American Christianity?

This entry stems from a comment and following conversation from a previous post titled Leaving the Faith. In this conversation, the commenter made reference to the “American Church.” I found this an extremely interesting topic, and one with which I must agree.

First, I want to make clear, I love my country. I love being an American. I spent four years on active duty and wouldn’t change a bit of it. I am proud to have been in the military. However, it seems to me that Christianity in America, has become very Americanized. Consider the following:

American Christians tend to be very proud of the Christian heritage of the United States. While there are many, including me, who disagree about the Christian heritage, this is not the point. American Christians are among the first to proclaim Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. The problem occurs when American ideals and Christianity become intertwined. Is the true teaching of the Bible that “Christians” are the only ones to go to heaven? I would argue not. Our churches seem to have lost their focus on Godly living, and instead, focus on making those who attend their services comfortable. There is very little emphasis on truly living your faith on a personal level, while at the same time a lot of emphasis on sharing your faith.

This blog is not written as an attack on Christianity, it is written more as a point of reference. It was my feeling, for the many years I was a Christian, that people in the congregation wore masks every Sunday, including me. I feel there is a lot of pressure to admit your imperfection, while at the same time being careful to not disclose your imperfection. I think that we in America have a very independent spirit. Call it our values, our laws, our economic system, whatever; we want to make it on our own. The Church seems to have this spirit of independence as well. Consider the many different denominations, the knowledge that I can do anything through Christ who strengthens me. I realize that this last quote emphasizes Christ giving the power, but really, Christ is an intangible idea. Is it Christ that gives the power, or is it the inner faith in a being greater than myself that spurs me on to do great works, without the help of others?

Church tends to focus now on the comfort of the flock. Every Sunday sermons are given to let people know that while they are sinful, their sins are forgiven. It seems that Church is turning into a self-help guru, aiding people on their issues of sex, lust, greed, lack of patience, having faith, etc… I don’t believe that this is at all the idea that Jesus had for his Church. It seems to me that the original disciples sacrificed dearly for their faith. While America does have laws in place making it pretty safe to worship how one likes, is Christianity so soft a religion that all one has to do to gain eternal life is to say and believe “Jesus is my Lord and Saviour?”

I do believe that a number of Churches do good works. However, I don’t see many Christians doing good works, or at least, I don’t see Christians doing more good works than non-christians. Church is a safe place, where one can give money (whether tithe or offering) and feel that one has furthered God’s Kingdom for the week.

Whether the Church has become “Americanized” or perhaps “Westernized,” I do see a huge disconnect from the actions of Christians today versus the actions of the Christians of history. I don’t mean just the apostles, I also mean men like John Wesley, Dwight Moody, and Charles Spurgeon. Some of the great Christians of the past, those who were so passionate about their faith and about living their faith, I feel would today be disappointed in where Christianity is heading.

Goodness or Depravity

One of the tenants in Deism and Humanism is the belief that people are generally “good.” Perhaps a better way to say it is that Deists and Humanists don’t accept the Christian view of the sinfulness of man. In a “comments” discussion following my post of “Why I am a Deist,” the following statement I made was addressed by a reader:

“I do believe in the natural goodness of humanity, the beauty of our creativity, and especially our incredible power of reasoning.”

Here is the response to that statement of mine:

“Please forgive me I mean no harm, but I really burst out laughing when I read this sentence. Where do you live? It must be really separated from reality. I’m sure you have heard someone say that we can not go through even one day with out sinning. Haven’t you proved it to yourself? Though our sins might be considered small (by us), still it is the opposite of natural goodness. If we have an incredible power of reasoning why is the world in this shape. If we are basically good why do we kill each other and steal and lie and rape and……”

This led me to really think about “goodness” and the relation to human depravity. While the responder makes a good point about killing, stealing, lying, and raping, my argument is that these actions do not resemble the general population. Yes they all happen more than we would like, however, the average person, Christian or not, doesn’t go through daily life doing those things. The average person does small, often unrecognizable acts of kindness such as letting a car in front of them when in traffic, holding doors for others, offering to give someone a hand, etc… I mentioned in the discussion previously noted, that while these acts of kindness are small, I don’t believe that they stem from a sinful nature.

