A new feature at My Life as I Saw It will be an atheist quote gleaned from some of the books and web pages I read. Please note, due to the busy nature of my life, a week may be skipped and maybe two or more quotes will be posted in less than a weeks time.
Just one quote from among the countless available, posted here this week for your amusement, is by Victor J. Stenger and is right out of his book "GOD The Failed Hypothesis... How Science Shows That God Does Not Exist," pages 188-189. Amazon.com
"The Bible reads as an assembly of myths fashioned by ancient authors who had no concept of historical accuracy. Its description of the world reflects the scientific and historical knowledge of the age in which the manuscripts were composed. The information and insights contained in scriptures and other revelations look just as they can be expected to look if there is no God who revealed truths to humanity that were recorded in sacred texts."
I would have to agree.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Monday, August 04, 2008
Fisherman? Or Fish?
As some recent posts may indicate to those of you who read this blog, if there be few who do at all, I have taken up the cause of a world without religion and have declared myself to be atheist. Over the course of the last few months some thoughts about religion occur to me from time to time and today I will share one with you.
In at least one of the gospels Jesus calls out some disciples declaring to them he will make them "fishers of men." I think we all can remember that without specifying book, chapter, verse. What struck me with some irony is that indeed the apostles were fishers of men just like Jesus promised, for they, according to the what is written in the New Testament, caught lots of fishes. Peter caught 3000 in just one day, I think, and Paul caught a bunch more all over the Middle East throughout his career. And since then billions of fishes have been caught. And, like fish, they were devoured and the bones thrown out. Think of the Dark Ages, the inquisition, the crusades, the witch hunts and any bit of church history the Pope, as well as your pastor, would surely love for you to forget.
There are some truly great and successful fishermen in the world today. Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Billy Graham, Pat Robertson and Oral Roberts just to name a few from of old. They are, or were, truly good fishers of men. They had them coming in the front door of unsubstantiated religious belief by the thousands every week, and accepted, without shame, all the wealth the new fish bestowed upon them.
Today we have a new bunch of fishermen, some you may have heard of some you may haven't. Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Benny Hinn and John Hagee. All chief fishermen of enormous fisheries from which untold wealth and health is reaped for the fishermen and his family. But being a fisher of men is not limited to just men. There are many women, Joyce Meyers is just one, getting in on the action. Just surf through the few church channels available on cable or Directv to see a few. I caution you that you may view some bizarre fishing techniques but, as many of them are so ridiculous as to be scandalous, you may get a laugh or two.
On a smaller scale there are many new fisheries being created right before your very eyes. Just in my small area of the world I've noticed many humble beginnings in rented buildings that may have at one time been an auto parts store or the remains of a small fishery building the previous tenants left for larger headquarters, a sign of the truly good fisherman in our midst.
In many of these fisheries resides the "want to be" fisher of men in all of us. You've seen at least one example of what I mean some time in your life. That guy at the Waffle House with the "Got Jesus?" T-shirt talking mainly to the waitresses, a captive audience if there ever was one, about the need they have for Jesus in their lives. I know a guy like that and it is he who is the inspiration for this post. So, I simply ask without malice, is he a "fisher of men" or, is he just a little fish in someone else's really big net? You already know what I think.
In at least one of the gospels Jesus calls out some disciples declaring to them he will make them "fishers of men." I think we all can remember that without specifying book, chapter, verse. What struck me with some irony is that indeed the apostles were fishers of men just like Jesus promised, for they, according to the what is written in the New Testament, caught lots of fishes. Peter caught 3000 in just one day, I think, and Paul caught a bunch more all over the Middle East throughout his career. And since then billions of fishes have been caught. And, like fish, they were devoured and the bones thrown out. Think of the Dark Ages, the inquisition, the crusades, the witch hunts and any bit of church history the Pope, as well as your pastor, would surely love for you to forget.
There are some truly great and successful fishermen in the world today. Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell, Billy Graham, Pat Robertson and Oral Roberts just to name a few from of old. They are, or were, truly good fishers of men. They had them coming in the front door of unsubstantiated religious belief by the thousands every week, and accepted, without shame, all the wealth the new fish bestowed upon them.
Today we have a new bunch of fishermen, some you may have heard of some you may haven't. Joel Osteen, Rick Warren, Benny Hinn and John Hagee. All chief fishermen of enormous fisheries from which untold wealth and health is reaped for the fishermen and his family. But being a fisher of men is not limited to just men. There are many women, Joyce Meyers is just one, getting in on the action. Just surf through the few church channels available on cable or Directv to see a few. I caution you that you may view some bizarre fishing techniques but, as many of them are so ridiculous as to be scandalous, you may get a laugh or two.
