[Evangelical]

In regards to the gospel I believe it is important to state the gospel message in simplicity, purity and truth. However God may choose to draw someone through the Christmas message and even through the message of Santa so we should exercise freedom in this respect, taking opportunity at Christmas time to spread the true gospel, and if necessary, defer to the example of Santa and Christmas in order to attract unbelievers. This is a similar approach to the one Paul took where he related the true God to the people's beliefs in an "unknown god". This was the same approach the Catholics took when they converted pagan Europe - they related the true Christian message to the pagan beliefs at the time. The first stage of gospel preaching is to draw people according to the opportunity available, the second stage is to declare the true gospel without confusing it with the first stage. The issue is when people confuse the two stages. The issue is when the "unknown god" or "Santa Claus" becomes part of the true gospel story. A situation like this is common in places like India where Hindus accept Jesus as merely another one of their many gods to be worshiped. In Hindu or Buddhist countries it is possible to find people worshiping Mary or Jesus as just other people to be worshiped.