Christianity is not so bad

[Wyrd]

Hello, I am an agnostic but I think that Christianity is not so bad. I feel like a lot of atheists are correct and logical, but they sacrifice the many for the individual and I don’t think that is wise. There are many different types of people imo and I don’t think they can all fit under one umbrella, but I think at different times society leans too much in one direction or another. Right now, I think it leans too much in the direction of a sort of sad despair where a lack of purpose makes people take the attitude of “eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die.” To be honest, I have visited many churches. Personally my favorite is the unitarian universalists, but they are shrinking. The Catholic Church has stood for 2000 years and that is pretty impressive and magnificent. The only problem I see is the church not adapting to technology rapidly enough. Anyway, do you think agnostics or other open people and Catholics can work together and build understanding so that society can improve? Because right now I just see sociopathic type people pitting us against one another for their advantage whether it be rich vs poor, man vs woman, politics, race, LGBT vs straight, etc. As they say, divide and conquer.

 

[Trishie]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and your desire for a just and fair society for all, not a society in which any one of a number of groups try to disadvantage others who do not conform to their particular ways.
If every person was respected, and treated kindly, how different our world would be, how much happier and more peaceful.
Regarding the intrinsic value of the basic teachings of Christianity, even before he turned from agnosticism to conversion and baptism, always told our children, “Treat others as you wish to be treated, (adding) but do it first”.

 

[Lost_Wanderer]

I don’t think the objectivist idea of individual defying collective is an exclusively atheistic trait or world view. A deist could easily adopt the philosophy to a great degree.

I would actually think that the depressing nihilism you describe is a more natural trait of atheists. I personally adhere to the part about eating, drinking, and being merry but to subconsciously doom myself to die tomorrow? Nah. I’d rather just rip that little saying myself and say, “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow, there’s more!”

 

[Kaninchen]

Hello, I am an agnostic but I think that Christianity is not so bad.

Mainly harmless, I’d suggest.

 

[fred_conty]

Originally Posted by Wyrd View Post
Hello, I am an agnostic but I think that Christianity is not so bad.

The way the church works on the world is the way Jesus described it, that is, like yeast in bread, slowly. Christianity is there, not to disrubt, but to raise it up. And so it is oriented toward doing what it can to help society, like orphanages, hospitals, feeding the poor, housing, schools, family support, protecting the helpless, and the often overlooked work of being the reason our society functions by promoting law and order.

So in a word…goodness that gives of itself wherever it is needed…like Jesus.

May God bless and keep you. May God’s face shine on you. May God be kind to you and give you peace.

 

[meltzerboy]

Mainly harmless, I’d suggest.

I agree, in a sense, insofar as the tenets of Christianity are concerned. But throughout history, Christians, at least in the name of Christianity, have sometimes been quite harmful to others who don’t share their beliefs. Of course, not the only religion to have behaved in this way. On the other hand, in regard to the unwavering moral values of Christianity, particularly those of social justice, I would say the religion has been beneficial to a large extent. So, except for the self-contained dogma and doctrines of the faith, I would not exactly think of Christianity as neutral or harmless.

 

[Sarcelle]

I agree, in a sense, insofar as the tenets of Christianity are concerned. But throughout history, Christians, at least in the name of Christianity, have sometimes been quite harmful to others who don’t share their beliefs. Of course, not the only religion to have behaved in this way. On the other hand, in regard to the unwavering moral values of Christianity, particularly those of social justice, I would say the religion has been beneficial to a large extent. So, except for the self-contained dogma and doctrines of the faith, I would not exactly think of Christianity as neutral or harmless.

Hmm, let’s go to our thought kitchen shall we and cook up this scenario. Let us draw.our inspiration from John Lennon’s song “Imagine”. Imagine a world where religion has been eradicated. Would things be the same or would things have gotten better or worst, as far as human behavior is concerne

A lot of.agnostics I know would say that if we had just gotten rid of that pesky Christianity, the overall situation in the world would be improved.

 

[cheezey]

Hopefully, a lot of people in general would say. “if we could just get rid of that pesky and petty arguing…”



We are who we are. Live who we are. Offer who we are. Explain who we are if asked. If it doesn’t jibe with who someone else is, oh, well. If asked why we believe what we believe, offer it, substaniate it if possible. When and if the roles are reversed, “That’s interesting” is a good non combative response.

I for one am sick and tired of the “we are right and you are wrong” attitudes that have been encountered in my life.

 

[Kaninchen]

I agree, in a sense, insofar as the tenets of Christianity are concerned. But throughout history, Christians, at least in the name of Christianity, have sometimes been quite harmful to others who don’t share their beliefs. Of course, not the only religion to have behaved in this way. On the other hand, in regard to the unwavering moral values of Christianity, particularly those of social justice, I would say the religion has been beneficial to a large extent. So, except for the self-contained dogma and doctrines of the faith, I would not exactly think of Christianity as neutral or harmless.

I was thinking more with regard to the individual adherent him/herself rather than at some meta alternative history level where I’d tend to the “not altogether a good thing” view.