On a smaller scale there are many new fisheries being created right before your very eyes. Just in my small area of the world I've noticed many humble beginnings in rented buildings that may have at one time been an auto parts store or the remains of a small fishery building the previous tenants left for larger headquarters, a sign of the truly good fisherman in our midst.
In many of these fisheries resides the "want to be" fisher of men in all of us. You've seen at least one example of what I mean some time in your life. That guy at the Waffle House with the "Got Jesus?" T-shirt talking mainly to the waitresses, a captive audience if there ever was one, about the need they have for Jesus in their lives. I know a guy like that and it is he who is the inspiration for this post. So, I simply ask without malice, is he a "fisher of men" or, is he just a little fish in someone else's really big net? You already know what I think.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
The Pope in the Land Downunder
The Pope, that icon of infallibility, loaded up the popemobile and went down under. Austrailia, that is. White beaches, blues seas. Sound familiar?
While there he said many interesting things including an apology for the sexual abuse committed by his clergy. I would hate to have to do that everywhere I go but, there you have it. According to the news reports I received the apology was not necessarily the first thing he did which I think should ought to have been. Should ought to have been? That may not be correct grammar but I'm writing this, not you.
It seems his main message was for all religions to "unite against those who use faith to divide communities" and according to AP writer Victor L. Simpson, the paraphrase in quotations above was an apparent reference to terrorism in the name of religion.
Again, AP writer Simpson quotes the Pope saying that creating harmony between religion and public life was "all the more important at a time when some people have come to consider religion as a cause of division rather than a force for unity."
Well, no shit! Religion has always been a divisive force among communities of peoples for all the time it has existed in all its forms since the dawn of its creation. The defining doctrines of Islam are at odds with the defining doctrines of Judaism which are at odds with the defining doctrines of Christianity which are at odds with the defining doctrines of Islam and so on. And within Christianity itself, as well as Islam and Judaism, there are divisions within each at odds with all the other divisions. Those most familiar with Christianity can list a few major divisions right off the top of their heads, and a short list would include Catholics, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists, Pentecostals, Mormons and Seventh Dayers. The list could go on and on since I am aware of many divisions just among Baptists and Pentecostals and at least two divisions among the Mormons. Of Islam you have the Sunnis and the Shiites and there may be more for all I know. In short, what the Pope has requested is impossible since the sub communities within each major community can't even get there shit together.
A long time ago, in a galaxy not far away, Christianity picked up the sword and in the name of the God they worshipped, killed thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, if not millions. If you don't believe this do a little research on the history of the Catholic Church and some of its children since the reformation. Luther, by the way, harboured an anti-semitism you would not believe if you hold him up as a great example of what a Christian should be.
There are Christians now in America working to make this nation a theocracy where the state executes homosexuals. What else they have planned for the rest of us unsuspecting atheists and unchurched souls I know not. If you think I'm joking just Google 'dominion theology' or, just click the Wikipedia link here. And if you are against Sharia Law, which this is, just from the Holy Bible and not the Koran, and from Christians, not fanatical Islamic suicide bombers and Imams, then be aware of what the churches around you are doing and saying.
Is the Pope concerned about harmony among the religions for nothing? No. He sees the end of all faith as more and more people begin to see all religions as dangerous to their health. His words are a call to repentance for the survival of all faith itself. As I would like to remind any reader, it was not just the fanaticism of the suicide pilots of 9-11, it was the basis, that is the religion, for that fanaticism that gave us that particular tragedy. Fanaticism knows no bounds and is contained not in just one place. It can come from anywhere and from any religious belief.
I'll leave you with one universal truth, true as anything I've ever heard. The words came from the mouth of fallen former President John F. Kennedy and are as follows, "For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal."
While there he said many interesting things including an apology for the sexual abuse committed by his clergy. I would hate to have to do that everywhere I go but, there you have it. According to the news reports I received the apology was not necessarily the first thing he did which I think should ought to have been. Should ought to have been? That may not be correct grammar but I'm writing this, not you.
It seems his main message was for all religions to "unite against those who use faith to divide communities" and according to AP writer Victor L. Simpson, the paraphrase in quotations above was an apparent reference to terrorism in the name of religion.
Again, AP writer Simpson quotes the Pope saying that creating harmony between religion and public life was "all the more important at a time when some people have come to consider religion as a cause of division rather than a force for unity."
