ARGUMENT 6
(This is a discussion b/t a Christian (whom I don't know) and
myself.)
Matt, I hope you will consider my answers somewhat seriously and not just look at them as another golden opportunity to discuss/argue/parry/theorize/shoot down Christian answers to what's what.
Interesting you should mention that. My approach has always been more objective, though I have found that when I pose legitimate questions for Christianity, the majority of Christians become a bit offended.
Its as if I am not 'allowed' to question. I have been verbally 'attacked' numerous times for posing questions, especially when it includes pointing out contradictions in the answers I am given.
Try to believe me when I say that my goal isn't to simply point out contradictions and find everything innacurate within Christianity. However, one particular goal of mine is to have Christians realize or accept the contradictions, and then perhaps re-evaluate their way of thinking. NOT stop believing, but perhaps have a more solid and sensible base and explanation for their beliefs.
And please keep in mind that these will be mostly my answers, with help from various sources, and completely from my perspective. I'm trying not to repeat mistakes or become like some people who just answer crossly, "It just is!"
And I appreciate your approach.
BTW, don't take this personally Matt, but your questions seem a lot like any set of questions I hear about any group or organization posed by someone who is either against them, opposed to, or looks down on them. Or just doesn't plain like them for whatever reason. They are all questions about what is seen as 'bad' about Christianity. So before I answer the first question, I'm going to pose one: What do you see that is good about Christianity?
Well, as I mentioned above, my approach and questions have been criticized and ridiculed over the years. I have found that, in general, Christians simply don't wish to hear non-believers make sense. In fact, they become rather mean and nasty towards non-believers (which I find ironic). So yes, I imagine my approach may appear a bit angry, but believe me that I am one of the most understanding and less aggresive non-believers you'll ever meet.
As for your question, the 2 things I feel is a positive about Christianity is within its help towards communities and families. Some churches apply their money towards helping people in need whether they are religious or not.
Plus, and I feel this is both positive and negative, but if a person feels they need help to get their life in order, I support the idea of them joining a church, being within that community for support. I don't agree with the religious aspects of it, but all in all, I support whatever works for the individual.
So, on to your question: Am I ANTI-CHRISTIAN?
<<<1. I don't believe in a god or heaven ... but I also don't blieve in a devil or hell. I believe the 'supreme', omnipotent and omniscient concepts behind them are not possible.>>>
I could answer this several ways, but I admit, none of them would be a very substantial one. The first thing is, I tend to take the term anti-Christian rather literally - 'against Christians'. I suppose if you really wanted to get technical, yes, you'd be considered anti-Christian, but I simply see you as someone who does not believe.
Actually, I am not 'against' Christians any more than I am against homosexuals (I don't agree with that lifestyle, but if it makes them happy…).
Primarily, I wonder why you don't believe it's possible for there to be a God. As much as I've studied of science, which really isn't any more than regular schooling through college, I'm left to wonder how it could not be?
I'll have to nutshell this because my reasons are much too lengthy.
Anyway, many moons ago I did a ridiculous amount of study within religion and philosophy (Philos was my minor in college), and I realized that philosophically, logically and physically, the existance of a supreme being was not possible. I then took a long look at what people believe a god, devil, heaven and hell to be and was shocked that they actually bought into all of it.
The universe is just too organized despite it's seeming chaos, to have not been created by a directed will. I have not come on a single thing in this existence that did not have a purpose, a place, of it's own. I look at the sheer complexity of a human being and I just cannot believe that it just happened, or developed into being. I wouldn't want to even calculate the odds of our chance of existing the way we do out of all the possibilities. The number would probably be staggering, a near rival of the size of Pi. And quite frankly, the more I look into the various fields of science, the more I believe in God. There are some amazing things out there.
Well first, let's not confuse the 'universe' with perhaps our planet and solar system. We have yet to discover much of a distance into the universe, therefore can't acurrately claim its 'organized'. Then again, define 'organization'. As for its direction, yes, it is possible, but that's not the question. The question is, WHAT is directing it? Why must this director be some supreme being? Why not other life forms outside of this planet? If, in general, we all agree that outside life forms are more advanced than us, then who are we to say what their capabilities are and aren't? Or what their limitations are?
As for the human development, I completely agree that it IS thoroughly possible that we evolved.
No, I am not a Darwinian, but it tends to make sense, and it makes much more sense than a supreme being just "BA-BINGING" us onto the planet. On the other hand, it IS possible that an outside life form just placed us here.
In the movie 'City of Angels', Nicolas Cage's character says, "Some things are true whether you believe them or not." I have to wonder, just because we think something isn't possible, or can't imagine how it would be possible, why should that alone make something impossible? Saying you don't believe it's possible doesn't mean it is impossible.
I agree. That's why I don't agree with those who
say they believe or non-believe "Just because".
One must have reasons for it, have sense to back it up and avoid
contradictions.
Also, turn your wonder statement around towards you believing.
: )
Contradictory? Yep. But that's still my answer.
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