Candlelight Processional, for non-Christians?

[Eeyore2003]

I think the best thing would be to discuss this with the party in question. It's obvious that some non-Christians are offended to the point of argument, and some enjoy the whole season and take it for a beautiful Christmas performance, which it is. I think if you enjoy Christmas music, including the religious songs, you would enjoy this.

 

[amandadaddy]

I think MemoryMakers2669 said it best. All of Disney World is decorated primarily in "Christian artifacts" during the Christmas season. I think this, and the presentation of the CP,is pretty consistent with the Disney tradition (something about celebrating the truths and hard facts that created this great country). It merely reflects the fact that our country was founded on Christian principles but establishes no specific religion. So the decorations and the CP are not presented from the point of view of a specific Christian belief system (ie. Baptist, Catholic, Methodist....etc.), but they are all Christian. If the decorations and music don't bother you as a non-Christian, then you'll probably be okay with the CP.

However, if any expression of Christianity is a problem for you, you should probably avoid WDW entirely during the Christmas season. Oh yeah,and stay away from the Christmas shop in Liberty Square at MK, they have Christian stuff there year-round.....and I'm not certain, but there might be some Christian stuff around the HM (crosses, angels and such) .........come to think of it, there's alot of Christian stuff at WDW year round. It might not be the Ideal vacation spot for non-Christians who are easily offended by anything Christian in nature. Actually,.....there's alot of that sort of stuff throughout our nation......Churches all over the place (did you know that they get tax breaks from federal, state and local governments!), cities named after Saints and Angels and Biblical figures, a legal system based on the Ten Commandments, Bibles in court rooms, oaths sworn to God for all sorts of reasons all over the place, day care centers, elementary and secondary schools, even major universitys that are Christian in nature. You know, on second thought, maybe the United States isn't a good place for Non-Christians who are easily offended by anything Christain to live.

Offended by that? Maybe you just don't get it.....but most Christians do.

Wouldn't it be nice if the people who demand tolerence of their non-beliefs were tolerant of other peoples beliefs. Think about it.

 

[MomofKatie]

Well, at least we made it through nearly 2 whole pages before the fighting started...

 

[Hello World!]

Attaboy amandadaddy!!!

 

[amandadaddy]

I don't mean to be fighting with anyone folks. I think it's pretty obvious that the CP is simply the story of the birth of Christ told in song and narrative designed to celebrate the season and entertain an audience. There's no preaching going on and WDW isn't trying to recruit Christians or save souls.

I just found it petty and un-called-for for Robin to take a swipe at MemoryMakers2669 for pointing out the obvious. The CP is just as Christian and offensive or un-offensive as the other Christmas things that are all over WDW during the Christmas season. Implying that MemoryMakers' statement is less than intelligent and that Christians in general are too was totally un-called for and tasteless. Small minds make small statements Robin.

I think that audience members are free to interpret the CP in their own way. If you choose to see it as a beautiful celebration of the birth of Christ, you may. If you choose simply to see it as a wonderful production of beautiful music based on the story of a man who spent his life trying to teach people to love one another, you can do that to.

I'll give you a simple test SorcererFigment; if the person you're thinking about taking would be offended if you told them that you prayed for them, they probably won't enjoy the CP, if they politely respond with a "thank-you" or something to that effect, they'll probably be okay with it.

 

[Miss Jasmine]

You just don't get it, do you? That's OK. Most Christians don't.

This Christian gets it.

Oh where oh where did the tradition of the Christmas tree come from??!!?? Oh and the yule log, what about that??? Hmmmm.

 

[GEM]

Well, DH and are aren't Christians - and we love the Candlelight Processional and all the other Christmas festivities at Disney World. For what it's worth, I was raised Baptist (although we didn't attend much) and he was raised Jehovah's Witness. Now, we're both what you would call agnostic. We really don't believe we know the truth about a whether or not there is a higher power - and we don't believe anybody else does either.