Well, no shit! Religion has always been a divisive force among communities of peoples for all the time it has existed in all its forms since the dawn of its creation. The defining doctrines of Islam are at odds with the defining doctrines of Judaism which are at odds with the defining doctrines of Christianity which are at odds with the defining doctrines of Islam and so on. And within Christianity itself, as well as Islam and Judaism, there are divisions within each at odds with all the other divisions. Those most familiar with Christianity can list a few major divisions right off the top of their heads, and a short list would include Catholics, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Baptists, Pentecostals, Mormons and Seventh Dayers. The list could go on and on since I am aware of many divisions just among Baptists and Pentecostals and at least two divisions among the Mormons. Of Islam you have the Sunnis and the Shiites and there may be more for all I know. In short, what the Pope has requested is impossible since the sub communities within each major community can't even get there shit together.
A long time ago, in a galaxy not far away, Christianity picked up the sword and in the name of the God they worshipped, killed thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, if not millions. If you don't believe this do a little research on the history of the Catholic Church and some of its children since the reformation. Luther, by the way, harboured an anti-semitism you would not believe if you hold him up as a great example of what a Christian should be.
There are Christians now in America working to make this nation a theocracy where the state executes homosexuals. What else they have planned for the rest of us unsuspecting atheists and unchurched souls I know not. If you think I'm joking just Google 'dominion theology' or, just click the Wikipedia link here. And if you are against Sharia Law, which this is, just from the Holy Bible and not the Koran, and from Christians, not fanatical Islamic suicide bombers and Imams, then be aware of what the churches around you are doing and saying.
Is the Pope concerned about harmony among the religions for nothing? No. He sees the end of all faith as more and more people begin to see all religions as dangerous to their health. His words are a call to repentance for the survival of all faith itself. As I would like to remind any reader, it was not just the fanaticism of the suicide pilots of 9-11, it was the basis, that is the religion, for that fanaticism that gave us that particular tragedy. Fanaticism knows no bounds and is contained not in just one place. It can come from anywhere and from any religious belief.
I'll leave you with one universal truth, true as anything I've ever heard. The words came from the mouth of fallen former President John F. Kennedy and are as follows, "For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal."
Sunday, July 13, 2008
A Most Liberating Experience
In solemn reflection I would have to say that I have, for the most part, lived my life as if there were no god. Sure, if anyone asked I would claim a belief in a god and tell you I was of the Christian persuasion. I even attended a Pentecostal Church as recent as two years ago, preceded by a brief attendance at a Baptist Church, but have not been back for about a year, give or take. It just wasn't my idea of something I needed to do and for the most part the services were, more often than not, mere fundraising events as evidenced to me by the repetitious mention of tithing as a Christian duty in nearly every sermon regardless of context. I will admit though they put on a good show and that is all it became to me, a show. In fact, they got to where they put on two shows every Sunday due to the increase in attendance.
Couple that with my long lived opinion of most, if not all, televangelists and you can see how it came to pass that I rejected religion altogether. I was attending religious services that soon became to me indistinguishable from what anyone can find on the Church Channel. The nail in the coffin, so to speak, came when I read "God is Not Great" by Christopher Hitchens quickly followed by "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins. It all suddenly made sense to me.
I have lived most of my life as if there is no god simply because that is what all men, and women too, would do if left uninfluenced by parents or guardians to take up a religion. My only flirtations with religion were as the result of the urging of a coworker or friend to turn from my backsliding ways. Of course I would oblige, at least for a little while, then I would make my escape back to where I felt most comfortable.
I have finally made the needed adjustment in my life to remain in an "escaped" environment for the remainder of my tenure here on this Blue Planet. When invited or encouraged to attend Church with a friend or coworker, I can now proudly say that since I am an atheist it would be illogical for me to attend any church service. This is most liberating indeed.
Couple that with my long lived opinion of most, if not all, televangelists and you can see how it came to pass that I rejected religion altogether. I was attending religious services that soon became to me indistinguishable from what anyone can find on the Church Channel. The nail in the coffin, so to speak, came when I read "God is Not Great" by Christopher Hitchens quickly followed by "The God Delusion" by Richard Dawkins. It all suddenly made sense to me.
I have lived most of my life as if there is no god simply because that is what all men, and women too, would do if left uninfluenced by parents or guardians to take up a religion. My only flirtations with religion were as the result of the urging of a coworker or friend to turn from my backsliding ways. Of course I would oblige, at least for a little while, then I would make my escape back to where I felt most comfortable.
