So I have been reading some of my fellow atheists blogs and lately a lot of the rumbling has been about whether or not an atheist should be insulted when a Christian friend, family member or even stranger makes the statement, "I am praying for you". Well the consensus seems to be that it is highly insulting and that any atheist worth his or her salt should be insulted. I scratched my head at this...why?
It is not the first time that I have read one of the blogs of my fellow atheist bloggers and scratched my head. I think it is important to think for ourselves so I do not think that is a disrespect to them. I hold a lot of respect for most of these guys and follow their blogs fairly regularly, at least as much as my hectic life allows me to anymore. I am not detracting from their blogs or their views in any way, just I don't necessarily agree with them all the time. Hell, when I used to be a Baptist Pastor I didn't agree with my fellow Baptists all the time so why should it be any different now?! lol
Before I go any further in this blog I want to make something clear. I am an atheist. I say those words unequivocally. I don't blare it from the roof top, I am not a "Atheist Manifest" thumper, I don't go around trying to convince the world of the "wonders" of logic, reason and atheism but I am still very firmly set in what I hold as truth and facts. My family and I have discussions all the time. Not just my family that I grew up with but the family I have become a part of and already acknowledge as my own. Especially in the family I am marrying into, we have had a few discussions on the subject...and I am sure there are many more ahead of us because it is what we do, we discuss we pursue knowledge and we enjoy the exchanging of ideas and ideology. But at the end of the day, I am without a doubt an atheist.
Now you may say (with a condescending and knowing smile) what exactly do you mean by that Julio? What do you believe that makes you an atheist. Simply put I do not believe in superstition, I do not accept the concept of faith. Evidence that cannot be seen is not evidence at all and there is no substance in hope therefore I reject faith based on the definition the Bible gives for it. (Hebrews 11:1) I reject the existence of God, Allah, The Great Spirit, the Universal Consciousness and any other form of unproven and unsubstantiated deity or superstition. I do not believe in the existence of heaven or hell or anything in between. I do not expect others to agree with me, I do not force my views on others...I just hold these things as firmly set in my mind.
Having said that I find that there are a few things that I just seem to be different from my fellow atheists and I am sure many of them will disagree with me, as is their prerogative and right...a right I respect. Here are just three things...
(1) "I am praying for you"
When a Christian tells me that they are praying for me I am not instantly insulted. Especially when a family member or friend tells me this. Now, allow me to clarify, I am not saying I am NEVER insulted. I do understand that for some it is a condescending way of telling me that I am wrong, they are right and it is just too sad that I am so friggen stupid...so stupid that I just can't see the nose on my face. I agree that there are many people out there that when they say that they are telling me I am going to fry in hell and it is just too bad I won't make it to heaven with them. But that is not always the case.
Understand that Christians, over the years, develop a manner of speech. They don't know how to "think outside the book" for lack of a better way of putting it. When my close family members look at me and say, "Julio, I am praying for you" I understand that they are really saying, 'Julio, I love you. I don't understand you and I don't agree with you. I am scared of what will happen to you if you are wrong. I don't know how to change your mind so I will do the only thing I know how to do...pray for you." Now if I want to, I CAN take insult in this. Sure I can. But I am bigger than that. I realize that behind it is love. That love may be accompanied by a lack of understanding and a lack of knowing what else to do or say, but it is still love. I choose to see that love rather than to see the insult.
Now I will tell you, I have not always seen it that way. I have always been one to jump to the defense on it. But a recent conversation with somebody I love and respect a lot brought it back into perspective for me. What am I going to do when I am forced to stand next to the casket of my mom or my dad? Am I going to sit there thinking "You old (expletive) you never could quite leave it alone could you?" Or am I going to see the face of a man or woman that loved me, and suffered more often than not silently, because in the doctrine they firmly believe in I was going to be forever lost to them. That does not mean I have to agree with them. That does not mean I have to even pretend I agree with them. But it does mean that I CHOOSE to see their intent...not what insult I can take away from it.
(2) A world without religion
There are those that often talk about a world without religion. I myself have often referred to a world without religion. One of my favorite posters is the one with a picture of the twin towers and it says, "Imagine a world without religion". This may sound good, this may sound nice but first it is a pipe dream and second it is a dangerous dream. Allow me to elaborate.
First, I want to set some ground work for my argument. I know that Atheists and Christians alike will disagree with me on this but humor me. People on a whole are in need of some sort of control. This control is manifested in a three strand "rope". If you take a single strand it is easily broken and control is lost. The three strands are: Government, Religion and Self-Interest. If you have only Government you have the failed Soviet Union, if you have only Religion you have theocratic states like Iran if you have only self interest you have anarchy and chaos. The three work together to form a society that we all can live in. When you have too much of one you have trouble as evidenced in the ebb and flow of our own culture here in the USA.
