Someone on my friends list put up a post that asked an honest question. “Why do people make fun of my religion?” I think the post was inspired by the various “Happy Zombie Jesus Day!” declarations.
Well, since she asked, I replied. I told her exactly why I thought her chosen religion was dangerous, contradictory, and nonsensical. I also went into some detail why I can’t find any virtue in “faith” (believing in something without any evidence).
Unfortunately, the conversation did not go as well as anyone hoped and she disabled commenting. I’m not going to use caricature or anecdote to illustrate the conversation. I was actually hoping to put a link to the threads here, but since she’s disabled comments, all of it is lost.
So, here is a friendly warning to everyone else.
I have no respect for “faith.” I have no respect for any belief that teaches you that you are somehow better than other people because you happen to believe in something that has no basis in fact. I don’t respect teachings that lead to conclusions that ignore reality. I also find it very frustrating when you want to talk about your chosen religion when you really don’t know anything about its history or fundamental tenants.
And yes, I can love you and still be frustrated with you. Even angry at you. I still love you. All of you.
But before you engage me in your belief, before you espouse something that you can’t back up with evidence, before you go talking about faith and religion… please-please-please … have some understanding of what you’re talking about. And be ready for some very hard questions.
All Hail Eris.
Hail Discordia.
I don’t have faith in faith
I don’t believe in belief
You can call me faithless
You can call me faithless
But I still cling to hope
And I believe in love
And that’s faith enough for me
And that’s faith enough for me