Comments on: A Mile Wide and an Inch Deep http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html NIGHTTIME IS FOR DREAMING. DAYLIGHT IS FOR ACTION. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:09:52 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9 hourly 1 By: other scott http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-49093 other scott Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:11:48 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-49093 "the reason for my conversion was two-fold: 1) The person/work of Jesus (who is called Christ) and 2) His resurrection from the dead." I've never quite understood how christians can so revere 'the works' of a man who probably didn't exist and didn't really DO anything. People claim that Jesus preached love, compassion and forgiveness but these ideas aren't new. The idea of love didn't just appear when Jesus clicked his fingers. These 'works' are not new, they have been around long before the Christian Era and will be around long after. Even if I grant you that Jesus did ANY work at all for the sake of this discussion, where is the evidence of it? Is the evidence in the Crusades? The Spanish Inquisition? The Christian drug dealer? The priest who molests children? As for his ressurection, your only source of evidence for this occuring is the bible. The same book that says we all came from one man and one woman who lived in paradise, you can fit two of every animal on the planet into an ark and stoning people is encouraged. "we're ALL religious in the respect that we desire to worship something" I don't really agree with this in the slightest. I think there are quite a lot of people who need to CLING to something bigger than themselves, but to argue we ALL want to worship something is a little too broad of a statement. In the end, if Jesus was real, all he did was preach to the poor masses of salvation. It would be akin to somebody today going to a starving village in Africa and telling them that hunger is the way of the lord and is righteous, those who die with an empty belly will be assured everlasting paradise. "the reason for my conversion was two-fold: 1) The person/work of Jesus (who is called Christ) and 2) His resurrection from the dead."

I've never quite understood how christians can so revere 'the works' of a man who probably didn't exist and didn't really DO anything. People claim that Jesus preached love, compassion and forgiveness but these ideas aren't new. The idea of love didn't just appear when Jesus clicked his fingers. These 'works' are not new, they have been around long before the Christian Era and will be around long after.

Even if I grant you that Jesus did ANY work at all for the sake of this discussion, where is the evidence of it? Is the evidence in the Crusades? The Spanish Inquisition? The Christian drug dealer? The priest who molests children?

As for his ressurection, your only source of evidence for this occuring is the bible. The same book that says we all came from one man and one woman who lived in paradise, you can fit two of every animal on the planet into an ark and stoning people is encouraged.

"we're ALL religious in the respect that we desire to worship something"

I don't really agree with this in the slightest. I think there are quite a lot of people who need to CLING to something bigger than themselves, but to argue we ALL want to worship something is a little too broad of a statement.

In the end, if Jesus was real, all he did was preach to the poor masses of salvation. It would be akin to somebody today going to a starving village in Africa and telling them that hunger is the way of the lord and is righteous, those who die with an empty belly will be assured everlasting paradise.

]]> By: Thumpalumpacus http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-49078 Thumpalumpacus Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:49:43 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-49078 <blockquote>To focus too much on religion as an enemy misses the point - we're ALL religious in the respect that we desire to worship something (the Scriptures call that idolatry).</blockquote> Slow down, Steve. Not all of us feel the way you do; you're projecting. Besides, even if this statement were correct, you've no way of knowing that you are right and the Hindus, say, are wrong. I do not "worship" the "rational mind", either. I merely practice rationality. I highly recommend it.

To focus too much on religion as an enemy misses the point - we're ALL religious in the respect that we desire to worship something (the Scriptures call that idolatry).

Slow down, Steve. Not all of us feel the way you do; you're projecting. Besides, even if this statement were correct, you've no way of knowing that you are right and the Hindus, say, are wrong.

I do not "worship" the "rational mind", either. I merely practice rationality. I highly recommend it.

]]> By: sam http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-49055 sam Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:37:25 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-49055 Properly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived. Isaac asimov Properly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived. Isaac asimov

]]> By: Virginia http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-46668 Virginia Sun, 03 May 2009 09:30:13 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-46668 Well, not necessarily a great source of hope if Christians know so little about the Bible -- they may be more subjected to manipulation by their preachers,relying solely their "preaching" / "exergis", and can become even more bigotry. The important key is not to drive the Christians to their protective "dens", but lure them out from the "safety" of their churches or their own forums, and see the real world. Well, not necessarily a great source of hope if Christians know so little about the Bible -- they may be more subjected to manipulation by their preachers,relying solely their "preaching" / "exergis", and can become even more bigotry.
The important key is not to drive the Christians to their protective "dens", but lure them out from the "safety" of their churches or their own forums, and see the real world.