I used to think it would be a perfect world if everybody followed logic, rejected superstition and tossed off the chains of religion. But look around you, for every person you know that scares the "hell" out of you with their religion, imagine what they would be like WITHOUT their religion. there are many former drunks, drug addicts and violent criminals that "found" faith (or it found them) and it gave them purpose and direction. While you and I, as atheists, may look at them and smirk at their "simple mindedness", imagine how this world would be without this "coping mechanism". Imagine how busy psychiatrists would be if people didn't have their own personal shrink to talk to every night in their prayers before bed. I am not saying that it is ideal, I am not saying that I agree with it. I am, however, saying that the history of the world proves without a doubt that as a whole society needs something that they can use as a guiding force, something that gives their existence meaning and something that comforts them.
Not only does religion serve as a coping mechanism and as a comfort for people of all races and cultures but it also serves as a control mechanism. Constantine understood this. I have always said that one of the most brilliant men in the history of the world was Constantine. Rather than allowing the Roman Empire to dissolve and disappear he reinvented it. He realized that where the sword had failed religion would succeed. Men are anxious to die on the edge of a sword to become martyrs and heroes but to control the "souls" of men is to truly control men. Therein lies the secret to true control. Constantine understood this truth.
This system of control is evident in the world we live. Look at the religious right. Have you never noticed that all the issues that are of the greatest importance are in one way or another sexual in nature. Abortion, gay rights and sex education in schools and in our culture as a whole. This is the most intimate part of who we are and if the church can control us where we are truly ourselves then they control us in every other aspect of our lives. Not only that but let us face it, we live in a world of political correctness and it is behind closed doors, in the most intimate moments that our "souls" the essence of who we are, as it were, is truly open, revealed and most vulnerable. These are also matters (sexual issues) that affect the future of their control. If we "kill babies" and have intimacy that does not produce more children then it is only a matter of time till there is no one else to control. Studies have suggested that part of the preservation of the species is tied to religion since religion throughout the history of mankind has in one way or another had some tie to sexuality and propagation.
The conclusion of this argument is simply put that a world without religion would be a world that is confused a world that would lack direction and a world lost in chaos and anarchy. If we think a world with religion is bad, imagine a world in which the basest of man's instincts and urges go unchecked. We make the assumption that if there were no religion man would become advanced and would become more logical and would live together in harmony and the world would be a better place. There is no more evidence to support this pipe dream, this mythological utopia then there is to support the existence in a deity of any kind. As a matter of fact, the evidence of man's history shows that even with religion those basest of urges have come out, have shown what destruction and havoc they can wreck. In a world with religion man must form a religion that justifies his violence often working his way through contradictions and self conflicting conclusions. Imagine a world where such moral wrangling were unnecessary due to the absence of religion. This is not a world I would want or wish to live in or have my children raised in. So in some convoluted logic, religion does serve a purpose if nothing more than to provide a coping and control mechanism for the preservation of the species as a whole. There are those of us in this species that see religion for what it is and choose to reject religion while still maintaining the rules of society, but not everybody would do so, and if it takes my neighbor thinking he will burn in hell if he kills my children for screaming loudly while playing outside in the yard, then so be it...by all means...PLEASE...believe in whatever God that keeps you from crossing that line.
(3) Atheist Proselyte-rs
Due to the arguments above I do not go out and actively try to convert people to atheism. I worked with a man that had not had a drink in 15 years. Before that he had lost everything. Went from a man with money to a bum on the street due to alcoholism. He "found" god and it changed him. His "faith in God" was his coping mechanism that changed the direction of his life and allowed him to be a manager of a local retail store, have a happy marriage and a house of his own. What right do I have to rip out what was, for him, his foundation, his coping mechanism? Tear away what served as the building blocks for a new life and his life falls apart again, how is that conducive to anything good or positive? How is that a good thing? I cannot find a justifiable reason in doing that.
Most atheists I know are ok with their kids believing in Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy and that ghosts haunt the world on Halloween because it makes their kids happy to live in those fantasies. Most of us would not sit down and tell our three year olds that their imaginary friend is just that and that they need to grow up and deal in facts and realities. If you do then you are no different than the world I grew up in where Santa Claus took away from the "truth" of the Birth of Jesus Christ and the Easter Bunny led children away from the "truth" of Christ's resurrection. Generally we allow it because it makes their world bright and beautiful. In that same line of reasoning, if there is no truth to the fairy tale of God, Creation, Heaven and Hell and it makes these peoples' life ordered, happy and complete then why should we be the ones to rip that away from them?
