Atheism 102

(or Why I'm Still a Christian)

I appreciate the conversations I've had about Sam Harris' book "Letter to a Christian Nation." Harris, an atheist, presents a case against Christianity, or any faith, really.

We owe it to ourselves to take him seriously, because doubut is part of any authentic faith. But not too seriously.

Atheists have been around forever. Think Nietzsche (God is dead) or Albert Camus (French novelist, early 1900s). Other famous atheists (according to Wikipedia):
Ralph Vaughn Williams, Kurt Vonnegut, Julia Sweeney, Katherine Hepburn, Woody Allen, Larry Flynt and Warren Buffet. Hmm. I wonder what it means to them.

I could argue that every culture/society has had some form of religion, so we're created that way because there is something out there.

I could argue that religion motivates people to help others and benefit the world.

I could argue that I've had personal and transformative experiences that can only be explained by God.

I could argue that belief in God helps me live a better life and provides a framwork to live out my values.

All of those things are true, but that's not why I'm a Christian. Then why?

Mystery.

That's it. Mystery. I'm a Christian because I believe I need mystery. I believe you do, too. Maybe you call it something else. (Allah, Ganesh, Brahman, the Great Spirit, unanswered scientific questions). I need mystery. How else can we live in this broken world? How else can we find nourshment for weary minds and hearts?

When I can't figure out how to be kind and good enough, break bad habits, make people love me or get outside my own head, mystery meets me. Something must be greater, bigger, better than my own self. Otherwise, what's the point? How could I ever find rest?

Mystery. As a friend of mine says: "It's a cold, dark universe out there." Mystery gives me a place to rest. I can stop doing, being, striving and hurting.

Atheists like Sam Harris say God is like talking to an imaginary friend. I guess he could be right. But I'll take my chances with mystery. I call it God.

Faith907

Aetheism 101

Lots of people don't believe in God. Sometimes I forget this; I'm immersed in the business (busy-ness?) of faith.

An NPR interview with aetheist author Sam Harris last week jolted me. Listen yourself on NPR's Web site: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6166802

His main points (as I understand them):
* Christianity is damaging and the church has hurt people.
* Christians deceive themselves with made up stories of God.
* There is a universal morality that should guide our decisions.

This might be oversimplified. But it's important to listen. Harris has written two books: "End of Faith," and "Letter to a Christian Nation."

Why should people of faith listen? Because people like Harris will make us mad. They also challenge us. Make us think.

Thinking is good. We don't check our brains at the church door.

So listen.

Wonder.

Ask.

Let me know what you come up with. I spent a couple nights tossing and turning over Harris' book "Letter to a Christian Nation."

I'll write more later....I'd love to hear what others think....

Faith907

Faith907