In comment #13 of Understanding Lostness Matt Casper wrote:
Posted in A Cacophony of Posts, Ir (Helen) | 8 Comments »[A]re belief systems like Christianity unifying or divisive? [...] I would have to say that religious belief systems are, by nature, divisive, because they all have parameters for what’s “right” and “wrong,” which invariably, inevitably means conflict.
Being an atheist is an easier and more peaceful existence, because I do not need to sway anyone to my belief system. Nor do I see people/events through the filter of my belief system.
I look at the facts as they arise. I won’t lie: I do have a few “ethical litmus tests” that I use on the sources of said facts (e.g., are you a bigot? are you violent? are you intellectually curious?), be they from someone I meet in the street, or some talking head on the tube.
I understand the comfort a belief system provides: it codifies your existence, and gives you a framework for how to behave in most every situation. But it’s a double-edged sword as it forces you to 1) filter everything you take in through your beliefs or 2) filter out anything that doesn’t fit your beliefs.
And I think that is what makes belief systems divisive. They have an incredible impact on what you see and hear. They make people unable to communicate or listen without an agenda.
Which is why I think that without belief systems like Christianity, Judaism, Muslimism, etc.—and regardless of whether there is or isn’t a god—the world would be a more peaceful, objective place.
In his blog entry Understanding Lostness, Richard Pool posts some of the “Laws of Lostology” from John Kramp’s book Out of their faces and into their shoes.
Here are the first three Laws as described by Richard Pool:
Law #1: Being lost can be fun
Put simply, when we begin a conversation with a non-Christian on the basis of their awareness of a need for God, we’re being naïve. Many lost people are quite happy being lost. It’s not a big issue for them. It will therefore take time for them to see any need for God.
Law #2: No one gets lost on purpose
Either through carelessness, or miscalculation or preoccupation with other things, getting lost happens.
Law #3: It’s easy to get lost
Do nothing special and you will get lost every time. Lost happens. Lost is life’s default mode. (Out of their faces p27)
Richard’s blog entry goes on to list more laws. Richard ends his blog entry with:
Have a think about your response to these laws, I find them fascinating and helpful.
How about you? How do you find them?
Posted in A Cacophony of Posts, Ir (Helen) | 23 Comments »Another example of a Christian and atheist in friendly dialog:
One is a former spokesman for China’s Cabinet, the other, an American evangelist known for his elaborate, two-day Christian festivals. The question they are both asking: Does God exist?
While atheist Zhao Qizheng wants proof, preacher Luis Palau’s answer is a resounding “Yes!”
The two men have met privately on three occasions over the past 18 months to debate religion and exchange ideas. The result is a book in English and Chinese versions to be launched Wednesday in Beijing titled “Riverside Talks: A Friendly Dialogue Between an Atheist and a Christian.”
Read the rest of this article here: A Friendly Dialogue: Does God Exist?
I found out about this story from the following entry on the Keep Believing Ministries blog: The Evangelist and the Atheist
Posted in A Cacophony of Posts, Ir (Helen) | 4 Comments »