How do I deal with people who have questions about my lack of faith? What do I do to leave this door open for my children? I teach my children to think for themselves, to question everything and to not let anybody ever tell them what they have to believe and to never allow anybody to stifle their curiosity. I teach them that nothing is as it seems and that they cannot allow their religious and political beliefs to be established by others without them researching and studying for themselves. If after they do that, they still choose to believe in God, then so be it, that is their choice and I respect that choice. But if they demand facts, they demand reason, they demand logic...then who knows where that road will lead them.
So in reply to my atheist friends and fellow bloggers, I respect your views on these matters, but I have to respectfully disagree with you. What is good for you and is good for me may not be good for everybody. To those that are of faith, I apologize if these arguments come across as arrogant and condescending, that is not my point or my desire. I respect your views on faith and religion, and respect your choices...these are merely mine..and mine alone.
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Easter. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Shall we play "Who gets to be the victim"?
Read Article: Pope's preacher: Benedict's critics akin to anti-Semites
One of my biggest issues with churches in general is the constant need to be the victims. I have mentioned this on occasion on my blog and will continue to "preach" this theme. Churches control the vast majority of politics, economics and culture around the world and in the USA in particular. In this country a woman's right to her body, a person's right to choose whom they love and marry and share their life with and a myriad of other personal choices are held hostage by a vocal religious sector of the population that manipulates the government to crush and subdue the rights of others based on their own religious and personal moral values that they wish to force on others.
Yet somehow, when you hear these people talk...THEY are the victims. THEY are the ones being persecuted. And the thing is...their Bible promotes this attitude. The Bible says, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." (Matthew 5:10-12) It is something to be desired. Persecution is what makes them blessed, gives them the kingdom of heaven and identifies them with the heroes of the faith, the "prophets".
Here is the catch. There is an oft ignored word in those verses...falsely. If what is being said about you folks is true, then you lose brownie points! If you really are an asshat, douchecanoe bigot then you don't get brownie points. If you spread hate and malice and racism you don't get brownie points.
And to the thug wearing the crown in Rome...if you are an accessory to raping our future, covering for the pedophiles that raped, abused and violeted children then you ass wipe don't get brownie points! (yes I did just call the pope an ass wipe...so sue me the fucker pisses me off!) If you cover for these animals you do not get to identify with the "prophets", you do not get to be "blessed" and you do not get to play the victim act.
Easter week was less about the "birth" of "Christ" and was more about the virtues of a thug that the leadership of the largest religious organization in the world should have known better than to put into place. In the week that should have been the Vatican's highlight of the year every person that spoke had to speak about the "Vicar of Christ" instead of the whole point of all the facade, heir "Christ". If you have to spend more time defending the actions of your leader than promoting your message then you are failing, simple as that.
Now to what REALLY burns me up. The audacity of any member of the Catholic clergy to DARE compare Pope Benedict's "suffering" to that of the Jews that have suffered under anti semitism. Of course, this comes from a religious organization that accused the Jews of being the killers of the Jesus (until what? the 1960's?). The Nazis, with the encouragement and blessing of the Roman Catholic Church, killed the Jews to the tune of 6 million while screaming "Jesus killers" and to have the sheer audacity to compare the sufferings of Thug Benedict to that is sheer ignorance and an arrogance of epic porportions!
NEWS FLASH! The Vatican and the pack of dogs running it are NOT the victims. The priests and bishops around the world, rallying to the defensive call like bitches on a hunt are NOT the victims. It is the hundreds of people that placed their faith, trust and confidence in these thugs and criminals only to be raped, beat and abused that are the victims. It is the masses, literally millions of people, held hostage by pedophiles and thugs, fearful for their soul's salvation if they speak out against the atrocities, not only getting to sit there in silence and bear their children, their friends and their neighbors recieving the abuse but getting to PAY for it every week as the coffers of a den of snakes get filled with the hard earned money of the very victims they are bullying and abusing.
I know this was one voice that made this comment and the Public Relations of the Vatican quickly jumped to distance themselves. Much like the lawyer that makes a comment only to have it "stricken from the records", but it has already been said, the jury has already heard it, the wheels are already turning, influenced by words the record says were never said but in reality are already out there. We are not all sheep. We are not all fools.
Pope Benedict and his gang of curs are not victims...they are criminals...and they will not inherit the kingdom of heaven because me, the media and the world have the courage to stand up and say what is the truth because it doesn't count if it is the truth.
One of my biggest issues with churches in general is the constant need to be the victims. I have mentioned this on occasion on my blog and will continue to "preach" this theme. Churches control the vast majority of politics, economics and culture around the world and in the USA in particular. In this country a woman's right to her body, a person's right to choose whom they love and marry and share their life with and a myriad of other personal choices are held hostage by a vocal religious sector of the population that manipulates the government to crush and subdue the rights of others based on their own religious and personal moral values that they wish to force on others.
