tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post5717230323409663231..comments2023-12-01T18:05:24.875-05:00Comments on Debunking Christianity: Why I left the churchUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-34889951574848896982007-05-19T17:14:00.000-04:002007-05-19T17:14:00.000-04:00"...isnt it good to have a little insurance in cas..."...isnt it good to have a little insurance in case we are right?"<BR/><BR/>Yup, fire insurance. I used to believe in Christianity and was very zealous (with liberal ideals), especially in high school. Over time, I realized that my inner peace and strength didn't come from God, it came from myself. Knowing that, I am even more stronger and happier. Fuck insurance! Question the inconsistencies. Answer your internal "What ifs?" Don't turn to a pastor or church member, research and answer FOR YOURSELF.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-34423300456874670702007-05-14T23:58:00.000-04:002007-05-14T23:58:00.000-04:00anonymous high school student There is something y...<B> anonymous high school student </B><BR/>There is something you need to know. The writers of this site are probably a lot better read than you realize. I have read Mere Christianity several times. It is well written, but still is nonsense.<BR/><BR/>You wrote <I> how many of you can say you are truly happy with the life you are living? </I>[sic] Let me say it again because obviously you didn't read it the first time <B> I have a rich life and am thankful that I can move ahead knowing that my future will not be clouded with superstition, but be enriched with understanding based on observable evidence and reason.</B> I am truly happier than I ever was when I was a christian.<BR/><BR/>I hate to do this <B>anonymous high school student</B>, but your real reason for believing the christian story seems to be what is commonly known as 'Fire Insurance.' You have stated this two times, <I>"what have you got to loose? Even if we are wrong we just die and thats the end. But what if we are right? theres a chance for something better!"</I> [sic] <BR/><BR/>I suggest you read the first post of my friend's blog. He is called Atheist's Wager (not really). His first post is based on his response to Pascal's Wager. Read the post. It deals nicely with your Fire Insurance. Here is the URL:<BR/><BR/>http://atheistwager.blogspot.com/2007/04/first-post.htmlGlenn Kachmarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11271522925669315573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-75452169213204550612007-05-14T22:31:00.000-04:002007-05-14T22:31:00.000-04:00I'm still not sure you understand what im getting ...I'm still not sure you understand what im getting at. It makes me extremely frustrated when people call themselves christians but then can come on to a site like this and say repent God or suffer torment in Hell forever. That is the exact fanaticism that puts Christians in a bad light. Christians repent and obey God because we are thankful for the free gift of grace he gave us. It's how we show our thanks. Thats really it. Acts dont save us, salvation was free. Because we want to try to imitate Christ to show our gratitude is why we obey God. theres nothing more destructive then forcing the idea of OBEY OR SUFFER HELL down someone's throat. Whoever said that religion allows the crazies the possibity to exist (i think it was anonymous 3) is right. The only thing is you cant call a religion bad just because of the few examples of atrocities carried out in the name of religion. You dont stop using a tool like a knife just because it was used in a murder. Just because a possiblity of atrocity is offered doesnt make the basic good, moral principles of something wrong. believe me, im not advocating for any of those crazies who carry out terrible things like blowing up abortion clinics, etc. in the name of religion. For example Osama Bin Laden killed thousands of people in the name of Islam- but doesnt Islam claim to be the religion of peace? Just because you do something in the name of a religion doesnt mean you are truly following that religion. But enough about Islam because I'm a Christian. being a student in a Christian school definitely does not make me an expert on Christianity. Some of you have probably been Athiest since before i was born. But the one main idea i cant get over with your belief is there is such a lack of hope. Say you guys are right hypothetically. All humanity goes about life hoping for something more than what is given. Life is a pretty crummy state of affairs isnt it? how many of you can say you are truly happy with the life you are living? But with your belief or lack of belief means that we die and we can hope for nothing better. Christianity is all about the hope of something better. Thats the only difference between me and you. I say that there has to be something better out there than what we can life. And having that hope makes life all the more bareable. Isnt that more comforting? what have you got to loose? Even if we are wrong we just die and thats the end. But what if we are right? theres a chance for something better! a place with no more death, sadness or hurt. A place where no one will ever leave you and a place where Christ will always give you love and assurance. I think it's much more attractive my way. <BR/><BR/>Christian Student, 11th grade<BR/><BR/>ps- a great book that maybe will give all of you a better description than what i can give of the basics of Christianity is called Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis- dont be afraid to read it, it might give you a better argument if you understand my religion's concepts a little better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-49336397952857190532007-05-14T17:39:00.000-04:002007-05-14T17:39:00.000-04:00You have two choices.1. Repent and obey God.2. Suf...