I've been struggling with the decision about Santa with my children. My wife is very sentimental and enjoys fairytale type stuff like Santa and the tooth fairy and "Mystical" things like that, while my family never really did things like that. Having obviously caved in to the woman about these things for our small children I had a murky feeling about it, as if I was somehow not being true to my values if I facilitated these fantasies with the girls.
This video has reassured me that allowing the fantasy side of holidays and popular culture isn't necessarily a bad thing for them while they are so young. I stand by my conviction that once they get old enough to question it though, I'm going to be honest with them. I agree that the Peikoff paper about Christmas is a good piece, I even made my wife read that one. Also the paper (I believe Alex Epstein wrote) about Valentines day and "Unconditional Love" she read and agreed with too!
I agree with Cropper; and given some of the negative comments thus far; some people here should read Peikoff's essay “Christmas Should Be More Commercial”.
“[..]Santa implicitly rejected the whole Christian ethics. He did not denounce the rich and demand that they give everything to the poor [..] [..] he is for justice -- Santa gives only to good children, not to bad ones.[..]” — from the essay.
This isn't about teaching kids mysticism; but, in context, the very opposite: Earthly values.
including God? Are you blind mr copper , do you not see all the harmony, and order in our creation, do you not see the beauty ? How can you Mr copper so refined in the arts not know without any doubt there is a God. Bach's music has not done it's complete work in your soul mr copper...so keep listening. Also start reading Plato again.
I look back with disappointment at the people who told me when I was a child that some mystic things exist. Ghosts, god, magic, Astrology and the like. I feel that as educating adults, it is their responsibility to not feed crap into the minds of children.
No, children should not be told Santa exists. Teach them about reality.
Santa is by all means better than Jesus, but philosophically we should not tell our children that there is a Santa.
But when it comes down to it, I have no idea as I have no children, but I think it would be alot of fun to make believe that santa exists.
My family has a member of the family dress up and give gifts to the kids, it's all alot of fun, and makes for some good pictures. Philosophically, no, realistically.... I can't say I'd uphold my beliefs.
Wouldn't telling kids that Santa exists encourage them to act on faith? If they do accept such epistemology, wouldn't it be easier for them to fall in the trap of religion?
Hanging all bloody, haha. I never thought of Santa like this, since he represents altruism, but really it's just a trade -- you do what makes Santa happy, and he rewards you. You don't, and he leaves you alone.
Well, Santa is about as real as any g/d. The difference though, is that no war has been fought over Santa. Although Santa is fake, Santa has never led to any crazy beliefs or harmful actions. With that said, children ought not be misled
Wow! Thanks Santa Christ!
xJoeEDangerouslyx 6 months ago
Thank you for this video Cropper.
I've been struggling with the decision about Santa with my children. My wife is very sentimental and enjoys fairytale type stuff like Santa and the tooth fairy and "Mystical" things like that, while my family never really did things like that. Having obviously caved in to the woman about these things for our small children I had a murky feeling about it, as if I was somehow not being true to my values if I facilitated these fantasies with the girls.
Cont...
Twiggy269 1 year ago
This video has reassured me that allowing the fantasy side of holidays and popular culture isn't necessarily a bad thing for them while they are so young. I stand by my conviction that once they get old enough to question it though, I'm going to be honest with them. I agree that the Peikoff paper about Christmas is a good piece, I even made my wife read that one. Also the paper (I believe Alex Epstein wrote) about Valentines day and "Unconditional Love" she read and agreed with too!
Twiggy269 1 year ago
Comment removed
walterkarling 1 year ago
I'm not sure which is worse, this or you video on state mental hospitals.
catothethird 1 year ago
Maybe there should be an age warning on this video in case of young children who beieve in Santa watch!:))
dlk1dlk1 1 year ago
I agree with Cropper; and given some of the negative comments thus far; some people here should read Peikoff's essay “Christmas Should Be More Commercial”.
“[..]Santa implicitly rejected the whole Christian ethics. He did not denounce the rich and demand that they give everything to the poor [..] [..] he is for justice -- Santa gives only to good children, not to bad ones.[..]” — from the essay.
This isn't about teaching kids mysticism; but, in context, the very opposite: Earthly values.
yankeewh1te 1 year ago
including God? Are you blind mr copper , do you not see all the harmony, and order in our creation, do you not see the beauty ? How can you Mr copper so refined in the arts not know without any doubt there is a God. Bach's music has not done it's complete work in your soul mr copper...so keep listening. Also start reading Plato again.
DangeloM27 1 year ago
@DangeloM27
Such is our society, where intellect is at its peak, but faith in God is considered stupid.
farhanfyzee 1 year ago
Teach your children that reality will reward goodness (i.e., reason and efficacy). There's no reason to teach them to believe in supernatural powers.
Attritive 1 year ago 2
The tooth fairy exists!!!!!11111!!! I know because of faith!!
drew335533 1 year ago
I look back with disappointment at the people who told me when I was a child that some mystic things exist. Ghosts, god, magic, Astrology and the like. I feel that as educating adults, it is their responsibility to not feed crap into the minds of children.
No, children should not be told Santa exists. Teach them about reality.
No
NotThat3 1 year ago 2
Santa is by all means better than Jesus, but philosophically we should not tell our children that there is a Santa.
But when it comes down to it, I have no idea as I have no children, but I think it would be alot of fun to make believe that santa exists.
My family has a member of the family dress up and give gifts to the kids, it's all alot of fun, and makes for some good pictures. Philosophically, no, realistically.... I can't say I'd uphold my beliefs.
AndyMH182 1 year ago
Wouldn't telling kids that Santa exists encourage them to act on faith? If they do accept such epistemology, wouldn't it be easier for them to fall in the trap of religion?
bedzzled 1 year ago
Hanging all bloody, haha. I never thought of Santa like this, since he represents altruism, but really it's just a trade -- you do what makes Santa happy, and he rewards you. You don't, and he leaves you alone.
jparagons 1 year ago
Well, Santa is about as real as any g/d. The difference though, is that no war has been fought over Santa. Although Santa is fake, Santa has never led to any crazy beliefs or harmful actions. With that said, children ought not be misled
LovexandxRage 1 year ago