Yet somehow, when you hear these people talk...THEY are the victims. THEY are the ones being persecuted. And the thing is...their Bible promotes this attitude. The Bible says, "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you." (Matthew 5:10-12) It is something to be desired. Persecution is what makes them blessed, gives them the kingdom of heaven and identifies them with the heroes of the faith, the "prophets".
Here is the catch. There is an oft ignored word in those verses...falsely. If what is being said about you folks is true, then you lose brownie points! If you really are an asshat, douchecanoe bigot then you don't get brownie points. If you spread hate and malice and racism you don't get brownie points.
And to the thug wearing the crown in Rome...if you are an accessory to raping our future, covering for the pedophiles that raped, abused and violeted children then you ass wipe don't get brownie points! (yes I did just call the pope an ass wipe...so sue me the fucker pisses me off!) If you cover for these animals you do not get to identify with the "prophets", you do not get to be "blessed" and you do not get to play the victim act.
Easter week was less about the "birth" of "Christ" and was more about the virtues of a thug that the leadership of the largest religious organization in the world should have known better than to put into place. In the week that should have been the Vatican's highlight of the year every person that spoke had to speak about the "Vicar of Christ" instead of the whole point of all the facade, heir "Christ". If you have to spend more time defending the actions of your leader than promoting your message then you are failing, simple as that.
Now to what REALLY burns me up. The audacity of any member of the Catholic clergy to DARE compare Pope Benedict's "suffering" to that of the Jews that have suffered under anti semitism. Of course, this comes from a religious organization that accused the Jews of being the killers of the Jesus (until what? the 1960's?). The Nazis, with the encouragement and blessing of the Roman Catholic Church, killed the Jews to the tune of 6 million while screaming "Jesus killers" and to have the sheer audacity to compare the sufferings of Thug Benedict to that is sheer ignorance and an arrogance of epic porportions!
NEWS FLASH! The Vatican and the pack of dogs running it are NOT the victims. The priests and bishops around the world, rallying to the defensive call like bitches on a hunt are NOT the victims. It is the hundreds of people that placed their faith, trust and confidence in these thugs and criminals only to be raped, beat and abused that are the victims. It is the masses, literally millions of people, held hostage by pedophiles and thugs, fearful for their soul's salvation if they speak out against the atrocities, not only getting to sit there in silence and bear their children, their friends and their neighbors recieving the abuse but getting to PAY for it every week as the coffers of a den of snakes get filled with the hard earned money of the very victims they are bullying and abusing.
I know this was one voice that made this comment and the Public Relations of the Vatican quickly jumped to distance themselves. Much like the lawyer that makes a comment only to have it "stricken from the records", but it has already been said, the jury has already heard it, the wheels are already turning, influenced by words the record says were never said but in reality are already out there. We are not all sheep. We are not all fools.
Pope Benedict and his gang of curs are not victims...they are criminals...and they will not inherit the kingdom of heaven because me, the media and the world have the courage to stand up and say what is the truth because it doesn't count if it is the truth.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
An Atheist...on Easter Sunday
Thank God we're not all atheists, bishop says
Atheists Hit back at clergy criticism of non-belief
So today is Easter. It is a day that most non church goers actually go to church, one of two days in the year-Christmas and Easter. It is a day that most Christians celebrate the death, burial and "resurrection" of Jesus Christ. It is a big day, actually a big WEEK, for churches around the world. High attendance usually means high collections (or offerings as some call them). I being an atheist am pretty much the odd man out. I don't go to church at all, not even for social reasons. I do not support it personally but I do not begrudge those that do. I respect every person's right to faith, and even every person's need for faith. Unfortunately, that is not the case for the majority of those that will be involved on this "holy" day.
I had debated touching the subject of Easter simply because I DO respect people's right to faith. However, The article above reminded me that there are those in religion that will not give me the same respect I will give them. I will still try to be somewhat respectful but I have decided I am going to speak my mind on this issue.
(1) My issue with Easter Week/Sunday
OK..so let's state the obvious, to begin with, I am an atheist. So obviously I have a problem with Easter Week based on purely intellectual and "theological" reasons. I do not believe in the sacrifical death of Jesus Christ, or the miraculous resurrection any more than I believe in the virgin birth. Simply put I reject these concepts and as such have nothing to celebrate during Easter. But my issue with Easter goes beyond the religious and intellectual.
