The virgin birth doesn't bug me as much as the idea of immaculate conception. I mean, okay, Jesus is the tragic hero of the story, so a origin story based on fate/divinity mixed with humble origins makes a ton of sense narratively, especially since the story is trying to create and market a religion. And, we still enjoy those kinds of stories today (see: Star Wars as an obvious example). Plus, it's not like Christianity is the origin of such story hooks.
The immaculate conception, however, bugs the shit out of me. According to Catholics, god simply hand waves away Mary's original sin when she's conceived because she's fated to give birth to Jesus (god picks 'em when they're real young, apparently). If he can do that for her, why not everyone else? Why create a son destined for torture and death? Why not simply be more efficient and cut out the middle steps? It's pretty obvious that he can if he wants to.
And I know Christians will give the same song and dance about free will, god wanting people to come to him willingly, testing our character and rewarding us with heaven, and that it's a Catholic thing, not entirely endorsed by other sects, blah blah blah. But it's just so dumb, and once again calls into question this purported perfect being's plan. Plus, for Catholics, at least, it's proof that Jesus' sacrifice was completely unnecessary when it comes to absolution/atonement of one's inherent sinful taint. Daddy can simply wipe the slate clean whenever he feels like it.
It baffles me that people just let this shit go, turn off their brains, and simply defer to authority in funny hats.
The immaculate conception, however, bugs the shit out of me. According to Catholics, god simply hand waves away Mary's original sin when she's conceived because she's fated to give birth to Jesus (god picks 'em when they're real young, apparently). If he can do that for her, why not everyone else? Why create a son destined for torture and death? Why not simply be more efficient and cut out the middle steps? It's pretty obvious that he can if he wants to.
And I know Christians will give the same song and dance about free will, god wanting people to come to him willingly, testing our character and rewarding us with heaven, and that it's a Catholic thing, not entirely endorsed by other sects, blah blah blah. But it's just so dumb, and once again calls into question this purported perfect being's plan. Plus, for Catholics, at least, it's proof that Jesus' sacrifice was completely unnecessary when it comes to absolution/atonement of one's inherent sinful taint. Daddy can simply wipe the slate clean whenever he feels like it.
It baffles me that people just let this shit go, turn off their brains, and simply defer to authority in funny hats.
"I was thirsty for everything, but blood wasn't my style" - Live, "Voodoo Lady"
