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{"id":84821,"date":"2019-05-21T04:59:42","date_gmt":"2019-05-21T09:59:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/admin.patheos.com\/blogs\/jesuscreed\/?p=84821"},"modified":"2019-05-20T22:37:20","modified_gmt":"2019-05-21T03:37:20","slug":"confronting-christianity-rjs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patheos.com\/blogs\/jesuscreed\/2019\/05\/21\/confronting-christianity-rjs\/","title":{"rendered":"Confronting Christianity (RJS)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<\/head>

$\"\"$ It is all over the news \u2013 well occasionally anyway. Religion is in a decline with a significant increase in the number of people claiming no religion. The change is particularly significant among younger adults.\u00a0 Some applaud this trend as bringing enlightenment as we move away from superstition and into a more scientific age. Of course this is a simplification \u2013 the reality is more complex. Many of the so-called nones are quite disillusioned with religion \u2013 questioning religious teachings as well as the social and political positions taken by many churches.\u00a0 But are the arguments against Christianity compelling? In Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World\u2019s Largest<\/a> <\/strong><\/em>Religion Rebecca McLaughlin argues that they are not. There are reasonable responses to the 12 most common criticisms (the hard questions). This book and these questions are worth some consideration.<\/p>\n

Aren\u2019t we better off without religion?<\/p>\n

Some have argued that religion causes a great deal of harm in this world. It is certainly true that some rather terrible things have been done in the name of religion for deeply religious reasons and religion has been used as an excuse for others motivated more deeply by drives for wealth and power. But does this mean that religion itself is to blame? Perhaps it is better to look at the positive aspects of religion, and Christian religion in particular.<\/p>\n

Rebecca notes several positives supported by research. To begin with, relationships are essential to human well-being and religion fosters relationships and provides a broad community. The power of community accounts for a considerable benefit of religion, but it isn\u2019t the whole story. Rebecca goes on to outline seven biblical principles that contribute to well-being \u2013 with scientific research to back them up.<\/p>\n

(1) Generosity \u2013 the bible clearly teaches generosity. It is more blessed to give than receive. \u201cActively caring for others often yields greater physical and psychological benefits than being cared for.<\/em>\u201d (p. 23)<\/p>\n

(2) Money doesn\u2019t bring happiness and the love of money disappoints. Rebecca notes that a little money can make a big difference, but once a basic level of security is achieved, additional wealth doesn\u2019t have a large correlation with well-being. The New Testament clearly cautions against the love of money.<\/p>\n

(3) Work \u2013 when it is seen as making a significant contribution beyond a mere paycheck \u2013 contributes to well-being. \u201cThe apostle Paul encouraged Christian slaves (a significant portion of the early church) that even their work could be a calling, and exhorted them to put their hearts into it, seeing themselves as working for the Lord, not any human master (Col. 3:23-24).<\/em>\u201d (p. 25)<\/p>\n

(4) Contentment \u2013 Paul wrote to the Philippians \u201cI know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.<\/em>\u201d A general sense of contentment leads to greater well-being. This sense of contentment does not come from having more things or being more successful, or even from being healthy. It is a cultivated and learned state of mind \u2013 one to which we are encouraged to aspire. Contentment contributes to human well-being.<\/p>\n

(5) Gratitude \u2013 Paul again models this for us, commanding the Thessalonians to \u201cRejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God\u2019s will for you in Christ Jesus.<\/em>\u201d Gratitude is an important factor in human happiness, a companion to contentment. Rebecca notes that \u201cGratitude is buried at the heart of Christianity<\/em>.\u201d (p. 27)<\/p>\n

(6) Self-control and perseverance. Hard to read Paul without seeing the importance of these qualities in Christian life. We look to a future goal not instant gratification.<\/p>\n

(7) Forgiveness. Although sometimes overlooked or forgotten, forgiveness is creedal in Christian faith a non-negotiable.\u00a0 We believe in forgiveness \u2013 the forgiveness of sins and the command to forgive one another. We are forgiven and we forgive. Not seven times but almost without end. As with the other items in this list, research has shown that an attitude of forgiveness benefits the giver and contributes to human well-being.<\/p>\n

So what? The positive aspects and benefits of Christian teachings don\u2019t mean that Christianity is true.\u00a0 Nor is it true that Christian faith is a necessary precursor to the cultivation of self-control, gratitude, generosity, or any of the other attitudes and practices described here. Some or all of these attitudes are championed in other religions as well. But the fact that they are thoroughly Christian does undermine the notion that Christianity is predominantly negative, poisoning both the believers and the community at large.<\/p>\n

We are not \u201cbetter off without religion\u201d and religious practices and attitudes can make significant contributions to human well-being. The Western rat race for success, pursuit of pleasure,\u00a0 and the accumulation of \u201cthings\u201d is not an alternative that contributes to happiness and well-being. Stop and smell the roses.<\/p>\n

What positives are contributed by religious belief?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

What brings human well-being?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

If you wish to contact me directly you may do so at rjs4mail[at]att.net<\/p>\n

If interested you can subscribe to a full text feed of my posts at Musings on Science and Theology<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"