Posts in: Philosophy

It’s about time that we wake up from our slumber. It’s about time that we removed the blinders that are limiting our field of view. It’s about time that we took the next step as a species.

I have been asked on several occasions what exactly is my problem with religion. For the longest time, I really didn’t know where to begin to do the question justice. Now it’s a whole different ballgame. Lately, I have had some time to myself to really ask myself that very same question.  Now, I understand clearly what “it” was that kept me from submersing myself into any religious meme. Hopefully I will be able to convey everything that I have to say about it properly. A cautionary word before you continue reading: this post will jump all over the place. By the end of the post, I hope that I can tie it all up for you. My apologies in advance. 

Another problem that I have had with religion in general is its moral codes. Specifically, moral precepts that those in an authoritative position tell us their religion holds in high esteem. I will only attempt to tackle a few of them here, specifically as they are linked to Christian beliefs. Many of these moral codes transcend religious barriers and are found duplicated amongst other religions,such as the Islamic faith.

I remember the first argument for religion (namely Christianity) that I encountered when I was younger like it was yesterday. At the time, it seemed quite foolproof and logical. Here is a breakdown of the argument:

(1) It is possible that the Christian God exists and it is possible that the Christian God does not exist.
(2) If one believes in the Christian God then if he exists then one receives an infinitely great reward and if he does not exist then one loses little or nothing.
(3) If one does not believe in the Christian God then if he exists then one receives an infinitely great punishment and if he does not exist then one gains little or nothing.
(4) It is better to either receive an infinitely great reward or lose little or nothing than it is to either receive an infinitely great punishment or gain little or nothing.
Therefore:
(5) It is better to believe in the Christian God than it is not to believe in the Christian God.
(6) If one course of action is better than another then it is rational to follow that course of action and irrational to follow the other.
Therefore:
(7) It is rational to believe in the Christian God and irrational not to believe in the Christian God.