Religious uncertainty better than comforting fantasy

Tyrone Rivers says he doesn’t believe in religion – he just has a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. In much the same way, I am not a University student – I just attend classes, buy textbooks and take an exam once in a while.

I’ve heard believers ask me not to understand Christianity or religion by the behavior of its followers, but by the god it describes. Lacking a belief in that deity, I must observe his adherents. As members of a transformative religion, I should expect the Christians I meet to be incredible, shining examples of peace, charity and virtue. I expect to judge Christianity on the basis of how it transforms its adherents.

I’ve really no need to tell you my conclusions on that. As the adage says, “Oh Lord, save us from your followers!”

Although Rivers’ lovely speculation – “Wouldn’t you like to live forever?” – is nice, I do not need a comforting fantasy to make my way through my life – especially when that fantasy often comes loaded with bigotry and oppression. My reason has no need of it, and my life doesn’t either.

I’ll take an honest uncertainty any day.

Phillip Brettschneider
President of Athens Freethinkers, a secular campus organization