I thought this quote was appropriate for National Prayer Day:
When a religion is good, I conceive it will support itself; and when it does not support itself, and God does not take care to support it so that its professors are obliged to call for help of the civil power, ‘tis a sign, I apprehend, of its being a bad one.
—Benjamin Franklin
That reminds me of the pastor who told me how his church wouldn’t be able to do as much good if they were taxed. I said “really? Wouldn’t God provide?”
LOL Mike, you are in great danger of being called a Heretic. Keep up the good work!
I’m sure I’ve been called worse than that. ;-)
From a recent Timesonline article by Matthew Parris
“Now a confirmed atheist, I’ve become convinced of the enormous contribution that Christian evangelism makes in Africa: sharply distinct from the work of secular NGOs, government projects and international aid efforts. These alone will not do. Education and training alone will not do. In Africa Christianity changes people’s hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.”
Seriously. This seems a good occasion to ask people who have actually been involved. What, if anything, is good about religion? Specifically, Christianity.
“in Africa Christianity changes people’s hearts. It brings a spiritual transformation. The rebirth is real. The change is good.”
I’m Nigerian , lived in Nigeria 16 years before moving to Canada and there was a church on every goddamned streetcorner ( my dad even has one).Christianity is HUGE over there and everyone claims to a ‘prayer warrior’ or ‘a vessel for the lord’. BUT , the truth is Nigeria is a really horrible country. The political leaders are criminals who are crotch deep in corruption.Fraud is also a big thing , I’m sure we’ve all received emails from a ‘Nigerian prince’ who needs your money, trust me these are the same people who claim to be christians.In short, the rule of thumb in Nigeria is to trust NOBODY, even people who walk up to you on the street and ask for the time.
If anyone makes you smile , it’s only to steal the gold hidden underneath,.Literally.
I have no idea where Nomad is coming from , but i just felt that i should give you first hand experience of how christian evangelism doesn’t work in africa. the may all call themselves christians but they are all assholes
Thanks for the reply, Cynic. I really appreciate it. It helps me sort somethings out.
When this great country was founded, there were two ideas at heart….Freedom of religion( or lack there of ) and seperation of church and state. Too bad ,we, as a country have strayed from this notion. I feel it rediculous that we even have a prayer day.
To be fair, those were just two ideas among many others that motivated the founding of the country. But you’re right, those were important, and it is irritating that they have frayed so much since.
I think it’s not as true that the country has swayed, as that there has never been a real separation except on paper. But I am not a history expert.
*strayed
Benny Franklin nailed it on the head didn’t he!
We are constantly told that this or that religious organization is good because of the great charitable and philanthopic work it does. Why does doing good by your fellow man require a belief in the supernatural?