lightfoot3: blog 
lightfoot3's blog
spooky thoughts: believe it or not
Published Feb. 24, 2009Views: 882
NOTE: image censored so as not to shock or offend GOLO. Statue is of the god Apollo.
I watched a couple of Christian based movies this weekend with my family. One was “Fireproof”. Predictable plot and stiff actors, but decent story line and lesson. The only known actor was Kirk Cameron. I was intrigued that his character went from not taking any stock in Jesus and prayer to believing and praying. I wasn’t surprised at the turn of events, but it served as a catalyst to me realizing a missing piece of the puzzle with my conversations with believers. While I have done my best to convey my feelings, it still highlighted a flawed premise presented by believers.
Whether it is the “turn or burn” condemnation of a fire and brimstone preacher, or the “you just have to believe” line from a more sheepish Christian, the underlying principle is the same. It seems to convey the message that atheists and agnostics are willfully ignoring or disobeying God. You need to back up one level and realize that these folks don’t think there is a god there in the first place. I can’t claim you ignored the detour if you never saw the detour signs!
What the believers don’t seem to comprehend is that I’m not intentionally disbelieving. While one can present evidence in order to attempt to convince someone of something, the actual act of believing is still not governed by free will. Either you believe or you don’t. You can’t make yourself believe.
For example, do you believe you can flap your arms and fly like a bird? No? Well, just MAKE yourself believe! I’ve give you a few seconds …………….. Okay, I’m back. Do you now believe you can flap your arms and fly like a bird? No? Well that’s the equivalent of someone telling me I just have to believe in invisible spirits in the sky. I just have to accept that Apollo pulls the sun across the sky, or Thor causes thunder by striking his hammer, or Jehovah created man from dust. I simple do not believe it. And it’s not a willful disbelief given there is no will in believing. Either you do or you don’t. I don’t.
Filed under: Religion
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GOLO member since September 19, 2007
February 24, 2009 10:49 a.m.
That is something I have tried to convey more times than I can count. Good blog lightfoot.
GOLO member since April 8, 2008
February 24, 2009 10:51 a.m.
GOLO member since February 12, 2008
February 24, 2009 10:52 a.m.
GOLO member since November 3, 2008
February 24, 2009 10:53 a.m.
j/k. I've encountered this many times too. Many people think atheists are just like bratty little kids that don't want to listen to their parents. Some can't except that others just don't believe.
GOLO member since July 18, 2008
February 24, 2009 10:53 a.m.
Did the model pose on really cold days?
GOLO member since August 16, 2007
February 24, 2009 10:56 a.m.
GOLO member since January 19, 2008
February 24, 2009 10:57 a.m.
GOLO member since February 12, 2008
February 24, 2009 10:59 a.m.
You’d like me. :) I’m an easy going person, follow the golden rule, and have a pretty good sense of humor. I tell interesting stories and jokes. I just don’t believe in spooks. And that topic rarely comes up in everyday discussions.
GOLO member since August 16, 2007
February 24, 2009 10:59 a.m.
GOLO member since February 12, 2008
February 24, 2009 11:01 a.m.
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