<I><BR/>You have two choices.<BR/>1. Repent and obey God.<BR/>2. Suffer torment in Hell forever.<BR/></I><BR/><BR/>And christians wonder why everyone else thinks they're stupid!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-77532566031509120472007-05-14T16:23:00.000-04:002007-05-14T16:23:00.000-04:00Newton: The description of God in the new testamen...Newton: <I>The description of God in the new testament clearly is a different God or at least a different description of the same God.</I><BR/><BR/>Which is it? It cannot be both. Is this the same God or not?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-49538781657574940952007-05-14T15:58:00.000-04:002007-05-14T15:58:00.000-04:00One more thing, and this is opinion only. The old ...One more thing, and this is opinion only. The old testament, as we see it, does not describe a loving and forgiving God, but a vengeful one. The Isrealites were a murderous people. The description of God in the new testament clearly is a different God or at least a different description of the same God. IMO, the OT is a history lesson moreso than life lesson. NT (particularly the gospels) are more for life applications.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-66113068845040684192007-05-14T15:01:00.000-04:002007-05-14T15:01:00.000-04:00John Loftus: very informative link. Is that yours?...John Loftus: very informative link. Is that yours? I looked, but did not find who the author was.<BR/><BR/>There are many points to which I have no immediate response. I do have a question. When the writer states 'Jesus looked on' referring to some obvious massacre in Numbers 31, where does the information come from that Jesus was actually there? <BR/><BR/>As I stated earlier, Jesus teaches to obey God's commandments, love God with all of heart, love your neighbors as yourself and let go of laws and traditions. The passages that the author references, are man made. <BR/><BR/>Christianity is based on the teachings of Jesus. Anything prior to Jesus obviously cannot be connected to Christianity. This is my point. All references to anything old testament other than the 10 commandments, would have to be considered heavily before lumping them into the teachings of Jesus. <BR/><BR/>I tend to agree with the author on most of the post, however it is clear that the lines between what Jesus taught, and what was someone's interpretation, cross many times. <BR/><BR/>It is clear to me that Jesus was all about peace, and love. Any different thoughts would have had to come from misinterpretations of the language used or faded memories of the apostles, or both. In no way do I adhere to every word of the Bible. I do not see how that would be possible. <BR/><BR/>Jesus teachings are a good foundation in which to build a good society, however the rest is up to us and we have failed miserably. By that I mean the church, through it's arrogance, has mislead the followers of Jesus. Now, the lines are so entangled that we have no idea what is correct and what is not.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-12687558489848343292007-05-14T14:28:00.000-04:002007-05-14T14:28:00.000-04:00Jesus went around condemning Pharisees, calling th...Jesus went around condemning Pharisees, calling them fools. <BR/><BR/>Maybe we should start by picketing Cardinal Roger Mahony.Michael Ejercitohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10707862691472293497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-68985989705938324672007-05-14T12:29:00.000-04:002007-05-14T12:29:00.000-04:00Great question Newton. What would Jesus do?Great question Newton. <A HREF="http://debunkingchristianity.blogspot.com/2006/03/wwjd.html" REL="nofollow">What would Jesus do?</A>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-27098834204454887672007-05-14T12:01:00.000-04:002007-05-14T12:01:00.000-04:00I, too, have many doubts as to the 'christian comm...I, too, have many doubts as to the 'christian community'. Some how, christians (or those that hold themselves to be so) have a very distorted view of their religion. I am a Christian. I try desperately each day to follow in Jesus Christ's discipline. <BR/><BR/>First: Christians should read ALL of Jesus teachings first. Then go the appropriate parts of the Bible that pertain to what Jesus taught. <BR/><BR/>Second: Once you have established that you want to model your life according to Jesus...then concentrate on WWJD (What would Jesus do?)<BR/><BR/>Third: Once you have done these things, you should have one thing in view. Jesus! <BR/><BR/>We have to remember that Jesus told us to "Keep God's commandments", "Love God with all of our hearts", "Love your neighbor as yourself", and "Do not hold on to laws and traditions"<BR/><BR/>Think about this: If one is a follower of Jesus; thinking and acting as Jesus did; would you harbour hate? Would you want to talk about a co worker in a negative way? <BR/><BR/>Would Jesus walk by the homeless person asking for a dollar without giving that person something? Jesus most likely would have provided something for the homeless person. <BR/><BR/>Would Jesus work every day 9 to 5, for a paycheck, so He could have a huge house in the suburbs, electricity, SUV, and all of the other EARTHLY riches that we christians accumilate?