Archives For atheism

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Is 2014 the year of American Atheism?

Chris —  December 30, 2013

The UK’s Daily Telegraph has some important thoughts on the secularization of America:

My point is that the religious geography of America is changing – partly as a result of immigration (Hispanic, chiefly) but also because the Washington Post maps show how washed out and feeble Catholicism and mainline Protestantism have become. They may occupy the same territory that they did 50 years ago, but the Post’s map below tells a dismal story…

..Let’s put this simply: America is secularising just like Europe – and all that talk of “American exceptionalism”, the free market in religion that kept it thriving, has turned out to be hogwash. We can discuss why on another occasion. But some of us saw this coming a long time ago. And, please, don’t kid yourself that Pope Francis, wonderful man that he is, can do more than add a percentage point here or there.

With 2014 just a few hours away, how will you and your church approach these changes?

In Church, Mission , , , , , ,
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Top 5 Reasons I Should Be An Atheist

Chris —  May 20, 2010

5.  I’ve never seen God heal an amputee.

4. It’s hard for me to honestly reconcile my understanding of science with a literal interpretation of scripture.

3.  Life would be easier if I didn’t have my beliefs.

2.  Religion is responsible for some of the worst things ever.  The crusades, Apartheid, CCM.

1.  It’s hard to tell the difference between atheists and many Christians.

Across the country (even in Austin) 80% of Americans  self-identify as Christians.  Yet we don’t see churches busting at the seams, divorce rates plummeting and peace breaking out everywhere.

I’m not an atheist, but it seems like I’m meeting them more and more.  I’m not talking scientifically minded people who enjoy the angry rhetoric of Richard Dawkins and the like. I’m talking about those within the 80%, whose lifestyles, relationships and beliefs structure show no evidence of any life change resulting from following Jesus.

Many who self identify as Christians might as well be atheists. I see it most in my generation. They’ve heard the gospel.  They’ve been to church.  They just don’t care.  Might as well be atheists.

Why do you think that is?

In Church, Culture , , , , ,
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A Good Week for Theodicy

Chris —  May 7, 2009

The classic “How could a loving God allow for all the pain in our world?” question is the number one proof for atheism.  I often hear stories of people who have lost their faith over this question.  

This week has included a suspected murder of one of my college classmates, a devastating fire in one of the poorest parts of Austin, and my own personal neverending job search.  You can’t help but asks questions, “Why does God let these things happen?” or even, “What kind of God would let that happen?”

Christian answers tend to fall in one of two categories.  There’s the seemingly blind faith of the Calvinist, “God is sovereign. He has his reasons.”  Then there’s the more ambiguous arguments of Arminians and Open-Theists, “God gave us free will.  These things happen.” Neither of them really make me feel any better.

Theodicy hasn’t driven me from God, but it has for many others.  I wonder how many of those who struggled with these questions felt like they were supposed to have blind faith, and that there was no room in the church for their doubts.

The key is wrestling with it. Ask your questions.  Give God your worst.  If he’s God, if he even exists, he can handle it.

In God , ,
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