I am amazed at how many atheists here are so much like Jesus Christ in their opinions about "religions". I'm actually glad to see it, and somewhat
appreciative of you calling out the "religious".
You're right, the religious are overbearing, prideful, hypocritical, murderous, selfish, and use their "religion" as a means to divide and to control.
Religion ultimately destroys. I believe I read someone comparing religion to the anti-Christ, and I would have to somewhat agree with you because
religion enslaves.
If any of you have read the Gospels (yes, you can read the Bible w/o having to be Christian. It won't miraculously close shut and lock on you because
you've blasphemed against God, nor will your hands burst into flames), Jesus did call out the religious because of their all of the above mentioned
qualities. In fact, it seems to me at least half of each Gospel is a battle between Jesus and the religious hypocrites, whom he called a "brood a
vipers". Jesus also hated bankers too, but that's another topic.
I obviously can't reiterate everything He said nor throw verses at you, but to simplify things Jesus asked to first, love God, and second, to love
each other and be compassionate. He lived His teachings by feeding the hungry, healing the sick, and hanging out with and loving the "low lifes" of
His time. To give you a simple modern day example, think of Jesus hanging with pimps, drug dealers, prostitutes, and (for the the Cali, USA folks)
smokers and those who don't recycle!!! Unfortunately, some of the Christian fundamentalists have forgotten Jesus' message and works, but instead they
scream "GAWWWWD this" and "GAWWWWWD that" and use the Bible as a club to beat and harm others. In fact, when they are done attacking atheists, their
next favorite target are other Christians! Unbelievable!!! Furthermore, they make up ridiculous rules that aren't even in or contrary to the Bible
and use fear as a means to bring people to faith. In the extreme, the religious would allow the murder of millions.
I've read a lot of hatred towards Christians, but before putting us in a torture chamber or on a firing line, at least understand there are those who
are deeply faithful, and would not lift a hand against you nor speak ill of you because we truly try to follow Jesus as written in the Bible. Also,
be wary of becoming the "religious hypocrite" by your hatred towards those you would accuse of being hateful. Furthermore, many claim Christians to
be ignorant, yet I wonder who has actually studied the Bible to speak with deep understanding about the Christian faith.
Take care and God bless.
edit on 14-12-2010 by Sanctus because: (no reason given)
edit on 14-12-2010 by Sanctus because: (no reason given)