Publications
Partners
Each one of these stars can have zero or more planets (exoplanets, as have been recently confirmed through direct observation). It just so happens that at least one of these planets is capable of supporting life. This planet currently has more than 10 million estimated species on it.
These 10 million species represent only about 1% of all species that have ever lived on this planet.
Now, enter God (we choose the Christian god called Yahweh as an example) This god decided to have a special relationship with one of these species. However, not the entire species, just a small sub-group of them in the middle of a desert.
This group is called the Israelites. He decided to empower the Israelites to wage a war against the rest of the species and wipe many of their tribes off the face off the Earth. He empowered them to kill their men, smash their children's skulls against rocks, and rape their women.
However, the members of this sub-group had to demonstrate their ultimate devotion to this god in two ways:1) Animal sacrifice, because this god found the odour of burning flesh pleasing2) Chop off the tips of their winkies.
Tell me this doesn't sound absurd.
And how do subscribers of this delusion justify such a ridiculous story?
"Oh, you don't understand the scriptures."
Yes, you are absolutely right. I don't understand it, despite having been a Christian myself for more than 28 years. And the reason I don't understand is that there is a part of me that can actually think logically and rationally.
As a human species we owe ourselves much more than a 2700 year old fairy tale. I know believing in these stories might give you some false sense of comfort, but I'm sorry to break it to you, these stories won't solve any of your problems, no matter how much you believe in them.
The harsh reality of this life is that we ultimately have to put some elbow grease into it. Some magical being is not going to swoop down and magic right your problems. In the end it is up to you to make your life better.
I know this doesn't sound rosy coloured or evoking some warm fuzzy feelings inside of you. But the upside is that it's applicable to each of us. No one is exempt from it, no matter what you believe.
Your life is yours and yours alone. Make the most of it.
