Though publicly most religions promote peace, love and harmony; they're actually rooted in fear and paranoia.
While we all have foibles, most people involved with organized religion would be much better individuals were their reaction to seeing a holy book, "What in the world is that?"
Fearing the unknown, they choose to believe a tale that eventually puts them in heaven for all of eternity. Because of this fear, they're forced to champion positions with which they would otherwise likely disagree.
Discrimination against gays is the best example. Were someone not telling you, "That same-sex couple is sinning" you wouldn't think an offense was in progress because their actions harm nary a sole.
When somebody else must tell you that a specific behavior is sinful, it means the fear has taken control of your life. When your judgments are not your own, something is wrong. Ask yourself, what other non-harmful behavior could the elders convince you to believe is a sin?
If you witnessed a thief ruthlessly bash an elderly man about the head with a brick, rob him and then leave him for dead, a rush of adrenaline would shoot through your entire body. You would be sickened to your very core. You would instinctively have the desire to enact immediate revenge.
If you saw two men walking down the street hand-in-hand, you would feel no rush of adrenaline. As your instincts would not alert you there is a problem, you would be forced to remind yourself that the men in your presence are committing a horrible crime against humanity just as you would be forced to remind yourself that your "lovely" wife had asked you to pick up a carton of milk after passing by the refrigerated section of the supermarket on your way to select a six-pack of something that would ease the pain associated with the fact that heterosexual marriage was legal when you tied the knot.
It's a shame too, because, and trust me, I know; a life without fear of the irrational is a life worth living, whereas, a life wasted worrying about what could possibly be on the other side is, well, just that: wasted.
The fear also forces you to credit your good deeds to a higher power. Would you not act nobly, an overwhelming majority of the time, had you never even heard of the religion your mom and/or dad told you was the one true god-based non-profit organization?
In other words, you treat people with respect because you're a good person, not because you're afraid you'll eventually be punished for your earthly transgressions. After all, were you to carefully read the Old Testament, you'd discover that you’re either committing loads of victimless crimes, or allowing others to get away with them. Unless, that is, you’ve recently slain a person or persons entering an establishment filled with readers of tarot cards.
Let me ask you... Since you're likely ignorant of some Biblical crimes you either commit, or allow be committed in your presence, are you a sinner of epic proportion? Or, in instances where you assume your Bible doesn't offer an opinion, are you simply choosing right over wrong and therefore choosing correctly?
I have a feeling it's the latter, for when watching a fictional program or a very real newscast, that either dramatizes, or shows the aftermath of, a morally questionable act, you likely never say to your loved one, "I am unable to pass judgment without guidance from my creator."
I bet you were convinced most atheists vehemently dislike all followers of organized religion, and here I go telling the world that most of you are good and would be even better were you to think for yourselves!
Look at me bridging the gap!
So stop living in fear and listen to your gut. Your gut wouldn't tell you that homosexuality is a sin.
But it would tell you that the persecution of a same-sex couple is an act most vile.
The bottom line is: had you never opened your holy book of choice, you would be far more moral than you are today, and, unlike your holy book, would likely be correct in your interpretation of right versus wrong.
Are You Certain Atheists are to the Extreme?
Like most atheists, I'm a very rational person. I don't have a conniption fit every time I see a Nativity scene displayed on public property. Though I would prefer it be absent, upon returning home I don't get out my laptop and begin a thorough letter writing campaign using words like, "disgusted" "outraged" and “had to pull over and upchuck the bean & cheese burrito I consumed for lunch!" (Aren't my columns ladylike!?)
Instead I prefer to target my rage at store clerks who respond to my after-purchase thank you with, "You're welcome," instead of, "No, thank you for your business." Makes me so mad!
But I digress...
Again, while I personally don't object to Nativity scenes on public grounds, me thinks you Christians have used your overwhelming majority to portray those who do protest such displays as kooks.
But why is someone insisting public property be free of Nativity scenes labeled "irrational," while a person demanding Nativity scenes be all over public property labeled "normal."
Because in America there are many more Christians than members of other religions and atheists combined, if half of you displayed a Nativity scene on your front lawn you could prevent someone like me from driving more than 50 feet without seeing yet another oversized PVC version of Saint Joseph the Carpenter!
