The other day, Kevin Hearne and I announced the Nerdtivity Contest. It is, in short, a contest to make a nativity scene out of nerdy, geeky, or pop culturey toys.
It’s a fun contest!
Some folks are not entirely thrilled with the contest, believing it to be in some way anti-Christian.
And a couple folks have asked that we stop the contest.
So.
Here’s the deal.
We’re gonna keep the contest going. And here’s why:
We’re not attempting to denigrate anyone’s religion and we don’t think that placing geeky toys in a manger does any damage to one’s faith or one’s ability to practice that faith. We understand if you don’t want to participate! And, regrettably, we understand if for some reason you feel like this is a very good reason to stop reading this blog or our books. But we believe this does no harm to anyone’s religion (and strictly speaking, a nativity is just a birth scene — we’re not mocking Christianity, nor are we mocking any religion that has any kind of sacred birth at its center).
As a personal note, while it is never my goal to offend, I also don’t particularly mind offending people. I do mind hurting people, and that’s usually my metric for these kinds of things. Am I hurting anyone? Persecuting them? I like to think that’s not what’s happening here. (Further, my books are frequently pretty darn offensive. Hell, this blog is offensive on the daily.)
So: contest is still on!
*blows whistle*
KVeldman says:
I’m a Christian. I’m not the least bit offended by this. That is all.
December 4, 2014 — 9:33 PM
Alison Craig says:
I am CHristian, and I think the great geeky toys are adorable.
December 4, 2014 — 9:44 PM
Joseph. says:
Personally I think this is a great post and I agree with you. But I do wonder how you reconcile your strong opinion about small slights against women and race with this small slight against a specific religion. Regardless. I will continue to read all of your and Kevin’s books. I love what you guys do.
December 4, 2014 — 9:44 PM
terribleminds says:
I don’t think any reconciliation is necessary. Being a woman, being gay, being black — they’re not choices. Religion is a choice, like whether or not you eat meat, or don’t eat meat, or are a capitalist or a socialist, or like science-fiction or don’t like science-fiction. That’s not to say I want to sit here and sharpen my knives on any of those groups of people, nor would I suggest prejudice against them is a good thing — but these people are beholden to choices, and just as I could poke a little fun at capitalism or meat-eaters or sci-fi fans, I could similarly do so with Christianity. (Further, you could have a conversation about whether Christians in America are really a persecuted lot at all, though that’s a discussion for another time.)
At the end of the day, I don’t even consider this contest to be poking fun at all — I think it’s pure fun at nobody’s expense. I think it’s using geeky funny things in the trappings of a traditional Christmas decoration and nothing more. *shrug*
I understand if some folks find it upsetting or blasphemous, and that’s fine — but like with my books and my blog, I really can’t please everyone and I’ve upset folks before and will upset them again. All I can do is try to do my best and use my brain and my heart as my guide, and here both are telling me that this contest is about as harmless as Santa Claus or Nightmare Before Christmas or pretending some glow-nosed little punk-ass reindeer is somehow a beacon to help bring toys to kids. I know Kevin feels the same way, and neither of us could find one iota of hate or snark in this contest.
We just want people to play with their toys!
AND OF COURSE, PLAYING WITH TOYS IS THE ENTIRE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS.
— c.
December 5, 2014 — 7:41 AM
terri jones (@_terri_jones) says:
Precisely.
December 5, 2014 — 9:02 AM
Laurie Velbeck says:
Yes!
December 4, 2014 — 9:46 PM
NextInLine says:
You had to see this coming, amirite? I just hope someone can figure a way to make a nerdtivity with a fucking elf on the shelf. Well, not literally. Then again…
December 4, 2014 — 9:50 PM
Raven Blackburn says:
How is the contest offending? It’s not like you are burning crosses or something. I am not a very religious person, but I have friends that are. They respect that I am not the praying type and I respect that they have a need to do so.
That been said, I also think that none of my Christian friends will find this offensive, they might just choose not to participate. It is a fun competition but it does not make fun of the birth of Christ.
But then again some people find excuses to be offended. Wish them “Happy Holidays” they are offended. Wish them “Merry Christmas” they are offended.
