Whenever I talk to someone about their beliefs, I like to go beyond the religion they identify with and discuss what it is they actually believe. It helps to determine whether the label they attach to themselves is socially driven, belief driven, culturally driven, etc etc. Generally, I find that most people's beliefs are quite far removed from those of their religion. This is no surprise.
Religious leaders (Fathers, Bishops, Priests, Rabbis, Imams etc) are in a unique position in that they are part of the religious "elite" (I use "elite" in the loosest sense possible). As such, one would expect them to be steadfast in their belief. However, from an atheist's point of view, one must remember that they are people like any other. With this in mind, wouldn't it be great to get honest answers from them on the points that really define their religion? Answers to questions such as:
"Do you really believe there is a personal god who watches over you; judges you; cares for you?"
"As the Pope, do you really believe you have been appointed by God? That you have a direct, personal relationship with God?"
"Do you genuinely believe there are 72 virgins waiting for you in heaven?"
"Does it really make sense to you that Jesus (God personified), died on a cross for sins our ancestors had commited, were currently committing, would go on to commit and the sins we have committed, are committing and will commit? Yet we still have to follow the word of God and ask for forgiveness for our already forgiven sins if we are to enter heaven?"
"With not a single word in the bible about Popes, Priests, Father's, Nuns, on what grounds are your positions, duties and powers based?"
I'm not specifically looking for answers to these questions from forum members. What I ask is this; in your opinion, do religious leaders epitomise the true believer? Maybe they don't believe and are wilfully dishonest? Perhaps, as studies of corporate leaders have shown, they have a high rate of psychopathy?
Or more succintly; religious leaders. What are you thoughts on them; what are your experiences of them?
Personally, I'm skeptical that someone who has the intelligence to reach the top of their chosen field would genuinely, in their heart of hearts, believe things that have no basis in reality. I suggest they are either wilfully ignorant or wilfully dishonest.
Religious leaders (Fathers, Bishops, Priests, Rabbis, Imams etc) are in a unique position in that they are part of the religious "elite" (I use "elite" in the loosest sense possible). As such, one would expect them to be steadfast in their belief. However, from an atheist's point of view, one must remember that they are people like any other. With this in mind, wouldn't it be great to get honest answers from them on the points that really define their religion? Answers to questions such as:
"Do you really believe there is a personal god who watches over you; judges you; cares for you?"
"As the Pope, do you really believe you have been appointed by God? That you have a direct, personal relationship with God?"
"Do you genuinely believe there are 72 virgins waiting for you in heaven?"
"Does it really make sense to you that Jesus (God personified), died on a cross for sins our ancestors had commited, were currently committing, would go on to commit and the sins we have committed, are committing and will commit? Yet we still have to follow the word of God and ask for forgiveness for our already forgiven sins if we are to enter heaven?"
"With not a single word in the bible about Popes, Priests, Father's, Nuns, on what grounds are your positions, duties and powers based?"
I'm not specifically looking for answers to these questions from forum members. What I ask is this; in your opinion, do religious leaders epitomise the true believer? Maybe they don't believe and are wilfully dishonest? Perhaps, as studies of corporate leaders have shown, they have a high rate of psychopathy?
Or more succintly; religious leaders. What are you thoughts on them; what are your experiences of them?
Personally, I'm skeptical that someone who has the intelligence to reach the top of their chosen field would genuinely, in their heart of hearts, believe things that have no basis in reality. I suggest they are either wilfully ignorant or wilfully dishonest.