But no, that's not enough! You can't be satisfied with 50% of the homes in America being adorned with Nativity scenes; each one must be in the exact location you deem appropriate. It's just like how you freak out when a store greeter says, "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". "Happy Holidays" covers more people and still expresses cheer and goodwill, but it's not enough. It must be the exact two words you've selected. It doesn't matter that you don't own the store and aren't forced to shop there. Yet you claim atheists are psychopathic for declaring a "war on Christmas"?
I understand many Christians don't care if store greeters say, "Happy Holidays" or "Satan is instructing me to remind you that apples are priced so low he needn't tempt anyone," just like I don't care if I'm blindsided with "Merry Christmas" a dozen times in a single Wal-Mart. There are sensitive Christians who only visit courthouses to make sure the Ten Commandments are prominently displayed, just like there are sensitive atheists who dedicate a majority of their time to ridding all public land of anything remotely religious.
Yet sensitive atheists alone are fanatical despite the fact that their desire is for everyone to follow the law!?
I know, you claim the Constitution doesn't specifically call for the separation of church and state; only declaring that the government cannot establish an official religion.
But if you declared that the members of your household would not establish support for a particular NFL team, then placed banners on which were printed the red and gold logo of the squad that plays weekly in San Francisco, everyone entering would be pretty certain they're in 49er country and therefore be mighty uncomfortable showing support for the Dallas Cowboys.
So stop saying people who don't agree with you are fanatical simply because anyone with a differing opinion must be nuts. "How crazy are they for failing to just shut up while we erect displays that violate the Constitution."
I know it's a little premature for a column related to holiday controversies, but I'm trying to get my Christmas writing done early.
Instead I prefer to target my rage at store clerks who respond to my after-purchase thank you with, "You're welcome," instead of, "No, thank you for your business." Makes me so mad!
But I digress...
Again, while I personally don't object to Nativity scenes on public grounds, me thinks you Christians have used your overwhelming majority to portray those who do protest such displays as kooks.
But why is someone insisting public property be free of Nativity scenes labeled "irrational," while a person demanding Nativity scenes be all over public property labeled "normal."
Because in America there are many more Christians than members of other religions and atheists combined, if half of you displayed a Nativity scene on your front lawn you could prevent someone like me from driving more than 50 feet without seeing yet another oversized PVC version of Saint Joseph the Carpenter!
But no, that's not enough! You can't be satisfied with 50% of the homes in America being adorned with Nativity scenes; each one must be in the exact location you deem appropriate. It's just like how you freak out when a store greeter says, "Happy Holidays" instead of "Merry Christmas". "Happy Holidays" covers more people and still expresses cheer and goodwill, but it's not enough. It must be the exact two words you've selected. It doesn't matter that you don't own the store and aren't forced to shop there. Yet you claim atheists are psychopathic for declaring a "war on Christmas"?
I understand many Christians don't care if store greeters say, "Happy Holidays" or "Satan is instructing me to remind you that apples are priced so low he needn't tempt anyone," just like I don't care if I'm blindsided with "Merry Christmas" a dozen times in a single Wal-Mart. There are sensitive Christians who only visit courthouses to make sure the Ten Commandments are prominently displayed, just like there are sensitive atheists who dedicate a majority of their time to ridding all public land of anything remotely religious.
Yet sensitive atheists alone are fanatical despite the fact that their desire is for everyone to follow the law!?
I know, you claim the Constitution doesn't specifically call for the separation of church and state; only declaring that the government cannot establish an official religion.
But if you declared that the members of your household would not establish support for a particular NFL team, then placed banners on which were printed the red and gold logo of the squad that plays weekly in San Francisco, everyone entering would be pretty certain they're in 49er country and therefore be mighty uncomfortable showing support for the Dallas Cowboys.
So stop saying people who don't agree with you are fanatical simply because anyone with a differing opinion must be nuts. "How crazy are they for failing to just shut up while we erect displays that violate the Constitution."
I know it's a little premature for a column related to holiday controversies, but I'm trying to get my Christmas writing done early.
Why is Choosing One Religion Slamming the Others?