December 4, 2014 — 9:50 PM
Gareth Skarka says:
There were people offended by this?
Hmm. Guess I should cancel my “kidnap Christians to burn in a Yule fire” contest, then.
People are so *touchy* these days…
December 4, 2014 — 9:51 PM
dangarble says:
I think if a nerdtivity affects your deity, he may need to loot an upgrade to a higher armor class.
December 4, 2014 — 10:02 PM
Wendy Christopher says:
**adds this comment to Favourites**
December 5, 2014 — 8:04 AM
warjna says:
Oh, gods yes! Me too! Me too!
December 5, 2014 — 10:17 PM
kirk jolly says:
I’m not offended and I’m not religious but I’m surprised that people are shocked that someone might find this offensive. It’s a symbol of their religion. People are going to putting Star Wars characters as stand ins for the son of God. I think Chuck’s intention was to have fun and not to mock and I actually think his response here is fine but the commenters who are belittling people’s legitimate feelings is pretty callous. Acknowledge they are valid even if you don’t agree with them. You’d want the same if the tables were turned.
December 4, 2014 — 10:11 PM
Brenda Littau says:
I’m a Christian, and I think it’s funny as hell. I do not believe God would be offended. People are way too sensitive. ‘It makes me uncomfortable so it must offend God.’ Really? I hope he has a better sense of humor than that or I am doomed. I believe he’s up there laughing his ass off, just happy someone thought of a new, creative way to celebrate Christmas. Just my 2 cents.
December 4, 2014 — 10:16 PM
warjna says:
Please, yes! Remember, this *is* the God who made echidnas and platypi! (Platypuses? Platypodes? Worse than trying to pluralize octopus!) If that doesn’t show He has a sense of humor, what will? Oh, I know! Look in the mirror! He’s laughing, and He’s loving it!
December 5, 2014 — 10:19 PM
Laura L. says:
Glad to read this. I’m not surprised (but was annoyed/amused) that some people were offended because some people will go out of their way to find any offense, any where. It is like a hobby. As Raven said above, “Wish them “Happy Holidays” they are offended.” I read the comments on the original post and figured it was some folks just wanting to prove there is, indeed, a war on Christmas (it starts right before Halloween these days). I know it says somewhere in the New Testament, “Thou shalt lose thy sense of humor.”
December 4, 2014 — 10:19 PM
Laura L. says:
I wish we could “like” comments because dangarble’s just cracked me up (and he’s right).
December 4, 2014 — 10:21 PM
pmillhouse says:
Well, thanks for at least addressing the elephant in the room. It is wholly offensive, IMHO. Will you use colored crayons to decorate menorah’s with awesome yet inappropriate colored wax next week? Or maybe anamine space aliens to infiltrate Quanza after that?
I mean, if we’re geeking out on religious artifacts who some people hold preciously dear, then, hey, let’s go for gold!
Your books don’t offend me, and neither does your blog, but, yeah, probably best not to mess with people’s religious artifacts and all. And no, it’s not “just a birth scene.” It’s completely on a different level than that for those who treasure it.
*Cyberhugs*
December 4, 2014 — 10:34 PM
hamnerd says:
Hi!
I’m Jewish and if somebody wanted to have an awesome but inappropriately colored wax menorah contest– colored crayons, btw, would be fantastic–or make their own menorah out of any material–which people do make them out of a variety of materials–a menorah made out of Star Trek figures, etc. I would NOT in any way be offended by that. Kids wear yarmulkes’ with a favorite football team on them. Should I be offended by that?
I think some folks are being way too sensitive about a nativity scene. People often make art using deconstructed forms of Jesus Statues, Mary statues, rosaries, other religious items.
