christmas,’ we don’t go into a sermon about the pagan roots of the holiday,” says Brown.
You shouldn’t make a big deal out of it every time because we know they mean well when they say “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” ’.
“We will say this is the time of year many people are actually thinking about Jesus Christ. Did you take notice of what he put their emphasis on in his life?”.
Brown adds, “I personally go out. I’m 74, and I’ve done this since I was 4 years old. ” ADVERTISEMENT.
Because they have pagan roots, people also avoid birthdays, Halloween, Easter, Mother’s Day, New Year’s Day, and Valentine’s Day.
Various faiths around the world have dietary restrictions, holiday prohibitions, or both as part of their religious customs and identity. Understanding why certain groups abstain from pork or celebrating Christmas provides insight into their beliefs.
Judaism
In Judaism, avoiding pork and Christmas celebrations stem from the same roots – adherence to biblical laws and separation from non-Jewish practices.
Pork Prohibition
Pork consumption is forbidden according to kosher dietary laws outlined in the Torah. Leviticus 11 7-8 explicitly prohibits pig flesh as Jews are commanded to distinguish between clean and unclean animals Pigs are seen as unclean scavengers with cloven hooves but no cud chewing
Eating pork is considered a serious violation of Jewish law This taboo is a long-standing marker of Jewish identity and commitment to their covenant with God.
Christmas Avoidance
Christmas is not part of Jewish holiday traditions. Celebrating Christmas would entail acknowledging the divinity of Jesus, which contradicts the core tenet of Judaism that God is absolutely one.
Christmas is also associated with pagan solstice rituals, like decorating trees, which Judaism strictly opposes. Participating in Christmas festivities is seen as adopting non-Jewish practice and betraying Jewish beliefs.
Avoiding Christmas allows Jews to maintain their unique traditions and not assimilate into Christian culture. These prohibitions keep Jewish identity and faith distinct.
Islam
For Muslims, the avoidance of pork and Christmas stems from religious edicts in the Quran and rejection of bid’ah (religious innovation).
Pork Prohibition
Islam expressly forbids pork based on verses in the Quran, like 2:173 and 5:3, that label pig flesh as haram (forbidden). Pigs are considered impure animals in Islam. Consuming pork is seen as risky and sinful.
This taboo is deeply ingrained in Islamic practice. Most observant Muslims strictly shun pork to demonstrate obedience to their faith.
Christmas Avoidance
Christmas is an innovation with no basis in Islamic tradition. Partaking in Christmas celebrations would amount to bid’ah, which mainstream Islam strongly opposes.
Additionally, Christmas acknowledges Jesus as divine and the son of God. This contradicts the core Islamic belief in absolute monotheism and Muhammad as the final prophet.
Avoiding Christmas allows Muslims to adhere to scriptural edicts and affirm their Islamic identity. It keeps Muslim practice untainted by unauthorized innovations.
Seventh-day Adventism
For Seventh-day Adventists, abstaining from pork stems from health concerns while avoidance of Christmas is rooted in the Sabbath doctrine.
Pork Prohibition
Adventists discourage pork consumption as pigs are considered higher-risk disease carriers. By shunning pork for health reasons, Adventists aim to achieve optimal wellbeing as directed by biblical principles.
Some Adventists also avoid pork based on the Old Testament classification of pigs as unclean animals in Leviticus 11. They view this as still applicable.
Christmas Avoidance
Christmas has pagan origins that contravene the Second Commandment prohibition of idolatry according to Adventist beliefs. Christmas trees are seen as pagan symbols.
More importantly, celebrating Christmas goes against the Fourth Commandment to keep the seventh-day Sabbath holy. Christmas observance violates the Sabbath according to Adventists.
These prohibitions uphold Adventist doctrines and affirm identity as the remnant end-time church.
Rastafari
For Rastafarians, pork taboos and Christmas avoidance stem from rebellion against Western colonial culture and desire to restore an idealized African identity.
Pork Prohibition
Consuming pork is forbidden under the Ital diet of Rastafari as pigs are deemed scavengers fed Western refuse. Pork avoidance rejects Western influence and expresses desire to return to pure African livity.
Ital food laws also stem from Leviticus 11. Following these biblical guidelines is a means for Rastas to strengthen spiritual purity and alignment with their faith.
Christmas Avoidance
Rastafari rejects Christmas and other Western holidays as pagan creations of Babylon that corrupt true African spirituality. Avoiding Christmas affirms Rasta spiritual autonomy and devotion to the Africa homeland.