Having said that, we do celebrate Chrismtas - not as the birth of Jesus, but as a special time for family, and giving, and traditions, and memories, winter fun, etc. We always have a Christmas tree, make cookies, give presents, and all of that. Most of our families and some of our friends celebrate the religious aspects, and that doesn't stop of from enjoying the holidays together.

Anyway, as I said, we love the CP. Why? First of all, it's a wonderful concert just from a musical standpoint! We enjoy the performance. It's very well done and we love live music. I especially enjoy choral music sung by a large group. Second, we do still love and enjoy the Christmas songs and stories because they are a part of our family traditions and childhood - at least mine. We may not believe in the truth of the message, but that doesn't make the songs and story any less enjoyable. Third, I think it's interesting from a historical standpoint. I do believe that Jesus was a real man and a great teacher and preacher, so I enjoy the stories about his life. I also love those "historical Jesus" shows on the Discovery Channel.

We definately enjoy all the other Christmassy things at Disney World - Mickey's Christmas Party, the tree lighting ceremonies, the World Showcase Santas, the Osborne Lights, the sleigh ride at the Wilderness Lodge, all the decorations, etc. If you check my signature, you will see we've been many times in December, and we're going back this year! So obviously, this non-Chritian isn't offended in the least.

Honestly, though, other than the CP, I haven't ever noticed any religous Christmas decorations or anything at Disney. It's mostly trees and Santas and stockings and snowmen and dancing gingerbread cookies and all that sort of stuff - which is right up our alley. I'm sure there are some other religous things (maybe some religious Christmas songs played somewhere or something?), but I've never noticed them.

 

[justKim]

My first thought is "quick quick, lock this thread before it gets unpleasant", but most people have been very nice.

I understand the OP question. I am not a Christian, but I like so much of the Christmas music. There is a fine line between what I feel comfy listening to/singing and which songs feel too "preachy" and are no fun for me. I've often wondered about going to CP. It's been interesting reading everyone's comments. Thanks for sharing.

 

[*Fantasia*]

I have yet to see Candlelight Procession. I hope that this year, I will be able to take my parents to Disney and see the show.

It's like... take it or leave it. If you don't want to see it, don't. If you want to enjoy it, come and see it.

To me, "in your face" in this situation is more like selling you the Christian religion. I don't think they are making anyone change their religion or faith. From my understanding... it's a story of Jesus' birth. And plenty of Christmas song. Whether you believe in the story of Jesus or not... it's the story and they are telling a story... and again... with lots of Christmas songs.

So for those who doesn't care for it... just leave it. And more rooms for us who are excited to see the show and feel the Christmas spirit!

 

[snowbunny]

I was pleasantly surprised by the rational discourse on this thread, right up until about post #22.
Christmas is a season I really enjoy for the decorations, music, and shining eyes of my children.
For the person(s) who instructed athiests to "think about it" ...we have!

free-think-er n. A person who forms opinions on the basis of reason; independently of tradition, authority, or established belief.

 

[DLKT]

I've never met anyone who was offended by a candle.
Are we sure the OP wasn't just joking?







(I'm kidding)

 

[sanilacjack]

I've been to the CP 3 times.

For those that have not or are thinking about going for the first time, I thought this might need to be mentioned, as it hasn't been yet.
At the end of the CP the Halleluiah Course is played. Now, out of respect for my religion, I feel is necessary to stand up as did about 80 - 90 percent of the people attending. This could make some people feel uncomfortable.

Just my 2 cnts

Have a Disney day
-Kim

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

Since this is a Christmas thread ....... and since I think it is important to keep perspective on some things ...... I will say this ....... and I know it is somewhat off topic ...... BUT

Christmas has always been a very difficult time for me. My first daughter's due date was the very honorable Christmas Day. But instead, she was born on October 8th 1976, and she died October 11, 1976. She only survived for 3 days. The next year my twin girls were also born premature on October 5th, and survived only about one hour.

It has been 29 years - and I still wish so much that I could take my girls to Disney World. Please hug your children for me.

