Now, before I start hearing regurgitated quotes from Adams, Hitchens, or Dawkins (or any other surname ending in -s), hear me out. I’m not going to write x number of paragraphs about how humanity believes in the “invisible pink unicorn” or how god is so wonderful. When it comes down to it, Atheists and Evangelical Christians have striking similarities and both really don’t prove anything.
Both Atheists and Evangelical Christians revel in sharing their beliefs with people who aren’t really asking for them. It’s a real friendship killer when someone comes out with their Spiel (”Hey! Do you go to church?”) two minutes after you meet them. Evangelical Christians like repeating Bible excerpts to “sinners” in hopes that they will consider converting. Atheists repeat quotes that they read from authors who are self-proclaimed experts on the disbelief in god. As with any other follower of a certain belief, the person is firm in the notion that their way of thinking is superior to others. Aren’t we all?
What most Atheists misunderstand is that no matter how many scientists gather around old piles of bones or books, god cannot be disproved. Science is a tool used to achieve knowledge through the senses (touch, feel, taste, sight, hearing). Even though science has bettered humanity, a lot of the perceived information comes from assumptions which can’t be easily confirmed until technology progresses. No matter how advanced we get, proving something so intangible isn’t imaginable. The main thing, however, that Atheists enjoy asserting their beliefs over are discrepancies in religious beliefs. Now, some of these assertions are completely accurate. Let’s face it, guys, evolution happened and seeing narrow-minded people attempt to argue against it is sad. Other assertions, especially ones bordering on philosophical assumptions, are completely speculative and often unprovable. For example, “religion was the cause of all wars.” I’ll get to that later.
This whole let-me-tell-you-how-how-right-I-am talk brings me to my criticism of Evangelical Christians. Being told that you’re going to hell for not subscribing to a lifetime of church donations, painfully fabricated sermons, and constant trembling fear of god is a bit of a downer. It appeals to people who are vulnerable and manipulates them (which isn’t always bad) into a mindset. In fairness, this happens in all religions and it sure as hell happens in Atheism too.
Back to the theory about religion and war now. The thought that religion is the main cause of past wars is really half true. Humans, by nature, will fight their enemies for dominance. I believe that religion is often the excuse used for waging war on neighbouring people, just like Kleptomania is often the excuse for shoplifting. Yes, there are people who are actual Kleptomaniacs, but most just wanted to get something for nothing. I think the same can be said about religious wars.
Religion is, and always will be, part of humanity and culture. I’d like to ask how many Atheists who are reading this blog celebrate Christmas, Easter, Hallowe’en, St. Patrick’s Day, etc. If you feel that you have the right to tell others what to think, how about you give mummy and daddy back those Christmas presents and tell them that you don’t want them? The same is true for Christians. If you think that you’re entitled to determine the fate of non-believers, how about you stop celebrating Hallowe’en (Samhain), Christmas (Yule), and Easter (Ostara)? If you look up any of the alternative names I provided in brackets, you’ll see that something Christian-related events magically coincided with formerly Pagan holidays.
I seldom ever bring my religious views up for the reason that it’s not necessary. If you think that by sitting around on a forum or blog debating the existence of god is going to advance human knowledge, you’re sadly mistaken. God is neither provable nor disprovable. Religion IS the opium of the people, as Marx says. It serves as a pacifier to most, but it takes one who is disillusioned by it to be truly independent.
