Candlelight Processional, for non-Christians?

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Sorcerer Figment

<font color=blue> "I don't believe in fairies."<br
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I've never seen this event, so I need your opinions. Would this show be too 'in your face' or pushy for non-Christians (i.e. Jews, Athiests, whatever)? :confused: I'm not looking for a morals debates, just an idea of how comfortable non-Christians are with watching this show. (Please be respectful and don't flame anyone!) :grouphug: Thanks! :wave:
 
I am a Christian and my partner is still working on a definition of her beliefs. We saw this in 2003. It's pretty. It's some really nice choral singing. It's definately Christian based entertainment. They read the story of how Jesus came into the world. The songs are all beautiful. We found that what we liked best was listening from outside of the theater. Since it's open air, you can hear it all from the outside of the American Pavillion without standing in line for hours or paying an overpriced fee for a meal and a seat. We went on a bone chilling and windy cold night. Temps were in the upper 30's and the wind chill was in the low 20's. The seats are metal benches and I almost bought a cup of hot cocoa just to pour onto myself to warm up that night. Yeah, it was ok, but not as wonderful as I had hoped. Oh, and the biggest crusher for me was that Silent Night was sung in another language. It's my favorite carol and they ruined it for me that night.

If you have the idea that you want to go, just know that it's Christian based. They have never made any bones about it. It's been a part of Disney theme park tradition for years. Would I do it again? Nope. Just not my gig. Maggie
 
My DBF is Christian and I am Jewish. We saw this show in 2004 and enjoyed it. Of course, the Jesus stuff doesn't really do it for me, but I did enjoy the musical performance. We are planning to attend again in 2006. As the previous poster wrote, just keep in mind that it is Christian-based and that you can always focus on the more theatrical aspects of the performance.
 
As a high school chorus teacher, I took my kids to perform in Candlelight many years. They came from all different faiths and backgrounds. None of my students ever said they were offended by the performance, though. (Of course they get free tix for singing, so that may have kept them quiet...) Like it has already been said, scripture is read between the songs, and it tells the story of Jesus's birth. The music is beautiful - it perfectly sets the stage for the Christmas spirit. As for Silent Night... the first verse is sung in German "Stille Nacht", but partway through, the conductor turns and invites the audience to sing along in English. So very moving! Hope that helps with your decision.
 

Silent night was originally written in German; "Stille Nacht", and then translated into English later. I've never seen the CP, but I bet the language they sang it in was German!

mickeysaver said:
I am a Christian and my partner is still working on a definition of her beliefs. We saw this in 2003. It's pretty. It's some really nice choral singing. It's definately Christian based entertainment. They read the story of how Jesus came into the world. The songs are all beautiful. We found that what we liked best was listening from outside of the theater. Since it's open air, you can hear it all from the outside of the American Pavillion without standing in line for hours or paying an overpriced fee for a meal and a seat. We went on a bone chilling and windy cold night. Temps were in the upper 30's and the wind chill was in the low 20's. The seats are metal benches and I almost bought a cup of hot cocoa just to pour onto myself to warm up that night. Yeah, it was ok, but not as wonderful as I had hoped. Oh, and the biggest crusher for me was that Silent Night was sung in another language. It's my favorite carol and they ruined it for me that night.

If you have the idea that you want to go, just know that it's Christian based. They have never made any bones about it. It's been a part of Disney theme park tradition for years. Would I do it again? Nope. Just not my gig. Maggie
 
I am a Christian and we have have seen the CP at least 3 times. Though scripture is interspersed with the music I dont feel that it is a show just for Christians. There are a few attractions at WDW that I dont agree with from a religous view but it doesnt keep me from seeing them. I dont agree with the big bang theory in Ellens Energy Adventure, but it doesnt hinder me from going in. Otherwise its a great attraction.

I would say go and enjoy! No one will make you feel out of place. The music is wonderful and sung by some very talented folks.
 
mello said:
Silent night was originally written in German; "Stille Nacht", and then translated into English later. I've never seen the CP, but I bet the language they sang it in was German!


It was indeed German, I was just brain locked last night and couldn't remember if it was German or Latin. That's what I get for posting when I should be headed to bed. lol Maggie
 
I've seen it twice - once was enough for DH, though. I always go on Christmas Eve as the Nativity Story means more to me then (I'm not highly religious - but I am believer!)

