There is a line of thinking that pagan symbols were in preparation for the coming of Christ, at which time the true, full meaning would be clear. Kind of like pledging vs. initiation. (  )
Actually, I have no problem with the fact that the early church was brilliant enough to realize that they would be more effective by converting the meaning of pagan celebrations to bring them in line with Christianity. That's just good public relations. Today of course we have pagans and Christians both using evergreens to symbolize eternal life - just different beliefs as to how the whole "eternal" thing is going to work.
And the digression we've taken should in no way be seen as an attempt to excuse the actions of the ND chapter. At least, that's not my intent. 
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Last edited by SWTXBelle; 04-26-2008 at 06:16 PM.
Reason: LOLcat needed
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