It gives the Partimers a reason to look down their long nose
Let's face it...nobody has any right whatsoever to judge another person. Simply put we all make mistakes and nobody's mistake is any more "evil" than another's. But we all know that most people that are faithful church goers to some extent feel they are better for it. So be it. I would be willing to consider the possiblity that anybody that puts the amount of dedication into religion and church as some of these people do, that while not necessarily "better" they have at least something to be proud about, and I will tolerate a minimal amount of looking up their big long nose at them. However, some dip wad that goes to church twice a year and spends the rest of the year swearing, drinking, partying, fornicating and doing a whole grocery list of shit he isnt supposed to do if he adheres to the christian faith needs to just shut his mouth! He or she have no right to talk down to me and I have a zero tolerance level for their sanctimonious bullshit!
It is just as comercialized as any other holiday
Ok...a rabbit that lays eggs is about as believable as a man that circle the globe in one night stopping at every house to leave a personalized gift and about as believable that man was born with no father and his mother was a virgin and he died to save the world and resurrected from the dead. Now before you get all on the defense, this is my belief and my blog, so deal with it. The point is that any holiday should be a family time for fun and togetherness, and the comercialization of these holidays has put it to such a point that the kids are all about wanting and demanding and the parents are running themself ragged trying to meet expectations. Take it or leave it but that is my take on it.
The nutjobs come out...like always
I come from a very religious background as many of you know. In my home there was no Santa Claus or Easter Bunny. Those were fairy tales. Fairy tales are good for children. It opens their imagination. There is plenty of time for them to grow up and face reality. I never have had any problem with it. However, due to financial situations and life changes I have been renting a room from my parents (keep in mind my dad is a pastor). Due to the lack of a significant other in my life, my mom helps me with my daughter, particularly when I am at work or school. So when Christmas came along my mom tells me I am free to tell my daughter anything I wish about Santa Claus but when she goes to her she will tell her the truth and has no qualms in making it clear to her that I lied to her. The same goes for the Easter Bunny. So there you go...the attitude that their version of truth is the only thing that matters and the rights of all others are subjugated to their own...'nuff said.
(2) My rebuttal to the clergy
Now I will tell you, Bishop Anthony Fisher, Anglican Archbishop Peter Jensen and Catholic Archbishop George Pell.
To Anglican Archbishop Peter Jenson...and the myth that Atheism is idolotry
Atheism is the rejection of myth and superstition in exchange for an acceptance of reason and logic. Atheism is not a religion, it is not in competition with Christianity, it merely does not acknowledge Christianity as anything other than what it is. As the Atheist Foundation of Australia aptly responded, we cannot hate or be in competition with the Christian God because you cannot hate or compete with what does not exist. To say you hate god is to acknowledge his existence. Reason precludes hate...simple as that. It is refreshing to see somebody from the clergy refer to religion as dangerous though, even if they had to put their own spin on it.
To Catholic Archbishop George Pell
I find it interesting when Christians refer to an "assault on God." If God is so powerful and mighty, then how is that even possible? It is amusing to watch the clergy and their flock bring their mighty god down to the level of man, empowering us with the might to attack and assault their god. Once again, however, the reply is simple, you cannot assault what does not exist.
In response to his Eminence's claim that atheists do not participate in charitable activities I respond that we choose to do so quietly not flaunting our goodwill so as to pat ourselves on the back and show how much better we are then everybody else. We actively seek out charities that are not bound down by religious institutions because we do not want our hard earned money going to organizations that take acut of it to pay for their expensive cathedrals and decorations of gold and jewels to promote a superstition and mysticism which we do not agree with. If you wish to brag about your charities that is your business, but I bleieve your Bible says something about doing your "deeds" to be seen of men and how when they praise you that is your reward.
To Catholic Bishop Anthony Fisher
Now I won't lie to you, this cat pisses me off. The audacity to take the woes of the last century and blame it on atheists...seriously? He blames Nazism, Stalinism/Communism and Pol Pot (which I had to look up, turns out was some Cambodian Communist dictator that was into mass murders) on Godlessness or atheism. Well I have news for you your Eminence, you need to go back and read history...undoctored by your theistic thugs at the Vatican.
Adolph Hitler was NOT an atheist. Adolph Hitler was a good Catholic and he ran his regime within the the good graces of the Roman Catholic Church. I found the following link interesting, (Roman Catholic Hitler)and the evidence is not hearsay...it is there in black and white..pictures.
Pol Pot was a hideous beast and an extension of the communist arm. Interestingly enough, he was not just an animal against religion, but was also a racist and hated anybody with an education. He hated intelectuals and thinkers, so to blame his acts on "atheism" rather than psychosis would be a gross oversimplification and an evident attempt to find a scape goat.
