June 19th, 2010
Photo by discoodoni
I feel uncomfortable when it comes to making promises. Saying something like “I can absolutely do that for you.” or “I’ll send that to you ASAP” makes me wary. Why? Because I know myself.
I’m not completely trustworthy, especially when it comes to getting things done. I don’t want to promise anything until I know that I will actually do it and do it on time. Breaking a promise means losing someone’s trust. It also means that I was dishonest (even if unintentionally).
Bigger promises lke “I will always love you” and “I swear I will never ____ again” are obvious trouble-makers. But so many of us say them without worrying if we’ll later break those vows later on. But what if we didn’t promise anything? What would that be like, and would out loved ones have the same confidence and security with us? How would a wedding vow that says “I will try my best to love you for as long as we are compatible” sound?
Lying and promise-breaking also bothered me as a Christian believer. In high school I meditated on the themes of speech, lying, and the power of the tongue. Pardon me for a minute, because I’m about to give you all a little bible study:
- Matthew 12:36-37 [show] I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned." (ESV)
- Proverbs 18:21 [show] Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
and those who love it will eat its fruits.
- Proverbs 19:5 [show] A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who breathes out lies will not escape.
- James 1:26 [show] If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. (ESV)
Yeah, yeah… fiery depths of hell for all liars, blah blah. We got it. But wait. Behind all the “die evildoers” text, I think these verses contain lessons about our speech that people of all religions and non-belief can live by:
- Live with integrity; be trustworthy
- Words have consequences
- Think before you speak
Do you make promises of love and commitment when you know you might not keep them? Do you make promises in general?
christianity, personal, questions, relationships, the bible | 
10 Comments »
June 15th, 2010
Photo by UGArdener
I’m a member of the community site ThinkAtheist, and one active forum discussion was sparked by question to atheists who “used to be deeply religious or who used to really have faith, especially those of view who have de-converted recently.” I will post my response below, but I’d like to hear your reactions as well.
Question: [W]hat chance do you give to the possibility of reconverting or going back to the religion you left? My [non-believing] friend maintained that many people for whom religion was a fundamental part of their life will eventually go back to their old faith, and possibly in a big way.
I think that of course, it will depend on the person, and how convinced they were when they became atheists in the first place; also, I think people who have had very bad experiences with their religion, and have finally escaped, will never go back to it.
Would I go back?
Since I left faith because of an intellectual search instead of an emotional reaction or difficult experience (such as Christians being mean to me, being angry at god because of a death in the family, etc.), I don’t think it’s likely that I will ever return to being a Christian like I was before. I was sincerely passionate in my belief and I studied a lot, read much, and loved being a Jesus-follower.
But since I don’t see any evidence for a deity, do not believe there is a higher power, and above all I absolutely reject the deity portrayed in the Christian bible, I don’t see why I’d return to being religious. I don’t think any man-made religion would satisfy me or make sense.
Plus, atheism is freeing! There’s nothing wrong with it. Nothing is lacking. Why would I switch back to something so ridiculous and make-believe?
Would you go back? Let us know in the comments.
christianity, god, personal, questions, religion | 23 Comments »
June 14th, 2010
Is church so boring that you need to liven it up with a bit of booze?
Think you’ll grow intimately with the lord with a little liquor in you?
Does the thought of reciting one more “Our Father” drive you to drink?
Have I got the solution for you!
The Hollow Book Flask Safe
$50.00 from SecretSafeBooks on Etsy.com
The way of salvation…nah.
Comfort in time of loneliness? Nope.
ALCOHOL! Yes! Cheers, mate!
“Help in time of need” indeed!
funny, randomness, the bible | 10 Comments »
June 10th, 2010
TheThinkingAtheist has posted two fantastic videos comprised of numerous personal stories and reflections from atheists. Each person opens up in front of the camera, sharing memories and insights on how they became atheists and what it means to them.
I wish I knew every one of these people. Hearing others with stories similar to my own helps me feel more connected with the world. If one of you submitted your clips to these compilations, thank you.
Does anyone in the videos share your story? Have you shared how you admitted, decided, or discovered you were an atheist? If you don’t mind sharing a link to your story, please do so in the comments!
christianity, god, religion, the bible, videos | 2 Comments »
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