I don't really think absolute non-believers would like it at all - what would the point be of going to hear about the birth of Christ if you have no interest in it? :confused3 Probably people of other religions/faiths could get some enjoyment out of it, though.

I personally think it is a lovely show. It is very well done with an excellent orchestra, choirs, narrators and even has someone signing the entire show.
 
I have the CD, but haven't seen it in person. It quotes significant sections of new testament scripture.

I would not bring most atheists I know. I would carefully select amongst my Jewish/Muslim/agnostic friends which to bring and to not bring. If the person in question is someone with whom you've had a meaningful discussion about various faiths, and that discussion was non-confrontational from both perspectives, then I'd go for it. Otherwise, there are tons of other things to do in the World, so unless you are evangelizing, I'd skip it.
 
Excellent question! My mother-in-law and I just had this conversation last night since my DH is an Athiest. I was leaning on not going since I didn't want to be all in his face over the vacation...but considering the VERY honest opinions maybe I'll discuss it with him and see what he thinks.
 
While I've never seen this show, I'm curious. Would non-believers (which I am not) be able to see this show as a cultural representation of the Christian community, instead of as a religious experience? There are island people who have come to America to attend college where I work as the child development program director. They put on a show with native dances. They often invite the Native American students to dance as well. It is my understanding that in their respective cultures the dances have deep religious meening. I simply enjoy the dancing. As a Christian I don't feel bad about participating in a religious cermony to a "different god" or offended by the acts.

Could non-believers, or people of other faiths, view the CP the way I view the dances (just pretty singing and an interesting story) or is it not possible because the Christian faith is so prevalent in our society?
 
I am replying without reading the other responses.

I am an atheist and my DH is Jewish. We have been to the Candlelight Processional 3-4 times. While they do try to incorporate a little bit of Hanukkah and a little bit of Kwanza into the ceremony, it is largely the story of the birth of Jesus. It is, IMO, pretty "in-your-face" Christian and religious.

So, you ask yourself, why the heck does Robin the atheist go to it? First of all, I was brought up Christian and I enjoy the music and the songs. We do not celebrate Christmas ever since my DD was born (we celebrate Hanukkah instead) and it is nice to hear the music sung by the wonderful choirs. I like that the singers are real people from the area. Secondly, I think it's fun to see famous people up-close do the readings. We were in the first row for Gary Sinise and 3-4 rows back for Lavar Burton. Lastly, I love to watch the sign-language interpreter. They really get into it and are entertaining in their own right.

I really is a beautiful, entertaining show ... even though some of it makes me twitch! LOL.
 
Well done everyone. Thank you! :goodvibes

Anyone else wish to add your opinion? :listen:
 
I don't find it to be "in your face" at all. It's simply reading straight from the Bible and some music. There is no preaching, no opinions, nor any commentary. Just reading.
 
Yes - I will also send my opinion. I like the CP, however staying through the entire thing is a bit of an overdose for me. Therefore, I enjoy listening to it at the tables at The American Gardens. I just continue to move on when I have heard enough of it. My DH, on the other hand, was offended, and started an argument with me about it. ( He was a pain in the butt the entire vacation, anyway. )

This *may* help explain why I leave him home, and I am now planning on my 6th SOLO vacation ! :goodvibes :cool1:
 
I am what most would call an "atheist" (I wouldn't use that term though, it's so negative!). I am very uncomfortable sitting through preachy services such as some weddings and funerals with the word "God" used twice in every sentence. But I've always loved the music of the Christmas season.

The CP performance just tells the story of Jesus in a straightforward fashion, and the emphasis is on the music. It doesn't make me the least bit uncomfortable. (Except when they butcher a great song with an ill-considered arrangement, but that's rare!) It is a beautiful story, regardless of what you believe about the literal truth of some parts of it, and the performance does a good job of telling it.
 
You will be walking around the World your whole vacation looking at nothing but Christian based belief decorations. So, can't see that listening to the story would be an issue, if those dont offend you.
 
MemoryMakers2669 said:
You will be walking around the World your whole vacation looking at nothing but Christian based belief decorations. So, can't see that listening to the story would be an issue, if those dont offend you.

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

Enjoy the Night of Joy at the MK :teeth:.
 
"Christmas is the one time of year when people of all religions come together to worship Santa Claus." -- Bart Simpson
 
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