With signs reading “We Want Merry, Not Scary,” Christians in San Antonio, Texas, are protesting a Krampus-themed parade, arguing that the “demonic” event will frighten children.
The parade, which will be the first of its kind in San Antonio, is modeled after Krampus parades in Germany and other central European countries, where the Pagan tradition is enjoying renewed popularity in popular culture.
But clergy in San Antonio are mobilizing, hoping to get the parade canceled - or at least to warn the community that attending the parade may put their souls in mortal peril.
Who is Krampus?
This isn’t your grandma’s holiday parade. If you don’t know who Krampus is, he’s the horned, cloven-hoofed, half-goat, half-demon who appears on the 6th of December, just before the Feast of St. Nicholas, in an event called Krampusnacht.
And if he’s coming to town, you better hope you’re on the nice list.
Whereas Saint Nicholas rewards good kids with gifts, Krampus captures the naughty ones in a sack, beats them with birch rods, and drags them to the underworld.
Many folklorists believe Krampus was originally a Pagan figure, with pre-Christian origins. He makes appearances in folklore from many central and eastern European countries dating back centuries, but in the 21st century he’s become a popular figure in North America as well, with nearly every major city in the United States holding a Krampus parade in December.
San Antonio clergy hope to stop theirs.
Should Krampus Be Canceled?
“They're opening a demonic realm in San Antonio," is what Pastor Mark Lugo of SA Impact Ministries said of the upcoming Krampus parade. “This is an attack on our kids and Krampus is not welcomed in San Antonio.”
Pastor Lugo was joined by dozens of his fellow Christians in a recent protest against the parade held outside City Hall, with many holding signs with slogans like, “Say No to Krampus: Choose Peace,” and “We Want Merry, Not Scary.”
While much of the concern centers around the impact the parade will have on San Antonio’s children, some fear that the Krampus parade may do more than just scare kids.
A Portal to Hell?
"This is real; you're going to open up a window," said Pastor David Rodriguez of People's House Church. "At the end [of the parade] they're going to go to the park and do incantations and spells with the curanderos and the witchdoctors for practicing witchcraft. We want to warn your family that your sons and daughters will turn to pornography and perversion, incest, rape, murder, that's what it's all about."
However, parade proponents say not only is it all in good fun… it’s a celebration of German and Austrian heritage. "It's culturally relevant to the city of San Antonio as it was founded with so many different cultures intertwined into one," said one resident, Christian Lee. Others say if Christians in the community don’t like it, they’re free to simply not attend.
Despite protests, it seems as though the parade will proceed as planned on December 5th. Parade organizers have rated it PG-13, and say no portals to hell will be opened.
What do you think of the controversy? Should the parade actually be canceled, or should the faithful who don’t approve of Krampus simply stay home?
114 comments
-
Mark Stephen Edwards
Krampus needs police protection because "they are asking for it."
Ignore them.
-
Rev Samantha Counihan
the parade should not be canceled because of an ignorant uninformed christian, hell doesnt exist so cant open some portal to none existent realm, and the ones spreading fear are the christians thats against it and should simply stay home if they dont like it, Krampus is part of Yule, and santa is really Odin, theres other Gods and Goddesses assiocated with Yule and christmas, in fact in a spell fir honoring and celebrating Yule on the 21st i added Krampus in it along with other Pagan Gods and Goddesses associated with Yule, and i dont see Krampus as a demon, religion freedom include entities like Krampus too, its not just about christ, its also about Holly King, reborn of the Sun God from the longest night, and ever green, and the beauty the Mother Earth gives during Winter including on the longest night of the year, but like i said, if anyone dont like the parade then stay home instead of causing drama and violence with ignorance snd bigotry
-
Lawrence Pearce
The "devil" or "krampus" is the best friend many religions ever had. They use it to scare children by filling them with fear, stress and anxiety.
For the Enlightened ones, we know we create our own forms of heaven and hell on earth. A "devil" represents fear, stress, anxiety, death and depression.
An "angel" represents peace, love, joy, life and happiness. Every person gets what they think about most often, so choose between those two images every day in order to create your future life in a "fearful hell of devils" or a "peaceful heaven of angels." It's really that simple.
-
Mark Stephen Edwards
The devil is so clever; he makes people believe he isn't real.
-
-
Lawrence Pearce
God made us to be creators. The evidence can be found in the lives of genius inventors like Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, Sir Isaac Newton and Leonardo DaVinci among many other creators.
We can create our own versions of heaven or hell on earth, depending on our mindsets and goals, whether they are positive and focused on happiness or negative and focused on sadness.
The only "devils" and "hells" are in the negative words and emotions that people focus on that bring "hell" into their lives here and hereafter. If a person declares they are a "sinner going to hell" guess what goal they are creating for themselves? Hint: It's not heavenly!
A true story: After years of a Christian minister practicing "exorcisms" of teens and adults, the minister finally admitted that IF the "possessed" person would simply chant the words, "I AM A CHILD OF GOD!" over and over, the "devil" would disappear from their lives and they would enjoy a happier and healthier life! There. You just learned the secret of creating your own Heaven on earth:
"YOU are a Child of God!" Remind yourself "I AM A CHILD OF GOD!" every day and share those words with young people so they can experience Heaven today and forever.
-
Kenneth Kling
We always attack and condemn that which we don't understand. It keeps fear and stupid comments in business.
