Don’t Be A Bully!

The following is in response to the Bill Nye / Ken Ham Debate.

No debate here! Believe as you will, but don’t be a bully. We want to attack atheists, calling them devil worshippers, but that’s simply not true. We attack Christians when they demand we worship their God.  My experience has always been – most if not all of the atheists I’ve met have been kind and logical, and not in attack mode about other people’s Gods. Most Christians I’ve met are narrow-minded bullies who are the real problem. I don’t like bullies!

What I loathe about today’s Christians, so many are manipulators, cherry picking bible verses and all out of ignorance, fear and greed. That’s just logic talking. Most people need to believe in something because they can’t believe in themselves and that’s painfully sad.

One of my favorite quotes… "All dogmas & beliefs are man-made constructs, thus, how can we prove or disprove states of consciousness that are not human? We define parameters for what we think of as a higher power, but it is inevitably from within the confines of a human brain. The universe is neither human, nor is the constant energy that flows through it. Entropy does not care if I eat pork. We humans are made up of the same exact cosmic dust/star carbon that makes up all of the stars, planets, etc. The idea that we are all one is not all that far-fetched. In that regard, all religions are equally right, and equally wrong. Until we can experience a state of not being human, we cannot be specific about the parameters of what we call God." – Unknown

Why can’t we all just be good people? Life is hard! Why can’t we be happy for others, especially when people are trying their best? Why?!

I’m about cultural intelligence, viewing and treating people from various backgrounds (that includes religion) with respect, dignity and love. No more judgments. It’s time we learn to let go and get along, to live in peace and harmony.

I have my challenges with the "Religious Right", but I’m trying my best to mend fences and build bridges.

I can appreciate the following comments.  By the way, there is a difference between appreciation and agreeing.  Enjoy! – paerki

"Creationists worship a human book, not the Creator."

"Why do people choose to frame their faith in terms of rejection of science? I couldn't even finish watching because there isn't a debate because there isn't a question. There is no reason for Christians to deny evolution because it isn't incompatible with a belief in God at all. It really doesn't even conflict with the bible, if you interpret it in your favor. Don't get it. Arguments based on false, skewed premises are such a waste."

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I had written the following a while ago and feel it’s appropriate to mention here, too. 

More often than not, religion feeds on fear, but not science.  It’s unemotional and impartial, and at times cold, but it’s never empty.  It demands we ask questions, thus finding answers – real answers.  Science offers hope and truth, but we must be willing to accept the outcomes.

The beauty of science is it proves how connected we are to the universe.  Christianity does no such thing.  It gives us God, teaching us to ignore our reality because what matters most is what is to come, that we’ll be taken some place to live forever, but dare call it the afterlife.

How can you ignore reality?  Why would you not do all you can to make this world good, and not just for yourself, but for others?  Do you ever ask, "Would my God approve?"  Would he approve of my waste?  Overindulging?  Judgments?  Manipulation?  Greed? I’m amazed at how good we are at rationalizing the outcomes, which aids in our ability to thrive.  We justify because we want to be "God worthy".  Yes, we are good at deceiving God, so we think, for all intents and purposes.

I can appreciate faith, but loathe followers for twisting God’s purported words, picking and choosing what scriptures to follow to suit an unscrupulous need, which often feeds an ugly alter ego.  We’ve got to make someone feel smaller, so that we can feel taller – stronger.

I do believe in something greater than this universe, but it’s not the God so many have beguiled.  Current institutions of faith preach fear – perhaps not all, but most.  They must advance with the times if we are to move forward and grow as a nation.

I know if I’m good in this life, I have nothing to fear going forward.  It’s time we learn to be good to one another.  Moderation is key.  No longer can it be them against us.  There is a mandate for equality, and history proves just how unkind we’ve been.  Do you want to talk about how we bamboozled Native Americans?  Enslaved African Americans?  Acted too late during the Holocaust?

If you’re the type of person believing the Newtown massacre, Hurricane Katrina, and other violent atrocities (natural or man-made) are acts of God because of the advancement of gay rights – you are not God worthy, and I fear you just as much as I fear people like Jared Loughner or Adam Lanza.  And, if you can’t respect other religions, and those of us who question faith or the nonbelievers because you think your religion is the only one to lead the way, you’re not God worthy.

I’m not mapping out a plan to be God worthy, but worthy of those I live with – mankind collectively, doing my part to raise America’s social consciousness, while keeping this beautiful planet thriving environmentally for future generations, because if I do that… If my heart is in the right place, I’ll be God worthy, and so will you. – paerki