<BR/>Probably not!<BR/><BR/>My point is this: In my honest opinion; Heaven won't be nearly as crowded as most of us christians think it will be. We have been misled by modern day pharisees to the point that we have become pharisees. Myself included. Money has replaced the one true God. We have become so reliant on money....our own faith has dwindled to words only. Who of us would have the courage to sell everything we own, give the money away, and follow Jesus? Until we actually do it, we are mere chasers of a false god. Any one that cares to dispute what I have said, I have many scriptures to back it up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-22939763276051450502007-05-14T11:11:00.000-04:002007-05-14T11:11:00.000-04:00To All,Glenn, thanks for sharing your story. I'm ...To All,<BR/><BR/>Glenn, thanks for sharing your story. <BR/><BR/>I'm pretty sure you must be aware of this, but thinking for yourself and living a life without regrets are what the Apostle Paul advised people to do. He said that regrets were from the world and when approached by others' advice (even those professing to be prophets) to decide for onesself.<BR/><BR/>11 student, that's in scripture - I'll leave it up to you to find it in there, okay? As far as those crazies that no one likes, Jesus was not offended by even the blind, naked and violent demoniac -I wonder why we can't see people the way He did? We seem to get offended pretty easily - Jesus is my hero!<BR/><BR/>Thanks!<BR/><BR/>Anon 1035Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-32822043892433089602007-05-14T10:37:00.000-04:002007-05-14T10:37:00.000-04:00anonymous 1 (gr. 11 student) Sixteen or seventeen...<B> anonymous 1 (gr. 11 student)</B> <BR/>Sixteen or seventeen years ago, I would have responded exactly the same way you have today. Sadly the only way that you will find out the truth about the church and christians is to get involved. Join some committees, work with the youth (when you aren't one of them), teach Sunday school and especially, watch the process of hiring a new pastor once or twice. The only real advice I have for you is don't hesitate to ask the tough questions. Looking back now I wish that I had done that a lot more. You said you would pray for me. I am tempted to pull a 'Brian Sapient' and say that I will think for you. But I prefer that you make sure to think for yourself. If something seems hard to believe, there may be a reason.<BR/><B> anonymous 2</B><BR/>If you wish to believe these are the only two options, it's your choice. I personally agree with <B> Anonymous 3</B>'s third secret option. I am living my life happily without regret.Glenn Kachmarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11271522925669315573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-25630626802008179852007-05-14T07:29:00.000-04:002007-05-14T07:29:00.000-04:00You have two choices.1. Repent and obey God.2. Suf...You have two choices.<BR/><BR/>1. Repent and obey God.<BR/><BR/>2. Suffer torment in Hell forever. <BR/><BR/>Don't forget secret option 3. Live your life happily and without regret, never knowing the fear of supernatural folk tales.<BR/><BR/>christian student,11th Grade, Chicago Christian Highschool. Thank you for having the decency and good manners to post such a calm and leveled headed post. I don't agree with you in the least, but i respect your ability to present your views without the threats and scorn that many (on both sides) use.<BR/><BR/>That said, a few comments on your post.<BR/>You said<BR/>"there are some crazies out there who in the name of religion do terrible things. but please, give us a chance we dont like these crazies either"<BR/>Of course you don't. 99% of religious people aren't like that. I'm sure are a very pleasant and well adjusted person. BUT, you do make it possible for those people to exist. You do this by promoting the idea that faith (Believing in something with no proof) is a virtue. Once you propagate this idea, it allows people to lurk on the fringes of religion and use that belief to do great or terrible things. For some very devout men like Ghandi or Martin Luther King this can provide solace and strength when they are faced with seemingly overwhelming foes. For others like Osama Bin Laden, the inquisition and the taliban, it allows for terrible atrocities. These men that did these terrible things were very devout men who believed deeply in their religion. Their belief was created, fostered and abetted by moderates. <BR/>In any gathering of people there will be those on the extremes and extremes of religion allow for extreme actions. An extreme atheist (left or right politically) would be hesitant to sacrifice his life or anothers for fear of death/punishment. What does a matyr fear if he believes he is going to paradise? Its not just the fringe that preach paradise, its you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-60748489850451082732007-05-13T19:35:00.000-04:002007-05-13T19:35:00.000-04:00Glenn,You have two choices.1. Repent and obey God....Glenn,<BR/><BR/>You have two choices.<BR/><BR/>1. Repent and obey God.<BR/><BR/>2. Suffer torment in Hell forever.