December 5, 2014 — 1:09 AM
gherardopsicopompo says:
Thank you for this. I owe you the reply I couldn’t post because my english’s not that good…
December 5, 2014 — 3:03 AM
Tasha Turner says:
As an orthodox Jew, obviously I can’t speak for all orthodox Jews, go for it menorah suggestion, Judah the Macabee contest or Passover plates or plagues… We do crazy funky menorahs & Seder plates & costumes for Purim & crazy food poems for Rosh Hashana. I could go on but my point is that Hashem has a sense of humor and while we take the holidays seriously we also have fun with them. If our Temple still stood in Israel we would have issues with you messing with the Temple itself but we spend plenty of time arguing over what it looked like at different time periods so I’m not sure a “nerdy Temple” contest would get many of us upset – nor the ark. Possibly redoing the words on the 10 statements (you might call them commandments) in a nerdy manner would create outrage among some Jews but most of those would be ones who don’t use the Internet and wouldn’t be reading Chuck or Kevin to start with (language & sex topics are both inappropriate for them to expose themselves to – if they are reading they shouldn’t be & complaining about his nerdy fun contest would be hypocritical).
Quite a number of religions do fun/cool stuff with their religious artifacts. Some are strict in how they are treated. In some cases some people within each religion are strict while others aren’t.
I do understand the people who find this contest offensive. Picking menorahs was just a poor example if looking for support.
December 5, 2014 — 2:09 PM
warjna says:
Please, what color wax is awesome yet inappropriate?
December 5, 2014 — 10:29 PM
mark matthews says:
Yeah, as I read your post I figured some would be offended, so not suprised either.
Hasa Diga Eebowai
December 4, 2014 — 10:44 PM
Elaina M. Roberts says:
I kind of love you for that last line.
December 4, 2014 — 11:09 PM
Writella says:
“Sometimes the pool-pah exceeds the power of humans to comment”
December 4, 2014 — 10:56 PM
Imelda Evans says:
Christian. Not hurt. Not offended. I took it in the spirit in which it was intended, as a bit of fun. Mind you, also possibly going straight to hell, because expect to be quite amused.
I do understand how people might take it amiss although I’m a little surprised that those people are readers of yours in the first place. Fully support people’s right to express their concerns, though and I agree with Kirk that having fun with a cultural artifact is one thing, but belittling people who find it distressing is different. Not suggesting you are doing that, Chuck, just to be clear. Just saying that I support both your right to have the comp and people’s right not to like it.
December 4, 2014 — 11:05 PM
Imelda Evans says:
Oh, and I should have said that, while I personally find nativity scenes charming and own several, I don’t think the actual figures have much to do with faith.
December 4, 2014 — 11:06 PM
warjna says:
I agree, Imelda. If the artifacts become more important than the actual faith, then there’s a problem.
December 5, 2014 — 10:31 PM
qmbridges says:
I thought about participating, but I really don’t have time to gather my nerd things. The contest appeals to me because it reminds me of Christmases past when I had no decorations and little money. Those Christmases, with quirky, home-made decorations, were some of the most heartfelt holidays I’ve had. For the life of me, I don’t understand why nativity scenes that are mass-produced in China are sacred and a Nerdtivity is offensive.
December 4, 2014 — 11:05 PM
mlhe says:
If GOD does NOT have a sense of humor, what in the world am I doing here?
December 4, 2014 — 11:18 PM
Pat says:
I agree. Clearly, GOD does…giraffes, emus, ostriches, platypus, armadillo. Remember who created marijuana.
Love the contorts for the silliness. Not surprised some are offended by humor and fun.
December 5, 2014 — 7:12 AM
Pat says:
Damn auto-correct – that’s “contest”, not contorts.
December 5, 2014 — 7:13 AM
JohnM says:
God has sense of humor. Have you seen the faces we make during sex? I think the Metatron said this in “Dogma”
December 5, 2014 — 12:15 PM
mckkenzie says:
Have to admit I was surprised by people getting offended…then again, my brothers and I used to rearrange our nativity set to make battle scenes…so maybe I’m not the best judge. 😉
December 4, 2014 — 11:43 PM
julie says:
Church-going nerd here: I believe God will survive your attempt to bring two important parts of my life closer together. (We already have the Lego advent calendar, so…)
December 4, 2014 — 11:44 PM
katie says:
The Star Wars Lego advent calendar is amazing. I really hope my son gets that Darth Vader in a santa outfit. We’ve already spent all week confronting each other with, “Luke… I am your Santa.” “Nooooo!!!”
