I dont like talking about it unless I talk about it in great detail... Either read all of this, or dont read it. Only read this with an open mind

 

Corruption in Church: I can understand why a lot people decide to become atheist, and I dont blame you. I blame the people who say they're Christians, who say things like "Believe in Jesus or Burn in Hell" and condemning people left and right. The Bible is the most misinterpreted book in the entire world. The numerous denominations are proof. Its the only connection between God and man. People want to change things to include their own opinions. A verse to one person may look like "discipline leads to maturity" and to another it will read "beating your children is good for them." House of Prayer is an example. They beat their children during the service for the "sins they have commited" The church was discovered and then shut down. Note: not every church is corrupt, I'm just stating that there is corruption in church, and its giving everyone the wrong idea about God.

 

Point / Counterpoint: Many atheist activists use people like Jerry Falwell as an example to try and prove that Christianity is corrupt. The thing about Christianity is that people like Jerry Falwell are not reflections of the belief itself, but a distortion; a misinterpretation of their own ignorance. God did not tell him that Women are inferior and non-believers are worthless pagans. Ignorance and bigotry can become so strong that it can lead to disillusions, distorting the truth, and in the end, it makes the person feel better, but they're still wrong. People like Jerry Falwell disappoint me, because they make decent, loving Christians look just like him, just because we bear the title "Christian." Jesus never approached someone and condemned them for their ways. He gave everyone a chance. Being understanding, forgiving, mature, and (above all else) loving are the major virtues that Christianity expresses. But people seem to forget that. Once again, we are far from perfect.

 

One of my best friends is an atheist. I dont blame him either, he has been scarred by his parents, who abuse their own belief structure. For years, they would wake him up every Sunday morning, and tell him he was going to hell if he didnt go to church. This lead him to associate God with his parents. And now his hatred for God is no different than his hatred for his parents.

 

In my song "The Witness" I talk about the corruption of the church.

 

"Condemn all you want, it'll only come back around"

 

A pastor from Alabama visited West Georgia University. He brought a camera man with him. He stood outside one of the buildings and condemned girls for wearing shorts, saying they were "trashy harlots." And he told them to repent and turn to Jesus or burn in hell. He had rights to visit the college, so no one could tell him to leave. The man with the camera recorded the whole thing and made sure that if anyone assaulted the pastor, that he would have evidence to press charges.

 

 

Why I Believe: I go outside and see all the beauty, the intricate design, the colors, and I think "how could this have come from nothing?" I believe in God because its logical and evident to me. Not because of a hunch, and not because of being raised to believe, we were given life, which is the most beautiful gift anyone could ever receive, and people take it for granted by having so much hatred.

 

If you're undecided, study, seach for what you believe in. And STAY AWAY FROM CHURCHES if you want to study Christianity. Stay away from people who dont know what they're talking about. Go check out some books by Dr. James Kennedy, who has 9 PHDs so he obviously knows what he's talking about. Or even watch "Dogma." Kevin Smith tells it like it is. Dont just float through life not knowing what you believe in.

 

Christianity is not about being religious, its about having faith, good ideas, and love.

 

Very interesting post. I really like your last point.

I believe in God, somebody, or something is up in there watching over us.

I believe in God' date=' somebody, or something is up in there watching over us.[/quote']

 

Doesn't that make you an agnostic?? You believe that there is a higher power, you're just not sure exactly what it is. :)

This is a very odd topic for me. I'm Roman Catholic. I consider myself to be religious.

 

I don't have a problem with religion. I'm very accepting of all of them. I don't appreciate when beliefs are pressed on me. I think it's used as a form of comfort for some people. Doing the rituals gives them comfort. I know I'm like that sometimes. The only problem I have is when religion is used as a weapon. People do a lot of stupid things in the name of it. I was dating this guy for a year and a half and he broke up with me because I'm Catholic. He was one of those people that tried to shove their beliefs on everyone, and I couldn't see that because I was 'in love'. When he broke up with me, it was like I was being discriminated against. I never knew religion had that power. It's when that power is mis-used it becomes a problem.

its not like they're taking tequila shots during mass...

That would make mass so much more fun! :-D ;)

I believe in God' date=' somebody, or something is up in there watching over us.[/quote']

 

Doesn't that make you an agnostic?? You believe that there is a higher power, you're just not sure exactly what it is. :)

 

Agnostic is a bit different. Somebody who is agonostic believes that there is not enough evidence to say whether or not God exists. Its like, saying "I'm not saying there is a God, but I'm not saying there isn't one."

Its not as extreme as Atheism, where they come outright and say "There is no God."