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MELBOURNE - Santa is a "false god" who teaches children to be greedy, says a pastor.
Steve McNeilly of the New Life Christian Church said the jolly fat man was a blasphemous stand-in for God who made liars of parents and caused confusion in children.
The Santa story helped breed materialism and selfishness in children's hearts, said Pastor McNeilly, of Warrnambool.
His comments, first made in a country newspaper column, have sparked a storm of protest. "Santa has usurped the love and devotion and faith of little children," he said.
Senior church leaders and a child psychologist branded the attack on Father Christmas absurd and undeserved, News Ltd said.
Catholic Monsignor Les Tomlinson said Christmas was a time for parents to teach children the joys of gift-giving, and psychologist Michael Carr-Gregg said Santa Claus was a crucial part of a child's Christmas celebration.
- AAP