December 5, 2014 — 8:46 AM
Gregory says:
It’s offensive how exactly: like how the Christians took the idea of Christmas from the pagans and tied into their propaganda used it to repress people through guilt and shame. Or they stole the idea of the virgin birth from the myth of Horus, the Egyptian god. If you want to be offended, at least be offended by something based in truth.
December 4, 2014 — 11:48 PM
Gerlach says:
I see the Nerdativity more as paying homage to a symbol, then making fun of it. But leave it to religion to make people overly sensitive.
December 4, 2014 — 11:48 PM
miramichelleday says:
a big old Fuck Yeah! I’m a bit surprised that avid followers of this blog would be as offended as you say. You can’t get mad at one thing but laugh at everything else. This is a great contest and I’m trying to see what I can do make a nativity out of My Little Ponies, Donatello from the Ninja Turtles and He Man 🙂
December 4, 2014 — 11:59 PM
Peg says:
If there was Darth Vader on a crucifix, yes, that would be offensive. But think about the wildly illogical nativity scenes Christians have used for years:
Using real people acting like Mary etc and live babies to stand in for the Christ child.
Depicting Mary, Joseph, Jesus as white toddlers and children- (Have you seen the Precious Moments one? What about the Cabbage patch one?)
Cats and dogs with a kitten/puppy for Jesus.
Cookies, with Jesus in a “cradle” of milk.
Snow
Etc etc.
Candy Advent calendars. Easter egg hunts. HAM for Easter dinner. It’s all bullshit.
The depiction is the same, no matter if you use tinker toys (yes one exists) or Gumby as wise man.
If someone can bastardize a Middle Eastern scene of a birth to have donkeys and cows hanging out with a bunch of figures that look like they were born in Wisconsin, then why not action figures?
December 5, 2014 — 12:14 AM
smkay70 says:
Oh my God. Thank you for that.
December 5, 2014 — 12:33 AM
warjna says:
YES! You are spot-on about the Darth Vader on a crucifix, definitely would be offensive. But some of the things I have seen that have been commercially put our for sale in Robert’s Christmas House? *shudder*
December 5, 2014 — 10:37 PM
Randall says:
I’m a little taken aback by people who say they can’t believe people were actually offended. You can’t be on the internet for more than a few hours before you learn that someone is ALWAYS offended.
December 5, 2014 — 1:04 AM
AmalieB says:
Not participating only because I don’t have any action figures, but I love the idea and I’m glad you’re sticking with it!
Regarding the uproar: I shared a photo like this on Facebook and got publicly scolded for. Your response was much more politic than mine(“I invite you to block me if you find this offensive!”). My sympathy for those offended by something so innocent ends when folks publicly demand their religious beliefs affect what I think, do, or say.
Everyone with a sense of humor must constantly make judgment calls on whether or not the words coming out their mouths(or fingers) are offensive for the majority of people. I personally will not be changing my policy because of a vocal minority.
December 5, 2014 — 1:14 AM
hamnerd says:
What if some of us find the nativity itself offensive? (not the ‘nerdtivity’ contest, though).
Anyway, I really wanted to join in the contest, but the only thing keeping me from participating is that I’d actually have to go out and purchase all the materials needed and I’m a little broke this week. But good luck to all the participants!
December 5, 2014 — 1:18 AM
M T McGuire says:
I’m deeply religious. Phnark! No seriously, I mean it. There are vicars in my family. But we have drawn from my extensive collection of action figures to set up a nerdivity in our window every year that I’ve bothered to decorate the house (we are doomed to never spend Christmas in our own home – yea until the end of time – so I can’t always be arsed to decorate). Similarly, I’m actually very touched if someone wishes me happy Diwali or some such so I’m completely bemused by the thing to say ‘happy holidays’. It hasn’t hit Britain yet so until very recently I thought they were talking about Thanksgiving, a holiday as impenetrable and mysterious to us Brits as Guy Fawks Night is to the rest of the world.