Overall, these prohibitions liberate Rastas from Western cultural hegemony and empower reclaimed African heritage.
Cultural Context
In addition to religious dictates, cultural outlooks and ethnic identity play key roles in shaping food and holiday taboos. Pork and Christmas avoidance allow groups to maintain community boundaries, express rejection of dominant cultures, and preserve unique traditions.
Understanding the cultural context illuminates why these parallel prohibitions hold deep significance for minority groups seeking to affirm spiritual convictions and cultural distinction.
While most Americans celebrate Christmas and consume pork freely, examining worldviews that forbid these practices provides perspective into different lived realities and the power of traditional taboos.
Respecting those who uphold pork and Christmas restrictions due to religious and cultural worldviews fosters mutual understanding in our diverse society.
Examining Ongoing Controversies
The prohibition against pork and Christmas by certain faiths has sparked debate, backlash, and discrimination at times. Advocates argue these taboos are misunderstood and their vilification reflects intolerance.
Pork in Schools
Some groups have challenged pork being served in schools despite religious restrictions of Muslim and Jewish students. They argue pork should be avoided in public institutions to respect religious diversity.
Opponents contend schools should not change meals to accommodate religious taboos. Clashes over pork in cafeterias illustrate continuing tensions.
Christmas in the Public Square
Public Christmas displays on government property has also been contested as exclusionary of those who shun Christmas for religious reasons.
Some argue Christmas trees or carols in public spaces pressure minorities to conform to the majority religion against their beliefs.
Others respond that Christmas is a cultural, not religious, celebration, so public observance is not threatening. Disputes continue over navigating December diversity.
Avoidance of pork and Christmas celebrations by groups like Jews, Muslims, and Rastafarians stems largely from religious convictions and desires to reinforce cultural identity through traditional taboos.
Honoring these prohibitions requires sacrificing full assimilation but allows preservation of cherished customs. Examining taboo origins enables deeper understanding across difference.
While most Americans eagerly indulge in Christmas ham, appreciating those who spurn such treats out of devotion to ancient faith traditions promotes tolerance in our pluralistic society.
Seventh Day Adventist Church
Like Jehovah’s Witnesses, this church is also against the celebration of Christmas.
There is a publication from the church group that says, “We do not celebrate Christmas as the Birth of Christ per se since Christ was not born in December.” Saturday is the Jewish Sabbath, so they don’t observe it.
“He didn’t want us to celebrate His birth, or He would have told us when He was born.” It has become a money-making celebration with Christ mixed in. It is a pagan ritual. ADVERTISEMENT.
“We get together with family and friends to celebrate their love and friendship as a family… and for the kids.” Easter is also a pagan holiday, but we don’t celebrate the Name. Instead, we remember what Christ did for us by celebrating His resurrection. We do not make an issue out of it but quietly honour Christ…. it’s a gathering also for the Children. It is a personal Choice. ”.
A few years ago, Pastor W. F. Kumuyi, the leader of Deeper Life Bible Church, told his members and everyone else that his church does not celebrate the well-known holiday.
When asked why at the December 2013 retreat, he said, “We don’t celebrate Christmas or sing Christmas carols because Christmas has an idolatrous history.” ” ADVERTISEMENT.
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Why Don’t Muslims Eat Pork?
FAQ
Which religion does not eat pork?
What religion doesn’t celebrate Christmas?
Why don t Christians avoid pork?
Which religions don’t celebrate Easter?
Which Christian religions don’t eat pork?
To learn more about which Christian religions don’t eat pork and why, keep reading! Traditions: Some Christian religions abstain from pork as part of their cultural and religious traditions. For example, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, and the Rastafari movement all avoid pork consumption.
What can Christians eat instead of pork?
Lamb: Lamb is another popular alternative to pork for Christians, especially during religious festivals like Easter. The Bible often refers to Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” which may be why lamb is a preferred meat. Fish: Some Christians choose to follow a pescatarian diet, which means they only consume fish and seafood.
Which Christian religion doesn’t celebrate Christmas?
One Christian religion that doesn’t celebrate Christmas is the Seventh-day Adventist Church. They believe that the celebration of Jesus’ birth should not be restricted to a single day but should be recognized every day. Their focus during this time of year is on preparing for the Second Coming of Christ, which they view as being imminent.
Do Holiness Movement churches eat pork?
Some Holiness Movement Churches, a group of Christian denominations that emphasize personal holiness and sanctification, also abstain from pork. They believe that avoiding pork is part of living a holy and righteous life.