Obsession and Vicarious Worship

My last blog was mainly aimed at Christians and asked the question: “Are you just preaching to the converted?” The post was about building relationships and opening discussions and dialog with non-believers. Not just for the purpose of proselytizing, but to build inroads of both respect and tolerance. That being said, I decided to address the same question with the Atheists/non-theists.

Preaching To the Converted

Yeah...We've heard it already.

I know that it can be a marvelous thing to edify and uplift the brother and sisterhood of believers. As a matter of fact, I would say that a vast majority of Christian blogs and social media are geared towards likeminded believers. I find this trend so pervasive that I often ask myself: “what’s the point?” Meaning, if the only people you are blogging, Tweeting, and Facebooking for are those who agree with you…I fail to see the purpose. To me this is nothing more than Social Media Masturbation (SMM).  In reality, how many times can we Tweet, Retweet, and “like” John 3:16? Or how many times can we write some fluffy, feel good  Christian blog discussing all the benefits of being a Christian? People on the outside looking in would view this as a sad attempt to prop up the beliefs of a topping religious system. Now I’m not saying this is true…but it is the outside perception.

Get the F out my Way! I'm Spreading Christmas Cheer!

I always loved Christmas; it seemed my birthright to love the holiday that celebrates Christ’s birth, I was born in the wee morning hours the day after Christmas. I tried my darnedest to be born on the actual day of Christmas, but I blame the blizzard of 1982 for prolonging my entrance into the world. As a girl I loved everything about Christmas, because it all seemed to be about me and my birthday too. I remember many birthdays lying under the tree with a new doll or notebook gazing up, entranced by the branches, tinsel, and lights. As I got older I loved the traditions and sharing the season with my family. But the last few years I’ve changed my mind about Christmas and all the silliness it brings out in people. I’m not so sure it’s the most wonderful time of the year, I think it might be the most schizophrenic time of the year. Now, I already trashed Thanksgiving so I will attempt to temper myself on the Christmas topic and I promise I’m not fighting any war on Christmas. As far as I’m concerned we can skip X’mas all together.

The Deist in Me

It has been said that Deism is as far from Christianity, as Atheism; I personally don’t agree. Deism can be simplistically defined as: a religion or category of belief that assumes the probable existence of a higher power/God based on reason, nature and experience. Explaining Deism can be complex, so any trite definition will have some shortcomings. Deism itself can be a category of belief, or a religion depending on who is doing the defining.

So how do I relate to Deism?

I think there are many Christians out there who believe that God moves people around like zombie chess pawns. They also tend to think every mundane interaction and circumstance has the hand of God written all over it. I have found that Christians of this ilk seem to be virtually unable to effect change in their own lives, which basically means they are ineffective in helping others. These neutered Christians rationale is that- God is “in control” of their lives…thus, HE must want them in their current circumstances (which usually means if God doesn't miracle their arse out of a situation…They aren’t moving!) I know that Milton said: “They also serve who stand and wait”…but even a blind Milton would have seen the thinking errors of these would-be Christians.

The Truth of the matter is:

God has pretty much done all HE is going to do. Creation, Jesus Christ, The Holy Spirit, The Bible- how many more tools does a “believer” need? Time for Christians to nut up and stop waiting for a divine sign to move them! Because if you are waiting for God to move…you might just be left waiting in a pant full of your own feces while the opportunity to serve humanity passes you by…Get into the game!

So how do you think God interacts with the world these days?
Are you more of a Deist…or more divine interventionist?

Losing a Part of Me...

On Tuesday this week Mark and I drove to the hospital in –9 degree weather to have my gallbladder removed. This week I’ve been recovering in the form of laying on the couch and ordering Mark around. So the topic most clear in my mind at the moment is my absent gallbladder and my present abdominal pain. So can we have a little fun with this post and just let me whine a little? And if this is silly and rambling, just blame it on the pain meds.

Believe in Creation? Boy you’re an Idiot! (Part 1)

I totally agree that the creation of the universe is awesome!

Believe in Creation/Creator? Boy you’re an Idiot!

Yes, this is what almost every proponent evolution thinks of you. It does not matter if you hold advanced degrees; if you believe in a Creator, every atheist, Darwinist, and evolutionist, with a GED is smarter than you! Why? Because all of the evidence is on their side…isn’t it? Well, not exactly…