In short, if God really made us in his own image that includes the sense of humour, right? So even though I am an Anglican and go to Holy Communion every week with incense, shouty hymns and the works, I’d just like you to know that don’t give a shit. Indeed, I think the nerdivity is a brilliant idea and if I can find my action figures in time I’ll submit one.
Cheers
MTM
December 5, 2014 — 2:03 AM
Wendy Christopher says:
Agreed! Although… best/worst ‘politically-correct Christmas’ anecdote I have collected thus far is as a result of being a fellow Brit, so yeah, it’s coming…
Went to buy a decoration for the top of the Christmas tree last year – either an angel or a star, didn’t mind, just wanted something to stop the top of the tree looking a bit sparse. Went to the biggest B&Q I could find… zero in stock. Asked a shop assistant why – and here’s what he came up with:
“I’m afraid we don’t stock those items here anymore madam, due to complaints. We have to be sensitive to the diverse cultures of the market now, so we don’t sell Christmas fairies because that might offend the gay community, and we don’t sell stars because that might offend the Jewish community. Star of David and all that.”
GENUINE reply from B&Q employee. I kid you not. I mean, a) how about you call Christmas ‘fairies’ ‘angels’ instead and solve the problem THAT way? And b) not EVERY star ever depicted imitates the Star of David, surely, since it’s very specifically a six-pointed, blue star? But who am I to argue with the logic of PC, etc.?
Darn, I really wanna do this Nerdtivity now! not in a position to buy actual figures, but I guess I could go all Blue Peter on it… **plots**
December 5, 2014 — 8:35 AM
Jenni says:
Hello… Quick note,
I am a Christian and while I appreciate the traditional scenes to celebrate this season, I completely am okay and excited about this contest.
(I actually insisted that my roomie hand over all figurines and he chuckled… And walked away.)
Regardless- this contest is amazing and I am so excited to see everyone’s “nerdivity.”
December 5, 2014 — 2:16 AM
mangacat201 says:
Wow… I’m actually floored not by the fact that that people are offended – that one was par for the course and to be expected – but just how much some people are willing to have their imagination and way of life limited by what they perceive are the boundaries of their religion (which are, lets face it, largely arbitrary and entirely determined by human interpretation of what might or might not have been divine script.). And I say religion with emphasis because it’s not faith that’s the problem,… I respect anyone who is deeply faithful to a set of beliefs they regard as the right moral and personal guidance for them. I even respect people who seek to share the expression of said faith in a community, because a lot of good in the world is done by the energy generated by those united in their effort to become better people.
What I don’t respect are the crusted, institutionalized, tacky and judgmental branches of religion that just cannot conceive how people might be moved to express their joy, their anticipation, even their faith that might not meet the criteria of their rigid regard of right and wrong.
And I won’t hunt down bible quotes, but as I’ve learned, Christianity – above all – in the way that Jesus taught it, is about acceptance. That people come from all walks of life. That they might find their way to the message in different ways. That they might understand the truths of faith by way of metaphor and imagery. And so… how’s a Superman Angel-who-gives-the-news not fit into that?
Anyway, what I actually wanted to say with that rambling rant, I think it’s good you decide to keep going and to those that are still offended, well, easiest rule for peace on the internet: you don’t like, you don’t read.
December 5, 2014 — 3:11 AM
Katherine Hetzel says:
I’m Christian…and you know what? Whatever you use to portray the Nativity – and I’ve seen a pic of one made out of those name coke cans this morning! – there’s one point that even the most offended folks are missing… Lots of people are being encouraged to recreate that essential Christian story. In their own homes. At Christmas. Shouldn’t we, as Christians, be celebrating that fact? If you can make Nativities out of cheese or chocolate, why not geeky toys? I had one made out of pine cones, once…
My prayer is that whatever you use to create your Nerdivity, The Message touches your heart. x
December 5, 2014 — 3:54 AM
addy95 says:
damned if you do damned if you dont, you make a contest with religion, people start shouting “its happy holidays! not merry christmas” or you can make a fun contest which makes you an anti semetic bastard.