-
Lawrence Pearce
Most people don't understand electricity, but they don't criticize or condemn it. They simply plug in their appliances to enjoy the results and then pay the electric bill at the end of the month! LOL
I condemn those who want to traumatize children with fear and ugly masks and threats of kidnapping and tortures as found in the Vatican inspired "krampus" fear threats. Yes it's been kept alive by the Vatican as a threat to scare children into their church and confessions to a sketchy priest.
Tell children, "YOU are a Child of God" and they will get rid of the false Vatican claim that they are "sinners going to the devil's hell." Been there, done that, and now I know the devils are in the Vatican.
-
Mark Stephen Edwards
Some people are unaware of the peril of electromagnetic radiation and other invisible dangers.
-
Mark Stephen Edwards
Some Southerners have always considered the pope to be the anti-Christ.
-
-
-
Anne Damrosch
I usually appreciate the thought-provoking articles posted on the Universal Life site, I was disappointed to see that your article on voudou began with a stereotypical image of a doll with pins stuck in it. I worked for two years in Haiti as a pediatric nurse, and became aware of voudou as a religion that has deep meaning to the people of Haiti. Voudou has inspired very interesting and beautiful art and ceremonial practices. The stereotypical pop culture image of voodoo dolls is racist and demeaning of Haitian culture, as well as other people of the African diaspora who practice voodoo and related religions.
-
Lawrence Pearce
So you claim that NOBODY in Haiti has ever used a poppet or voodoo doll to curse enemies? I would bet against t claim. When the French ruled the island, Haiti was a very prosperous nation and it was the #1 supplier of sugar cane to the entire world! Everyone enjoyed a sunny, peaceful and rich life before the "Haitian Voodoo Revolution" of 1791-1804. Some say the Haitian leaders made a deal with the devil. Since most of the Haitians combined voodoo with Catholicism, the idea of a "devil" would have been in their belief system.
After the voodoo priests joined the Haitian revolution against the French people, innocent children and families were murdered and the violent Haitians and voodoo priests who took over saw their once prosperous nation collapse and fall into two centuries of diseases, starvation, crime, poverty and hellish violence. Today, the US government has issued a Level 4 "Do NOT Travel to Haiti" advisory. Among the reasons are that visitors to Haiti have suffered violent beatings, carjackings, roadblocks, armed robbery, gunfire and kidnappings. Haiti is a "hell" on earth and the people practice voodoo and Catholicism.
-
Lawrence Pearce
So you claim that NOBODY in Haiti has ever used a poppet or voodoo doll to curse enemies? I would bet against that claim. When the French ruled the island, Haiti was a very prosperous nation and it was the #1 supplier of sugar cane to the entire world! Everyone enjoyed a sunny, peaceful and rich life before the "Haitian Voodoo Revolution" of 1791-1804. Some say the Haitian leaders made a deal with the devil. Since most of the Haitians combined voodoo with Catholicism, the idea of a "devil" would have been in their belief system.
After the voodoo priests joined the Haitian revolution against the French people, innocent children and families were murdered and the violent Haitians and voodoo priests who took over saw their once prosperous nation collapse and fall into two centuries of diseases, starvation, crime, poverty and hellish violence. Today, the US government has issued a Level 4 "Do NOT Travel to Haiti" advisory. Among the reasons are that visitors to Haiti have suffered violent beatings, carjackings, roadblocks, armed robbery, gunfire and kidnappings. By definition, Haiti is a "hell" on earth and most of their people STILL practice voodoo and Catholicism just like they did in the Haitian Voodoo Revolution. Anne, can you get them on a better path?
-
Susan Christine Giganti
That revolution was based on slaves trying to form a nation of their own against white oppressors from Europe. They didn’t have “sunny, peaceful “ lives. Many non-Christian practices were and are tolerated or not oppressed and run in tandem with the Catholic Church looking away.
-
Lawrence Pearce
Look at the origin of the slave traders in Africa. Their descendants today are still enslaving their fellow black men, women and children.
In the 1700s, the black chieftains would arrest, capture, enslave and then sell the "troublemakers" in their cities and nations to the captains of ships that docked offshore. The chieftains exchanged their criminal slaves for new firearms, clothing and kegs of rum.
Key fact: If there were no black chieftains selling black slaves in Africa, there would have been no black slaves in the Americas. There were plenty of poor and starving white Europeans who "sold themselves" into slavery so they could get boat tickets to escape to America and work for the people who loaned them the money. They were called "indentured slaves."
Fact: Slavery was practiced by the Native Americans and black African chieftains long before they met any white Europeans!
-
-
-
-
Minister Tim
Going through my own spiritual journey and honestly the pagan path it much more soothing to my soul. The connection to nature and earth makes more sense to me than all other religions at this point. And so many Christian holidays have pagan roots. They were acquired by the church to push Christianity on those poor souls. Honestly, I enjoy Krampus, not sure I find it true but it’s fun to me. On the 21st I’m going to a gathering and getting my picture with Krampus, you know, like Santa Claus. I don’t put down and I try not to say anything against Christianity but they waste no time running my beliefs into the. The falsehoods they spread about Krampus is pretty much their par for the course. Make other religions about the devil and evil. Seriously, the pagan religion is much more accepting and beautiful to me. Stop with the devil 🐂💩 🙄
-
Lawrence Pearce
The idea of an evil being that kidnaps children, beats them with rods and drags them down to hell "is more accepting and beautiful" to you? Seems like the pope has entered the chat.
