Mostly the problem with Christianity that I, and a lot of others have can be fairly simply stated in this quote:
"I am against religion because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world." – Richard Dawkins
To the statement above I would have to partially agree.
Religion is defined(dictionary.com) as:
1.a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2.a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
6.something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
8.Archaic . strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.
Religion does not specifically mean Christianity, though that is the association a lot of people make. Many horrible things and ignorant beliefs, Christian and non-Christian, have been done/held in the name of religion.
However, what I would ask concerning the above quote would be; Where in the Bible does it teach us to be satisfied with not understanding the world? I think that you would find that it really teaches the direct opposite. I believe that God encourages us to investigate the world and observe it in order to provide evidence for His existence and power:
Romans Chapter 1:20
"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse."[NASB]
This verse implies that we should have a better understanding of the world around us, because it is His creation and it is constantly showing us evidence for God.
Also, the importance of wisdom is taught in many places in the Bible, specifically Proverbs.
Also, the importance of wisdom is taught in many places in the Bible, specifically Proverbs.
Proverbs Chapter 16:16
"Get wisdom — how much better it is than gold! And get understanding — it is preferable to silver." [NASB]Specifically, those that oppose things like medicine, technology, science (like Evolution and the Big Bang), claiming that it's all false and a book written by desert nomads 2000 years ago somehow contains more knowledge than all of modern science.
In addition, we have an issue with those Christians that try and change the laws to suit their own personal belief systems, such as banning gay marriage, abortion, euthanasia, pornography, video games, etc. I know you mentioned to not say "Christians", but they do these things with their Christianity as support. Again, that somehow this book written 2000 years ago is smarter than all modern scientists.
This is Nivekeryas, by the way.
All of what you have stated is actually focused on what people have done in the name of religion. This is the danger that I want people to realize and why I stated things the way I did in my post about the purpose of this blog.
I want people to search their hearts and look into the Bible on their own. Listen to good Christian speakers/philosophers and scientists and the studies they have done. Talk to Christians who are actually living the life that Christ would want them to. Don't let bad examples overwhelm you. Look at the good examples of Christianity to provide some evidence.
I have included some links below that I feel are pretty good and related somewhat to your response. They are all good Christian thinkers that really act and speak in a way that is contrary to the Christian stereotype in the world today:
This is a definition that I think you would currently subscribe to:
http://apologetics315.blogspot.com/2010/09/terminology-tuesday-scientism.html
Some examples of past Christian Scientists:
http://apologetics315.blogspot.com/2011/07/scientists-of-faith.html
This is a fairly long series that I have not finished, but so far it has some really good stuff in it. Bear with it and listen to what he has to say.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/ScienceAndTheBible-RobertBowman
This is a shorter lecture that you may want to consider listening to first. It is Lee Strobel, a former atheist:
http://www.chcc.org/resources/1/midpoint_mp3s/chcc_midpoint_101310.mp3
The links in my earlier post are filled with talks and articles by Christians who hold to the belief that we are not to be ignorant and have blind faith.
I hope I have given you some things to think about and I hope that you will check out the links above...they are much better at this than I am ;)
Take care and let me know what you think.
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