I have a confession to make...
I am a Christian. And proud of it.
I have never thrust my religion upon anyone. If a person wants to know about what it is like to be Christian, they will ask someone, go to a church or read some testimonials on the net. To me, shoving religion down someones throat is like a non-smoker going to a smoker and saying "You know those things will kill you don't you?".
I've seen a trend in probably the last ten to fifteen years whereby atheists have become more and more aggressive to us. It's now at a point where, apparently, it's ok to take pot shots at us in order to market a play. Oh yes. This was posted a couple weeks ago on Facebook...
you could spend Easter in church thanking Jesus for the Easter Eggs and listening to the same old same old that rolls around ever year - OR - you could get yourself down to [insert name of show] ! It's what Jesus would do...
I don't quite know where to start with this. The complete ignorance of this ad really astounds me. Clearly this person has never been in a church before or studied the easter message. We don't "thank Jesus for the easter eggs". Rather the opposite in fact. Easter is the most important event on the Christian calendar (even more important than Christmas) and to make light of it in this way to market a freaking show is stupid. And no, seeing a play is NOT what Jesus would do. I'm pretty certain of that.
"Dude, it's only a joke," I hear the author cry, "get a sense of humor!". Hmmm. Ok. So if I chose to market my next show with a status reading "Sick of seeing your home and computers invaded by poofs who want to get married? Then come and see my show and get your mind off of it for a few hours. It's what decent people would do" I'm sure you won't take the smallest bit of offense at the comment at all because "Dude, it's only a joke" (Just for the record, I only use that as an example, I in no way endorse that sentiment).
The fact is that we as Christians have become an atheists punching bag. Maybe because we don't react the same way that Muslims react when their religion is targeted (of course, I noted that the status wasn't aimed at THAT particular faith). I don't deny that there has been a lot of blood shed and a lot of atrocities committed under the banner of our faith. It's shameful. I'm ashamed of it. But my faith has defined me as a person.
I was born and raised a Lutheran. My faith has helped me through a number of tough times in my life. Not in the hollywood way- you know, where you walk into a church and suddenly a beam of light hits you and angels start singing- but in the knowledge that I am guided by a force that I cannot possibly comprehend or understand. I realise that logically or scientifically what I say makes no sense. I don't honestly care. Sometimes it is my faith that keeps me going when I feel like throwing it all in. I wish I could express it a little more eloquently than that but it's how I feel. Faith is not something you suddenly get, it's built up. Like the faith in a friend, or a family member. I am very much at peace with my beliefs and my faith. I also accept that other people do not. I don't mock them nor do I pray for them. They must find their own path and live it.
I'm not trying to convert anyone here. I'm unlikely to convince a single person with this blog, and that's fine. I realise there are extreme Christians who take the message of the bible and twist it to their own ends. They are not the Christians I support. Just like Muslim extremists, they are pretty much shunned by other Christians.
I guess if I have any point to this blog it's to politely ask you to not vilify all for the actions of a few. Similarly, I don't think every atheist is a Christian basher either (indeed many of my atheist friends are wonderful, dear people who really couldn't give a toss about my faith). It angers me when people think that being a Christian makes them somehow less of a person. Judge me by the acts I do, not the faith I follow please.
Peace.
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ReplyDeleteGood article Rodney and kudos to you for standing up and saying it.
ReplyDeleteI’m anti-Church rather than anti-religious, particularly when, for example, the Catholic Church asks its priests to take a vow of poverty while the Pope lives in excessive style. It’s too much like a dictatorship to me.
I think the issue of anti-religious sentiments stems from several factors, not least of all being the history of the Church and its original function to rule the masses. Even today, many of our laws are based on Christian values, and those who don’t follow all those beliefs are still forced to live by them. And as you’ve acknowledged, countless atrocities have been committed in the name of religion.
By human nature, we also have a natural tendency to both crave structure and rebel against the system. Kids fight against their parents, the public mock the Government, and the Church will always be a target while it retains such control on our lives, and while it clings to outdated values that cause more harm than good (eg the Pope’s black and white view of not using condoms, rather than accepting that people do have sex outside of marriage and need to stay safe).
Extremists are one thing, but sadly most ‘religious’ people seem to feel the need to push their views onto others, perhaps as a way of convincing themselves. Both the ‘extreme’ and ‘annoying’ stances will always enhance religion’s bad reputation.
The truly religious find comfort and guidance for themselves and have no need or desire to push their lifestyle or views onto others. They’re the ones who have found and relish the true spirit of their faith. I’ve seen the strength and comfort that kind of faith can give someone in times of crisis and it’s an envious position to be in. It sounds like you fall into that latter category, which makes you one of the fortunate few.
Remember though, that religion, regardless of the faith, is not just an “atheist’s punching bag”. Many religious people openly speak out against elements of their faith too. The Buddhist faith tells you not to accept all they say, but question the teachings and decide what’s right for you. Over time, you will come to understand their beliefs better and progressively accept the other teachings. Most religions don’t offer that option, but the reality is that even the faithful will question their religion. That’s why an increasing number of Christians do believe in same sex marriage equality, wearing condoms, and mixing fabrics!
While Churches continue to actively campaign against equality for women, gays or whoever; while extremists continue to wage wars or commit heinous acts in the name of their religion; while our schools, laws and politicians continue to bow to religious interference; the sad truth is that the human race will put all religions in the same or a similar box, and the truly faithful will have to suffer, albeit not as much as those suffering because of religion.
You’ve highlighted that the bigotry is not just one way. There is always another side to every coin. That’s an important reminder for us all. Thanks for that. Stay strong in your faith. One day we will all live in a better, more accepting world. Until then, we can only do our bit to help lay the right foundations.
(I deleted my first comment because I found too many typos in it! I haven't changed the message itself.) - Rod
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