Christmas is a time to laugh, cry, sing and get fat, and drink. and get fat, and drink and drink and eat and…
oh yeah the whole gift thing as well
December 5, 2014 — 3:59 AM
Randall says:
“people start shouting “its happy holidays! not merry christmas””
Has this ever actually happened? I can’t think of a single time I’ve heard or read someone correcting a “Merry Christmas,” but yet it exists as this very definitive example of how political correctness threatens everything. At best, my guess is that for every one time this has happened on planet Earth, it’s been repeated as fuel for the War on the War on Christmas at least 100,000 times (and I think that’s conservative, to be honest). It’s like a myth!
Oh . . . myth . . . some do take mythology for reality still . . . My bad. Carry on.
December 5, 2014 — 11:38 AM
George L says:
I’m actually not sure where I stand on this whole thing, but I just wanted to deposit this here for general interest. Traditional Catalan pooping nativity.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caganer
December 5, 2014 — 6:42 AM
warjna says:
How delightful! Thanks, George, for the education!
December 5, 2014 — 10:48 PM
brdubard says:
My dad was a Presbyterian minister, and he always maintained God has a sense of humor. Which means I’ll be digging through my kids’ closets this weekend, looking for action figures.
December 5, 2014 — 7:16 AM
Rola says:
I think Christians might hold the copyright for the cross, and that fish symbol. Sheds and troughs are fair game.
December 5, 2014 — 7:33 AM
Chris Wilde says:
A local church has a Jimmy Buffet nativity with wise men in Hawaiian shirts and flip flops, flamingos and parrots.
December 5, 2014 — 8:11 AM
terribleminds says:
Well, I think we can all agree that Jimmy Buffett is going to hell. But probably for other reasons.
December 5, 2014 — 8:25 AM
Matt Black says:
Chuck, that statement is offensive to all of us JimmyBuffettologists. Please be more sensitive to our parrot/margarita-based belief systems.
December 6, 2014 — 1:37 AM
terribleminds says:
NO
HA HA HA HA HA HA
GO BACK TO MARGARITAVILLE WEIRDOS
December 6, 2014 — 7:36 AM
mattblackattack says:
On behalf of the JimmyBuffenites I am declaring a Mar-jihad-arita until you change your attitude/lattitudes.
December 9, 2014 — 2:50 PM
Sally Ember, Ed.D. says:
Good for you. Don’t let the teapublicancensorshipfools get you down. Fun is fun.
You’re not hurting anyone. If they are offended, they don’t have to look/visit your site.
Plus, if they really believe their symbols are so sacrosanct as not to be able to be tolerant of their being commercialized, they have bigger fish to fry than your little nerditivy contest! Checked out Wal-Mart lately????
BTW: I love the idea of Darth Vader on a crucifix. I hope someone does do that.
December 5, 2014 — 9:09 AM
Annie Howland says:
Wow. Looks like you got the same reaction I got when I joked to a few of my acquaintances that a Jesus calendar would be cool. (“February could be sexy Jesus with a strategically-placed box of candy and flowers, July could be a sweaty fireman Jesus…” ) Suddenly I was the anti-Christ or something. If I’m going to hell for my sense of humor, so be it. I’ll be in good company. And now that I think of it, an anti-Christ calendar would be pretty cool, too.
December 5, 2014 — 9:12 AM
mckkenzie says:
Oh god…cannot…stop…laughing…
December 5, 2014 — 9:22 AM
Annie Howland says:
Awesome. We’ll roast together.
December 5, 2014 — 9:30 AM
Author Dayna Leigh Cheser says:
“Live and let live.”
“Do unto others as ye would have them do unto you.”
“You can’t please all of the people all of the time.”
All that said, I’m glad you didn’t cave in to those few who have to make trouble wherever they go.
I hope it’s a great contest, and I know the winning entry will be totally fantastic!
December 5, 2014 — 9:23 AM
epalmerbrown says:
I’m a Christian and don’t find this remotely offensive. Nor do I think stamping out Star Wars nativity scenes would have been high on Jesus’ to-do list.
December 5, 2014 — 9:26 AM
God says:
As a God, I’m also not offended.
