Gilbert Gonzales

The Art and The Crimson Sun

2008-11-01T08:03:00.000-07:00

The Art and The Crimson Sun
By Gilbert Gonzales

I linger for the dusk to come
To see the crimson sun
To feel the sea breeze
And sing an enchanted lullaby
That will be a requiem of my special life

It’s 5 o’ clock in the afternoon
The breeze felt cold for my frail mortal being
But the sun displayed its warm magnificence
All over me and the red horizon
A perfect moment of peace and recollection

For once in my whole life
That the minutes feel like hours
The waves sing their melody
And seagulls athwart the scarlet sky
Dance and glide more gracefully than ballets I’ve seen before

Beyond my fragility, I rose
To unite with this masterpiece of nature
And gazing at this state of bliss
Is more than a consolation for me
And I am pleased to be in this great splendor; the earth

I am convinced that I myself is a work of art
My life, my purpose and my heart
Every part of me is as beautiful as what I am seeing now
And as I sing my final ode
The warmth of the crimson sun
Welcomes me to a new phase of life

I'm Listening To: More Than This by Trading Yesterday

2008-09-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

Album: Trading Yesterday: More Than This Street Date: shelved permanently Length: 58:16

1. Revolution - In the first 30 seconds of this song, Trading Yesterday gives us a glimpse at what we will be experiencing for the next hour. Vocalist David Hodges introduces the song with the line "Open up my eyes to dreams that should have died. I was made for more than this," making Revolution the title track to an album about desperation, hope, love, and faith. The song revolution is about being a "voice" beyond the "lies" no matter what it takes; being the light in the darkness, even if it takes your life. Through the piano, vocal melodies, the dramatic bridge, and pulsating guitar and drums in this song, we're given a sense of hope and excitement that will lead us into the emotional journey of the rest of the album.

2. One Day - This song begins with an acoustic guitar and builds into a dramatic light-rock symphony of hope and desperation for love. "I'll wait for your love," the beautiful line that soars into the closing moments of this song, can give you chills. The upbeat feel and David's soaring vocals make this song a highlight for the album.

3. She Is The Sunlight - A beautiful expression of love. This song portrays a powerful love that is willing to withstand anything. The simple acoustic guitar, backed by light piano and strings makes the beginning of this song raw and beautiful. As the intensity builds through the second verse, they lead us into the bridge where the drums kick in and carry us through the last half of the song. A highlight for me in this song is David's amazing use of vocal ad-lib, where a simple "la da da" on top of amazing string arrangements, guitars, piano, and drums lead us into his final words, "she is the sunlight, and the sun is gone." Not only is this a beautiful love ballad, but it ends with a powerful piano/string arrangement that, if the song didn't do it, can bring tears to your eyes.

4. Under My Skin - Another song of hope and desperation. A common theme that appears through this album many times is the concept of faith and renewal. The song begins with drums and a slightly distorted guitar. Once again, David's vocals soar in this song.

5. May I - Another love ballad and truly beautiful one at that. The powerful lyrics in this song express a desire to be a comfort for someone when they need love. This song can bring anyone to tears. The chorus is simply amazing and the strings in the bridge leave me wanting more. One thing found notable in this song is the background vocals. I truly think they are magical. I also found the key-change into the last chorus very dramatic and extremely effective. Again, David ends with vocal ad-lib, where in a simple repetition of "yeah yeah yeah" you truly feel his emotion.

6. My Last Goodbye - I absolutely love this song. It's about walking away before it's too late. I really love David's line "I'm letting go," and the reverb/delay used to make it more intense. Another thing i found really effective is when the instrumental cuts out at the start of the last chorus and then comes back in, giving it one last burst of energy. However, I was left disappointed with the ending, which I thought could've done something besides fade out.

7. Love Song Requiem - The song starts with a slow and highly-effected drum loop, haunting piano and strings. David's soft vocals in the first verse immediately draw your attention. As the music builds, you wonder where this song can possibly take you, and suddenly the music stops, and cymbal rolls into the first instance of the chorus, where more strings kick in. This song wins the prize for most beautiful lyrics and melody in a chorus. David's ethereal background vocals, and the haunting string arrangement carry us through to the very last moment in the song.

8. Come Back To Me - David shows us his higher range in this song, and it's still just as amazing as the others. This song reminds me of a scene from a movie where a couple is split up and in separate places looking the opposite direction, but they're really thinking about each other. This song isn't necessarily a strong point in the album, but it's definitely a great track.

9. For You Only - If you heard this song on the previous album, The Beauty and the Tragedy, you knew it as that slow, two-minute paino/vocal song that really didn't do much. It was a humble little song that ended the album. However, on More Than This, it is probably one of the strongest and most powerful songs on the entire album. The soft verses lead into one of the most powerful choruses I have ever heard in a song. When I first heard this song it completely blew me away. The simplicity in the lyrics backed by pure emotion in the vocals and instrumental make this song one of the best songs the band has ever made. One of the best parts of this song is the last minute of strings and piano, which seam to bring back memories of David's contributions to Evanescence on their debut album Fallen.

10. World On Fire - I've always enjoyed this song, even on the previous album and on "The Light" soundtrack. Definitely one of my favorites. The direct religious references in this song make it even more powerful for those of the same faith. I personally love this song and find it an extremely uplifting reminder that there's more than what we're going through. The passion in the vocals and the music is absolutely beautiful. The power and passion in song can definitely be appreciated by anybody, even of different faith.