I have finally made the needed adjustment in my life to remain in an "escaped" environment for the remainder of my tenure here on this Blue Planet. When invited or encouraged to attend Church with a friend or coworker, I can now proudly say that since I am an atheist it would be illogical for me to attend any church service. This is most liberating indeed.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
How to logically assess this
Of late I have been considering the merits of an atheistic outlook toward life and living. I have read Richard Dawkins' book "The God Delusion" twice and a couple of other books on the subject including Christopher Hitchens' "God is Not Great." Also, I have spent several hours at a time on more than one evening exploring the Web on this subject and have noticed, also more than once, inferences to the rights of homosexuals as a concern or part of the atheist platform as represented on the several atheist websites I visited. Since I failed to annotate those Websites I feel terrible since without some great luck and good fortune a reader may never see what I am speaking of. I will concede here that it may have been 2 or 3 websites which contained text expressing support for the homosexual life as part of their overall atheist strategy. I'll not fault them for that.
Having said all that first it seems to me that from one viewpoint it looks like atheism may be being used as a front to defend and promote the homosexual lifestyle. I really hated to use the word lifestyle just then but I could not think of another way to say what I mean. Check out any atheist web page and you may see links to pages that will offer reasons for the nonexistence of a God or any gods and somewhere you will eventually see something that involves homosexuality as it relates to the issue of atheism. Usually the text describes support for the homosexual lifestyle.
Is homosexuality the single most identifiable issue in the debate? Granted, evangelicals seem to target homosexuals more any other class of godless behaviour. But when you think about it most of the molesting of children by the clergy is of the "man on boy" type. Another useless yet interesting correlation?
I work with a man whose adopted son is gay and we shall call him Wayne to protect his identity. Wayne told his father once, "Daddy, no one would choose to be homosexual." Well would they? Many of the religious mindset in concrete would say that it is a choice. I say it must be genetic because in my life I was never confronted with a dilemma of having to choose with which gender of my playmates I most desired to have intimate relations. I always chose the females and never once entertained thoughts of the choice being male. For me, it was just something inside me telling me to go for the girls!
I imagine the experience is something along those lines for those in the world who hear "go for the guys!" If homosexual behaviour is genetic then we have a long way to go before we actually reach a level of sophistication that can be called civilised. We still live in a world where gay men and women are killed because of this variation among the modern homo sapiens that now inhabit the planet. Convincing some of those inhabitants that Albert is gay because of genetics may be impossible to do in the prevailing environment of ignorance we find ourselves shaking our heads at.
You may live in a nice place and work in an even nicer place and you may very rarely see an ignorant homo sapien but from where I live and work I rarely see an intelligent homo sapien. Having all that behind me I am reminded of the ditty that goes something like this; "When they were after the Homosexuals I said nothing because I was not a Homosexual...." Eventually they will come after you.
Having said all that first it seems to me that from one viewpoint it looks like atheism may be being used as a front to defend and promote the homosexual lifestyle. I really hated to use the word lifestyle just then but I could not think of another way to say what I mean. Check out any atheist web page and you may see links to pages that will offer reasons for the nonexistence of a God or any gods and somewhere you will eventually see something that involves homosexuality as it relates to the issue of atheism. Usually the text describes support for the homosexual lifestyle.
Is homosexuality the single most identifiable issue in the debate? Granted, evangelicals seem to target homosexuals more any other class of godless behaviour. But when you think about it most of the molesting of children by the clergy is of the "man on boy" type. Another useless yet interesting correlation?
I work with a man whose adopted son is gay and we shall call him Wayne to protect his identity. Wayne told his father once, "Daddy, no one would choose to be homosexual." Well would they? Many of the religious mindset in concrete would say that it is a choice. I say it must be genetic because in my life I was never confronted with a dilemma of having to choose with which gender of my playmates I most desired to have intimate relations. I always chose the females and never once entertained thoughts of the choice being male. For me, it was just something inside me telling me to go for the girls!
I imagine the experience is something along those lines for those in the world who hear "go for the guys!" If homosexual behaviour is genetic then we have a long way to go before we actually reach a level of sophistication that can be called civilised. We still live in a world where gay men and women are killed because of this variation among the modern homo sapiens that now inhabit the planet. Convincing some of those inhabitants that Albert is gay because of genetics may be impossible to do in the prevailing environment of ignorance we find ourselves shaking our heads at.
You may live in a nice place and work in an even nicer place and you may very rarely see an ignorant homo sapien but from where I live and work I rarely see an intelligent homo sapien. Having all that behind me I am reminded of the ditty that goes something like this; "When they were after the Homosexuals I said nothing because I was not a Homosexual...." Eventually they will come after you.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)