I am so tired of all the hate being thrown around on Xanga about religion. Mostly I mean that between "Christians" and "Atheists" or "Christians" with each other. A healthy religious debate is fine with me, but all I see is a bunch of a**holes, to be frank.
The Christians think they are holier than everyone. It comes off as though they are sinless and you are the scum of the earth. They are banishing people to hell, being judgmental, trying "save souls." They have all the answers, which they get from translated Bible verses, which they have then interpreted. The English translation of the Bible is not the same as the original.
If you want to argue based on your belief of the Bible, then why not learn Hebrew and read it the way it was written originally? And why would you ever translate something instead of word-for-word belief? Why can't it just be what it is? How do you know "unequally yoked" means "you cannot
marry anyone that is a nonbeliever?" We are all entitled to our opinions of what things mean, but that is not the absolute answer. No one has the absolute answer.
While I'm at it, Christians around here go around bashing homosexual marriages, and I don't think that's fair. You can think what you want about what is or isn't a sin, but how is it up to you to decide that for everyone? If you believe God gave us free will, we shouldn't take that from people who are not hurting anyone and just want the same American Rights we all deserve as a part of this country. If you believe that it's so bad, then why aren't you fighting for nonbelievers to also not be able to get married? Or, in the very least, these "unequally yoked" marriages? Because it's silly. In my opinion, if someone wants to marry a freakin' chair, it is not my business, and it's not up to me to say they should be labeled criminals because of it.
Meanwhile, the Atheists run around trying to stir up fights with Christians. They think Christians are stupid, irrational, mindless people. Some of them go so far as to say there is something actually wrong in their brains and that they are mentally retarded for believing in God. The Atheist stand on their SmartyPantsPedestal and act like they are better than everyone else because they are so smart. They ask questions Christians can't answer without being labeled "stupid." The definition of faith is believing in something that you cannot see and cannot be proven without a doubt. So the answers to these questions would be because they have faith. Atheists think faith is stupidity.
At the same time, I think Atheists love science. There is nothing that says one cannot be a Christian and also believe in science. Just because one believes in God does not also mean one cannot believe in some of the theories of evolution. Why not? Because no one was there. God could've created the earth using evolution. That's not some kind of stretch to believe. But Atheists love science because to them it can prove there is no God. However, most of science is theories. What are theories? Concepts that are not verified or proven, but if correct, could explain certain facts or phenomena. In essence, Atheists that call Christians stupid because of their faith have faith in science. And faith is faith - unproven is unproven - no matter how you look at it.
Neither party has all the answers, and both are just doing their best and choosing their own paths. There is nothing wrong with that. Fighting on Xanga they way these people are fighting doesn't change either mind, it only creates more of a boundary and wall between them.
I'm so tired of all the fighting, judgment, and superiority complexes. Do I think this post will stop it? No. But I do think it let me get something off my chest that's been bugging me about Xangans for quite some time.
Are you tired of it, too? Or do you enjoy the drama?
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Comments (102)
I'm sympathetic to the message of the entry, but it bugs me how you support your thesis by bundling Christians and atheists upon sterotypical lines. On top, you couple this simplyfing pigeon-holing by attempt to divine the motivations and intentions of individual Christians and Atheists.
Juding actions and words is objective and kosher, but general character criticism and characterizations of motivations is hard to substantiate-- and you don't do it here.
From first sentence to last, this entry slid from a broad appeal for understanding to a limiting caraicature of the deeper issues and conflicts.
Well I agree with most of what you said and disagree with some of it. I'll start off by saying that any opinions I share about your blog are not meant to be more of the annoying arguing you just talked about. Simply my opinion here.
First off I think that people need to respect one another's beliefs. I'm not saying we need to agree with it, and I don't think there is some universal idea of truth (you know, this idea that whatever you believe for you is true and someone else's truth is true for them). But regardless, people need to respect one another. It never hurts to listen to someone else's opinion. It's how we learn. If what I believe is really true, examining it under scrutiny will only further confirm it. And if what I believe is false, discussing it may just shed light on it and maybe I will change my opinion.