I view any follower of organized religion, who claims the existence of god is certain, who claims to know exactly who god speaks to or has spoken to, and claims to know how God feels about victimless acts such as homosexuality, the same. For peace of mind, they've all chosen to find comfort in stories that don't logically add up.
From conversations I've had with religious people, they view followers of other religions the same way I view followers of any religion.
In other words, I'm saying, "You're all gullible for believing such farfetched tales," whereas you're saying, "I'm willing to spend thousands of hard earned dollars furthering a story common sense says is bogus, but the crazy scenario you've chosen to believe is ridiculous! Seriously, I own a bridge in Brooklyn that I'll sell ya on the cheap."
It'd be like saying, "You actually believe Santa Claus visits the home of every single boy and girl in the world on Christmas Eve. That's the most asinine thing I've ever heard! Now, if you'll excuse me, I just lost a tooth and therefore must get to sleep in anticipation of a visit from the esteemed Tooth Fairy. I have a hunch her majesty is going to be very good to me!"
Christians say, "Jews are nuts for not believing Christ is the son of God." Muslims say, "Those poor Christians and their false prophet... what are they thinking!" They all believe the other is insane despite the fact that they likely came to their conclusions for the exact same reasons.
You guys sure aren't very tolerant, though you all claim your god is perfect. I suppose you view tolerance as less than ideal. And why aren't you people on the same side? I'll make up a parable that relates to your situation: There are two groups of people fighting for the right to marry animals. They constantly butt heads because one group wants to marry their tigers while the other group wants to marry their lions. "Why in the world would anyone want to marry a lion!? Lion marriage is against nature, while tiger love is as pure as the driven snow," the leader of the first group asks the leader of the second group. Then they each realize bestiality is wrong, and, in their case, very dangerous, and live happily ever after.
Okay, the ending needs work but you get the idea.
It's clear why you have a burning desire to silence me, but why each other!? "I chose my religion because my parents told me it is correct, but nevertheless condemn you for choosing your religion for the exact same reason."
Seriously, if you are a follower of organized religion, you must realize that you only believe because you were taught to believe. Can you Christians say with certainty that you would still accept Christ had your parents taught you that Islam was the path to salvation? Can you Jews say that you would have chosen Judaism had your parents taught you the New Testament was fact?
Of course not.
All followers of organized religion believe because otherwise would mean fearing an afterlife in hell... Because otherwise would mean ridicule from your parents, peers, and siblings... Because otherwise would mean spending time alone in your room just thinking about how horrible a person you are for not blindly following the teachings of the church elders.
Face it, anything could have been written on the pages of the book you were taught is holy. Your teacher could have erased everything and started over and you'd still accept every word.
So whether you're a Christian, a Muslim or a follower of Judaism, why not embrace your differences and give your fellow religious man or woman the freedom to believe as they see fit, because they basically followed your path.
Had religious people throughout history taken this stance, scores would have been spared. If all religious people currently in the world would acknowledge everyone has an equal right to believe as they choose, we could keep our shoes on from the time we enter the airport from the time we exit the airport!
From conversations I've had with religious people, they view followers of other religions the same way I view followers of any religion.
In other words, I'm saying, "You're all gullible for believing such farfetched tales," whereas you're saying, "I'm willing to spend thousands of hard earned dollars furthering a story common sense says is bogus, but the crazy scenario you've chosen to believe is ridiculous! Seriously, I own a bridge in Brooklyn that I'll sell ya on the cheap."
It'd be like saying, "You actually believe Santa Claus visits the home of every single boy and girl in the world on Christmas Eve. That's the most asinine thing I've ever heard! Now, if you'll excuse me, I just lost a tooth and therefore must get to sleep in anticipation of a visit from the esteemed Tooth Fairy. I have a hunch her majesty is going to be very good to me!"
Christians say, "Jews are nuts for not believing Christ is the son of God." Muslims say, "Those poor Christians and their false prophet... what are they thinking!" They all believe the other is insane despite the fact that they likely came to their conclusions for the exact same reasons.
