I spent some time last night going through a manuscript on atheism and unbelief, sent to me by a work colleague. Reading through it reminded me of my own personal journey from credulity to skepticism.
I could see the same mistakes in the manuscript that I had made when I first ventured out into the world of unbelief, trying to make sense of this bewildering, yet deliciously liberated frame of mind… no being. It was like deja vu.
I remember grabbing eagerly at any book I could find, any resource that would explain this new world to me. And most of the time I was led astray by utter nonsense. Believe me, there is a lot of it out there. From the cunningly sublime, to the outrageously ridiculous. There’s all kinds – from conspiracy theorists to pushers of woo of every hue.
It is amazingly easy to be lulled into accepting bullshit, because it is comforting. Yes, bullshit is comforting. Which is probably why the world is full of it. Generally people want to be comforted. Who can blame them? Being or feeling challenged is not a natural desire.
This is for my colleague. I hope you are reading this. DO NOT ACCEPT ANYTHING YOU READ OR HEAR. EVEN YOUR EYES MAY DECEIVE YOU. DOUBT IS YOUR BEST FRIEND…
Lenny Says 
Wow I actually agree with some of your points! People so often want to be comforted but the amazing thing about Christianity is God encourages me to step outside of my comfort zone every day! It’s liberating, beautiful and soothing at the same time without keeping you stagnate. God is always encouraging us to step out of our comfort zones which I live for!
Hey elyssiareedy,
The Christian doctrine hasn’t changed in nearly 2000 years, so unless you’re implying that our comfort zones have not changed in all that time, I can’t see how the Christian dogma continues to inspire?
Simple, it inspires Christians on an individual basis. Changing the world for the better can be done on an individual level and though scripture is stable, which is key because it is a strong foundation which cannot be broken, it often encourages Christians to step out of their inform zones and outside the box. God never changes and will continue I be the same in the future. We as people do change and that’s exactly what He has called us to do. Here are some scriptual examples encouraging Christians to change and not become stagnate. Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your goo deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven….this scripture encourages Christians to step out in ther communities and be active! There are so many adventures awaiting if we follow this. Matthew 28:19 Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit….this inspires Christians to get up and go to other nations! As the world evolves and changes around us we as Christians must evoke and change as well to do this. Scripture is our strong foundation that never changes but Christians are always evolving.
I should have typed that on the computer autocorrect hates me. 😉
🙂
Hey elyssiareedy,
Yes, scripture hasn’t changed but the Christian religion has morphed over time to suit the political needs of the church. I don’t doubt that you find something in scripture on a personal level that inspires you, but your extrapolation to world-changing status, is a little far-fetched, if hopeful.
“Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your goo deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven….this scripture encourages Christians to step out in ther communities and be active!”
You see something here that is your personal interpretation. I see a a megalomaniacal, capricious god demanding praise and adulation for your “good deeds.”
Lenny – I agree 100% regarding accepting any B.S. thrown at us; thus I encourage all to not believe everything they read, as most authors are subjective. The gist of the material is paramount before detailed analysis. The truth resides in the objective analysis of these details. Doubt will encourage more analysis. Dai Vernon, a conjuror, once said that “magicians stop thinking to soon” I want to rephrase that by saying that “people in general stop thinking too soon!”
Dude, you found it… 🙂
Scriptural passages that tend towards philosophy is like quoting “passages” from Steven Covey’s book, The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People. These quotes are created by humans based on the observations of human behavior. Thus the Bible, or any religious book for that matter, are a compilation of; philosophy, parables, history mixed with supernatural entities.