-
Minister Tim
You obviously didn’t read my post with any sort of comprehension. I said the earth and nature beliefs are beautiful. I also said I wasn’t sure I believed in Krampus. Where you got your statement from I’m not sure. But reading your responses on several posts now you appear to be someone who isn’t very open minded. And what is that quip about the pope? I’m not a Christian so please refrain from such comments.
-
-
-
Anne Winslow Jenny
As a veteran, I swore to protect my beloved Country from all enemies domestic and foreign it is a lifelong oath from which I am not released until the day I die. I am the fifth generation in my family to have served (both men and women) and in each generation at least one family member has laid down their life to protect us all.
Duty honor and country are not hypothetical ideas to those of us who honor our oath. The radical ideas coming out of Texas— about everything from human/women’s rights; to education; the use of violence to resolve dispute— undermine my safety and the well-being of my country.
A cost benefit analysis on just basic budgetary issues shows it not only is Texas costing us our ideals, but they are a net drain on the fiscal well-being of the United States. Sadly, it is not the people of Texas the best majority of whom have been gracious and welcoming during the times I have lived there. But to the bought and paid for politicians who owe their allegiance not to their constituents, their country and the constitution, but to whoever has funded them.
I cannot support the idea of dumping Texas on Mexico (poor Mexico) but maybe just those politicians who no longer respect human rights.
-
Rev. Donut
Open portal to Hell?
Isn't that the roads leading to San Francisco?
-
Ari Joseph Bertine
These whiners need to get new hobby. Trying to cancel everything they personally don't like is so tiresome and annoying. There is literally no logic or truth to anything these dipsticks are saying.
-
Mark Stephen Edwards
We live in the land of the free and clueless.
-
-
David Arthur Lewis
The Christians are just trying to distract attention away from their Pedophilia problem.
-
Lawrence Pearce
For all those adults who were traumatized as children with threats of the "devil" and "eternal hell" the "krampus devil" threat is another traumatizing religious myth that is meant to destroy the mental health of children.
Doesn't this world have more than enough fear and trauma without adding more of it? As enlightened spiritual beings, shouldn't we be focused on healing and preventing the traumas caused by various religions?
Many people have been helped by reading the book, "How to Win Friends" by Dale Carnegie. It can be found along with "Unity meditations" on Youtube to help heal trauma caused by the threats from religions.
-
Joe R Day
I believe this is just another instance of Christians protesting something they don't understand and fear... "Opening a portal to hell" is simply a knee-jerk reactionary effort to 'cancel' something they don't like... or understand. Just add this to the "list of protests by folks who have nothing better to do than rain on someone else's parade." I am glad the parade will take place as scheduled...
-
Daniel Todd Kamm
The only solution for Texas is to give it back to Mexico... where it came from...
-
Lawrence Pearce
Are you working for the Mexican government, billionaire Carlos Slim or the Mexican mafia? because American patriots fought and died at the Alamo to win freedom for Texas! Texans are kicking out the Mexicans right now, so make room in your little casita.
-
-
Kevin W Titus
Well if certain people believe in Transgenderness or Same Sex partners, marriage,I know in the Bible these are Sinful, so why complain about a 600 year old story character ? One is OK, but the other Not??
-
Jay Ryan
Anyone who's ever been to San Antonio in July knows that the temperature is already the same as hell, so...
-
Patricia Ann Gross
I get so tired of anything that has Pagan roots being called Satanic. I guess Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny are also "Satanic." They don't even belong in the same house, let alone the same box. How has the portal to hell not already swallowed up the masses, since this has been an ongoing celebration in Europe and many US cities for years? If it bothers you this much and you are afraid it will scare your children, don't go. I would probably bypass an event like this, but it's not something I feel worthy of warning the entire world about, because every person has a right to celebrate their religion in this country.
-
Alexander Clarke
If there was an open portal to hell it would be San Antonio.
-
Mark Stephen Edwards
Is San Antonio worse the Los Angeles?
-
-
Kathryn Darcy Smith
It's so funny how Christians whose religion was basically stolen from every other religion to make their own, are afraid of origins of others that might diminish their power and wealth over the masses.
-
Lawrence Pearce
News flash: "Krampus" is nothing but a mirror image of "the devil" that the Vatican has been using to threaten children with for centuries. If you look behind the devilish masks, you're likely to find catholic priests, monks and nuns trying to scare children into attending their church and "confessing their sins to a priest" so "the devil won't take you down to hell." Funny how so many people actually line up to join the Vatican's "devil parade"!
-
Rev. BH
Lawrence, please offer proof of the Krampus/Vatican tie-in. Proof, not argument. I've read a great deal about Krampus and never come across your strange theory.
-
Lawrence Pearce
The fact that the "Holy Roman Empire" aka "The Vatican" was in charge from 330 AD through today is evidence that the Vatican kept it going for centuries instead of using an "Inquisition" to stop it like they stopped the Anabaptists and many other "heretics."
Add the fact that the "krampus" parade is being held in the Catholic city of San Antonio and the fact that "krampus" is just a "pagan" word for the best friend the Vatican ever had, "the devil" in order to scare little children into attending mass and confessing their sins to sketchy priests for the rest of their "I am a sinner" lives. The evidence shows the hands of the Vatican behind "krampus."
