Jesus replaced with a Gregg's sausage roll.

I think we should leave it. I'm done with this thread. Greggs were incredibly insensitve and crass and have hurt and upset a lot of people in order to gain publicity. End of.

Anniebach you say I can kick you but you are a Christian so you are expected to take it,
Isn't that one of Jesus' teachings? That when Christians are attacked or insulted you don't retaliate but turn the other cheek?

How do you know that Carol1954 if you have never patronised them?

Yes Trisher it is, so you think it a good reason to expect others to take the kicks ? Explains much. Wonder why the atheists I know are so unlike you.

Just because we are taught to turn the other cheek, does not mean we cannot defend our right to believe. I respect anyone's right not to believe all I ask in return is that you respect my right to believe. I know there is nothing I can say which will change the views of non-believers so, like polly I am also leaving this thread. I wish everyone a lovely day.

As I said Trisher I don’t like sausage rolls, except the ones I make myself. And I don’t like what I see in their windows. I’m sorry if this seems illogical.

Yes I too am lucky enough to have family around me and enough money to cater for Christmas. Sadly there are many that don't, Christmas can be a lonely time for some and that state is highlighted in what has become a gross consumer bonanza that has nothing to do with the original meaning. If people draw succour from the spiritual side and what that represents, who am I as a rather lapsed Catholic to mock that. I know all the downsides of the religion I was born into, I don't live in a vacuum, I've read volumes about the Spanish Inquistion and the shocking abuses of late, but I also know there are other facets of organized Christianity that do provide pastoral care and support to many of their followers. Christmas over the years has become increasingly hideous celebrated by many only through prism of the commercialised side, so much so I'm beginning to appreciate those of my childhood where the central part of that time of year was the religious festival and a focus on the birth of Christ. Personally I would rather have a European style Christmas less focus on shopping and spending. As for Christians having a protected status why would they need that here it's not the Middle East, or some draconian communist state, well not yet anyway. However, we seem to be living in a world that is verging on the edge of hysteria about all manner of innocuous issues such as not using correct termanology to describe a "pregnant person" and as stated here the banning of Christmas cards in the work place lest they cause offence to non Christians . With that in mind to describe those who don't wish to see Jesus (who was a Jew) as snowflakes because they object to him being replaced by some fatty, greasy lump of pork is quite understandable imo.

The overwhelming expression of feeling on this thread has been one of outrage at Greggs' campaign.

There have been a few voices putting a different point of view, although often acknowledging that the Greggs' depiction of the manger was, in their opinion, insensitive and pointless. It has also been acknowledged that some other faiths, and notably Islam, would not take at all kindly to a campaign of this nature. Ironically, the seeds of that sort of rigid adherence to a code of religious conduct can be seen on this thread too - sewn by the very people that criticise it.

Despite being massively outnumbered by those who claim they have been deeply offended by the campaign, the few dissenting voices have been accused of bullying, sneering, etc., and have drawn comments such as:

"I have noticed on this thread, the same posters who regularly post harsh, angry and bitter condemnations towards others do the same on other threads too.... They come across as being full of anger and bile."

That sounds unpleasantly personal to me - and fairly condemnatory.

It is true, as someone else pointed out, that most religious people respect/tolerate other religions. However, the same tolerant accommodation is often not granted to those who belong to no faith. Historically, anyone daring to admit their lack of faith could face very serious consequences, and the attitude that such people are a threat to "decent" society still lingers and can be seen on here and in some religions.

There is a great deal of snobbery and piousness on this thread and some frankly ludicrous comments about the health risks in eating Greggs' sausage rolls. Sausage rolls can be bought from virtually every bakery and supermarket - I doubt there is anything especially injurious about Gregg's sausage rolls.

I was not aware of the good work that Greggs has done in providing free and cheap meals and in sponsoring charities and environmental campaigns. I think it would be a great shame if an organisation which appears to do so much good in the community and which employs many people should be damaged because of the ineptitude of its marketing managers.

Thank you Pollyperkins! And I suppose you could say that Nativity Scenes in fact break one of the 10 Commandments.

Good news for Trisha and maryeliza, the Labour Party are giving away 16 Christmas cards , not a crib or angel on them, you do have to donate £12 to receive these free cards, loud,colourful .

Who cares how you celebrating just leave those who still wish to pay homage to the spiritual side of Christmas to do so without ridicule.
Precisely Terribull!

Celebrate Christmas if you wish, call it what you will, but do not ridicule those for whom Christmas means the coming of the Christ child.

Apart from the description of the perfect Christmas you and your family have and the love and concern you show for others you come across as unrelentingly “harsh and unloving” towards everybody who doesn’t share your views Maryeliza54.
Oh carol how wonderfully Christian you are towards me - I thought Christians were supposed to be forgiving and loving and turn the other cheek but hey ho, harsh, judgemental, what an absolutely perfect example of a Christian your post is

I don't think that Carol needs to forgive or love you maryeliza, neither is she harsh or judgemental she is merely pointing out an obvious truth which comes across in your posts on all threads, not just this one. Add sarcastic and downright nasty to the description of your posts too, although, of course, you may be absolutely delightful in RL.

Excellent post TerriBull

Spot on Jalima

pollyperkins Sun 19-Nov-17 13:50:28
I agree pollyperkins.

I suppose the good thing to come out of this Greggs debacle
Is to make people think about the true meaning of Christmas as opposed to the commercialism.

I think it would be a great shame if an organisation which appears to do so much good in the community and which employs many people should be damaged because of the ineptitude of its marketing managers.
Absolutely Eloethan. I was unaware of what they do for the wider community but I think this particular picture in their calendar has made them look ridiculous if nothing else.

I would rather spend the £24 or whatever their calendar costs on some other good cause this *Christmas.

Well I expect those of you who’ve had a good go at me all feel better now- so glad to have been of service to such needy people. Almost Christian of me isn’t it? Have you any idea how ridiculous and petty those of you engaging in this come across? But do carry on because clearly your lives are not complete without criticising me - how very very sad.

If your posts were a bit different Maryeliza then there would be no criticism, maybe take a good hard look at the way you comment.

Perhaps you should reflect on - what goes around comes around or - a man reaps what he sows. Galations

although you did agree with me about something on another thread maryeliza

Honesty is the best policy (don't think that is in the Bible though)
I could stand corrected.

Don’t tell me how to post lemon who do you think you are? GN royalty? All this childish school girl ganging up on me - Why some might even call it bullying. Oh sorry as if you and your mates would do anything as mean and nasty as that.

I can say quite honestly that I have never encountered Carol before as far as I am aware.

I could stand corrected

Now you really are being childish MaryEiza
GN royalty?

I think that Carol is a new member of GN.