I'm back! Got a new laptop (love it! Buy a refurbished Macbook Air. You'll be glad you did). I saw the following descending/ascending 'poem' floating around online. I wrote a few comments on what I think atheists would disagree with and was wondering if any of you had something to add.
I had claimed that in speaking with the atheists I knew, they would find disagreement with some items in this. I spouted off three at a glance:
1. That it is just foolish to think there is a God with a cosmic plan. Denying God's existence does not assert or require that you think another's belief is 'just foolish.'
2. That being deserving of hell "is a lie meant to enslave me to those in power." It is not a point that gives power to 'religious authorities' but to God. I'd say it is a popular belief, but anyone who I've challenged on it has never given me any actual reason to believe it. The early church? No. They were martyrs and far from having any power or influence. The crusades? They used religion to control people by lying, but this is an abuse. Present day? Maybe in cults and fringe groups there is more abuse and many Christian (embarrassingly) us it as a fear tactic to 'convert' people when they 'evangelize'. However, any time I've explained it they have been silent with no logical connection to draw.
3. And the biggest one: "Our existence has no grand meaning or purpose." They hate. hate. hate this one. I think it is very difficult because they believe in meaning and purpose, but have no good reason to assert it aside from a radical faith statement hanging in mid air in a random universe of chance.
What do you think? Anything to add? Is there truth to the opposite reading about Christians? Are there also false statements in there? Leave a comment.