You guys sure aren't very tolerant, though you all claim your god is perfect. I suppose you view tolerance as less than ideal. And why aren't you people on the same side? I'll make up a parable that relates to your situation: There are two groups of people fighting for the right to marry animals. They constantly butt heads because one group wants to marry their tigers while the other group wants to marry their lions. "Why in the world would anyone want to marry a lion!? Lion marriage is against nature, while tiger love is as pure as the driven snow," the leader of the first group asks the leader of the second group. Then they each realize bestiality is wrong, and, in their case, very dangerous, and live happily ever after.
Okay, the ending needs work but you get the idea.
It's clear why you have a burning desire to silence me, but why each other!? "I chose my religion because my parents told me it is correct, but nevertheless condemn you for choosing your religion for the exact same reason."
Seriously, if you are a follower of organized religion, you must realize that you only believe because you were taught to believe. Can you Christians say with certainty that you would still accept Christ had your parents taught you that Islam was the path to salvation? Can you Jews say that you would have chosen Judaism had your parents taught you the New Testament was fact?
Of course not.
All followers of organized religion believe because otherwise would mean fearing an afterlife in hell... Because otherwise would mean ridicule from your parents, peers, and siblings... Because otherwise would mean spending time alone in your room just thinking about how horrible a person you are for not blindly following the teachings of the church elders.
Face it, anything could have been written on the pages of the book you were taught is holy. Your teacher could have erased everything and started over and you'd still accept every word.
So whether you're a Christian, a Muslim or a follower of Judaism, why not embrace your differences and give your fellow religious man or woman the freedom to believe as they see fit, because they basically followed your path.
Had religious people throughout history taken this stance, scores would have been spared. If all religious people currently in the world would acknowledge everyone has an equal right to believe as they choose, we could keep our shoes on from the time we enter the airport from the time we exit the airport!
What Is Your Obsession with the Unknown?
One of the biggest questions facing the United States today is whether Barack Obama is a Muslim or a Christian.
Thankfully most Americans take him at his word and recognize he is a follower of the Christian faith. Sadly, however, many think he's not telling the truth about the story he chooses to believe regarding the origin of man and what is needed to experience perfection in the afterlife.
What's even sadder is the obsession everyone has with the unknown.
I hate to break it to you, but you don't know with certainty that anybody believes what they claim.
Maybe Barack Obama isn't a Christian. Maybe he says he's a believer simply because he wouldn't otherwise be electable. I wouldn't really blame Mr. Obama if that were the case; I would instead fault the millions of citizens who refuse to elect a qualified candidate simply because he or she chooses rationality over a far-fetched tale that, "feels true."
Despite words to the contrary, perhaps your loving spouse doesn't share your religious views. Perhaps he or she joined a church because it was a good place to meet members of the opposite sex. And, after building a romantic relationship with roots in the church, it's not easy to all of sudden admit you're a fraud.
"Please bow your heads and let us thank God for this meal."
"Yeah, about that..."
Every regular on your pew could be living a lie. Someone could be using the church as a fraternity for adults, someone may love to sing but has grown tired of the local karaoke scene, and someone could be in desperate need of a stellar day care center. (Okay, I got that from an episode of Malcolm in the Middle, but life imitates art!)
Organized religion has corrupted society so much that it becomes a scandal when a person believes, but can't prove, another person doesn't believe what they claim to believe but can't prove. The future of our county rides on information nobody will ever know for certain is true and doesn't really matter anyway.
Why not make life about what we do know. We do know we're here. We do know the legislative habits of most major candidates. I say we leave it at that.
Thankfully most Americans take him at his word and recognize he is a follower of the Christian faith. Sadly, however, many think he's not telling the truth about the story he chooses to believe regarding the origin of man and what is needed to experience perfection in the afterlife.
What's even sadder is the obsession everyone has with the unknown.
I hate to break it to you, but you don't know with certainty that anybody believes what they claim.
Maybe Barack Obama isn't a Christian. Maybe he says he's a believer simply because he wouldn't otherwise be electable. I wouldn't really blame Mr. Obama if that were the case; I would instead fault the millions of citizens who refuse to elect a qualified candidate simply because he or she chooses rationality over a far-fetched tale that, "feels true."