-
Rev. BH
Lawrence, the Vatican didn't "keep it going"; they simply had no interest in Krampus, or the boogeyman, or ogres, or vampires, or Chucky or any other fictional spooks. As a kid, I'd never heard of Krampus, so he didn't scare me to go to church. My mom did!
No evidence presented, just your beliefs and suppositions.
-
Lawrence Pearce
We create our own reality. I don't know anyone who would want that "threatening, kidnapping, evil terrorist krampus" in their personal reality.
-
Rev. BH
Lawrence, you've offered no proof of Vatican involvement with "terrorist" (!) Krampus. And if "we create our own reality" that includes Krampus, why not create a different reality that doesn't?
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Charisse Tenewitz
Krampus is more of a South German/Alpine/Tyrol tradition. It originates from the pagan Perchten where people dressed like “evil spirits” to scare the “real ones” away so that Spring can start returning. Sounds like the “pagan” Celtic celebration of Halloween which was for the same reason (to scare away the evil/dress children like evil so they wouldn’t be taken lol) and which nobody has a problem with in Texas today. The problem I see is where in Munich, for example, young children are taught to laugh at the Krampus figures (and these horrid figures do try to elicit a smile) because they are taught about this culture from very young, the parade in Texas might just be modern “Halloweening” because it’s another excuse to “dress scarily.” In the high alps, the Krampus go through the town to scare the evil away so that spring can start to come back. The connection to St.Nick prob was a result of trying to morph this 800yr tradition into something palatable to the medieval Catholic Church that burned witches at the stake bc they were fearful of women knowledgeable about herbs and healing etc. The Catholic Church at the time was horribly into torture and superstition. So a tradition to scare away the evil so that spring could arrive morphed into one of scaring bad children to repent and pray as a foil to St Nick. And now you know the rest of the story :)
-
Lawrence Pearce
It's nothing but a superstition and another way to traumatize children with threats of "the devil's gonna get you if you don't go to mass!" It's a relic of the past darkness and should be exposed as a fraud in the light of Science. It has no place in our enlightened world where we are trying to help improve the mental health of our children.
-
-
Ruth P Doughty
I really don’t see what the issue is about having a Krampus parade. Then again, I have the unique experience of having a mother who was born in Germany, so I’m familiar with the character. My father is indigenous, and most of our traditions have been erased by white settlers, in the name of religion. I can assure you, that telling kids to be afraid of Krampus, is no different than watching the Grinch as a Christmas special, or partaking in the antics of the notorious elf on the shelf.
I feel that there are more pressing matters to be protesting, like our children being prisoners in their own schools, due to shootings, which have rooted in bullying that goes unchecked. I recently was asked to go to a school to council a child, and had to go through three checkpoints of security before I was able to get to the office of said school. That’s ridiculous! Visiting my brother in prison was less invasive.
I feel that this is just one more attempt to remove all religions, other than Christianity, so that there are no longer options, which are all seen as threats. I feel that this is just one more thing that’s being said in order to instill fear and assimilation. I feel that the old religions are becoming more enticing to youngsters, based solely on the fact that mainstream religion is so intolerant of it.
I personally wish I lived closer so that I could go and see the parade, because it’s a connection to my roots. God only knows, my indigenous ancestors no longer have the majority of their culture because white settlers removed it, in the name of god. If history has taught us anything, it’s that these things cannot be allowed to continue happening. These clergy need to spend more time in improving upon themselves, and less time, criticizing others.-
Lady Mutt Cat
I completely agree with your statement with one exception: I would replace white settlers with white invaders. And I am so sorry for the destruction of your culture.
-
Kathryn Darcy Smith
Well said!
-
Lawrence Pearce
Have you studied your "indigenous" religious beliefs? Were your indigenous ancestors members of one of the 500 native tribes that fought, tortured and killed each other before the Spaniards arrived in 1492? Do you know the Aztecs enslaved all other native tribes and ate their still beating hearts? There are reasons why the native tribes joined with the Spaniards in the 1500s and with the US Army in the 1800s to track down and punish the evil men of rival tribes for their crimes! You have much to learn grasshopper.
-
Mark Stephen Edwards
My Opinion: Ruth, That is an A-rant.
P.S. Opinion does not need to provide proof.
-
-
Humanism Clergy Linda
First off the devil reigns the Earth and not hell. Job 1:7 Genesis 1:26 and 28 John 5:9. There are so many references to Satan is the rule of the Earth in Revelations 20 :7 through 10 he will rule the place so many fears when he the final Day of reckoning happens. I never heard of krampus until the American Dad did A Christmas cartoon. It's a fairytale that was told to keep children in line The Bible doesn't mention krampus .I do understand many Christians haven't read the Bible for themselves. Time for everyone to open the Bible start in the Old testament with Genesis and work your way through to revelations in the New testament. Yes it's very time consuming to read every page of the Bible, it's the only way to truly understand the sacred book.
-
John Robert Peters
You are being too restrictive. The Bible, both old and new, was chosen by patriarchal authorities bent on supporting their own beliefs with an authoritative text supposedly dictated by god or jesus (or, if you prefer the Koran, by Gabriel). All the other texts that preceded the canonization or were contemorary with it were deemed heretical. If you are being intellectually honest, you should advise people to read All the texts including the so called apocrypha. Yes it is very time consuming but it is really the only way to understand the Bible in the context of the people who wrote it and the cultural context in which it was written. It also is very informative of the authorities that chose what would be ok and what would be heretical.