December 5, 2014 — 9:56 AM
David says:
Well, thank…um…you…
BTW, are you THE God, or just A God? Could settle a bet…
December 5, 2014 — 1:23 PM
GaiusPrimus says:
Last year I ate my chocolate nativity scene after Christmas when the wife wasn’t looking. I don’t think I’m hellbound though.
December 5, 2014 — 10:12 AM
iriel says:
I did a representation of the Last Supper with tiny Weeping Angels and a Dalek for GISHWHES I, and I’m a Catholic 😛 Relax, people! Have fun!
December 5, 2014 — 10:20 AM
Mikey Campling says:
I love the nerdivity idea so much I want to do one, even though I won’t get a prize. I don’t buy into the idea that religion is a get out of jail free card that gives its customers immunity from all forms of ridicule.
December 5, 2014 — 10:34 AM
Sarah_Madison says:
I love the Nerdivity! It makes me want to run out and buy more action figures because sadly, I don’t have enough to create a scene! Unless, of course, I resort to dinosaurs…
I grew up in the South in strongly religious family who somehow managed to reconcile Rudolph, Santa, Frosty, and Baby Jesus without affecting our belief in God. I agree with those that said the Nerdivity is another way of paying homage to a symbol rather than making fun of it. Oh, and “Luke, I am your Santa!” had me sniggering with laughter at my desk.
I find it interesting that many people these days seem more concerned with imaginary slights to their religion than following the basic tenants of it. As far as I can tell, Jesus believed in feeding the hungry, taking care of the poor, paying taxes, and providing health care. 😉
December 5, 2014 — 11:02 AM
Birgit Nazarian says:
I am Christian, I consider it paying homage to Christ’s birth from a place you can relate if a 5 year old did it would that be sacrilege? We’d think it was cute! But I don’t have many toys or figurines like that to play with… with what I have to work with, mine would be too abstract to recognize as a nativity.
December 5, 2014 — 11:10 AM
Elizabeth Leinback says:
I’m a fan of Jesus (the word “Christian” is starting to leave an unfortunate taste in my mouth, which is something I’ll have to sort out on my own) and I can’t imagine him being offended. Also, I’m linking to a blog post, but only for the handy-dandy flowchart, right at the top, that helps religious folks (if you’re not, pray for us anyway — we clearly need a lot of help) determine if something’s worth getting offended over: http://rachelheldevans.com/blog/persecuted-christmas-2014
December 5, 2014 — 11:24 AM
Em Alexander says:
Good! I don’t know what other people worship, but my Creator is more than capale of taking care of itself and has a sense of humor. This year my granddaughters made a creche using Barbie, Ken, a baby Jesus figure in manger, and the three wise men were Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman.
December 5, 2014 — 11:59 AM
David says:
I was waiting for some sort of backlash. Just for notes, in no particular order…nativity scenes aren’t holy relics. They are representations of an event. You can’t buy holy relics at the craft store, you usually have to dig up a dead saint and steal a bone or something. They might actually border on idolatry, holding a graven image as sacred is a slippery slope. Also, as others have mentioned we have no idea what any of the participants looked like since cameras weren’t quite around yet. The wise men might have looked like Darth Vader, Obi-Wan, and Yota. I mean, it’s unlikely, but not impossible. Further more, Most biblical scholars agree that the wise men were nowhere near the actual birth – that they arrived later, so it’s not like the traditional interpretation is a factual one.
None of these issues (OR the use of Super Mario figures for that matter) denigrates the reverence for the event the nativity represents. I agree with several posters that any nativity (err…almost anyway) is better than no nativity.
And Chuck, what the hell do you have against drunk Caribbean rock n roll music??!!
December 5, 2014 — 1:36 PM
Rio says:
Sooo, if people are offended by this, were they also offended by the Veggie Tales nativity set where Jesus is a baby carrot? I really don’t see why people are so upset. There are literally thousands of nativity sets out there that are way more trashy than a nerdtivity, so why is this one suddenly not okay? Besides, it’s not like we’re trying to say that Yoda is actually Jesus. It’s just replacing one painted doll with another. Would accidentally stepping on a little chunk of plastic shaped like “Jesus” (which is really just a white, brown-haired baby) be considered sacrilegious?
December 5, 2014 — 5:33 PM