As far as ridiculous arguing goes, I believe we're all sinners. Sinners do stupid things. I do stupid things too. It's all of us. You'll find disrespect in any walk of life, no matter what group you look at.
I agree that sometimes people interpret the Bible any way they like or take verses out of context, but I don't agree that you can't be sure of what is sin according to the Bible. I think that though translations may vary, the ultimate meaning is pretty clear and unchangeable. I'm not saying you have to believe what the Bible says is true, though I do. But I think that if you do believe the Bible is true, you must also accept that what God calls sin is sin.
I apologize if my comment is too long. On the subject of gay marriage: I think the Bible is pretty clear about homosexuality being a sin. However, I agree with you completely that it really isn't up to us to make the law a Christian law. If you start getting into that, then there should be laws against lying, against getting divorced, against having freedom to practice any religion you want. And that is not American by any means.
Well those were my thoughts.
I think it's ironic that a post talking about ending "religious wars" and stupid arguments is so inflammatory. In addition, it's also contradictory.
For example, you say "You can think what you want about what is or isn't a sin, but how is it up to you to decide that for everyone?"
To paraphrase you, you saying that it's wrong for Christians to tell other people that certain things are wrong. Isn't the contradiction obvious? If it's wrong for people to tell others that what they're doing is wrong, then aren't you doing that very thing? It seems that it's wrong for OTHER people to call things wrong, but perfectly okay for you to do it.
You tell people that everyone has the right to choose their own path, and in the same paragraph you're criticizing people for the path they've chosen. Again, isn't the irony obvious? People can choose their own path - unless you don't like the judgmental path they've taken, in which case they need to get off that path and find one that you like.
I agree that the anger and hatred is tiresome, it just seems that this post adds to it.
I enjoy the mental stimulation whenever that is present in either side of the debate.
I have nothing to add other than this post wasn't edited very well, if they're edited at all.
"...trying to 'save souls.'"
"Fighting on Xanga the way..."
I usually ignore that particular drama, so I don't know how bad it actually gets or how accurate your description is. I think you(author) ought to be careful about your own stereotypes, because from what I can tell there are plenty of people on both sides who aren't just a bunch of a-holes in defending/debating their beliefs. But there definitely are those who lack respect for each other's views.
I am a Christian, I believe in evolution, and I think people who disagree with either of those
beliefs or the combination of beliefs are entitled to their opinions. I firmly
believe that the way of Christ is the only way that fulfills man's true
purpose, at the same time I fully understand those who can not see why I would
believe that. I also believe we all should be aware of and acknowledge
scientific progress. Atheists should keep in mind that the Christian's
inability to prove there is a God doesn't disprove God nor does it discredit
their intelligence. In the same way, Christians need to keep in mind that the
Atheist's inability to disprove the existence of God isn't proof of God nor
does it discredit the Atheist's intelligence.
I completely understand why some may feel that choosing to believe in something
that is unseen makes less sense then not believing in something which hasn't been seen...and unfortunately I know of very few Christians who would dare to admit that kind of understanding.We are human, we have lots of belief systems to choose from, and we shouldn't assume that only those who pick our own use their brains. I think both sides need to recognize that the
individuals on the other side have their individual reasons for embracing their
beliefs, and rather than just throwing mud at each other we ought to be sincere
in understanding each others perspectives, even if we don't agree with them.
And if we're concerned that the other side is choosing a path that will destroy
their lives or mankind, it's foolish to think we're doing anyone any good by
flinging insults and mockery at them and their beliefs. Its fine to point out holes in theories and systems of faith, but none of us know it all or catch all the flaws in our own
perspectives...that's why its healthy to debate and discuss. It's one thing to
be confident in your beliefs, it's another to be an arrogant douche who refuses
to respectfully consider what different beliefs have to say.
well it's about saving souls. I think that's more important then being sick of the "drama". i will be rewarded for my diligence in talking about god to non-believers and believers alike, so, really? i am sorry that you are sick of the "war", but i am more interested in the war for souls.