I was a Christian, so I know a typical Christian response to this would be “even with a sinful nature, people are still able to do random acts of kindness.” However, my argument is: If we are truly sinful in nature, our random acts of kindness would be self-serving in nature, not out of altruism. (See my post about selfishness). If you read that post, you would know that I don’t believe all selfishness is wrong.

I think it’s easy for Christianity to gloss over what is meant by sinful “nature.” That means that by nature, we have no interest in godliness or the things for which God stands. This would be goodness, gentleness, meakness, humility, and love. If we, by nature, oppose those things, then everyone that is not “saved” would indeed be murderers, liars, rapists, thieves, etc… But we’re not.

I believe that humans (in general) are good in nature. I don’t believe in the sinful nature or total depravity. I believe that we are capable of, and in fact do, good works on our own for people everyday. To believe that all humanity is sinful in nature, is to have an incredible lack of “faith” in your own species and yourself.

Leaving the Faith

Anyone else had experience with lost faith? As someone who for the better part of two years has struggled with this, I can assure you it is a real life altering event when it happens. As I look back over these past couple of years, I honestly cannot point to any specific event that led me to where I am now.

I was a fundamentalist Christian, believing in the inerrant word of God, and that Jesus was the only path to salvation. I was very active in church by teaching adult sunday school classes, leading worship, volunteering my time, and leading a small group bible study. I spent hours of my time studying Christian apologetics so I could have the answer. I read the Bible. I prayed. In short, I did all the things Christians should do as an outward expression of faith, plus some.

So what changed? To be honest, I don’t know. I got myself out of the study of apologetics and began looking at Christianity as a whole. Meaning, I looked at the story of Christianity, the history, the meanings, and the conclusions. After some time, I realized that the whole story just doesn’t make sense. I read books like “The Case for Christ,” and “The Case for Faith,” by Lee Strobel. I read through Josh McDowell’s books, and spent a huge amount of time with Christian sites online. I got into Christian philosophy with the likes of William Lane Craig.

I know the central tenants of Christianity well. Hopefully, for those of you who have read my previous posts and comments on wordpress, you realize that I honestly have no animosity toward Christianity. I don’t feel that those who hold to the Christian faith are stupid or misguided. There are plenty of Christians who could argue me into the ground philosophically speaking. However, I realized that when you can’t give your whole heart and mind to something that requires your whole heart and mind, it is living a lie to continue with it. That’s what I was doing. I went to Church to try to get out of this. However, the more I went to church, the worse my attitude got.

I am completely happy with where I’ve ended up as a result. I love life, I still believe in a creator, and I look forward to each new day. Those of you who have been through this process will likely understand what I’m about to say.

The only downside to my leaving the Christian faith is that there is always that nagging voice in the back of my mind saying “what if you’re wrong?” I could really lose my salvation. Many Christians would argue that’s the Holy Spirit talking to me…and you know what, I don’t believe it. To me, it’s the natural reaction to leaving something that dominated my life for so long. The idea of hell is one of the things that draws people to Christianity. Knowing that you will live forever with God in heaven is very appealing. However, now that I don’t believe in heaven or hell, I’m left with living my life to the fullest here on earth. I want to make each day the best I can and live a life of responsibility and virtue. When that nagging voice of “salvation” comes to me, I am able to realize that the voice is the natural question that appears as a result of de-conversion.

~If evil comes not, then our fear’s in vain; and if they do, fear but augments the pain~ Ben Franklin

Why is Religion so Contentious?

What is the deal with religion? Isn’t it amazing when looking at different posts within any category relating to religion, conversing with people, and watching the news just how sensitive people are with the subject. It is a subject which can quickly move from polite inquiry to all out attacks. Why is this?

Two specific reasons immediately come to my mind:
1. Religion is very personal
2. Religion is very cultural

1. Religious views are very personal, whether religious, agnostic, or atheist. No one can argue with that. I suppose this could be why this is one of my favorite topics of conversation. Not because I am eager to engage in debate, but because I like to learn about what people believe and why they believe it. I am not out to convert anyone, I just like the conversation.

