Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s Christmas Tweets Incite Religious Ire
Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s Christmas tweets have been called anti-Christian, and the astrophysicist and science education advocate is being accused of trying to ruin a special day. It seems the beloved star of Cosmos thought he’d make a little Christmas joke, leading social media followers to think he was about to offer a birthday tweet to Jesus, then making a quick shift.
On this day long ago, a child was born who, by age 30, would transform the world. Happy Birthday Isaac Newton b. Dec 25, 1642
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) December 25, 2014
While many followers called the tweet a successful troll, and offered the digital equivalent of a high five, it was clear that a number of social media users were offended by the tweet.
@neiltyson it's actually our Lord Jesus Christ's birthday today, stupid.
— ♡ (@mind_arson) December 25, 2014
.@neiltyson you're going to hell
— garbage tweeter (@garbage_person) December 25, 2014
.@neiltyson decides to snub Christians on Christmas morning. Pretty classless and inappropriate if you ask me. pic.twitter.com/jQUACaygAj
— John Cardillo (@johncardillo) December 25, 2014
Further, many jumped in to point out that Neil Degrasse Tyson’s Christmas tweets got Newton’s birthdate wrong, at least by the modern calendar, suggesting that Neil didn’t mind twisting the truth to attack Christianity.
@scottlincicome I'm sure he's fine with being wrong. Can't pass up an opportunity to ruin a special day.
— jon gabriel (@exjon) December 25, 2014
Others brought up Newton’s own faith, suggesting that Tyson was disrespectful to use the name and life of the celebrated scientist in a mockery of modern Christian beliefs, since the man was a believer himself.
@neiltyson celebrates Newton but doesn't respect his faith in God. Newton was a Christian that wrote abut God > science. You must be smarter
— IamEvilHomer (@Trent_Hill) December 25, 2014
https://twitter.com/geekpreacher/status/548144395930075136/photo/1
Tyson also spoke in mockery of the modern Christmas, centered on consumerism, and made a joke about other religions’ view of the day, before moving on to Santa and science.
Merry Christmas to all. A Pagan holiday (BC) becomes a Religious holiday (AD). Which then becomes a Shopping holiday (USA).
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) December 25, 2014
QUESTION: ThIs year, what do all the world's Muslims and Jews call December 25th? ANSWER: Thursday
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) December 25, 2014
Santa knows Physics: Of all colors, Red Light penetrates fog best. That's why Benny the Blue-nosed reindeer never got the gig
— Neil deGrasse Tyson (@neiltyson) December 25, 2014
These, too, returned further offense and anger (even the Rudolph tweet, though most of the response to that was a discussion of whether the mythical reindeer’s nose actually gave off, or only reflected, light):
@neiltyson Are you really spending your morning taking potshots at people enjoying Christmas? Wow. Maybe you can embrace the "goodwill" bit?
— Laura Walker (@LauraWalkerKC) December 25, 2014
And? On this day may there be peace on earth to men of good will. #GetOverYourself @neiltyson
— Lady Hecate (@Hecate40) December 25, 2014
@neiltyson why are you such a bigot towards Christianity? #BigotedHack
— Jamie (@JmeMiller1974) December 25, 2014
@neiltyson Santa's not real, Neil.
— Kenny From The Block (@kennyselko) December 25, 2014
@neiltyson Why are fog lights yellow if red is the best color? Have a nice Christmas, the birthday of the Savior of the world.
— Taylor (@TaylorTwo9) December 25, 2014
.@neiltyson Take a day off, nerd.
— Adam Wilson (@theleanover) December 25, 2014
Neil’s views on science and religion have offended before — Cosmos provoked responses each week (and the forthcoming second season will likely do the same), from viewers who disagreed with the information presented on the show, or with the means of presentation.
Do you see Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s Christmas tweets as offensive, or as a harmless joke?
[photo credit: NASA HQ PHOTO]
This article was syndicated from Business 2 Community: Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s Christmas Tweets Incite Religious Ire
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