1.28.2009

Christian Morality: Belief Over Behavior

know the rules

Christianity is quite diverse, with many different sects holding what are sometimes very different beliefs. In this post on Christian morality, I'd like to focus on the group of Christians who describe themselves as "born again" or "saved." We might refer to them as evangelical fundamentalist Christians. I'd like to examine the core of their view of morality and consider some interesting implications of holding such a view.

I believe that the essence of morality for this group of Christians can be effectively summarized as follows: How one behaves is less important than what one believes.

First, the group of Christians to which I am referring here frequently preaches that the path to salvation lies in belief rather than in deeds. Good deeds are encouraged too. I am not denying this. However, the key to salvation is assumed to lie through accepting Jesus into one's life (i.e., belief).

1.27.2009

Believe As I Do Or Burn

Here's a fun follow-up to my recent post about Christians' motives for door-to-door proselytizing and an excuse to fire up my new scanner. I've told you many times about how much I despise proselytizing and the measures I have taken to prevent it, including a large "no soliciting" sign in my front yard and a "no proselytizing" decal near my door. These methods have been very effective at reducing the unwelcome knocks on my door, but that does not mean that visitors manage to refrain from leaving debris behind. Evidently, they don't stop to consider whether someone so clearly opposed to proselytizing would mind their littering on my property.

Imagine my surprise when I found this business card in my flower bed, approximately 8 inches from the base of the "no soliciting" sign!

Jesus propaganda

Pretty damn cool, isn't it? Someone thought that this threat might help convert me to his or her belief system. Fascinating!

1.21.2009

Motives for Door-to-Door Proselytizing

Long-time readers will know that door-to-door proselytizing is one of my pet peeves. It is a subject I have addressed here many times, including descriptions of means of deterrence I'm using. As much as I detest it, I admit finding the phenomenon quite fascinating. I think this is because it is difficult for me to comprehend how an adult could become convinced that anyone has not already heard their Jesus drivel repeatedly. A Christian, Daniel, recently left an intriguing comment on a post I wrote on Christians witnessing to atheists back in June of 2008. I am now wondering if proselytizing may be associated some sort of impulse control problem.

Here is Daniel's entire unedited comment:

Nobody likes it when you show up at their door. I get mormons and JWs just like everyone. I dont need points so thats not why I do it. My religion does tell me to, but thats not my primary motivation either. I respect your beliefs and recognize the strength one must have to get through this life unassisted. However, I just cant keep it to myself though you wish I would. Since people like me absolutely have to anyway, I will keep your don't do list in mind( except for the "dont do it" part) He can do many things for you Shawn. I am living proof. I have a question for you: Do you really find fulfillment in any of these things on Earth? I have done every drug and almost every other self-satisfying thing you can imagine. All it left me with was emptyness. If you really are truly satisfied and fulfilled, and have reached the top of Maslow's hierarchy of needs, then I can't do anything for you. I would still be your friend, but wouldn't waste my time on telling you stuff you don't want to hear. It takes a stronger person than me to be an atheist, and I respect that. I used to think of atheist as like free-agents in pro sports, but your post makes sense in that you have thought it over and chosen atheist, instead of just being atheists by default. Do you guys vote for Obama mostly? Is that a dumb question?

I'd like to set aside the last bit about Obama and focus on the portions relevant to proselytizing. Daniel acknowledges that it is annoying when someone shows up at his door to proselytize. He does not enjoy hearing from Mormons or Jehovah's Witnesses either. And yet, Daniel himself engages in door-to-door proselytizing.

How does he justify doing something that he knows others dislike? He denies that it is about the magic Jesus points or even because his religion tells him to do so (although he acknowledges that it does). Rather Daniel says, "...I just cant keep it to myself..." (sic). When it comes to proselytizing, Daniel just can't help it.

Of course, I am not seriously suggesting that Christian evangelicals have any sort of impulse control disorder. Proselytizing is a voluntary behavior which these individuals, including Daniel, are perfectly capable of controlling. I do not for a minute think that Daniel intends to claim that he cannot regulate his own behavior in this regard.

From his comment, it sounds to me like Daniel searched for fulfillment in many unproductive places before finding the solace of religion. Now that he has done so, he feels tremendously better and wants to share his experience with others in the hope that it might help them. I do understand this urge and can think of secular versions that I have experienced personally. In this way, I can relate to Daniel's experience.

Sadly, Daniel does not regard himself as strong enough to face life free from delusion. Not knowing him, I'm in no position to say that he's wrong about this. Perhaps he will be so someday. I suspect there are many Christians out there who feel the same way.

The thing is, whether we focus on Daniel's proselytizing or an analogous secular scenario, it is exceedingly difficult to help someone who does not want to be helped. By showing up on their doorstep to preach at them, all one really accomplishes is making them less likely to seriously consider one's message.

I appreciate that Daniel says he respects my beliefs, but I would rather he mock my beliefs and instead respect my person, my property, my privacy, and my stated desire not to be bothered by evangelists at my door.