Stalin was an atheist yes, and the state was officially an atheistic state but the Roman Catholic Church was one of the few religions that were recognized and allowed to operate in this atheistic state. If your god is so powerful it would seem to me that since you were able to operate within this communistic state you would have made a difference. But fine...I will give you Stalinism/Communism...
(3) A World without Religion: The Pros and Cons
So I stop and consider this question: What WOULD the world be like without religion? Sure religion does do some good in the world we live in. It is not all bad...despite what some may say. I think religion has some pros and cons...
1. A world with religion...the positives
1. Religion is a Control mechanism
Let's face it, people can be pretty cruel and nasty by nature. Religion takes the basic rules of society, the rules that any inteligent, civilized individual would follow anyway and puts eternal consequences behind them. Now those of us that look at this as ridiculous should stop and consider this: imagine a world where the basic rules of society had not 'eternal" consequences. Look around you, look at the people you know that would have no qualms stealing, killing, raping etc. if there were not consequences. I hate to sound snobbish, but I don't need a god for me to behave as a sane and upstanding member of society. Unfortunately, a large portion of the human population does. You can take that how you wish, but it is the truth. Religion is ultimately about control of the baser passions of the human psyche, which is a big reason why the most important political issues to the extreme religious right are in some way connected to sexual issues (i.e. gay and lesbian rights and abortion)
2. Religion is a Comfort
Karl Marx once stated that religion is the opium of the masses or of the people. There is a lot of truth in that. The mind is a powerful thing. And if a person leans on their faith in god enough they will find comfort in it. Death of a family member is comforted by the thought of a better place and an all powerful being that is in control. As humans, by nature, we have a need to understand why things happen. When there is no explanation, faith is something these people can lean back on. Most people find comfort in their faith, and as long as it does not result in bigotry and hate, no harm no foul. Really and truly, like the child that finds comfort in a teddy bear or a blanket, a vast majority of our population finds a comfort in religion, and there is little reason to "liberate them from the matrix", as it were.
3. Religion is a Coping mechanism
When I lived in Kansas my manager there had not had a drink in 15+ years. When I asked him what had happened, he answered that God had given him the strength. It was odd because he was not really a religious man, not really a go to church and preach type of man. As we discussed it he showed me his "coin" from AA, and explained they had taught him coping mechanisms...among which was god. There are a lot of people with the same story. God and religion is their coping mechanism and is generally much more harmless than the bottom of a vodka bottle (or several for that matter.)
All in all, relgion probably does a lot in avoiding anarchy, social chaos, mental and nervous breakdown, alcholism and drug abuse among other things. It could be argued that religion in many ways is not much different then the child with an imaginary friend that helps them deal with problems. Is it healthy? In most cases it is harmless, and some of them see it as a fail safe...if they are right and there is a god then they win, if there is not a god then they still win because they had mental help to cope with issues in their life.
1. Imagine a world without religion...the negatives
But let us not gloss it all over as fun and beauty. Religion is about control and while there are some positives that come from it, control can be an ugly thing. And when control is challenged those exercising that control can be cruel and brutal. There are those wielding the control that use it as a blanket to cover themselves in anonymity and thus get away with some pretty sick and hideous things.
"With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion." Steven Weinberg
Let us consider...just a short list...9/11, The Holocaust (by Catholic backed Nazi's killing the 'Jesus Killers'), the Inquisition, the rape of children all over the world, the Dark Ages (also ALL orchestrated by the Roman Catholic Church dear Bishops Pell and Fisher.
So let us not turn a blind eye to the faults of religion, and let us not blame all of the last century's horrors on "godlessness". Let us see it for what it is...the huge capacity of negative behavior that is in all human beings...at least we don't hide behind a god or a church...for..let's say...immunity..
In addition...on strictly the religious and historical views...let us consider the historical validity of Jesus Christ on this "solemn" holiday...please read the following article and just consider the possiblities...and I challenge the most devout to read it objectively...I just dare you...
Did a Historical Jesus Exist
Atheists Hit back at clergy criticism of non-belief
So today is Easter. It is a day that most non church goers actually go to church, one of two days in the year-Christmas and Easter. It is a day that most Christians celebrate the death, burial and "resurrection" of Jesus Christ. It is a big day, actually a big WEEK, for churches around the world. High attendance usually means high collections (or offerings as some call them). I being an atheist am pretty much the odd man out. I don't go to church at all, not even for social reasons. I do not support it personally but I do not begrudge those that do. I respect every person's right to faith, and even every person's need for faith. Unfortunately, that is not the case for the majority of those that will be involved on this "holy" day.
I had debated touching the subject of Easter simply because I DO respect people's right to faith. However, The article above reminded me that there are those in religion that will not give me the same respect I will give them. I will still try to be somewhat respectful but I have decided I am going to speak my mind on this issue.
