Received 9.28.2000

"atheism is the only sane way to live?" You use words like "TRUTH" and "ABSOLUTES" , but what is your rule by which absolutes are measured? Without right or wrong, good or bad, no concept of absolutes that is mere insanity. If you or "we" as a society set the rule than "we" by your reasoning have become the egocentric society. Christians are a GOD-centered people with a rule a measure of excellence, GOD. If you are truly seeking truth keep seeking and you will find. I search these pages all I see is GOD and Christian bashing. I keep hearing the word tolerance but you can't tolerate me?

J. Q. Christian

My Reply:

Admittedly, this site only focuses on the aspects of Christianity that trouble me. My intention, however, is not to do any "bashing," but rather challenge some of the assumptions many people have about atheism and Christianity. Religion is typically something people are born into and it often becomes such an ingrained part of them that it is difficult to step back to think about it critically.

Freedom of religion or the freedom to be an atheist is of the utmost importance to me. The only Christians I take issue with are the ones who feel people of other religions or atheists do not deserve this freedom.

I think it is naïve to conclude that God is required to establish what is right and wrong for humanity. Are Hindus and Buddhists morally bankrupt compared to Christians?  Do they not know the difference between right and wrong?

As far as God being the absolute measure of excellence, what kind of example does he really set for us? If his truth is absolute then it should also be timeless, but the Old Testament is filled with teachings that by today's standards don't feel like measures of moral excellence.  I don't think it is necessary to list examples here, but many of these appear elsewhere on my site or in the random quotes at the top of the main page.

More generally, what about Hell? Whether you believe Hell is a place of torment or simply an eternity of not knowing God, imagine a parent punishing a child for an eternity. What if the punishment was only in response to something the child believed or didn't believe? I don't believe Jesus is my personal savior so I will be punished for eternity? What if the government handed out life sentences not for physical crimes but for beliefs? I think we demand better behavior from our government and fellow man than we do our God.

This topic has come up before and I thought you might be interested in reading those letters:

3.10.2000 This is a two letter thread where I am asked how there can be any basis for morality without God. I am also told why accepting Jesus is the only way enter Heaven and that my understanding of Christianity is childish.

6.15.2000 I am asked why atheists spend so much time trying to disprove a God they don't believe in and am told that all will kneel and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, regardless of their beliefs.

8.11.2000 A Christian who is sympathetic toward science, explains how in life's search for meaning people go many routes.  He asks for mutual respect.

Thanks for writing.