I've added a new entry to my book, "The Undiscovered Country" : "Is Atheism Dead?" |
Annette : I’ll be sure to note all that in my entry. Thank you! Also, so I don’t assume your gender, are you a man or woman (he/she)? Here’s what I have so far (and you’re welcome to make any changes): Is Christianity Dying? How’s that for a provocative title, especially for Christmas Eve? It comes off the heels of my previous entry, and a short conversation I had with someone who graciously answered some questions after he/she responded to my original question: Is atheism dead? He/she answered simply: “No.” I then asked a few questions including why atheists seem to be antagonistic more toward Christianity than any other religion. His/her answer--based on her experiences, including with a group of atheists he/she once attended--confirmed what I already suspected. From a purely grammatical perspective, it’s a well-written response. I could tell each word he/she chose was intentional, something the writer in me can appreciate (used with permission): “I think the focus on "not Jesus" is because Christianity is the most virulent in the United States, at least where I live. All of the people I met had some run in with Christian cults, not with Islam or any other. Take for instance Greek gods. Most people dismiss those as ancient fiction, so the atheists discuss them like science or history. They don't feel threatened by ancient Greek or Roman gods because there is nobody here that presses them to fire sacrifice their dinner in a temple. On the other hand, there was a Christian who came to the meetings to try and convert the atheists to his religion. These are the only examples that I know and that came out during the conversation. We didn't discuss other religions.” His/her answer makes perfect sense. How can anyone honestly criticize a religion they’ve never been exposed to? Nor do I think his/her perspective is unique. Back in March of this year, Gallup did a study… |