(1) My issue with Easter Week/Sunday
OK..so let's state the obvious, to begin with, I am an atheist. So obviously I have a problem with Easter Week based on purely intellectual and "theological" reasons. I do not believe in the sacrifical death of Jesus Christ, or the miraculous resurrection any more than I believe in the virgin birth. Simply put I reject these concepts and as such have nothing to celebrate during Easter. But my issue with Easter goes beyond the religious and intellectual.
It gives the Partimers a reason to look down their long nose
Let's face it...nobody has any right whatsoever to judge another person. Simply put we all make mistakes and nobody's mistake is any more "evil" than another's. But we all know that most people that are faithful church goers to some extent feel they are better for it. So be it. I would be willing to consider the possiblity that anybody that puts the amount of dedication into religion and church as some of these people do, that while not necessarily "better" they have at least something to be proud about, and I will tolerate a minimal amount of looking up their big long nose at them. However, some dip wad that goes to church twice a year and spends the rest of the year swearing, drinking, partying, fornicating and doing a whole grocery list of shit he isnt supposed to do if he adheres to the christian faith needs to just shut his mouth! He or she have no right to talk down to me and I have a zero tolerance level for their sanctimonious bullshit!
It is just as comercialized as any other holiday
Ok...a rabbit that lays eggs is about as believable as a man that circle the globe in one night stopping at every house to leave a personalized gift and about as believable that man was born with no father and his mother was a virgin and he died to save the world and resurrected from the dead. Now before you get all on the defense, this is my belief and my blog, so deal with it. The point is that any holiday should be a family time for fun and togetherness, and the comercialization of these holidays has put it to such a point that the kids are all about wanting and demanding and the parents are running themself ragged trying to meet expectations. Take it or leave it but that is my take on it.
The nutjobs come out...like always
I come from a very religious background as many of you know. In my home there was no Santa Claus or Easter Bunny. Those were fairy tales. Fairy tales are good for children. It opens their imagination. There is plenty of time for them to grow up and face reality. I never have had any problem with it. However, due to financial situations and life changes I have been renting a room from my parents (keep in mind my dad is a pastor). Due to the lack of a significant other in my life, my mom helps me with my daughter, particularly when I am at work or school. So when Christmas came along my mom tells me I am free to tell my daughter anything I wish about Santa Claus but when she goes to her she will tell her the truth and has no qualms in making it clear to her that I lied to her. The same goes for the Easter Bunny. So there you go...the attitude that their version of truth is the only thing that matters and the rights of all others are subjugated to their own...'nuff said.
(2) My rebuttal to the clergy
Now I will tell you, Bishop Anthony Fisher, Anglican Archbishop Peter Jensen and Catholic Archbishop George Pell.
To Anglican Archbishop Peter Jenson...and the myth that Atheism is idolotry
Atheism is the rejection of myth and superstition in exchange for an acceptance of reason and logic. Atheism is not a religion, it is not in competition with Christianity, it merely does not acknowledge Christianity as anything other than what it is. As the Atheist Foundation of Australia aptly responded, we cannot hate or be in competition with the Christian God because you cannot hate or compete with what does not exist. To say you hate god is to acknowledge his existence. Reason precludes hate...simple as that. It is refreshing to see somebody from the clergy refer to religion as dangerous though, even if they had to put their own spin on it.
To Catholic Archbishop George Pell
I find it interesting when Christians refer to an "assault on God." If God is so powerful and mighty, then how is that even possible? It is amusing to watch the clergy and their flock bring their mighty god down to the level of man, empowering us with the might to attack and assault their god. Once again, however, the reply is simple, you cannot assault what does not exist.
In response to his Eminence's claim that atheists do not participate in charitable activities I respond that we choose to do so quietly not flaunting our goodwill so as to pat ourselves on the back and show how much better we are then everybody else. We actively seek out charities that are not bound down by religious institutions because we do not want our hard earned money going to organizations that take acut of it to pay for their expensive cathedrals and decorations of gold and jewels to promote a superstition and mysticism which we do not agree with. If you wish to brag about your charities that is your business, but I bleieve your Bible says something about doing your "deeds" to be seen of men and how when they praise you that is your reward.
To Catholic Bishop Anthony Fisher
Now I won't lie to you, this cat pisses me off. The audacity to take the woes of the last century and blame it on atheists...seriously? He blames Nazism, Stalinism/Communism and Pol Pot (which I had to look up, turns out was some Cambodian Communist dictator that was into mass murders) on Godlessness or atheism. Well I have news for you your Eminence, you need to go back and read history...undoctored by your theistic thugs at the Vatican.