 

[Synonymous]

At the end of the CP the Halleluiah Course is played. Now, out of respect for my religion, I feel is necessary to stand up as did about 80 - 90 percent of the people attending. This could make some people feel uncomfortable.

Actually, like so many other Xmas traditions, this custom has nothing to do with religion. I believe it goes back to an English King who rose during a particularly stirring performance and the rest of the crowd was then compelled to stand with him out of respect for the crown, not the religion.

So, you only need be offended by the standing if you don't believe in monarchies.

I'm an atheist, but I'm looking forward to CP and all of the Xmas festivities. This has always been a secular holiday for me, based on family, tradition and good will, rather than on Christianity. But the Christian trappings are part of the tradition, so I take them as such.

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

You just don't get it, do you? That's OK. Most Christians don't.

Enjoy the Night of Joy at the MK .

I did, they were awesome! And no, I guess I don't get it..help me!

 

[jcapizzi]

Since this is a Christmas thread ....... and since I think it is important to keep perspective on some things ...... I will say this ....... and I know it is somewhat off topic ...... BUT

Christmas has always been a very difficult time for me. My first daughter's due date was the very honorable Christmas Day. But instead, she was born on October 8th 1976, and she died October 11, 1976. She only survived for 3 days. The next year my twin girls were also born premature on October 5th, and survived only about one hour.

It has been 29 years - and I still wish so much that I could take my girls to Disney World. Please hug your children for me.

I will - and a great big hug back to you! God bless you

 

[MemoryMakers2669]

{{{{Claudia}}}}

 

[wdwjunkie2005]

I am a pagan (the kind that reveres Mother Nature) who loves the Xmas season for what it is...a time to be happy, help others, and show those you love just how much you love them. I am going to THE WORLD this holiday season, and won't take the religious aspect too seriously. I am really looking forward to enjoying what I have heard is a time of year that makes the most magical place in the world even more magical. Besides, most Xmas symbolism is pagan-based anyway!

P.S.: Based on the CP descriptions in this thread, I think I will skip the CP, and just listen to the music from outside.

 

[erikthewise]

I've been to the CP 3 times.

For those that have not or are thinking about going for the first time, I thought this might need to be mentioned, as it hasn't been yet.
At the end of the CP the Halleluiah Course is played. Now, out of respect for my religion, I feel is necessary to stand up as did about 80 - 90 percent of the people attending. This could make some people feel uncomfortable.

Just my 2 cnts

Have a Disney day
-Kim

The tradition of standing for the Hallelujah course is just that, and though some may feel it has religious significance, others feel it is just a musical tradition and an appropriate recognition of the inspired climax of a major musical work. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A698268 for a discussion of the origin of this tradition.

I hope that even those who (like myself) are not Christian will show respect for the tradition and for one of the best-loved pieces in Classical music.

 

[robinb]

amandadaddt Seriously ... your posts are exactly the kind of thing I was talking about. To say that non-Christians should avoid WDW for 2 months because of the Christmas decorations is just plain silly. If we non-Christians were that bothered by Christmas, we would have to unplug our radios and TVs and not step out of the house for the 10 weeks between Halloween and Martin Luther King day.

I genuinely think you don't get it. You don't understand what it feels like to not practice the predominant religion in America. To be told again and again (like you just did) to essentially "Get over it! You live a Christian country":

You know, on second thought, maybe the United States isn't a good place for Non-Christians who are easily offended by anything Christian to live.

Nice. That's very tolerant.

As for your "simple test", it fails miserably. I would be offended if you said you were praying for me. I don't want it and I don't need it. And I still like the Candlelight Processional. Go figure.

MemoryMakers2669. What I mean is there is a big difference between seeing Christmas decorations (just like the rest of the US) and listening to the story of Jesus' birth in scripture. Sometimes people view the world through your religion and your own "truth" and cannot see any other way. All of us have our own truths. Luckily, the country we live in allows for different truths, both Christian and non-Christian.