Is Santa Claus a God?

http://nautil.us/blog/is-santa-claus-a-god

by dnetesn • 12 years ago

14 10 12 years ago

fsloth• 12 years ago

The offering part applies only to some regions. For example in Finland Santa comes after dinner, distributes the presents from a sack and leaves (with older children the santa is commonly skipped and the presents apparate at an opportune moment - "left by elves").

The more interesting question, IMO, is what happened to the goat headed sidekick that accompanied Santa in various regions.

pmccall777• 12 years ago

He's not a god, but he is a real creeper.

spiritplumber• 12 years ago

The Hogfather certainly is, and that's good enough for me.

notacoward• 12 years ago

Santa, when someone asks if you're a god, you say YES!

yawz2• 12 years ago

No he is not. Because he is not capricious. He doesn't force us to spread his word and he doesn't send those who don't believe in him to eternal flames.

guard-of-terra• 12 years ago

I think that for kids to be declared `naughty' is much more severe than e.g. excommunication for a christian.

yawz2• 12 years ago

Fair point :)

derekp7• 12 years ago

I kind of like to think of Santa as a "god training wheels" for kids. First, the concept introduces them to the idea of modifying their behavior for a delayed reward. Secondly, they can practice in a belief system with the freedom of making mistakes, without offending / blasphemy against a real deity (because that would be bad). Once they get beyond this simplified system, they can move on to interacting with a real deity.

krapp• 12 years ago

Santa Claus teaches children about God, and faith, and that the universe rewards people for doing good, and punishes people for doing evil.

And inevitably, he teaches children that every adult they've ever known is a liar and a fraud.

carsongross• 12 years ago

Watch the face of a little one opening presents on Christmas morning, and the question obviates itself.

Is Santa Claus a God?

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