The Xmas Files

The Philosophy of Christmas

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Philosophy
Cover of the book The Xmas Files by Stephen Law, Orion Publishing Group
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Author: Stephen Law ISBN: 9781780222615
Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Publication: December 15, 2011
Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson Language: English
Author: Stephen Law
ISBN: 9781780222615
Publisher: Orion Publishing Group
Publication: December 15, 2011
Imprint: Weidenfeld & Nicolson
Language: English

A philosophical but fun look at the meanings of Christmas myths and rituals, from carving the turkey to why Santa wears red.

Picture the scene: Aunt Gertrude has just given you the most appalling Christmas tie, complete with snow-flecked kittens in a bowler hat. Do you smile, nod, and confine it to the bottom drawer? Or do you tell the truth and spare yourself future ties from hell? Kant would say that we must, at all costs, tell the truth - whilst Mill would insist that we should think of the consequences.

THE XMAS FILES is a philosophical meander though the myths and rituals of Christmas today, asking such important questions as does Santa exist? What's wrong with Christmas kitsch? Is it all just a commercial racket? What was Augustine's attitude to 'peace on earth'? And what would David Hume have to say about the virgin birth?

For underneath all the festive fun, the way we celebrate Christmas does raise serious questions about the beliefs that sustain us, and the ways in which we still value ritual and tradition as a means of coming together.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

A philosophical but fun look at the meanings of Christmas myths and rituals, from carving the turkey to why Santa wears red.

Picture the scene: Aunt Gertrude has just given you the most appalling Christmas tie, complete with snow-flecked kittens in a bowler hat. Do you smile, nod, and confine it to the bottom drawer? Or do you tell the truth and spare yourself future ties from hell? Kant would say that we must, at all costs, tell the truth - whilst Mill would insist that we should think of the consequences.

THE XMAS FILES is a philosophical meander though the myths and rituals of Christmas today, asking such important questions as does Santa exist? What's wrong with Christmas kitsch? Is it all just a commercial racket? What was Augustine's attitude to 'peace on earth'? And what would David Hume have to say about the virgin birth?

For underneath all the festive fun, the way we celebrate Christmas does raise serious questions about the beliefs that sustain us, and the ways in which we still value ritual and tradition as a means of coming together.

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