A Different Take on Religion

Hugh — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 14:48:36 +0000

It’s interesting here in the US how much freedom we have to do or say what ever we wish with regards to our speech and religion. However, I think it’s unhealthy the number of people who cloak themselves in religion to literally steal your money. Some, like Peter Popoff, don’t believe their own bullshit, and are bilking people out of millions of dollars. Others, like our local Baptist preachers, seem to believe their rhetoric, but they are nearly as aggressive with extracting money from their congregations. Sitting in a Baptist service as a non-believer now blows my mind. The Emperor has no clothes, there is no wizard behind the curtain, and religion is like politics without the elections. It’s truly appalling to listen to these preachers go on about their new sanctuary, and faith-based school, and their mission trips to convert the unwashed masses, and yet leave in a new Mercedes. Since I no longer attend church, I am able to direct my money into charities that actually do good works for people without fear of conversion.

Anyway, I started thinking about it because of the bombing in Pakistan and the recent treatment of religious groups in China. These events and other less notable happenings occur every day, but isn’t it interesting that so many people have a warped, and certainly different interpretation of their religion? I hope I live to see the day where the majority of us look at the remaining, shrinking minority of pious people left, and say –won’t it be nice when their eyes open and they stop killing, persecuting, and condemning in the name of a myth.

Lay Theism » James Randi

A Different Take on Religion