Statement: Christians should celebrate religious holidays that are customs established by tradition and the churches. What does the Scripture say about that specifically? It tells us that Christ died to cancel the effect of such bindings, to liberate us, and we are not to allow such bindings.

Colossians 2:14-16 (NIV)
14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. 16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.

When is it acceptable for me to practice my faith based on issues of conscience?

Growing up in a Christian home of relative liberal and flexible doctrine, I found that certain matters of Christian faith were inflexible, as inflexible as the most cultish fundamentalist modern church. One point of doctrine among Christian churches that seems completely inflexible is the matter of religious festivals and holidays. Modern Protestant denominations easily unshackled themselves from religious specifications handed them from the church hierarchy of old. Rigorous rituals began crumbling from the first crack of Luther's nail. However, they cling to certain aspects of tradition to the point of identifying their faith by those very celebrations.

Christmas and Easter: what is the authority?

Merely asking this question begs a fight with most modern Christians. It is, however, a valid question. Most church doctrine comes from some combination of modern interpretation and historical perspectives. Oddly, modern churches can relieve themselves of such encumbrances as women speaking in services, elder qualifications, disfellowship (excommunications) and a host of traditional church practices they deem unsavory. Each denomination picks and chooses which of these traditions to abolish completely and which they give some degree of continuing lip service. All traditions seem subject to the sentiment of the group, but for Christmas and Easter. These are the earmark of believing bodies. But, if the popes had no authority to bind their laundry list of rules and regulations, why do they continue to have authority to bind these two celebrations?

In the entire collection of canonized Scripture, regardless of denomination, creed, interpretation or cultural nuance, the Bible – that authority on which we all rely – says nothing about these two holidays. The closest thing we can find to Easter is the Passover. Christmas simply isn't discussed on any level at all, ever.

Isn't it just polite to accept the tradition of old faiths? Thousands of years of tradition surely holds more weight than a personal understanding of one's relationship with the Creator and His commands regarding worship. But, Colossians seems to indicate there is a liberty to do just that: practice your personal understanding of the Creator's intent for your life without unjust bindings or aribitrary judgments without authority.