-
Lawrence Pearce
Have you never read or understood these verses? "The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein." Psalm 24.1
"Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is." Deuteronomy 10.14
"And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:" Genesis 14.19
"The heavens are Yours, and also the earth. The earth and its fullness You founded." Psalm 89.11
"“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof.” I Corinthians 10.26
The devil owns nothing except what you give him.
-
Mark Stephen Edwards
Lawrence.
Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork."
This verse is on the grave marker of Werner Von Braun.
-
-
-
Keith David Harry
A portal to hell? A “krampus” character ?? Wow, some folks hitting too many of this peyote buttons.
-
Mark Stephen Edwards
We must draw the line when the usurious and greedy Bankers petition to have a self-glorifying parade.
-
-
Daniel Todd Kamm
What needs to be done to cede Texas back to Mexico? tk
-
Keith David Harry
About the same as it would take you liberals to cede back to reality. And Gracias Amigo for your witty comment.
-
Lawrence Pearce
How much can you pay for all of the lives, blood, sweat and tears that patriotic Texans have already paid to keep Texas free and part of the USA? Whatever you have, it's not enough. You're free to escape to Mexico so you can experience what they fought against.
-
John Robert Peters
seeing as the Texans fought to usurp land from Mexico in the 1st place I'm not sure your comment makes sense. "Although not recognized as such by Mexico, Texas declared itself an independent nation, the Republic of Texas. Attracted by the rich lands for cotton plantations and ranching, tens of thousands of immigrants arrived from the U.S. and from Germany as well. In 1845, Texas joined the United States, becoming the 28th state, when the United States annexed it. Only after the conclusion of the Mexican–American War, with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, did Mexico recognize Texan independence. Texas declared its secession from the United States in 1861 to join the Confederate States of America." (Wikipedia). This really does not sound like a solid committment of TX towards the USA and the Constituion thereof nor does it sound like a free and fair relationship with Mexico, which had allowed Anglos to immigrate. It sort of sounds like the current "immigration crisis" of which TX is now the recipient rather than the usurper. All Americans in every state are patriotic and have worked to keep the US free and under the Constitution. TX does not have some priority over others as a State within the Union. In fact several times in the recent past TX has floated the idea of secession from the Union.So reversing your comment I could say TX is free to escape to Mexico or become an independent Republic. If all Texans believe as this pastor and try to impose such beliefs on the rest of the US...as we are seeing in today's world of division and hate...they and others like them should secede and establish their own Fascist Regime where all are free to impose believe in the one and only State Religion and their version of Sharia Law. Bless you and thank you for this interesting and disturbing discussion.
-
Lawrence Pearce
The western half of Texas was uninhabitable because of the Comanches, who raided, kidnapped or killed anyone who tried to build a home or a town in those areas. They were so savage, not even the Apaches or the Mexican army could settle on those lands. Only the Texans and the US Army with the help of native American scouts could finally conquer and remove them so Texas could be free.
"To the Texas Conquerors goes the land" and some of those very dry and desolate lands that could never support cotton or cattle on the surface were actually hiding rich treasures of water, oil and gas that we still use today. The Comanches and Mexicans didn't discover those water, oil or natural gas reserves. It was the Texans in the 1920s. Study the complete history of Texas, not just the Mexican version.
-
-
-
Mark Stephen Edwards
Rent or lease Texas; don't give it away to Mexicans or anybody. The engine of commerce is cash flow.
-
-
Danielle Elizabeth Ostach
The concept of a gate to hell and that this imperils your soul is stupid and beyond belief.
That said, If I had a kid or any say over a kid, we would be boycotting this parade and being as far from it as possible. This is not kid friendly. Krampus is eastern European Medieval terror used to scare children into behaving and being good. It is terror tactics to inspire good behavior out of fear. "Merry, not scary." is the right idea for christmas and not having santa bring gifts is enough. We don't need to scare them with concept of abandonment, beatings, kidnappings and so on. I would really want to check backgrounds on ones organizing this to see ulterior motives and why they want to hurt people.
-
Rev. BH
Are kids "hurt" by the Grinch, too? There are far more real horrors confronting children daily (shootings, bullies, kidnappings, abuse) than creepy fictional characters. Don't sweat the small stuff.
-
Martin L Stigleman
I am in agreement. We should get rid of all of the things that use fear as a means to control kids. I mean...really. Why should we threaten them with burning for Eternity if they don't love a person who died 2000 years before they were born? Isn't it ridiculous to make them terrified that a man in the sky is going to throw a lightning bolt at them if they tell a lie? The stories of Krampus are EXACTLY the same as those of The Bible! Both are used as a means to direct and control the behavior of others.
-
Theresa C. Marquess
Danielle, thank you for your post. Peace, love, and good thoughts!
-
Lawrence Pearce
Danielle and Theresa, I give both of you 5 stars for seeing through the trauma that the "krampus" event will cause in children. I can tell your IQs are far above normal because you are concerned about the children's mental health. "An ounce of prevention of trauma is worth more than a pound of cure for PTSD!"
Congratulations to both of you. It wouldn't surprise me if catholic priests are hiding behind the "krampus" masks because we know the priests have threatened children with "the devil's gonna get you if you don't attend mass!" The catholic church has always threatened little kids with tales about the devil and hell.
