"You know how some Christians insist that their god-belief is the only thing keeping them from running wild and committing all sorts of atrocious crimes? We tend to dismiss this claim, almost as if we have more confidence in the basic goodness of these Christians than they themselves do. What if at least some of them are being honest in their negative self-assessment?
When those Christians who claim that their god-belief is the only thing keeping them from harming others make such a statement, perhaps we should listen. Maybe they know themselves better than we do, and maybe they should be regarded as potentially dangerous individuals who should be closely monitored in case they should begin to question their bizarre faith. I mean, if they are truly that incapable of moral behavior, might they not pose a threat to us all?"
Unfortunately the theostards that say that are also the same ones that want gays and atheist dead and women with abortions in prisons. They are held in check not by their religion but by everyone else ready to shoot them if they try anything nasty.
ReplyDeleteTed,
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I like most about your posts on religion is that they are usually very thought provoking. I've been pondering this one for a while now, and this morning (during my quiet time) it occurred to me how to respond.
First of all, I think that vjack misunderstood the Christian doctrine of sin and righteousness. It's not that "their god-belief is the only thing keeping them from running wild and committing all sorts of atrocious crimes," but rather that their faith in Christ is the only thing keeping them from being no better than the people who run wild and commit all sorts of atrocious crimes.
If that seems like a difference without a distinction, let me explain. The Bible teaches us that sin (any sin, regardless of its severity) is what separates us from God. Good works (regardless of their degree of goodness) cannot bridge that separation. The Bible also teaches that "[a]ll of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6a; NIV).
If we Christians were to somehow lose our basis for faith, would that cause us to become "dangerous individuals who should be closely monitored"? Not necessariily. The ones who are decent folks would probably continue to be decent folks, and the ones who have a mean streak just might get meaner. But in God's eyes, without the righteousness of Christ, all Christians would be just as sinful as anyone else, regardless of how they behaved.
(cont'd)
Regarding vjack's suspicion of Christians, that Christians "should be regarded as potentially dangerous individuals who should be closely monitored," this is nothing new for atheists.
ReplyDeleteIn the old Soviet Union (probably the greatest proponent of state atheism in history), Christians were indeed considered "dangerous individuals who should be closely monitored." History is replete with stories of Christian persecution behind the Iron Curtain.
In response to Curious Texan, I am not a proponent of state atheism. I'm also not saying that I think Christians are dangerous. In fact, I think they are being disingenuous when they claim that they would be running wild in the streets without their god. What I am trying to go is encourage people to consider the implications of their claim.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm claiming that you either don't understand the difference between "running wild and committing all sorts of atrocious crimes" and being no better than the people who do, or else you're purposely distorting the Christian principle of grace by faith.
ReplyDeleteI've never personally heard any Christians make the kinds of outlandish statements you attribute to them. If you could give me specific examples, I'd be glad to address them. I'm giving you the benefit of the doubt when I say that you're merely misunderstanding the nature of sin and righteousness in Christian doctrine. Perhaps that's why you consider our faith to be "bizarre."
And as for my comments about state atheism, I'm sorry if you thought I was attributing that to you personally. But comments about "dangerous" Christians, even in jest or satire, are all too reminiscent of what's happening to Christians in various parts of the world, even today. Here's a link to the website of The Voice of the Martyrs for some examples.