Religion is very personal because it says something about who you are. It is one of the deciding factors affecting your worldview. When others have a different worldview, or paradigm, then it’s hard for us to understand them. Not only that, but when engaged in a conversation about religion, especially with someone with whom we don’t agree, the conversation can quickly turn into a defense of faith. If someone doesn’t believe what I believe, it is very easy to try to give all the answers I can for why I believe it. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that necessarily, however, it can quickly turn into a battle of the wills and intellect to show the other that you have more reasoning behind your faith (or lack of). To disagree with a person on their views can be seen as an attack on their intellect, and this is unfortunate.

2. Religion is cultural. Again, as I’ve made this point in a previous post, religion does have alot to do with where you were brought up. Families tend to embrace the religious culture of their surroundings, not always, but often. I would think it’s a fair comment when I say that the majority of people of faith in the United States would claim Christianity as their belief system, whether they are or are not actively engaged. Islam, Judaism, Catholicism, Protestantism all have regional tendencies.
Along with the geographical tendencies of religions come the more social customs. The way people dress, the laws of the nation, or the belief system to which adherents submit their lives are all integral parts of religious views. As a result, we get generalities such as “the great satan,” ultra-conservative fundamentalists, and fundamentalist extremists.

Unfortunately, religion is one of those topics that are considered taboo in polite conversation. It is easy to understand why when considering just these two points. Doubtless, there are many others as well.

Christians and Predestination

This post was actually inspired by a post and subsequent comment conversation that can be found at Mark Webb on Election. When I was a Christian, I found the whole notion of election (predestination) troubling, as I know many other Christians did. The Calvinist view believes strongly in predestination. Following my comment on the post above, I realized that I should spend a little more time to explain what I mean. Here is what I wrote:

“Election (Pre-destination) can be compared to a political process. Suppose that you attend a board meeting of some sort on the night that nominations are occuring. Somebody decides to nominate you for the board, but you haven’t yet accepted the nomination. This is how I see the discussion of the “elect.”
When trying to negotiate this word in the context of the teachings of Christianity, this is the only way I can see that makes sense. Jesus’ sacrifice was for all men all the world. (While we were still sinners, he died for us). This makes every person in the world part of the “elect,” just some haven’t accepted the nomination to the board.”

The whole analogy to the political process of nomination and acceptance of the nomination is the best way I have found to state my belief. While I am no longer concerned about election, I still find it an interesting discussion within the realm of Christianity.

In a nutshell, I think that according to Christianity, Jesus died for the sins of all mankind. He took upon himself the sins of the world. Which means that all men’s sins have been covered by the blood of Christ. However, this does not mean that all are saved. Salvation occurs upon the acceptance of the sacrifice by the individual seeking salvation. Another way I have stated this can be used if you look at Christ’s sacrifice as a payment of debt (sin):

Christ issued his payment (sacrifice), so the check is in the mail. Once that check gets into your mailbox, you can either accept it (accept him as Lord and Saviour) or you can mark the envelope “return to sender” (not accept it).

While I know these analogies are crude, hopefully they make my point. I think that Christianity teaches that salvation doesn’t occur unless the Lordship of Christ is accepted. In that case, I think the Calvinists have it wrong when they say that certain individuals are pre-ordained to salvation while others are doomed to hell. To me, this notion of election goes outside the parameters of Christianity, while also doing a disservice to the Sacrifice of Christ.

The Problem with Humanism- No Borders

In some Humanist circles, the idea of nationality is regarded as a severe roadblock to human progress. There are many humanists that cosider themselves “world citizens” before claiming any nationality. While I undestand this view, I cannot go along with it.

Nationality plays too large a role in our world to even consider the prospect of doing away with it. Citizens, including me, are extremely proud to hail from their country of origen. I think nationality affects our lives in more ways than we realize. Political beliefs, religious beliefs, social norms, views of the rest of the world, cultural relations are all affected by nationality. Consider how differently citizens of other countries view world events.