-
-
Rev. BH
What is it about Mighty Texas that is afraid of everything but guns?
-
Brian Patrick Molloy
Whatever floats your boat . Not for me or my children . God bless . ✝️
-
Johnny Vincent Harris
They can stay home as far as I'm concerned. They want to erase all types of historical culture and mythology and claim they are not real and are of the devil. All these people are doing is trying to make something into a controversy when there is none to begin with.
-
Rudolph M Garza
I went to KSAT12 & KSAT.COM Facebook page (San Antonio ABC broadcast) and saw a lot positive comments there. A lot of people looking forward to seeing the parade tonight (Dec 5th) at 6pm CST. Such fun!
By the way, I didn’t see any mention of “clergy mobilizing” to cancel it.
-
Helen Kahn
Just as ridiculous as the Christmas myth but much darker. Not interested in having my children exposed to either.
-
Kevin W Titus
You do not what Christmas means?
-
Amber Fry
I exposed my son to both when he started showing interest. I reason that he will run across them eventually anyway and I'd rather he learn about it in a safe environment so we can discuss it freely rather than leave it wide open for someone to take advantage of his ignorance. It worked. He's an adult now and neither phases him. We still discuss various legends and myths and he's nearing 30.
-
-
Theresa C. Marquess
Life is tough enough for children. Is it really necessary to use a parade to scare them further; knowing that children under the PG13 age will surely be exposed to this? Or is it just a group of selfish adults who are pushing the community toward another questionable subject?
-
Reverend Paula Copp
Ms. Marquess, the same might be asked of the christian Christmas pageants.
-
Theresa C. Marquess
How very true, but I've never taken my children to a Christian Passion Play at Eastertime because I objected to the violent portrayal of the crucifixion. It does go both ways. I reiterate life is harsh enough for children to expose little ones to violence. The operative is the phrase PG13, and I am talking about those under that age group... Do as you will with your children, just not with mine. Wishing you the best this holiday season!
-
-
Lawrence Pearce
Theresa, you are more intelligent than many of the "reactive" people who comment here. There is a big difference between a Christmas pageant surrounding a newborn baby versus a devilish "krampus" and an "easter crucifixion"!
I wouldn't be surprised if this fake "krampus" fear program was created and sponsored by the Vatican so they could keep traumatizing children as they have for centuries with "the devil's gonna get you if you don't behave!"
It's time the rest of us expose it as a traumatizing "doom loop" fear that causes PTSD in children, leading to the usual "confess your sins to the priest" and all the rest of the Vatican's religious nonsense.
-
Theresa C. Marquess
Hi Lawrence, It's difficult to get to know one another's philosophies in a brief forum such as this. It is not mine to compare the Christian faith with something like Krampus. This may get lots of comments from others but I do not believe in the devil or hell. I do believe that they are equal to fear and hate. I don't want my children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren to experience, may I quote you, "a tramatizing doom loop of fear that causes PTSD." Life can be difficult enough for children and adults as well, for us to put anyone through that kind of fear. I have commented on the subject of confession, human or AI on a different page. I do not believe in confessing what someone else would define as bad, good, or indifferent to another human being. If an individual feels the need to confess, it should be a private session between that person and his or her god or goddess. That kind of confession really is good for the soul because it causes the individual to look inward and make choices accordingly.
-
Lawrence Pearce
Yes, Theresa I totally agree with you! The only "devil" and "hell" is created from the person's own fears and words. Example: When a person says, "I am a sinner destined for hell" guess what goal they set for themselves? This is why it's important to get children far away from those who tell kids they are evil sinners. Even Al-Anon fails because they tell each other "I am an alcoholic" instead of "I am a smart and sober person!"
We create our own heaven or hell on earth with our words, actions and goal images. Whatever you say after "I AM..." is what you are or what you will become. "I AM A CHILD OF GOD!" and "I AM HAPPY HEALTHY AND PROSPEROUS!" Those words can and will create your life today and into the future. Blessings be on you and your progeny!
-
Theresa C. Marquess
Hi Lawrence, Wishing you and yours good health and abundance!
-
-
-
-
-
Rebecca L Tice
Just posted a Bible Study about Jeroboam and his temples.
1 Kings 12: 25 Then Jeroboam fortified Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim and lived there. From there he went out and built up Peniel. 26 Jeroboam thought to himself, “The kingdom will now likely revert to the house of David. 27 If these people go up to offer sacrifices at the temple of the Lord in Jerusalem, they will again give their allegiance to their lord, Rehoboam king of Judah. They will kill me and return to King Rehoboam.” 28 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.” 29 One he set up in Bethel, and the other in Dan. 30 And this thing became a sin; the people came to worship the one at Bethel and went as far as Dan to worship the other. 31 Jeroboam built shrines on high places and appointed priests from all sorts of people, even though they were not Levites. 32 He instituted a festival on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, like the festival held in Judah, and offered sacrifices on the altar. This he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves he had made. And at Bethel he also installed priests at the high places he had made. 33 On the fifteenth day of the eighth month, a month of his own choosing, he offered sacrifices on the altar he had built at Bethel. So he instituted the festival for the Israelites and went up to the altar to make offerings.
