The beauty of Christianity comes in its base acknowledgment of the presence of good and evil on this planet. More subjective faith systems fail to accept the existence of a binary moral code. In this simple tenet lies the subtle truth: a faith system and worldview based on the existence and marginalization of evil can account for and explain why bad things happen to good people. In this acceptance of evil lies an understanding that evil exists outside of good and in the absence of good. God is good, and evil is bad. They are not of the same cloth. Fairness, or our conception of what should be fair, is then nothing more than a creation of our minds to account for the discrepancy in our humanity. If evil happens equally to all, good or bad or otherwise, then surely there must be vengeance...surely there must be justice. Eternally, there will be. Of that we are all familiar. But, here on earth, an even greater truth emerges. In a world without fairness, there are no victims. In a world with no victims, there is only personal responsibility and choice. In a world of choice there is freedom. In a world with that kind of freedom, I wonder why people keep telling me that Christianity just seems so oppressive.
It seems that the more subjective faith systems of Liberalism and the like (and yes, they are indeed faith systems) and its supporters would be hard-pressed to find a more oppressive ideology than their own; a system that is based upon the belief and faith that established, robust, dynamic and fulfilling faith systems like Christianity are to be distrusted because of their connection and attachment to wars, hypocrisy and the like. All the while, they fail to acknowledge that the disapproval and distrust of established faith systems is a belief system in and of itself. If we seek to know truth for ourselves, and in our arrogance think that only we can understand the mysteries of reality, then the denial of all those who claim to have found truth before us...is a denial of their own validity. So, the very things that Christianity is blasted for: oppression, close-mindedness, denial of other salient ideas, logical analysis etc. are ironically all present in the faith system of denial. To espouse a belief that all beliefs are wrong is just logically ridiculous and intellectually boring.
So stop asking me why I don't care about fairness. Stop asking me to care about victims. These things are ludicrous within the context of my worldview...and I enjoy being responsible with my intellect.
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3 comments:
I've always wondered, what if all the beliefs are 'right' not wrong? What if there is a universal moral code underlying all religions, deeper than good and evil, that make everyone right simply if they have a belief?
I think it is insulting to a 'creator' to think we have the intellectual capacity to fathom 'its' power. I like to think that I am cut from the very moral fiber of Christian ideology, but I do not believe in a Christian line of faith. I would certainly hope when my time is finished here that I will not stand before a damning judge who has overlooked my contribution to the people of 'its' world.
I see your connection between political systems and religion here. I can honestly say I agree with what you've been saying about fairness and equality and responsible intellectual choices. Liberalism at its most extreme is asinine, as is conservatism. I have always been a person of balance. I suppose that is one of the curses of constantly learning about the world.
Sorry, it's late, I'm running out of steam. I may come back and post again or I will just talk to you soon.
Charlie,
How can all the beliefs be right when they say opposite and mutually exclusive things? Two beliefs in obvious contradiction can certainly not both be right.
And what kind of system would reward all beliefs equally? Belief in the "universal moral code" could be rewarded on par with belief in unmitigated murder and personal justice?
Further, we understand the power of our Creator on our terms, surely not in the actual, absolute terms that He would deserve.
On what do you base your hope that you will be rewarded or recognized for your good deeds or contributions? Anything besides just the way you'd like to see it play out?
Oh, and Nick. I like they way you think, but when we get together let's be sure at talk about victims. I'm not sure what you're getting at exactly. I need some clarification.
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