Despite words to the contrary, perhaps your loving spouse doesn't share your religious views. Perhaps he or she joined a church because it was a good place to meet members of the opposite sex. And, after building a romantic relationship with roots in the church, it's not easy to all of sudden admit you're a fraud.
"Please bow your heads and let us thank God for this meal."
"Yeah, about that..."
Every regular on your pew could be living a lie. Someone could be using the church as a fraternity for adults, someone may love to sing but has grown tired of the local karaoke scene, and someone could be in desperate need of a stellar day care center. (Okay, I got that from an episode of Malcolm in the Middle, but life imitates art!)
Organized religion has corrupted society so much that it becomes a scandal when a person believes, but can't prove, another person doesn't believe what they claim to believe but can't prove. The future of our county rides on information nobody will ever know for certain is true and doesn't really matter anyway.
Why not make life about what we do know. We do know we're here. We do know the legislative habits of most major candidates. I say we leave it at that.
Maybe Your Bases Aren't Covered
Religious people enjoy telling atheists, "If I'm wrong and you're right, it's really no big deal because our fates will be identical. If you're wrong and I'm right, it's an enormous deal because I'll be in heaven for all of eternity while you'll be experiencing pain of the worst kind."
But what if we're both wrong? What if there is a god, but every single religion in the world is way off regarding the specifics?
And what if the creator of the galaxy is extremely upset so many people buy into unsubstantiated rumors that he's in favor of stoning homosexuals?
About atheists, what if he says, "Big deal if they don't believe in me; at least they think logically."
About those involved in organized religion, what if he says, "They believe I did what!? I'd rather them not believe in me at all than believe I have no moral compass."
What if it irks him to no end that so many people constantly ask for small favors? Or what if he's actually quite humble and therefore annoyed with all the worship? "Stop making such a fuss over me and get on with your life!" After all, had you created an entire civilization, would you want your minions running around asking for things unworthy of your time? Do parents appreciate it? "Can I get a new skateboard, can my tax refund be large enough for a trip to Disney World, can I get enough votes to be named captain of the cheerleading squad, etc."
If there is a creator, and he isn't exactly like the being described in your holy book, chances are he's nothing like the being described in your holy book, and may even get a little offended at how he's portrayed. Say your parents never told you which religion was correct, but, on your own, you deduced a deity created the universe. Would you automatically assume he despises the behavior of individuals who simply act on their inherent attraction to members of the same sex? Or would you assume he'd say, "As long as they're not harming anyone, what's the big deal?"
But only religious beliefs taught to you by family elders, or individuals clad in decorative robes surrounded by stained glass, bring the peace of mind you seek, and I'm sure the comfort level that accompanies thinking your bases are covered for all of eternity is off the charts! The fear of the unknown is the reason organized religion has spread like wildfire. It's the reason so many otherwise rational individuals are willing to believe irrational tales originating eons ago as passed down by individuals whose sanity can't be verified. "There's no way I can know what the afterlife holds, so I'll convince myself that those who dreamed up a perfect, albeit far-fetched, scenario are correct!"
Peace of mind is important. You sleep better knowing with certainty you closed the garage door. It's something you can't control. "Just go to sleep, you know you pushed the button," you tell yourself. Then you hear a noise. Probably just the wind, but you convince yourself it's a gang of unruly teenagers that consider a wide open garage, "the motherload." So much irrational doubt simply because you lack peace of mind...
Because peace of mind is so vital when pertaining to the mundane, when it comes to matters of great significance, such as where you'll be spending eternity, peace of mind becomes more valuable than gold.
It's a shame that the comfort peace of mind brings cripples the ability of many to arrive at rational conclusions.
But what if we're both wrong? What if there is a god, but every single religion in the world is way off regarding the specifics?
And what if the creator of the galaxy is extremely upset so many people buy into unsubstantiated rumors that he's in favor of stoning homosexuals?
About atheists, what if he says, "Big deal if they don't believe in me; at least they think logically."
About those involved in organized religion, what if he says, "They believe I did what!? I'd rather them not believe in me at all than believe I have no moral compass."