Adolph Hitler was NOT an atheist. Adolph Hitler was a good Catholic and he ran his regime within the the good graces of the Roman Catholic Church. I found the following link interesting, (Roman Catholic Hitler)and the evidence is not hearsay...it is there in black and white..pictures.
Pol Pot was a hideous beast and an extension of the communist arm. Interestingly enough, he was not just an animal against religion, but was also a racist and hated anybody with an education. He hated intelectuals and thinkers, so to blame his acts on "atheism" rather than psychosis would be a gross oversimplification and an evident attempt to find a scape goat.
Stalin was an atheist yes, and the state was officially an atheistic state but the Roman Catholic Church was one of the few religions that were recognized and allowed to operate in this atheistic state. If your god is so powerful it would seem to me that since you were able to operate within this communistic state you would have made a difference. But fine...I will give you Stalinism/Communism...
(3) A World without Religion: The Pros and Cons
So I stop and consider this question: What WOULD the world be like without religion? Sure religion does do some good in the world we live in. It is not all bad...despite what some may say. I think religion has some pros and cons...
1. A world with religion...the positives
1. Religion is a Control mechanism
Let's face it, people can be pretty cruel and nasty by nature. Religion takes the basic rules of society, the rules that any inteligent, civilized individual would follow anyway and puts eternal consequences behind them. Now those of us that look at this as ridiculous should stop and consider this: imagine a world where the basic rules of society had not 'eternal" consequences. Look around you, look at the people you know that would have no qualms stealing, killing, raping etc. if there were not consequences. I hate to sound snobbish, but I don't need a god for me to behave as a sane and upstanding member of society. Unfortunately, a large portion of the human population does. You can take that how you wish, but it is the truth. Religion is ultimately about control of the baser passions of the human psyche, which is a big reason why the most important political issues to the extreme religious right are in some way connected to sexual issues (i.e. gay and lesbian rights and abortion)
2. Religion is a Comfort
Karl Marx once stated that religion is the opium of the masses or of the people. There is a lot of truth in that. The mind is a powerful thing. And if a person leans on their faith in god enough they will find comfort in it. Death of a family member is comforted by the thought of a better place and an all powerful being that is in control. As humans, by nature, we have a need to understand why things happen. When there is no explanation, faith is something these people can lean back on. Most people find comfort in their faith, and as long as it does not result in bigotry and hate, no harm no foul. Really and truly, like the child that finds comfort in a teddy bear or a blanket, a vast majority of our population finds a comfort in religion, and there is little reason to "liberate them from the matrix", as it were.
3. Religion is a Coping mechanism
When I lived in Kansas my manager there had not had a drink in 15+ years. When I asked him what had happened, he answered that God had given him the strength. It was odd because he was not really a religious man, not really a go to church and preach type of man. As we discussed it he showed me his "coin" from AA, and explained they had taught him coping mechanisms...among which was god. There are a lot of people with the same story. God and religion is their coping mechanism and is generally much more harmless than the bottom of a vodka bottle (or several for that matter.)
All in all, relgion probably does a lot in avoiding anarchy, social chaos, mental and nervous breakdown, alcholism and drug abuse among other things. It could be argued that religion in many ways is not much different then the child with an imaginary friend that helps them deal with problems. Is it healthy? In most cases it is harmless, and some of them see it as a fail safe...if they are right and there is a god then they win, if there is not a god then they still win because they had mental help to cope with issues in their life.
1. Imagine a world without religion...the negatives
But let us not gloss it all over as fun and beauty. Religion is about control and while there are some positives that come from it, control can be an ugly thing. And when control is challenged those exercising that control can be cruel and brutal. There are those wielding the control that use it as a blanket to cover themselves in anonymity and thus get away with some pretty sick and hideous things.
"With or without religion, you would have good people doing good things and evil people doing evil things. But for good people to do evil things, that takes religion." Steven Weinberg
Let us consider...just a short list...9/11, The Holocaust (by Catholic backed Nazi's killing the 'Jesus Killers'), the Inquisition, the rape of children all over the world, the Dark Ages (also ALL orchestrated by the Roman Catholic Church dear Bishops Pell and Fisher.
So let us not turn a blind eye to the faults of religion, and let us not blame all of the last century's horrors on "godlessness". Let us see it for what it is...the huge capacity of negative behavior that is in all human beings...at least we don't hide behind a god or a church...for..let's say...immunity..
In addition...on strictly the religious and historical views...let us consider the historical validity of Jesus Christ on this "solemn" holiday...please read the following article and just consider the possiblities...and I challenge the most devout to read it objectively...I just dare you...
Did a Historical Jesus Exist
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