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*
Jenni C says:
Before I speak, I’m a Christian. Can we buy a sense of humor, Pat? So glad you are not cancelling. Wish we could stop all this over-sensitive crap. I have never seen you hurt anyone, no matter how nasty the language. I am a conservative (sorry) over 50 female and I think you are hilarious, sensitive and incredibly gifted in the dispensation of writing advice. I want to make a nerdtivity. Maybe I’ll get it done in time. If not, fun for home along side our traditional one.
December 5, 2014 — 9:14 PM
Lara T says:
First off, to Chuck: thank you for staying on your own course and explaining your decision in a reasonable manner. Some people are going to like what you do, and others won’t, and that’s just the way of the world. Yay for not backing down!
Second, to many of the other commentators here: we get it — you’re Christian and you’re not offended. Great, but don’t belittle the others here that are. Why must you tell them to get over it or get a sense of humor? This is very important to some people, and there’s enough room in the world to fit you all (I hope). You don’t even have to understand where they’re coming from — just accepting it is enough.
December 5, 2014 — 11:58 PM
doseyclwn says:
I like turtles
December 7, 2014 — 4:53 PM
michellewillms2013 says:
Thank you for continuing the contest. I’m not participating – not due to any religious aversion to having fun with the manger scene, but due to a lack of creativity. I appreciate your ability to find fun in all types of scenes and situations.
December 7, 2014 — 6:20 PM
theworld4realz says:
My sister is very Christian, and she collects various manger scenes because she likes them, even tho she knows they aren’t “legit” in terms of the whole Jesus thing. Two of her favorite nativities are sets made up of {1} Fisherprice Little People, and {2} cat figurines. Both were purchased by different family members who understood her love of the nativity, and they are eagerly displayed every year. When I showed her this contest and some of the entries, she was completely geeked out over it. So — I’m not sure what all the sour faces are about, when my sister is about as devout as they come and yet still enjoys the various manipulations of an already skewed scene. I’m really glad this contest occurred and hope to see it and numerous entries in the years to come. They generate laughter and smiles, bring me closer to my sister, and make me think warm Christmas thoughts. Not sure what more you could as for in these troubled times.
December 23, 2014 — 2:50 AM