A debate between old friends; Part one; the argument

Hey Joe,

Let me preface my argument by stating that I am by no means versed in religious theology, yet even if I were a paragraph or two would hardly be sufficient space to intelligently outline my religious beliefs. That being said after growing up Catholic, becoming an alter boy, going through communion, gaining acceptance into the church, and then subsequently renouncing Catholicism I have developed a myriad of reasons for denying the validity of Christianity. First, yet not foremost, the Christian God is a contradictory God. Second, while I appreciate many of the messages of the scriptures, and feel that they can outline a sustainable, healthy, and “good” way to live, they are stories that have been orally passed down long before the appearance of Jesus, so if Christianity was not the first religion to have very similar creation myths than why would it suddenly become the “Truth.” (I don’t believe in a “truth,” but a multitude.) I would also contend that this adaptation and evolution of other myths into Christianity is something that is still happening today, which further detracts from Christianity’s validity. Moreover, the religion is entirely fear based, which is also contradictory to the teachings of Jesus. The countless millions that have died in the name of Christianity is enough alone to make me turn a blind eye. It is a religion, like most of the others, which relies upon converting others beliefs. My Grandmother (the wise woman she was) always said “change a man against his will he is off the same opinion still.”

Yet the lack of evidence supporting the Bible is the most glaring reason I am not a Christian. I have read The Case for Christ. I have been to more than a few sermons (albeit at the urging of girlfriends), and while I at times find them inspiring the simple basis for the beliefs, the fear mongering, the contradictory actions of most Christians and the Church – let us not forget the Holy Wars, Catholic priests, guilt, shame, and genocide all in the name of the Lord – I simply cannot buy into Christianity or any religion for that matter because there is simply no evidence, and what little evidence is given is always shallow and dependent upon belief in a God or entity. Not even quantum physics can save religion for me – as much as it has tried.