Neil DeGrasse Tyson’s Christmas tweets have been labeled anti-Christian, and the astrophysicist and advocate for science education is facing accusations of trying to spoil a special day. It appears the popular star of Cosmos intended to share a lighthearted Christmas joke, leading his social media followers to believe he was going to post a birthday tweet for Jesus before quickly changing direction.

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.

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.

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.

https://twitter.com/Trent_Hill/status/548162866222620673

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.

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):

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]