Convert me!

[Penhorse340]

Ok, here's my problem. I'm a Christian. I'm not mad keen on most other christians, we seem to attract more than our share of dicks. I'm downright embarrassed by mainstream christianities attempts at science. The bible seems to me full of contradiction and irrationality.

But here's the thing, religion offers something. An easy answer to lifes hard questions, a(broadly) functional moral code to live by, and something to cuddle when I get afraid of the dark (metaphysically speaking). I've heard religion described as a crutch and I think that's true. If I decide not to believe in god any longer, to throw away the crutch are there any upsides to replace all that stuff?

Freedom. Freedom to make up your own mind about right and wrong ad follow what you believe.

Me, I love the fact that I'm able to live my life without worrying about some invisible, judgemental friend watching over my shoulder all the time. If I want to have sex with someone of the same sex, I can do that without God getting all pissy. If I want to vote pro choice, I can do that without worrying about theological implications. If I want to watch hard-core porn, that's between me and my own, personal feelings on the issue.

I think most Christians have that freedom too. They just cherry pick the bits they like and "re-interpret" the rest. That's why so many get hysterical about aborting a 12 hour old embryo (murder), but are aok with bombing the crap out of a bunch of Iraqi civilians (gods righteous wrath). Bum fun is an abomination but serial monogamy or kiddie fiddling priests is something we ignore. The nazis had "god with us" on their belt buckles! I doubt your concience is a more relaxed moral guide than most people's religions. If anything, they're freer because they find divine sanction for what they wanted to do anyway!

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@jonb,
Do you realise you sound just like a Christian talking to an atheist? :-)

Yes I can speak your language. What else would you expect, me to offer the other cheek
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jS89rhtMkrs

I expect nothing from you, you're spiritually dead you see? ;-) Your arse cheeks offer nothing and therefore are nothing.

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I know it was a joke! That's why I lol'd

As to non believers going to hell, I think that owes more to middle ages turn or burn, do what we say or be damned type theology than anything in the bible.

@jonb,
Do you realise you sound just like a Christian talking to an atheist? :-)

No i think there are quite a few references in the bible to this.Heres one-
Revelation 21:8 "But for the cowardly and UNBELIEVING and abominable and murderers and immoral persons and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death."

Yeah but this Is revelation we're talking about. Pale horses and 7 seals and such. Not a book I take too literally. Aside from anything else it's still talking about the resurrection of the body. For every unbeliever who's ever lived that would have to be one **** off big lake, even leaving alone that it's very hard to make lakes burn.