But I do think it let me get something off my chest that's been bugging me about Xangans for quite some time.
You have some valid points. Hope you feel better.
Are you tired of it, too? Or do you enjoy the drama?
Both. Sometimes it's tiring and sometimes I really enjoy the debates.
@Theophilus166@xanga - Good reply.
I know you weren't trying to stop the Xanga Religious wars, but I think your post might be counter-productive, actually causing further religious war than anything else, because of the manner in which this is written. I think if you want to appeal to people, you can't put them down (regardless of what their viewpoint on the subject is). When I first read the title of this blog, I was very interested, but by the end I was unimpressed, unappealed.
I'm tired of people being mean to each other, but you've gone and done the same thing it seems.... I feel your post says nothing... I don't mean this in a manner full of malice, I just mean that it exists, but does nothing more.
Better that we fight in here than out there, I say.
I love it...not the war but the discussion and brainstorming on religious issues
THERE CAN ONLY BE OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!
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I love this. I've been having similar thoughts about both sides. As a Christian it can be overwhelming and somtimes I just want to voice my opinion about it but then I just shut my mouth after I realize it may envoke another pointless war or long droning speech from one of the deaconess' at my church.
I concur with the sentiment, but I have to agree with @CelestialTeapot@xanga. You make quite a few generalizations based on stereotypes. I'm not saying you're a bad person for doing that, I've sure done it, but generalizing tends to subtract from credibility.
While I'm happy you were able to get this off your chest (I know how that feels), this probably would have been better suited on your own site instead of Revelife. It just seems like an angry tirade here where, most likely, not many people know your usual personality in posts. This doesn't present the best image for you. My advice would be to turn it down a notch.
I do have some praise, though: I can't tell which side you're on. You seem equally miffed at both sides, which is refreshing.
Oh, from the few blogs I've read, I've really enjoyed reading them. There's hardly been any that I can say I've fully disagreed with. The most I've had was a Christian (sorry for labeling) trying to say what I commented on, which was neutral, say how I'm wrong and that all Atheists were a certain way, which didn't really seem fair to me. I then noticed that the person was commenting on anything remotely having to do with Atheists @.@ Other than that, I really do like the enlightening blogs. Whatever your religion, I feel that it's nice that we're all trying to become better people.
Christian chiming in - I agree with you entirely and am entertained by the nitpicker comments.
I've been tired of it for a very long time.
I also think many of the responses to this post are a little off; you aren't putting all Atheists into these "stereotypes" or all "Christians"; or that's not how I'm seeing it.
Well look at people nitpicking. I know you generalised but i saw the point of the post
and some people are proving your point.
People will argue over anything, religion being up there at the top. I've given up, because being patronised isnt my idea of a good time.
"Meanwhile, the Atheists run around trying to stir up fights with
Christians. [...] Some of them go so far as to say there is something actually
wrong in their brains and that they are mentally retarded for believing
in God. [...] They ask
questions Christians can't answer without being labeled "stupid." The
definition of faith is believing in something that you cannot see and
cannot be proven without a doubt. So the answers to these questions
would be because they have faith. Atheists think faith is stupidity.
At
the same time, I think Atheists [...] love science because to them it can
prove there is no God. However, most of science is [...] Concepts that are not verified or proven, but if correct,
could explain certain facts or phenomena. In essence, Atheists that
call Christians stupid because of their faith have faith in science.
And faith is faith - unproven is unproven - no matter how you look at
it."
I'm going to focus solely on the passage I selected because it's just so damn funny, especially the quote "Some of them go so far as to say there is something actually
wrong in their brains and that they are mentally retarded for believing
in God" - to me that is the funniest thing I've read all night, and I'm sorry that I think that because you wrote this post in all sincerity and I'll try to answer in kind, but no promises I won't crack a few jokes along the way...