What if it irks him to no end that so many people constantly ask for small favors? Or what if he's actually quite humble and therefore annoyed with all the worship? "Stop making such a fuss over me and get on with your life!" After all, had you created an entire civilization, would you want your minions running around asking for things unworthy of your time? Do parents appreciate it? "Can I get a new skateboard, can my tax refund be large enough for a trip to Disney World, can I get enough votes to be named captain of the cheerleading squad, etc."
If there is a creator, and he isn't exactly like the being described in your holy book, chances are he's nothing like the being described in your holy book, and may even get a little offended at how he's portrayed. Say your parents never told you which religion was correct, but, on your own, you deduced a deity created the universe. Would you automatically assume he despises the behavior of individuals who simply act on their inherent attraction to members of the same sex? Or would you assume he'd say, "As long as they're not harming anyone, what's the big deal?"
But only religious beliefs taught to you by family elders, or individuals clad in decorative robes surrounded by stained glass, bring the peace of mind you seek, and I'm sure the comfort level that accompanies thinking your bases are covered for all of eternity is off the charts! The fear of the unknown is the reason organized religion has spread like wildfire. It's the reason so many otherwise rational individuals are willing to believe irrational tales originating eons ago as passed down by individuals whose sanity can't be verified. "There's no way I can know what the afterlife holds, so I'll convince myself that those who dreamed up a perfect, albeit far-fetched, scenario are correct!"
Peace of mind is important. You sleep better knowing with certainty you closed the garage door. It's something you can't control. "Just go to sleep, you know you pushed the button," you tell yourself. Then you hear a noise. Probably just the wind, but you convince yourself it's a gang of unruly teenagers that consider a wide open garage, "the motherload." So much irrational doubt simply because you lack peace of mind...
Because peace of mind is so vital when pertaining to the mundane, when it comes to matters of great significance, such as where you'll be spending eternity, peace of mind becomes more valuable than gold.
It's a shame that the comfort peace of mind brings cripples the ability of many to arrive at rational conclusions.
For Pennies a Day, You Can Help a Child
Your heart aches when you think of their tiny impoverished faces. Their blank stares cause you to wonder if the surrounding circumstances have warped their fragile little minds. The rumbling of hungry stomachs is nearly deafening. A fly lands on the head of a child who got so little sleep that he doesn't even have the energy to shoo it away... He looks up at his father, wondering from where their next meal will come.
The hunger finally overwhelming the tyke, he tearfully grasps the hand of his father and bellows, "Daddy, are we going to Denny's or IHOP? And when, I'm starving!?"
"Right after church. I told you to eat a bowl of Golden Grahams before we left."
Millions of similar heartbreaking tales occur around the world each week.
Throughout history, many children, just like the one in the above story, grow up to perpetrate violence in the name of their religion.
The aggressive religion often changes, as if there is an invisible, yet deadly, baton they pass back and forth, but most have been guilty at one time or another; and even religions that currently promote peace could take a brutal turn for the worse at any moment, for their books all contain passages that call for the brutal termination of "sinners."
Join me in stopping the violence.
For pennies a day you could keep these people occupied with secular outings.
People like coffee in the a.m.
Bowling alleys are relatively empty on Sunday mornings.
10K run, anyone?
Most fishermen I know catch their biggest prizes before noon.
If we each get one person to refrain from participating in organized religion, we could save lives.
You don't need to convert the believer, just keep him or her away from large groups of likeminded people to ensure they don't develop a plan to carry out their god's wishes as revealed in Chapter the Seventh, Verse Five Plus Twenty of their holy book, which states, without room for misinterpretation, "Off with the head of the non-believer!"
Just think of how much bloodshed could have been prevented had people in ancient cultures distracted those who began seeking guidance from tablets others claimed were the word of a higher power?
It's never too late.
Please, won't you help me end the misery?
The hunger finally overwhelming the tyke, he tearfully grasps the hand of his father and bellows, "Daddy, are we going to Denny's or IHOP? And when, I'm starving!?"
"Right after church. I told you to eat a bowl of Golden Grahams before we left."
Millions of similar heartbreaking tales occur around the world each week.
Throughout history, many children, just like the one in the above story, grow up to perpetrate violence in the name of their religion.
The aggressive religion often changes, as if there is an invisible, yet deadly, baton they pass back and forth, but most have been guilty at one time or another; and even religions that currently promote peace could take a brutal turn for the worse at any moment, for their books all contain passages that call for the brutal termination of "sinners."
