A Tongue in Cheek Look at Christianity
I've grown accustomed to certain arguments that some Christians use against atheism. I've given serious responses to a few of them, such as the page, A Brief Introduction to Non-Belief. This blog entry is not serious. I figured I'd turn some of those arguments around and give Christians a taste of the same treatment. So, if you're a Christain reading this, and think that this doesn't truly represent you, keep that in mind the next time you hear somebody making similar arguments about atheism.
Morality
As far as religions go, Christianity is a horrible basis for morality. Just consider Romans 3:28, "So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law" (NLT), or Romans 10:13, "For "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (NLT). I've actually seen people use this argument in comment threads, and heard it from Christians in person. It removes all accountability for our actions. In effect, Christianity becomes the ultimate Get Out of Jail Free Card.
Now, I know that as an atheist, I don't think there's any justice on a cosmic scale. But Christians believe in a being with the power to hand out judgment, and who actually will reward or punish people for eternity. Yet, this being bases the outcome solely on belief in a 2000 year old story. No matter how horrible of a person you are, as long as you repent before your death, you'll make it through the pearly gates. Conversely, no matter how much good you did in this world or how many people you help, if you're skeptical on religion, you have an eternity of fiery pits and gnashing of teeth to expect in the afterlife. In other words, there's no motivation to actually be a good person. (more info)
Sanctity of Life
Things are only valuable when they're limited. Gold is a valuable metal because there's so little of it. Lead is practically worthless because it's so abundant. According to Christianity, the length of this life is not even a drop in the bucket compared to the eternity of the afterlife. How valuable can an earthly life be if everybody just gets to go on to eternity once they die?
Meaning of Life
This goes back to the morality discussion. If we're only judged for eternity based on whether or not we accepted Jesus, what meaning do any of our other actions have? Granted, they may have a personal meaning to you, but not to the great cosmic rule giver. And if your actions only have personal meeting, then congratulations, you're now in the same boat as us atheists.
So, that's it. If, as a Christian, you disagree with this, bear it in mind next time you see a strawman argument against atheism.
On a related note, here's a humorous list of 281+ Tricks to Irritate an Atheist.
