Atheists flood the media with their unapologetic hatred of religion. Scientists discuss what they consider to be the urgent need to eradicate religion. Are they on the right track? If all religions were false and there were no God, it might seem reasonable to eliminate religion.
But what if there is a God? What if there are people who rightly respect God — a true religion?
One form of worship stands out from all other religions. It was established by Jesus Christ and his apostles, but it is not represented by what Christendom has practiced for centuries. The first Christians did not take sides in political issues. This is in harmony with the neutral stand that Jesus himself took. He firmly refused offers to become a political ruler, (Matthew 4:8-10; John 6:15). He even rebuked his disciples for wanting to use violent means to prevent his arrest, (Matthew 26:51,52; Luke 22:49-51; John 18: 10, 11).
Clearly, Jesus would not get involved with the political and military structures of his day. His disciples followed the same pattern. Early Christians believed in nonviolence and most refused to join the army and fight. The teachings of Jesus and his apostles emphasized love of neighbor, including strangers and those of different ethnic backgrounds and races. This religion was indeed a force for peace.
But Christianity became contaminated by the divisive force of philosophy, tradition and nationalism. Roman Emperor Constantine’s conversion led to the militarization of the Christian movement — no longer guided by the compassionate teachings of Christ, but rather spearheaded by the emperor’s goals of political and geographical conquest. A counterfeit version of Christianity was born and thrives today.
RALPH T. CROSLEY, Adairsville
What's funny is, while everyone else is so messed up, I bet Ralph here has somehow found the true untainted Christianity. ...yeah right.
As one of those Atheists you speak of i have a few points and some questions?
1. Most Atheists do not hate religion..We simply do not believe. We would for the most part ignore religion but the faithful simply cannot imagine how that is possible and deduce we are flawed.
2. Atheists do not go around trying to covert folks to our side. We offer facts and reason in our writings and let you choose.. There is NO religion that can tolerate that situation because in the long haul they would be forgotten.
3. You state your belief that Christianity stands out from other religions. Not so much....The Christian faith is full of murder, hate intolerance. Have you ever heard or Jerry Falwell, Oral Roberts, Pat Roberson?.
4. All religions subjugate women as less than men. Why no women Priests? No female heads of the southern baptists? Why the obsessive behavior with a women's right to choose? it's her body not yours... In Uganda "Good Christians" want to pass a law to stone Gays to death.
BTW there are a few billion or so Muslims, Hindu's Sikh, Buddhists that will very much disagree with your statements that Christianity is somehow better.
All organized religion is simply a method for one group to exercise power over others. It's a naked political ploy only better because the power comes from god. Why do think Kings are anointed? They want to be able to say GOD chose them so you better behave.
It's a con that has been going on for millennia. Slowly though the public is peeking behind the invisible sky wizards curtain. Truth, Science and Reason are winning the day slowly.
Freaks you all out doesn't it.
Rhuidean