First of all, they're in Shechem. Back in Genesis, Jacob and Leah's daughter, Dinah, was raped by an Hivite. The rapist claimed to love her. So, Jacob's sons came up with a perfect retaliation. First, they made all the men in Shechem get circumcised, in order for the Hivite to marry [purchase and marry] Dinah. Then, while all the men were healing, Jacob's boys came in and ran them all through with swords. All the men of Shechem could do was hold their thingies.
Can anything good come from Shechem?
Jeroboam had been the overseer on Solomon's building projects. Jeroboam was now the king of the Northern Provinces of Israel. He was in the process of building his capital city in Shechem, but the Israelites kept having to go back to Jerusalem to worship God on those special days.
It would take his work force days to travel to Jerusalem [on foot no less] then days to worship, then days to travel back, and then a day or so to get back into the swing of the work again. That would cost Jeroboam a bundle with all the lost production time.
Like Pharaoh, before him, back in Egypt, Jeroboam couldn't just let his workforce take off. He needed a convenient fix.
So, Jeroboam decided to make the people happy as Aaron did back when Moses spent so much time on the mountain. The people were bugging Aaron so much, Aaron fashioned a "golden calf" for them to worship until Moses could get back. Jeroboam, following Aarons' example, fashioned two "golden calves". He built a couple of temples and installed the "golden calves" in the temple. Then he convinced the Israelites to worship in the fake temples with the "golden calves" so they could go worship without the long trek.
The Israelites are bowing to golden calves again!!!!!
Can anything good come from Shechem?
On top of that, Jeroboam picked the priests for these fake temples. God insisted that the priests be Levites. Jeroboam chose priests who could lie and smile and everyone would believe. Jeroboam wanted the people to be happy to go to these two fake temples, so he chose pretty boys with smooth tongues to persuade the Israelites to worship idols in towns convenient to their jobs.
And, when Jeroboam saw that it worked in Shechem and Dan, he started building temples everywhere, for the convenience of the workforce.
Northern Israel became the home of the pretty boy priests who schmoozed the Israelites into idol worship to save the economy.
Jeroboam created Fake church!!!!!
Should we be surprised?
-
Nicholas J Page
Krampus never heard of it.All those who think a portal will open up and claim souls is ridiculous. The soul only leaves the body when you die.If it scares the children why take them to an event where he is predicted to be there it's all fantasy people are watching too many horror films.Then they get in their heads that it's going to happen on real life.Wake up people.
-
John Ira Blackwood
“We want to warn your family that your sons and daughters will turn to pornography and perversion, incest, rape, murder, that's what it's all about."
That’s quite rich, coming from clergy, considering that It’s mainly THEM who sexually assault children.
They should sit this one out, given their history regarding children, lack of morals, love of money/greed, and political support of policies and people that are the opposite of what Jesus taught.
-
James Paul Pero
we as a people have made hell a firer Furness but, in the bible, it says you soul will be separate from GOD So Dontay's inferno has no place in teaching! I like the Day of the Dead parades to see how warped Humans can make things
-
Thomas P. Davis
James, The bible teaches no such thing as the soul separating from the body. "Gen 2:7 And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." That is a teaching of the church I grew up in and enabled them to accumulate mucho dinero.
-
Lawrence Pearce
The book of Ecclesiastes says that "the soul returns to the God who gave it." Ecclesiastes 12.7
-
Thomas P. Davis
Lawrence, yes, you are correct. The Soul (H7307, rûach, wind; by resemblance breath, that is, a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively life. Some pride themselves on the thought that the breath that God gives humans is different than the breath that God gives animals, not so. Ecc 3:19 For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity. Just as Job says, Job 27:3 All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; I can remember when my late wife passed away and hearing her body give up that last exhale. So, when you speak of a soul separating from the body, I assumed that you meant something that went on to live in a different state elsewhere. The bible is clear you sin you die, no in-between places. No limbo, no purgatory, no hell. All of these teachings helped build the richest church on earth. We are like a light bulb and God supplies the electric. He removes the electric and we no longer shine.
-
Lawrence Pearce
Atheists who have died sometimes return to tell of their encounters with evil beings after they leave their bodies. One of the most famous is Professor Howard Storm who died in a Paris hospital. Worth watching on You tube. A prime example of "what you give to people will return to you multiplied."
-
Thomas P. Davis
Lawrence, I will refer to an earlier statement, Gen 3:19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou RETURN unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou RETURN. You were created from the ground, and you will Return to the ground. It was the devil that said you "Gen 3:4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: God said Gen 2:17 But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die. AND DIE IS DIE. DEAD. You go back to the dirt you came from. No, Hell, Heaven, Limbo, or Purgatory. NDE's or OBE have been explained by physicians as hallucinations from an Oxygen deprived brain. In fact, they have written books during the years with hippies on drugs that saw the same images. Another interesting comparison Is that the people that have these hallucinations always see the gods from the country that they were raised. Plus, the some of these people come back years later and say they made up the story. Tyndale publishers took a hit years ago when their top seller about the boy that died and went to heaven came back and said it was all a lie.
-
-
-
-
-
-
Elizabeth Jane Erbe Wilcox
How silly could the “christians” get? I find it hilarious that they think “this is real.” But then, given their belief in “god” it figures.
-
Rev. Mike Eggleston
Christian protests will help ensure the parade is a success. That's how it usually works in Britain.