]]> By: Steve Larsen http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-46630 Steve Larsen Sat, 02 May 2009 19:08:32 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-46630 Good post. Although I'm diametrically opposed to your world-view. Over 20 years ago I de-converted from atheism (in contra-distinction to the deodorant my parents used - see comment above :) and I am aware that the Bible contains so-called "atrocities, absurdities, and contradictions". However, the reason for my conversion was two-fold: 1) The person/work of Jesus (who is called Christ) and 2) His resurrection from the dead. To focus too much on religion as an enemy misses the point - we're ALL religious in the respect that we desire to worship something (the Scriptures call that idolatry). So the question is "Who or what do you worship?" Why expend so much energy railing against the god-who-doesn't-exist unless it's a key component of your worship of the Rational Mind? Just some thoughts. Of course the "missing link" with respect to your last paragraph ("in full agreement with the Christian proselytizers") is the person and work of the Holy Spirit that can take the "dead words" of Scripture and give them life. Good post.

Although I'm diametrically opposed to your world-view.

Over 20 years ago I de-converted from atheism (in contra-distinction to the deodorant my parents used - see comment above :) and I am aware that the Bible contains so-called "atrocities, absurdities, and contradictions". However, the reason for my conversion was two-fold: 1) The person/work of Jesus (who is called Christ) and 2) His resurrection from the dead.

To focus too much on religion as an enemy misses the point - we're ALL religious in the respect that we desire to worship something (the Scriptures call that idolatry). So the question is "Who or what do you worship?" Why expend so much energy railing against the god-who-doesn't-exist unless it's a key component of your worship of the Rational Mind?

Just some thoughts.

Of course the "missing link" with respect to your last paragraph ("in full agreement with the Christian proselytizers") is the person and work of the Holy Spirit that can take the "dead words" of Scripture and give them life.

]]> By: te00294 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-38783 te00294 Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:36:02 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-38783 I agree with most of the posts here. I tend to think that most people view their religious persuasion much like they do their heritage. I happen to be of Irish descent, but I have no idea where County Cork or Limerick is located, nor do I know any of the real history of Ireland. That doesn't make me less Irish, just ignorant of my heritage. This same attitude is not valid when viewed from the perspective of religious persuasion (I am reticent to start calling it 'belief', since so few seem to have actually bothered to study it and follow the guidelines). This makes one ignorant of their religion <i>and therefore less religious</i>. Religion is a choice, even if it was never presented as such. Most people who claim a religious preference really don't think about it that much. It is a means of identifying with a group. I read somewhere that religion is like deodorant - you tend to use the one your parents used. I agree with most of the posts here. I tend to think that most people view their religious persuasion much like they do their heritage. I happen to be of Irish descent, but I have no idea where County Cork or Limerick is located, nor do I know any of the real history of Ireland. That doesn't make me less Irish, just ignorant of my heritage.

This same attitude is not valid when viewed from the perspective of religious persuasion (I am reticent to start calling it 'belief', since so few seem to have actually bothered to study it and follow the guidelines). This makes one ignorant of their religion and therefore less religious. Religion is a choice, even if it was never presented as such. Most people who claim a religious preference really don't think about it that much. It is a means of identifying with a group.

I read somewhere that religion is like deodorant - you tend to use the one your parents used.

]]> By: Sir-Think-A-Lot http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-38779 Sir-Think-A-Lot Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:19:18 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-38779 So most Christians are ignorant? Thats not really much of a surprise when you consider that most people are ignorant(yes I'm a cynic) Actually I agree with most of whats been said here: most people who answer 'Christian' on census's or polls do so out of habit or because they feel thye are somehow expected to, even though they dont really believe or practice their faith. My grandmother usedto make fun of what she called "C&E Christians". People hwo show up for church services on Christmas and Easter, but never see the inside of a church hte rest of hte year. But I think even a lot of people who go to church every Sunday do so more out of habit than sincere belief, and forget the preacers sermon by the time they drive home. So most Christians are ignorant? Thats not really much of a surprise when you consider that most people are ignorant(yes I'm a cynic)

Actually I agree with most of whats been said here: most people who answer 'Christian' on census's or polls do so out of habit or because they feel thye are somehow expected to, even though they dont really believe or practice their faith.

