Don't Back Down

Apparently archaeologists in Jerusalem believe they have discovered the remains of the Siloam Pool, where a story told about Jesus curing a man's blindness. I think it's cool. Whether you are a Christian, believe in Jesus as a historical figure or don't even think that much is true, that something can be uncovered from 2000-odd years ago is neat. I found a book at the thrift store the other day that was 125 years old, and I thought that was awesome. Especially since it was only a buck. I can't even fathom something 15 times older.

What I don't see though is why people are so defiant against Christianity - or any religion at all, for that matter. Now don't get me wrong. There have been many times in my life, and I'm certain that there will be more, where I have questioned what I believe. I have wondered if the whole pursuit is simply delusional or if it could possibly result in an eternal life in heaven. I think it's human to question, and that's not what I don't understand.

What I see from those who I will call atheists is something different. And before I get into it, I'll say that I might be using the wrong term. It's just easier for me to use a term. By "atheist", I'm simply referring to someone who doesn't believe there is anything but this life. That when we die, it's over. If I misuse the term and offend you, I'm sorry. Provide the correct information and I'll update this entry with it. But as you'll see, the term is just a tool to make things easier, and doesn't really make a difference. The word alone doesn't define something. The behavior of those who I'm talking about does.

And I don't get those people because they argue that science doesn't support the existence of a God. And that's fine, as they are certainly entitled to their opinion. What I don't get is that they would prefer to believe in nothing than something. I mean come on - what harm is there in believing that there is a God and that He has promised certain things through His word, contained in the Bible? That you're duped into going to church most Sundays, reading and studying a historical text (divinely inspired or not, it is a historical text with some pretty decent things to say)? That you don't want to get to your deathbed, and realize that the great computer program that designed the earth thinks you fool for believing in something all your life?

I don't get it. Even if you are wrong, so what? You spend your life believing in something greater than yourself. You share time with other people who believe similarly to yourself, and you enjoy their company as well as the special moments found through time spent together. Often you help the lives of not only yourself or those other people, but people who would never have been helped otherwise. This might be through something simple like a few kind words to a coworker or it might be something more tangible, like a donation to the less fortunate or perhaps even a meal for someone who cannot afford it on their own.

Now I'm not saying that atheists don't do these things. I'm not saying that at all, as I'm certain that there are some that are quite generous with their time and their money. I'm simply pointing out - using the scientific method if you like - what it is that atheists think is so wrong about believing in God. I don't know. I'd like to know. Is it that they don't want to be victims of a hoax? Or that they simply don't want to feel like they need such a "crutch" to get through life? Is it that they simply don't have time for things associated with God and need evidence (or a lack thereof) to support such a decision?

As I said, I don't know. I don't see it. But I do know this much. I am certain that my life now is better than my life even a year ago, when I felt that I didn't need God, or more specifically, the church. And what have I lost? The chance to disprove the Bible? To proclaim the church as the greatest hoax in history? The opportunity to declare that I don't need a crutch to get through life? I think that's a trade worth making.

Merry Christmas.