-
Lawrence Pearce
From what I hear about Britain, you should be more concerned about the fact that the #1 name for baby boys in England is now "Muhamad" and if you think christians are bad, just read what Islamic laws require you to do!
-
-
-
Robin Anne Hannon
If it is upsetting, don't watch it, don't involve yourself in it. Do for your kids as you see best. Personally, not into this sort of thing, so I just go about my day.
-
Amber Fry
This is exactly as it should be. You do your thing, I do mine, let others do theirs.We should all be able to celebrate as we see fit. As long as nobody is getting hurt, what's the concern?
-
-
arawngraalrd
St Nicholas Day is Dec 6, so St Nicholas Eve is Dec 5. The kids should put their shoes out their doors, to see if they get Candy or Coal. If they get Coal, St Nicholas Morn, they'd better clean up their act. The preacher who thinks the Gates of Hell will be open, has been preaching against sin o much, that many adolescents will look into it.
-
Thomas P. Davis
arawngraalr, I remember those days well growing up in an Irish Catholic Family. Boots filled with goodies. and no footprints left in the snow.
-
-
Ealdormon Piparskeggr Robinson
Krampus is just here for the children on Santa's Naughty list. ;-)
-
Robert Hauck, MD, FAAP
Forbiding Krampus is unacceptable in our freedom-of-expression society. However a public Krampus exposure is an exercise in extremely bad taste. The best response would be a boycott by the community --- if they don't support a Krampus parade. A parade past empty sidewalks speaks a volume! Otherwise I consider it a "no big deal."
-
Danielle Elizabeth Ostach
I love the idea of parade past empty sidewalks followed by town submitting bill for security and cleanup services related to parade to the organizers at the end.
-
-
Joe Stutler
Krampus is just as real and relevant as Jesus. 😁
-
Rev. BH
Joe, Jesus was a real historical figure. The myths were added later. Krampus is a fictional cartoony, creepy figure who punishes bad kids.(Kind of the anti-St. Nick.) Parents used him to scare kids into being good.
-
Rev. Mike Eggleston
There is no extra-biblical evidence that the biblical figure known as Jesus ever existed as a person. It's just not credible that anyone could go around doing what it's claimed Jesus did without anyone making a note of it.
-
Rev. BH
Mike, et al., Go here and read: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historicity_of_Jesus#:~:text=Mainstream%20view%3A%20a%20historical%20Jesus%20existed,-Main%20article%3A%20Quest&text=Scholars%20regard%20the%20question%20of,in%20the%201st%20century%20CE.
Also, reread my previous point "the myths were added later" in response to your last sentence.
-
Mark Stephen Edwards
I THINK JOSEPHUS OR SOMEONE ELSE MENTIONED JESUS OF NAZARETH.
-
-
-
-
Dennis Chevalier
Well let's see so far no UFO invasion no Spirit Walkers no zombies nada thank God
-
Dennis Chevalier
Well let's see so far no UFO invasion no Spirit Walkers no zombies nada thank God
-
John Robert Peters
or thank the Krampus since all you mentioned would be bad and so due to be put in a sack and punished.
-
-
Reverend Paula Copp
Not even one open portal to hell? What a shame! (Sarcasm) . Every religion is allowed in this country, so while the kkkristians are clutching their pearls, others are enjoying a cultural festival. Those who don’t want to enjoy the festivities need not attend. There were plenty of religions before christianity, and those religions are coming back because of the intolerance of mainstream religion.
-
Katelynne Shouse
Right On!!!
-
John Robert Peters
Really they are beyond intolerance. "This is real; you're going to open up a window," said Pastor David Rodriguez of People's House Church. "At the end [of the parade] they're going to go to the park and do incantations and spells with the curanderos and the witchdoctors for practicing witchcraft. We want to warn your family that your sons and daughters will turn to pornography and perversion, incest, rape, murder, that's what it's all about." I would read this as serious projection by the minister of his own suppressed shadow. He would be better to attend some therapy sessions than be out protesting a cultural celebratory parade.
-
Colleen McAllister
I would not attend such a parade nor would I encourage it but if the organizers have all the legal paperwork done then I say let them have it. The time to stop an event is when the permits are applied for.
As to opening a portal to Hell. Nope. Not going to happen. Hell is not what those people think it is, nor is all evil nasty and scary. How would the devil attract followers if he was scary? Nothing will happen if this parade goes on except that a few quirky people will have fun.
-
Mark Stephen Edwards
Yes, RIGHT ON. How broad IS YOUR BRUSH?
-
-
John P Maher
Its ALL B S !
-
Rev. BH
Uh, John,
Please clarify. What are you for or against?
-
Lionheart
I, for one, am all for reality. Satan, Beelzebub, Demons, the Devil, are of course all human constructs with no ‘Demon-strable’ evidence of their reality. 🤭
🦁❤️
-
Kevin W Titus
Please stop, being foolish. If your church is a real Good one, then understand its a certain Cultures story time. Its fun and if you donot like it, don;t go??
-
Mark Stephen Edwards
Ok, there is no demonstrable evidence. Thanks for not asking for scientific evidence.
-
-
-
We had a Krampus event in Leavenworth Wa. The town was packed, as a popular destination, but also to see the Krampus parade. If there were terrified children they were few. From what I saw the kids were all over the characters preforming. They were laughing and curious. I have no doubt that if someone filled their heads with untruths , and then pointed to a terrified child then that would be the problem. Misinformation