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-70278697915187282882007-05-13T19:27:00.000-04:002007-05-13T19:27:00.000-04:00Glenn-I would like to thank you for your story and...Glenn-<BR/><BR/>I would like to thank you for your story and the tale of how the church affected you. I would also like to say I am so sorry that the effects the Christians you were in contact with had such a bad effect. You are right- I am ashamed to say that there is HUGE amounts of hypocricy in the Church, and the Christians you were in contact with are no exception. It makes me feel terrible when the members of a belief that stresses acceptance, love and forgiveness would act in such a negative manner. Not all Christians are like that Glenn. It makes me ashamed that those in contact with you were such poor examples of the religion they claimed to be apart of. Let me remind you of 2 big things about christianity. Firstly, all people are sinful and make mistakes. The beautiful thing is that regardless of the mistakes you have that support and faith in the fact that regardless of how terrible a life you are leading, there is hope in the grace of Jesus that there is something better than this world. It's a proccess of growth- everyone faces hard times in their walk and the strength that lets you persevere through the rough times rests in the faith of your salvation. A second thing I couldn't help noticing is the way you made reference to what you were getting out of religion and how the church affected you. but Christianity is not about you. It's not about the people around you. It's about in what way you can show your gratitude for Someone who loves you enough to die for you so you wont have to ever experience suffering of Hell. I think society today has so warped the view of the church into making it seem we should be getting something out of religion. it's actually about what we can give to God. When we truly grow and mature in our walk with him is when we start to experience the gifts of the Holy Spirit- Love, joy, peace, etc. not that nonchristians cant experience these things- but the only reason you can is because without your knowledge God works in your life giving you a sense of what is good moral behavior. without your knowledge or ackowledgement- he's still doing it. And lastly for all the non believers reading this- I respect your opinion and belive me i agree with you that there are some crazies out there who in the name of religion do terrible things. but please, give us a chance we dont like these crazies either. the majority of us arent like that at all and dont let yourselves give us a stereotype from people like that. the only difference between me and you is that we admit life is a pretty crappy state of affairs and realize we cant make it on our own. even if we are wrong about the existence of a God, isnt it good to have a little insurance in case we are right? is it wrong to hope for something more? hope for something better! it makes life that much more bareable. who can claim loving your neighbor is a bad thing to do? the qualities Christianity teaches greatly outway its downsides. Glenn i will be praying for you. remember life is a journey, and when it's hard Jesus can carry you through.<BR/><BR/><BR/>-christian student<BR/>11th Grade, Chicago Christian HighschoolAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-17183524248669622722007-05-13T11:58:00.000-04:002007-05-13T11:58:00.000-04:00Thanks Lee, John and Paul. I am thankful for the ...Thanks Lee, John and Paul. I am thankful for the opportunity.Glenn Kachmarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11271522925669315573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-2703430269456353782007-05-13T01:20:00.000-04:002007-05-13T01:20:00.000-04:00Welcome!Welcome!Paul M. Harrisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04880809369067743828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-27269848621602887102007-05-12T10:19:00.000-04:002007-05-12T10:19:00.000-04:00I like how you write Glenn. I look forward to more...I like how you write Glenn. I look forward to more of what you have to say.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-70245623668892264162007-05-12T02:35:00.000-04:002007-05-12T02:35:00.000-04:00how ironic that xtians often characterize non-xtia...how ironic that xtians often characterize non-xtians as living in a dream world, striving towards intellectual utopias instead of living on earth.<BR/>such inconsistency.Matt Sunderlandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15911840820699987142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-69511291848703717312007-05-12T01:42:00.000-04:002007-05-12T01:42:00.000-04:00Sacred Slut Is anyone? BTW, nice online name....<B> Sacred Slut </B> Is anyone? BTW, nice online name.Glenn Kachmarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11271522925669315573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-17602709019441000632007-05-12T01:38:00.000-04:002007-05-12T01:38:00.000-04:00Welcome aboard!Welcome aboard!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17353286859864448748noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21219785.post-23722225051644283232007-05-12T00:38:00.000-04:002007-05-12T00:38:00.000-04:00Yeah, but you were never a TRUE CHRISTIAN.Interest...Yeah, but you were never a TRUE CHRISTIAN.<BR/><BR/>Interesting story; thanks for sharing it. It's always fascinating to see the process.Reason's Whorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09386477323714963087noreply@blogger.com