1.17.2009

Good Names for Atheist Blogs?

Hello my name is sticker

There is no reason to limit our efforts to help other atheist bloggers to those who already have blogs. We can also help out those who are planning to start new atheist blogs. In the increasingly crowded field of atheist blogs, it has to be tough to think of an original name for one's new blog. I remember agonizing over this decision when there were no more than a handful of atheist blogs. I can't imagine being in that position now. If you were going to start a new atheist blog, what would be some names you'd consider?

After reading a recent post about blasphemy at Proud Atheists (update: blog no longer active), I think that an ideal array of possible blog names includes those disparaging the "holy" ghost. If you remember the blasphemy challenge, you'll realize that this is hardly an original idea. Still, I think that this could be a fruitful domain of atheist blog names. Remember, some Christians consider rejecting their "holy" ghost to be the one unforgivable sin. Don't worry, I've never understood this either.

1.14.2009

The Christian Bible is Magic

This Gutenberg BibleImage via WikipediaIt is no secret that many atheists know the Christian bible better than do many Christians. But attempting to use their "holy" book against them in any sort of argument nearly always leads to the same place. Confronted with contradictions, inconsistencies, unpleasantries, or just plain absurdities, the Christian inevitably makes the claim of last resort: Only a true believer can comprehend the bible. You see, what we atheists fail to realize is that the Christian bible is protected with a magic lock which can only be opened by the key of faith.

I've done some reading and analysis of the Christian bible myself. While I generally found it quite interesting for a time, I burned myself out after awhile and decided to take a break so I could return with fresh interest at some future time. In discussing what I read with Christians, the result was always the same: magic bible.

1.11.2009

Rick Warren: Burning Condoms for Jesus

English: Rick Warren speaks at the 2006 TED co...
Rick Warren speaks at the 2006 TED conference. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
President-elect Obama made a big mistake when he selected Christian extremist and known bigot Rick Warren to speak at his inauguration. So far, he has ignored the public outcry from his supporters and is rapidly losing the political capital he accrued with this observer during his admittedly impressive campaign. In defending Warren, Obama loves to tout Warren's work on AIDS in Africa. I admit that this sounds impressive, but I am less impressed with breaking news about Warren's association with a lunatic pastor who has been burning condoms for Jesus.

According to Max Blumenthal of The Daily Beast, controversy over Obama's selection of Warren prompted additional investigation of what exactly Warren did in Africa. For something so seemingly laudable, Blumenthal found that Warren was surprisingly tight-lipped about his work in Africa. Now we know why.
However, an investigation into Warren’s involvement in Africa reveals a web of alliances with right-wing clergymen who have sidelined science-based approaches to combating AIDS in favor of abstinence-only education. More disturbingly, Warren’s allies have rolled back key elements of one of the continent’s most successful initiative, the so-called ABC program in Uganda. Stephen Lewis, the United Nations’ special envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, told the New York Times their activism is “resulting in great damage and undoubtedly will cause significant numbers of infections which should never have occurred.”
Instead of praising Warren's work on AIDS in Africa, Obama's transition team should have realized that he was actually doing whatever he could to undermine reality-based approaches to the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS. In the opinion of this author, this news is right up there with the most damning things we have yet heard about Warren. It should certainly be grounds to uninvite him from the inauguration.

Okay, but burning condoms for Jesus? Come on! No, actually that was a serious accusation.
Warren’s man in Uganda is a charismatic pastor named Martin Ssempa. The head of the Makerere Community Church, a rapidly growing congregation, Ssempe enjoys close ties to his country’s First Lady, Janet Museveni, and is a favorite of the Bush White House. In the capitol of Kampala, Ssempa is known for his boisterous crusading. Ssempa’s stunts have included burning condoms in the name of Jesus and arranging the publication of names of homosexuals in cooperative local newspapers while lobbying for criminal penalties to imprison them.
Is this the sort of company Obama plans to keep as President? Does he really want to ask Americans to embrace this sort of idiocy. I hope not, and I look to Obama to pull the invitation for Warren to speak.

1.08.2009

When You Are a Victim of Discrimination

Image via WikipediaIf you are an atheist living in the United States, you have the unfortunate distinction of belonging to the most hated group in our country. Discrimination and bigotry at the hands of Christians are something you may well experience. You see, the same people who end up trying to convince the world that their religion is about love can also be terribly cruel when they think that their elevated status in society is being threatened. In this post, I have compiled some resources that may be of assistance, depending on the nature of what you have experienced.

Is the Battle Worth It?

Only you can answer this question, but you should ask it. Do not let yourself get swept away in anger and decide to do anything on impulse. With attitudes toward atheists being what they are, anything you do other than just smiling and taking the discrimination and bigotry may have consequences.