Join me in stopping the violence.
For pennies a day you could keep these people occupied with secular outings.
People like coffee in the a.m.
Bowling alleys are relatively empty on Sunday mornings.
10K run, anyone?
Most fishermen I know catch their biggest prizes before noon.
If we each get one person to refrain from participating in organized religion, we could save lives.
You don't need to convert the believer, just keep him or her away from large groups of likeminded people to ensure they don't develop a plan to carry out their god's wishes as revealed in Chapter the Seventh, Verse Five Plus Twenty of their holy book, which states, without room for misinterpretation, "Off with the head of the non-believer!"
Just think of how much bloodshed could have been prevented had people in ancient cultures distracted those who began seeking guidance from tablets others claimed were the word of a higher power?
It's never too late.
Please, won't you help me end the misery?
Glenn Beck Should Open Up About Organized Religion
I recently wrote a piece about the reluctance of religious leaders to talk about controversial beliefs held by their followers. Basically I was wondering why, since he's so gung-ho to promote Scientology, Mr. Tom Cruise isn't out there happily telling anyone and everyone the story of Xenu. According to Scientologists, Xenu, dictator of the "Galactic Confederacy", 75 million years ago, brought billions of his people to Earth in a DC-8-like spacecraft, stacked them around volcanoes and killed them using hydrogen bombs. Official Scientology dogma holds that the essences of these many people remained, and that they form around people in modern times, causing them spiritual harm.
Obviously the reason Mr. Cruise isn't regularly on Good Morning America talking about such things is because everyone would recognize the fact that he, and his fellow followers of Scientology, are a tad loco.
The fact that Scientologists have a few loose screws is not exactly breaking news.
And besides, Mr. Cruise isn't out there slamming people for their unwillingness to discuss uncomfortable topics.
Glenn Beck is.
"All I want is for the White House to tell America why they hired admitted communist Van Jones as Green Jobs Czar," Mr. Beck told his audience.
Because he claims to only desire openness, why isn't he in favor of controversial portions of his own religion being widely discussed with great regularity?
Like most followers of organized religion, Mr. Beck will only talk about the good parts. Don’t harm your fellow man, reject vices, if you believe, you are looking at an eternity of perfection, etc.
Though Mr. Beck never claimed President Obama is a Muslim, during his discussion of the topic, he played a clip of Mr. Obama saying, about the Bible, "Which passages of scripture should guide our public policy? Should we go with Leviticus, which suggests slavery is OK and that eating shellfish is an abomination? Or we could go with Deuteronomy, which suggests stoning your child if he strays from the faith?"
While the clip was being played, Mr. Beck only shook his head in disgust. He was absolutely sickened by the fact that President Obama would point out such disturbing truths.
But Mr. Beck never explained why such passages should be so easily dismissed.
Was Mr. Beck implying that Jesus came in and rectified all the really bad stuff in the Old Testament - that, because of Jesus, every evil act supported in the Old Testament should be forgotten? Instead of shaking your head because the topic was discussed, why not further the discussion, Mr. Beck?
Were I considering a conversion to Christianity, I would want to know how the church justified the stoning of a child. What, did Jesus change god's mind? Hasn't god always been perfect - how could he go from suggesting such a thing to condemning the act?
But Mr. Beck left the uncomfortable topic untouched, just as he criticizes the Obama Administration for doing when matters such as communists in the White House arise.
Mr. Beck, who is calling for the entire country to return to god, is a Mormon. I would love to get his take on Kolob, which Mormons believe is the star closest to god.
What rational reason does he have for believing an angel visited Latter Day Saint movement founder Joseph Smith in the 1820's and delivered, in an unknown language, what would later become the Book of Mormon?
Why doesn't Mr. Beck reject the claims of Mr. Smith as he likely rejected the claims of former Waco cult leader David Koresh? What about Joseph Smith makes his very unusual story believable? Mr. Smith also claimed god and Jesus paid him a visit. Why does Mr. Beck believe the claim of Mr. Smith over the claim of every other person over the past 200-years who has told a similar story?
