Comments on: How Christian fundamentalism leads to atheism

By: cl

cl — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:29:23 +0000

You said, “For people who cannot reconcile those obviously diverse ways of thinking, they feel like they have no choice but to reject God because they do not have a concept of Christianity, or religion, outside of fundamentalism. It’s been presented their whole lives as all or nothing, black or white.”

Even more interesting is that when these people deconvert, they tend to just redress their fundamentalist mindstate in atheist clothing. Have you noticed that as well? These tend to be the types that end up getting categorized “militant atheists” by some people, in my experience. It’s just the exchange of one fundamentalism for another. Of course, by no means am I saying all atheists are like that, either. There are shades of every color.

By: Mark Gstohl

Mark Gstohl — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:37:12 +0000

Count me in! I teach students who are primarily pre-med that come from very conservative backgrounds. Many times they just have to live in two worlds. I try to help them understand that it is not necessary, but many simply can’t abandon their fundamentalist beliefs because they see no real intellectuals who are serious about their faith. Of course they exist, but they seem to be rare in the circles in which they practice their faith.

By: Frances Cockrell

Frances Cockrell — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 04:11:27 +0000

Dan,
I think you make a logical argument why “anyone” who takes a “concretely”(if I may coin a term) literal view of the bible may become an agnostic(I’m not convinced anyone is truly an athiest). However, I suspect, based on skeptics comments on many sites, that there are many more people from Catholic and “mainline” protestant background who claim agnosticism/atheism than those from a “fundamentalist” background. I also think most of these people utilize a “concretly” literal interpretation in a straw man argument to justify the position they have already taken.

By: Gail

Gail — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 23:06:17 +0000

Jeff,

If Jesus was coming back, as Christians believe, and if he was going to wait until there is unity among those who identify himself as believers…

Well, let’s just say I wouldn’t keep my eye on the sky!

Meanwhile, I share the sentiment. A house divided can’t stand. Christians are losing their place as an influence in our culture, as an example of happy or hopeful people. (The scope of their influence in American history is certainly a thesis material, not blog material lol) More and more, the word Christian evokes impressions of fundamentalists or those who are trying to get people “saved.” If I believed in sin I would say that the only sin that is worth any sort of punishment would be the sin of mistakenly representing the gospel message. If that story is as powerful and holy as some suggest, some believers are going to be in a lot of trouble.

By: Jon

Jon — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 20:18:38 +0000

Chuck, I’m truly sorry you feel this way, and have decided.

By: Chuck O'Connor

Chuck O'Connor — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 14:34:06 +0000

How about the self-righteous denial of US Citizens their 14th amendment rights because homosexuality doesn’t fit the biblical standard of marriage.

That’s enough injustice for me.

And “ironically” Franco shared Ockaham’s Catholic faith. I think that “true believer” and his history is an object lesson enough of what transpires when one embraces pre-suppositional righteousness.

In my experience the mis-information comes from those with a vested interest in denying the hubris and stupidity practices by holy Christian soldiers throughout history. I’ve read both sides of the arguments okay and have decided for myself.

By: Jon

Jon — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 05:17:03 +0000

Ironically enough, Ockham was a devout Christian. Chuck, what would you say are some examples of Christians acting injustly? I ask because I believe there is a huge amount of misinformation out there about the worldviews and motivations of various critiques to Christendom, and am interested in hearing your opinion.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 04:24:48 +0000

What if it has nothing to do with specific groups such as: fundamentalists, evangicals, etc. but instead all of us within the Body of Christ? Why have we allowed so many differences to seperate us over the years of the Church (i.e. denominations)? Every group within the ‘Christian’ community has individuals that are leading others away from the faith…

Bottom line:
Jesus is coming back and He’s expecting one body…when is this going to happen??

By: Chuck O'Connor

Chuck O'Connor — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 03:29:20 +0000

Thanks Dan for getting back to me. I did mean to say “The” authoritative text. I think the bible can have a seat at the table of ideas but is not at the head.

I would agree with you that the bible has been an authoritative text for many cultures and I also believe that it has motivated many of these cultures to practice injustices for the sake of the superstitions therein. Essentially I think it has not bettered humanity. I think the bible keeps us stupid and leads to pretentious morality based on personal feelings of holiness.

It would be interesting to hear the response to your post by Christians. I sent out the URL to this blog entry to Christian friends who are aware of my recent doubts and await their take on my response to you and your post. When I get answers I will send them your way.

Be well.

Chuck

By: Gail

Gail — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 22:57:19 +0000

Dan,

Well the blog is evidence of your pompousness ;0) Does everyone know I’m kidding? lol

Anyway, I reserve the right to declare that the truth I’ve found is that Many Roads actually lead to a good place. There are Many Right Paths rather than just one.

Okay so I must be missing something because capitalizing those words didn’t make much of a difference to me. But, to be fair, I feel the same way about fundamentalist Muslims too… Who has the market cornered on Truth?