Nationality also can give people a sense of pride and loyalty. How many of us rally behind our nation’s team every time the Olympics come around. How about national achievements in Science, the respect of a nation’s flag, the history surrounding your country? All of these things, along with many others, help to make nationality very important. On some level, nearly everyone can feel some sense of belonging as a citizen of their country.

When considering that some Humanists believe that a borderless world would bring us all closer, we have to take all of these points into account. What do we have in common with every other person in the world? Humanity. The fundamental issues that lead to war, primarily religion and politics, will in no way be lessened by a borderless world.

Is Selfishness Wrong?

No doubt, many of you will read this and be in total disgreement right from the top. However, please step away from your original reaction and see if what I say makes sense.

It occurred to me that perhaps selfishness is the ultimate show of affection. How can I make such a bold statement? Well, here goes:

Humanity is selfish. We are all selfish to one degree or another. Some of us are selfish because we just want things for ourselves and we don’t care who we have to hurt in order to get them. This is NOT the form of selfishness that I believe can be virtuous.

Instead, we all act from a self-interest. Whether or not you choose to have children, whom you will marry, what sort of career you want to pursue, to what religion (if any) you subscribe, are all life altering decisions that we make with a self-interest. Some may say, I decided to marry the person I married because I’m in love with him or her. This may be true, but it was in your self-interest to marry the person you love. If you have a religion, it is because you agree with the tenants of that religion, and it is in your self-interest to align yourself with those tenants.

The ultimate show of love for someone is to lay down your life for them. This would seem the most unselfish act of all. However, because of my love for that person, it is better for me to lose my life than to think about the object of my affection losing their’s.

In reality, everybody is selfish in some way. The virtuous selfishness is not “looking out for number 1,” instead, it is making the conscious decision to accept a consequence because we would be happier paying it than watching those we love paying it.

Selfishness- Something to think about.

Stand for Nothing-Fall for Anything?

I’m sure you have all heard the title phrase before. Overall, I do think it is true. As a living, breathing, rational being in this world, it is necessary to take stands. Recently, I’ve realized that I have become much more relativist over the past year or so. While I certainly do NOT hold a philosophy of relativism, I am relative when it comes to matters of religion. So, is it wrong for me to not take a stand for what I believe?

In some ways, I feel I am taking a stand through this blog. However, hopefully you will notice that my blogging on topics of religion and philosophy are purposefully non-judgmental. I have no interest in ad hominum attacks against believers and non-believers of any persuasion. I have recently read some ridiculous posts on wordpress. It is truly amazing how dogmatic people can be regarding their “beliefs.” They are beliefs, it is faith, which necessarily precludes any reasonable aspirations at expressing them dogmatically.

I have converted from Christianity to Deism. Does this mean that I have the answers that Christians don’t? No. Does this mean that I think Christianity is stupid? No. Does this mean that I think Christians are stupid? No. It is my belief that we cannot know, as long as we are living on this earth, what religion is the right one and what is the wrong one (assuming there is a right and a wrong one). Ultimately we are responsible for our own beliefs. You may have been raised Christian, Hindu, Atheist, etc… but hopefully at some point in life you start to take stock in what you believe and what you don’t. This is what I’ve been through, and likely, will go through again.

If you are sincere in your faith, fantastic. However, taking a stand for your beliefs does not include the bashing of the beliefs of others. If you have an ax to grind with Christianity or any other religion, grind it, but please do so with a little humility and respect that others may disagree.

While I have embraced Deism, it does not define me. That is my belief system. I am more interested in the actions of the individual that assigns a belief to themselves, than in their particular belief.

The Problem with Humanism- Socialism

There is yet another area of recent Humanism where I disagree with many of today’s humanists. Firstly, I concede my earlier statement that there are different types of humanists, just as there are different types of Christians. When visiting Humanist websites, this issue will likely not be apparent, however, it is in the reading of humanist articles that Socialism can ring loudly and clearly. As an explanation to those of you who subscribe to the Socialist ideals, please understand that this is not a religious rant against an evil. I do not feel that socialism is evil, I only feel that it is a failed philosophy.

