A good number of my regular readers are ex-Christians. Even though it feels like eons ago, I suppose I actually fall into that category too. :>) Several of the blogs I frequent are atheist, agnostic or ex-Christian in orientation. Some of these include: A Time to Rend, On Leaving Fundamentalist Christianity, Right To Think, Superstition Free, and Why I Hate Jesus. Just recently, I've discovered another really good blog of this genre, Bruce Droppings.
Now I'll be the first person to admit that I love a good debate and there's no better debate than the God/No God one. Both sides tend to be very passionate about their beliefs and the back-and-forth discussions can be really interesting and, often, explosive. If nothing else, these debates rarely are boring.
Lately though, something has dawned on me: Acquiring or losing Jesus must come on each person's individual terms. I realize this idea isn't earth shattering and most of you had probably already figured this out, but the debates on these many blogs (and more) truly are not going to change anyone's mind.
One of the primary reasons that I believe such debates won't alter a person's perspective is borne out in the fact that most of the debaters (I admit it, I'm often guilty of this too) aren't really listening to each other. Each side knows they are right and the other is wrong. So, most such debates aren't about trying to understand perspectives from another person's point of view; it's more about one-up-man/womanship. Let's see which side can gall the other into throwing up their hands first!
That said, I see a lot of value and worth in blogs that deal with the move away from Christianity, in specific, and religion, in general. There are a lot of people out there searching for meaning and it's good to let them know they aren't alone. While engaging in haranguing debates won't sway most of them, simply having the opportunity to read about others who have decided that Christianity or religion doesn't make a lot of sense MAY lead some of these people to reexamine their own beliefs in light of such commentaries and discussions.
In essence, if we try to browbeat Jesus or God out of people's hearts, chances are we will fail miserably. If, on the other hand, we simply provide witness to our own individual [spiritual] journey without trying to convince others one way or the other, our trek may resonate with some of them.
It won't resonate with others, but so be it.
Now I'll be the first person to admit that I love a good debate and there's no better debate than the God/No God one. Both sides tend to be very passionate about their beliefs and the back-and-forth discussions can be really interesting and, often, explosive. If nothing else, these debates rarely are boring.
Lately though, something has dawned on me: Acquiring or losing Jesus must come on each person's individual terms. I realize this idea isn't earth shattering and most of you had probably already figured this out, but the debates on these many blogs (and more) truly are not going to change anyone's mind.
One of the primary reasons that I believe such debates won't alter a person's perspective is borne out in the fact that most of the debaters (I admit it, I'm often guilty of this too) aren't really listening to each other. Each side knows they are right and the other is wrong. So, most such debates aren't about trying to understand perspectives from another person's point of view; it's more about one-up-man/womanship. Let's see which side can gall the other into throwing up their hands first!
That said, I see a lot of value and worth in blogs that deal with the move away from Christianity, in specific, and religion, in general. There are a lot of people out there searching for meaning and it's good to let them know they aren't alone. While engaging in haranguing debates won't sway most of them, simply having the opportunity to read about others who have decided that Christianity or religion doesn't make a lot of sense MAY lead some of these people to reexamine their own beliefs in light of such commentaries and discussions.
In essence, if we try to browbeat Jesus or God out of people's hearts, chances are we will fail miserably. If, on the other hand, we simply provide witness to our own individual [spiritual] journey without trying to convince others one way or the other, our trek may resonate with some of them.
It won't resonate with others, but so be it.
Hi R T
ReplyDeleteYa, it is hard to convince anyone that what they believe in is wrong. I, for one, think Jesus is amazing. I don't go arouind professing anyhing. I just try and live my life that aligns with His teachings. It is all good stuff, as is Taoism.
No debate.
Love Gail
peace...
Hello, I love the tone of your post. I agree with you, that all we really have is our own life. And changing someone with our words is very unlikely, but demonstration changes everything. And, I agree with Gail, it's all good stuff, as long as we are not being beaten over the head with it. :)Powerful post.
ReplyDeleteYes, lead by example.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the mention.
ReplyDeleteI am really not into debate. Too many years of being a flaming evangelist for all things Christian.
My blog is just my journey, my viewpoint. I write for my mental health :) and perhaps for others who might be on a similar journey.
I know I will not convince anyone of anything. Truth is, humans rarely change, and when we do we do so because we are personally convinced we must do so. (and debates rarely convince)
These days I attract a lot of Christians who are certain they can win me back to Jesus. They don't seem to realize that they actually push me farther away wit their incessant "witnessing."
I like open discussions where everyone comes to the table as an equal.
Granted, I write a far better line than I live. But, I am working on it.
Bruce
Yo, RT. Amen, brother.
ReplyDeleteNice post, and thanks for the mention. You touch on a couple of important reasons why I like having a public blog. Validation of having one's own thoughts and opinions is important to someone experiencing doubt in Christianity, as their community likely is not offering support that way.
ReplyDeleteI also liked this statement: "Acquiring or losing Jesus must come on each person's individual terms." I have been thinking along similar terms. It is certainly frustrating when we think something is so obviously true or false that everyone should see it the way we do. As I realize decisions to believe are an individual choice, I feel less frustrated. I work to carve out my own niche, a small chamber of my own opinions that I am going to hold because they are my choice to hold, and as I feel more secure in holding my own opinions I don't mind so much other people holding their own opinions. Dogmatism becomes a problem with beliefs in many spheres, and obviously Christianity is particularly suspect to that problem.