I'm not talking about discussing these topics with Glenn Beck while making faces that suggest he's crazy. Regardless of what you think about Mr. Beck, you must admit that his IQ is rather high. And, as an atheist, I find it enjoyable attempting to understand why intelligent individuals believe so deeply in books I consider far-fetched, written by prophets I don't consider trustworthy.
I assume Mr. Beck doesn't discuss such topics because, like Mr. Obama (and every other politician) has a difficult time convincing America that all decisions made within the walls of his domain are spot-on, Mr. Beck would be unable to simultaneously sound rational and reasonable while explaining the controversial topics pertaining to Mormonism and Christianity.
So, to keep the conversion rate high, he chooses to ignore beliefs about which he doesn't want you to know specifics; which is the exact reason he so often criticizes the Obama Administration.
Obviously the reason Mr. Cruise isn't regularly on Good Morning America talking about such things is because everyone would recognize the fact that he, and his fellow followers of Scientology, are a tad loco.
The fact that Scientologists have a few loose screws is not exactly breaking news.
And besides, Mr. Cruise isn't out there slamming people for their unwillingness to discuss uncomfortable topics.
Glenn Beck is.
"All I want is for the White House to tell America why they hired admitted communist Van Jones as Green Jobs Czar," Mr. Beck told his audience.
Because he claims to only desire openness, why isn't he in favor of controversial portions of his own religion being widely discussed with great regularity?
Like most followers of organized religion, Mr. Beck will only talk about the good parts. Don’t harm your fellow man, reject vices, if you believe, you are looking at an eternity of perfection, etc.
Though Mr. Beck never claimed President Obama is a Muslim, during his discussion of the topic, he played a clip of Mr. Obama saying, about the Bible, "Which passages of scripture should guide our public policy? Should we go with Leviticus, which suggests slavery is OK and that eating shellfish is an abomination? Or we could go with Deuteronomy, which suggests stoning your child if he strays from the faith?"
While the clip was being played, Mr. Beck only shook his head in disgust. He was absolutely sickened by the fact that President Obama would point out such disturbing truths.
But Mr. Beck never explained why such passages should be so easily dismissed.
Was Mr. Beck implying that Jesus came in and rectified all the really bad stuff in the Old Testament - that, because of Jesus, every evil act supported in the Old Testament should be forgotten? Instead of shaking your head because the topic was discussed, why not further the discussion, Mr. Beck?
Were I considering a conversion to Christianity, I would want to know how the church justified the stoning of a child. What, did Jesus change god's mind? Hasn't god always been perfect - how could he go from suggesting such a thing to condemning the act?
But Mr. Beck left the uncomfortable topic untouched, just as he criticizes the Obama Administration for doing when matters such as communists in the White House arise.
Mr. Beck, who is calling for the entire country to return to god, is a Mormon. I would love to get his take on Kolob, which Mormons believe is the star closest to god.
What rational reason does he have for believing an angel visited Latter Day Saint movement founder Joseph Smith in the 1820's and delivered, in an unknown language, what would later become the Book of Mormon?
Why doesn't Mr. Beck reject the claims of Mr. Smith as he likely rejected the claims of former Waco cult leader David Koresh? What about Joseph Smith makes his very unusual story believable? Mr. Smith also claimed god and Jesus paid him a visit. Why does Mr. Beck believe the claim of Mr. Smith over the claim of every other person over the past 200-years who has told a similar story?
I'm not talking about discussing these topics with Glenn Beck while making faces that suggest he's crazy. Regardless of what you think about Mr. Beck, you must admit that his IQ is rather high. And, as an atheist, I find it enjoyable attempting to understand why intelligent individuals believe so deeply in books I consider far-fetched, written by prophets I don't consider trustworthy.
I assume Mr. Beck doesn't discuss such topics because, like Mr. Obama (and every other politician) has a difficult time convincing America that all decisions made within the walls of his domain are spot-on, Mr. Beck would be unable to simultaneously sound rational and reasonable while explaining the controversial topics pertaining to Mormonism and Christianity.
So, to keep the conversion rate high, he chooses to ignore beliefs about which he doesn't want you to know specifics; which is the exact reason he so often criticizes the Obama Administration.
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