Among the consequences you should consider are:
  • Threats to your property, personal safety, and the safety of your family. Sadly, Christians have a proven track record of resorting to violence when they think that their delusion is being attacked. Once you read their "holy" book, you'll see why.
  • You identity will almost certainly be revealed. If everyone already knows you are an atheist, this is not a big deal. However, you will not be able to do much to fight back without "coming out" completely. This may affect your reputation because an atheist objecting to discrimination (or even asking others to obey the law) is nearly always perceived as the aggressor rather than the victim.
Again, this must be your decision. If you decide you'd rather go along to get along, I will not fault you for it. Assuming that you decide to stand up for your rights and fight back against the bigotry and/or discrimination, what can you do?

Use the Atheist Blogs

Getting your story to a couple of atheist blogs can help build awareness quickly and stimulate bloggers and their readers to start brainstorming solutions. Some of the larger blogs have contacts in traditional media, and the sort of buzz that can be generated in our corner of the blogosphere may get the attention of other traditional media.

Contact National Advocacy Organizations

There are a number of national organizations committed to protecting the rights of American atheists, and some may even have chapters in your state. When you have been the victim of discrimination because of your attitudes toward religion, making a report to one or more of the following organizations can be tremendously helpful.
Talk to an Attorney

Yes, good legal assistance can be expensive. However, many attorneys offer a free initial consultation and may be willing to draft a letter on your behalf for a surprisingly affordable amount. In this day and age, most people are interested in avoiding lawsuits, and simply knowing that you have an attorney lined up who would be willing to file a complaint might be all that is necessary.

Meet with a couple of attorneys before deciding. You want someone you feel comfortable with in the event that you do pursue legal action.

Be Cautious of Local Media

If your identity has already been revealed, you might be able to use local media effectively to pressure the bigot(s). But because individual circumstances will vary so much, I really can't recommend this route unless you have first lined up an attorney. The potential for it to backfire is too great.

1.01.2009

Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage is Bigotry

Many opponents of same-sex marriage, including Rick Warren, do not perceive themselves as bigoted in the least. For many of us, their desire to ban same-sex marriage is prima facie evidence of intolerance. Who is right, and how does religious belief complicate the situation?

Opposition to Same-Sex Marriage

In most contexts, opposing something means that someone holds unfavorable attitudes toward it. In the case of activists, one may oppose something in the sense of trying to change it. But in the context around same-sex marriage, opposition takes on a more specific meaning.

"Opposing same-sex marriage" in this context refers to not merely to one's attitudes, or even the desire to change something, but also to legislation. Opponents of same-sex marriage seek to prevent it from occurring through legal means. They favor a definition of marriage that restricts it to something that a man and a woman do. They commonly refer to this as necessary to protect "the traditional definition of marriage." Regardless, they want to ban same-sex marriage.

This means that the statement "Ted opposes same-sex marriage" is equivalent to "Ted believes that marriage should be between a man and a woman and favors a legal ban on same-sex marriage."

Does Opposing Same-Sex Marriage Make One a Bigot?

Before responding, consider the following:

  • Does opposing African American marriage (i.e., defining marriage as between two whites and seeking to prevent two consenting African Americans from being married on the grounds that they are African American) make one a bigot?
I think we can all agree that someone who opposed African American marriage is indeed a bigot. The real question is why. Could it be because we recognize that two consenting African American adults who wish to marry are no less deserving than two consenting white adults? Could it be because we have learned something since the civil rights movement whereby someone campaigning against African American marriage today would rightly be viewed as a racist?

How about a different example?

  • Does opposing atheist marriage (i.e., defining marriage as between two theists and seeking to prevent two consenting atheists from being married on the grounds that they are atheists) make one a bigot?
Is this question any more difficult to answer than the previous example regarding African Americans? If so, why? Perhaps defining marriage as an agreement before some sort of god means that those who do not accept the reality of such a god have no business being married. Even as we might be tempted to pursue such a line of argument, I think that most of us realize that we are most interested in marriage in the secular and contractual sense.

So does opposing same-sex marriage (i.e., defining marriage as between a man and a woman and seeking to prevent two consenting adults from being married on the grounds that they are of the same sex) make one a bigot? Yes, it appears that it does.

Religion Enters And Things Get Messy

There is a reason that the debate over same-sex marriage has not gone away yet, and no, it is not simple homophobia. The reason is religion. You see, when opposition to same-sex marriage is clothed in religious garb, those who would normally recognize the inherent bigotry get nervous. They do not want to be perceived as being intolerant to religion (even as religion is intolerant of all sorts of things).

To call someone a bigot for campaigning against same-sex marriage is one thing; to call someone a bigot for doing what the think their "holy" book tells them to do is something else. Or at least, that is how many people feel. We are so used to treating religious belief with kid gloves that many of us do not feel comfortable looking beyond it to the bigotry it shields. Who knows, we might even be called bigots ourselves!

When opponents of same-sex marriage introduce religion into their arguments, they obfuscate the real issue (i.e., their bigotry) to those who are convinced that religion must remain immune to criticism. This is one reason why atheists can be useful allies for those in the LGBT community.

When religion enters the debate, those who want to ban same-sex marriage end up calling the rest of us bigots. Why? Because we have the nerve to expect them to treat people equally! Imagine that.