To start, technically, faith would be considered ignorance since it involves what you cannot know, Stupidity would be knowing the facts and still going ahead with whatever. Ignorance is not knowing (which isn't necessarily a bad thing - stupidity is the one you have to watch out for...)
So I guess to claim faith is ignorance, but to follow through with it is stupidity? I don't know, but it's not a main point and doesn't really matter IMO.
Here's how I think of faith, in a roundabout way: if someone (your parents, for example) asks you a question of why you do something, would an acceptable answer be "I don't know"? In the world there should be order and reason. Not to say there always will be, but it definitely is nice, and people are expected to be accountable for their actions. Stating "I don't know" to why you believe something simply does not seem acceptable as an answer or a reason. THAT is why they are labeled as stupid or ignorant. Not because they are Christian, but because they are making a decision that they openly admit to not knowing why.
"I think Atheists [...] love science because to them it can
prove there is no God. However, most of science is [...] Concepts that are not verified or proven, but if correct,
could explain certain facts or phenomena."
First off, you cannot prove a negative. Science only provides us with the means to answer things for ourselves. And, so far, it's done us pretty good. Normally I'd pull facts and figures out of my ass and state that medical science has saved more lives than prayer, but there simply aren't facts and figures to back that up, though it only seems logical.
Second, the word theory in science is quite different than theory in other usages. I'm not a scientific expert, so I will have to appropriate the key points of a good explanation of this from http://www.wilstar.com/theories.htm - i'd recommend reading the full article because it's much too long to post here
"Lay people often misinterpret the language used by scientists. [...] In layman’s terms, if something is said to be “just a theory,” it usually means that it is a
mere guess, or is unproved. It might even lack credibility. But in scientific terms, a
theory implies that something has been proven and is generally accepted as being true. [...] A theory is more like a scientific law than a hypothesis. A theory is an
explanation of a set of related observations or events based upon proven hypotheses and
verified multiple times by detached groups of researchers."
My emphasis is added above.
Anyways, just my 2 cents.
Stereotype much?
Besides, the definition of a theory is something that is proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Meaning that after testing the "theory" of evolution, again and again, scientists continuously get the same answer every time. Unless proven otherwise, by which the change will become ANOTHER theory.
At least, that's how I've been taught it works.
All in all, about your post, I agree. However, I tend to participate in these battles when I feel I have to defend my orientation and the gay culture when it's regarded as being "disgusting", "unnatural" and a "choice". If Christians can stick to the actual teachings of Jesus on here (such as, love thy neighbor and other crap like that.) then Atheists and Christians would have nothing to fight about.
In fact, if I saw more posts like "I feel uncomfortable speaking in confessions" or something like that, I'll be bored and not take another glance at Revelife. Thus, peace shall be restored!
*rainbow*
- Kunoichi
P.S: I was intrigued by the title because honestly, I'm tired of it too. I express an opinion once or twice and I get a response written in caps lock on how I'm going to hell. It pisses me off. Why can't we all just get along?
I stopped reading this post at the statement "The Christians think they are holier than everyone" (then I finished it minutes later).
If you want to speak to those who upset you with their uncivil tongues and show them the error of their ways then doing so with a civil tongue would help (calling people assholes to open your blog hardly earns a readers respect). Making unfair generalizes about groups of people is counter-productive to what you seem to be seeking to achieve. Honestly, this post is only a griping session and has no edifying qualities in it.
As it stands, this post is gasoline on a fire, a bullet in a war.
The only drama that exists is the drama you create. If you don't let it penetrate you, then it won't.
i believe that you are right in certain points. people do fight over their beliefs a lot of the time.
i don't believe that chirstians think they are better than anyone else religion. we have fought
over is there really a God. i think drama is only create if you let it. that is just like life..
if you start something, then it may happen that way