My grandmother usedto make fun of what she called "C&E Christians". People hwo show up for church services on Christmas and Easter, but never see the inside of a church hte rest of hte year. But I think even a lot of people who go to church every Sunday do so more out of habit than sincere belief, and forget the preacers sermon by the time they drive home.

]]> By: DArren http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-18684 DArren Tue, 06 Mar 2007 12:48:04 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-18684 I'd be interested to know the results of a survey that first asked "Are you religious?" before conditionally asking "What religion are you?". This latter question is a somewhat leading question that almost requires a "positive" response. I suspect that "Christian" is the default answer to this question in the Western world and leads to an artificially high census figure. I know many people that unthinkingly write "CofE" (Church of England) in England, not because they are religious in the slightest, but out of patriotism! I'd be interested to know the results of a survey that first asked "Are you religious?" before conditionally asking "What religion are you?". This latter question is a somewhat leading question that almost requires a "positive" response. I suspect that "Christian" is the default answer to this question in the Western world and leads to an artificially high census figure. I know many people that unthinkingly write "CofE" (Church of England) in England, not because they are religious in the slightest, but out of patriotism!

]]> By: Tom in Cala Dor Palma de Mallorca http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-6511 Tom in Cala Dor Palma de Mallorca Sun, 01 Oct 2006 12:19:27 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-6511 Very fitting I think: "God is the inner principle of all movement, the only identity which already fulfils and illuminates the universe. Everything is incorporated in this one principle, because it encloses infinity, it includes everything, and there is nothing that could be outside of it. " Giordano Bruno Very fitting I think: "God is the inner principle of all movement, the only identity which already fulfils and illuminates the universe. Everything is incorporated in this one principle, because it encloses infinity, it includes everything, and there is nothing that could be outside of it. " Giordano Bruno

]]> By: Ash http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-392 Ash Wed, 22 Mar 2006 10:34:07 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-392 More interesting could be to see how they hold to the tenets of Christianity. In the UK, surveys such as "what religion are you" give a high level of Christianity, but in practice the UK is more Deist than anything Questions such as "was Jesus the son of God", "Was Jesus actually god" or "Did Jesus die so that sins may be forgiven" would likely result in no from many people who identify with Christianity here, but I suspect that in the US, they may get a "yes" response, even if people don't know much more than that More interesting could be to see how they hold to the tenets of Christianity. In the UK, surveys such as "what religion are you" give a high level of Christianity, but in practice the UK is more Deist than anything
Questions such as "was Jesus the son of God", "Was Jesus actually god" or "Did Jesus die so that sins may be forgiven" would likely result in no from many people who identify with Christianity here, but I suspect that in the US, they may get a "yes" response, even if people don't know much more than that

]]> By: Stephen http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-305 Stephen Wed, 15 Mar 2006 21:04:21 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-305 I suggest that someone who claims to be a Christian, particularly one claiming moral superiority, should be asked if he/she then accepts the truth of Mark 10:17-25, especially verse 21 (or similar versions in Matthew and Luke). Best asked in church car parks in wealthy areas. I suggest that someone who claims to be a Christian, particularly one claiming moral superiority, should be asked if he/she then accepts the truth of Mark 10:17-25, especially verse 21 (or similar versions in Matthew and Luke). Best asked in church car parks in wealthy areas.

]]> By: andrea http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-298 andrea Mon, 13 Mar 2006 21:07:35 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/03/a-mile-wide-and-an-inch-deep.html#comment-298 I agree with Quath and would add that the rest of the Christians just read the Bible to support their particular predjudices. It all just comes down to selective reading. I agree with Quath and would add that the rest of the Christians just read the Bible to support their particular predjudices. It all just comes down to selective reading.

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