Humanists will proudly proclaim their belief in democracy and all the rights and privileges that go along with it. As a matter of fact, they will often be the first in line to defend the rights of the individual. This is how it should be. However, the problem I see, is that many humanists have a hard time walking the line between rights of the individual and gifts to the individual. In other words, how can a philosophy so dedicated to the sanctity of humanity fully embrace Capitalism?

Please do not misunderstand what I say to mean that I think Capitalism is perfect, it is far from. I do however, believe that Capitalism is the best system that humanity has been able to come up with thus far. Personally, I walk the line between rights of the individual and gifts to the individual in what I believe is the most empowering system to the individual, that of Capitalism. People are born with stacked decks. Some of them have all the cards in their favor, others have zilch. This, unfortunately, is a fact of life. I do not believe that life is fair, and I don’t believe it ever will be. This seeking of fairness in assets is a fundamental flaw in Socialism. The noble desire to make life fair for everyone necessarily brings the quality of life, the spirit of the individual, and the industry of the individual down.

Capitalism, while not perfect, is actually the most fair system available. While the fact that some people are born into money and opportunity seems completely unfair to those who are not, it is really not anyone’s fault. Capitalism allows one to take the deck they are dealt, and work with it. The most empowering idea in this system is the idea of moving up in life. The ability to, by your own efforts, improve your situation as best you can for yourself and your family is the highest form of living on this earth. The ability to pursue your dreams, whatever they may be, and strive to attain them is what life is all about. Perhaps you will never attain your dreams, but the real living of life occurs not in the achievement but in the daily strides taken toward them.

I believe that Humanists can get sidetracked in their cause by focusing too much on equality of assets. Equality of assets in life among all people of a nation is a myth. The equality on which humanists should remain focused is the equality of opportunity, meaning, that each person, no matter his or her background, economic level, race, etc… should have all of the same rights and obligations to make their way in life. The taking from the rich and giving to the poor model of Socialism robs the rich of motivation, and robs the poor of industry and creativity. It creates a people reliant on government for their sustenance, which inevitably robs all of their spirit.

What’s Wrong with Christianity- Christians

To the many reasonable Christians out there, please take no offense to what I’m writing. To the unreasonable Christians out there- please be offended.

I have to be honest, one of the things I found most frustrating when I was a Christian was other Christians. How is it that you can take the teachings of a great teacher, rabbi, philosopher, saviour- whatever you wish to call him, and twist his words so badly. Jesus’ teachings were certainly loving, and I’m not one of these that will say that Jesus never got angry, because according to the Gospels, that’s not true.

However, the Commandment to Go out into the world and make disciples of all men seems to be gravely misinterpreted by many Christians today. Evangelize, make your beliefs known, however, DO NOT decide that every person who is not a Christian is a wretch, or is lost, or whatever. When you have an honest discussion with someone about beliefs, it’s fantastic. Even if you agree to disagree. But when you decide that the other person must be “converted” in order for them to attain “eternal life,” please think about the motivations.

I stated in another post that I can’t accept the idea of entering into a relationship with someone solely to use that person for what I can get through them. While you believe that Christ’s death brought Salvation to those that accept it, please try to show a little respect that those who don’t accept it may have perfectly legitimate reasons for not doing so; in fact, there reasons could be entirely unselfish. To me, the only reason I would be accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour of my life is so I don’t go to hell. That would be an insult to me, the memory of Jesus, as well as Christianity.

Why is it so hard to accept that people have different views? If someone differs from you, fine. Discuss it, debate it honestly and intellectually, but do not pass judgment on that person just because he or she may not believe what you believe.

There’s so much talk about America being a “Christian” nation. Especially since the incident with the Hindu prayer in the Senate. Can we get over this trivial argument about what religion started the United States. Instead of blindly claiming Christianity, read what the Founding Fathers had to say. The whole point of this American experiment is to get away from this sort of pointless arguing. There is no established religion. Even if the Founding Father’s were Christian, which we know most were not, how does that affect the rule of law in this country.

Please, reason well.