Not Alone: * Religion is for the weak... *

Monday, March 24, 2008

* Religion is for the weak... *

The video is brief and to the point. You can view it at Religion is for the weak . . ..

This individual shares his belief that those who embrace religion or faith are weak. He says that there are two kinds of religious people: those who are born with it because their parents believed; and those who fall upon hard times and are vulnerable and need to believe in something and that gives them strength. He concludes that it is therefore “a strength from delusion and in that sense it’s for the weak people.”

Curiously, in this 32 second video this self proclaimed “non-believer” uses the phrase “I believe” twice and “I feel” (an oft misused pseudonym for belief) once.

“I believe . . .”

“I believe . . .”

“I feel . . .”

Naturally, in perfect accord with his belief system, his profession of faith in non-belief is based purely upon his own very limited experience and perception and without a single statement of fact, but only upon his own opinion and beliefs and feelings.

Could this be counted as delusional?

Entering into debate with someone who has already made up one’s mind, someone who has already clearly stated a commitment to a belief system, is of course, nearly always nonproductive. Such is the way with any attempt to debate a person of the religion of atheism of anything factual.

However, it is very interesting to note that this atheist’s statements are true. What he chooses to do with the truth is false, but he does make true statements.

First, many if not even most religious people are “born with it.” Such people believe because their parents believe. If this is the only basis for the person’s faith, then this is indeed a delusion and has approximately the same value as the beliefs of the atheists. This kind of believing does in fact exist on the basis of a delusion that gives only a false hope.

Secondly, the atheist speaks truly when he says that we who turn to the faith do so because we are weak. But the atheist is wrong in feeling that this is a delusion. Such a conclusion is nothing but allowing one’s emotions to rule over one’s reason. The truth is that in expressing this and then following it the atheist admits fear of facing the truth. For human beings truly are weak and unable to make things right or safe or happy or anything else that one wishes to change. Even one’s own feelings are not completely under the individual’s own control.

Yes, we who are not delusional admit our weaknesses and our dependency upon the One who is strong to save. We have His written record of His gracious will toward us and His mighty acts of salvation. We have the evidence of nature that points to Him and His creative acts as well as His continual providence. We have His Church that has existed and provided safe haven for the weak ever since the beginning of time. We have eyewitness accounts from those who personally observed the life of God in the flesh, who lived and worked mighty signs and wonders, who preached peace and forgiveness, who sacrificed Himself and then rose again from the dead and ascended to the throne of glory. We have the witness of the Holy Spirit, who speaks to our conscience and strengthens our heart. We have the Sacraments by which forgiveness and life and peace are received.

So to the atheist who says that I am weak, I respond with a hearty “Amen!” And to the Lord who says to me, “Come, and I will give you rest from your weariness and from your heavy burdens,” I again respond with a hearty “Amen!”