11. Change My Name - The thing I love most about this song is the lyrics. The music is relatively simple and light but the lyrics say a lot. I definitely see the spiritual references in this song as well. It appears to be a cry out to be made new, similar to Under My Skin. "Because the pain defining me is holding me lifeless, so I am waiting patiently for you to change my name." ---very powerful lyrics that really say a lot. I really like this song.

12. The Beauty and the Tragedy - The familiar tune and title track to their previous album. I've never found this song to be one of my favorites, but I definitely enjoy it. I think once again, the simplicity and lack of heavy, flashy instrumentals makes this one beautiful. The strings in this song are definitely an asset, and the lyrics, especially in the chorus, make this song one of the deepest in meaning.

13. Shattered - The best way to end an album like this---end with the most intense musical moment ever created. This song begins with a light acoustic guitar. David's soft vocals take control of the music as light strings and piano make their way into the mix. When the two verses conclude, a simple and beautiful piano moment takes over. David begins singing the most deep, spiritual, emotional, and powerful lyrics found in the entire album. The music continues to build as his lyrics get more and more intense. Before you know it, the music has built to an eruption of guitars, strings, piano, and wailing background vocals that create the most amazing musical moment I've ever heard on an album. The moment concludes with words "...and His love will conquer all" and then returns to the simple acoustic guitar, softly closing out the album with the line: "yesterday I died, tomorrow's bleeding---fall into your sunlight."

Overall, I was completely blown away by this album. There is so much emotion driving each song, and instrumentally and vocally it is phenomenal. If you can get your hands on this music, I definitely recommend it. It's some of the best I've ever heard.

There Are Atheists Among Us

2008-09-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

There Are Atheists Among Us

There are atheists among us. They believe in no god. They worship nothing. Their worldview precludes the supernatural and includes only the natural. They view God as an adult's fairy tale. They look at those who spend Sundays at church and think what a waste of time. They believe in one life and one life lived well.

There are atheists among us. You will see them on the street, in the supermarket, in the mall. You will meet them at work and at parties. You will meet them in the restroom and at the gym. You will not know who they are. You will not know them by their fruit. All you can know is that they do exist and that they do influence you, your city, your state, your country, and, slowly but surely, your world. Atheists matter.

There are atheists among us. They are scattered in every corner of the earth. They influence politics, education, science. They have their materialistic hands in everything. Everything they touch turns to naturalism. Everything they touch turns to realism. Everything they touch turns to reality.

There are atheists among us. Most hide, but more and more are coming out. More and more are witnessing of religion's deceit. More and more are evangelizing trust in logic and reasoning and common sense. More and more are telling others to grow up, to get with the evolutionary program, and to stop pretending that a single book, a hodgepodge of wishful thinking, solves the world's problems. More and more are coming to grips with life instead of avoiding it.

There are atheists among us. What will you do about it? Will you try to convince them that your religion is right? Will you try to convince them that you alone know the truth? Will you try to prevent them from speaking and using their minds? Or, will you simply ignore them, supremely confident of winning the war of ideas with sheer numbers? Will you care at all?

There are atheists among us. You must care. You must say and do something. You must listen to their beliefs. You must recognize their influence. Numbers do matter, but numbers are not on your side. Atheism is growing. Religions do not last. Two thousand years is nothing in the history of religion. Make no mistake. Religions will die. Religion will be forgotten. All you will have left, all you will have to hold, is reality. Reality is all you will ever need.

A Plead of a Broken Soul

2008-09-09T08:29:00.000-07:00

A Plead of a Broken Soul

By: Gilbert Gonzales

My hope has been broken

My heart is bleeding

My soul; cold and empty

Distress took over me

I tried to play okay

But pain has come my way

So help me save my shattered soul

I have been blazed on fiery coals

I have been scourged by this nightmare

Help me from this forlorn despair

I have been hurt for way too long

I perceived there is something wrong

Vulnerable and frail

I fall down hard and fail

I beg for real mercy

To raise and aid me

And I beg for true love,

To help me reach above

There are times that I want to die

When I’m thronged between earth and sky

There are times that I want to fade

To flight from hell that fate has made

But death can’t wash it all away

I can’t drive my despair away

My hope has died and gone

My dreams has come undone

My life; void and useless

My fate; it’s all senseless

Caught amidst of nowhere

I shed my blood-filled tears

So help me from this misery

My despair is no mystery

Destiny has shattered my soul

I’m not aware of my life’s role

Am I just here to suffer pain

Am I just here for devil’s bane

My death is the only escape

I’m weary of fate’s cruel rape

But death can’t wash it all away

So help me find the refuge’s way

Wipe the blood-filled tears off my face

Cover me with your warm embrace

Take me to sanctuary

That is where I meant to be

Bring me to sanity

Cease the pain inside me

Wrap me with your love’s cover

Where I’ll be safe

Forever…

The Ode of Farewell

2008-09-09T08:19:00.000-07:00

The Ode of Farewell

by: Gilbert Gonzales

This is a brand new day
It’s time to go on my way
Gone is the sweet togetherness
Replaced by lonesome forlornness

I am leaving today
But few things will always stay
Joyful memories that we shared
Treasures that can never be compared

It’s time to leave you behind
But you and I will always bind
No distance can separate us
Nothing will ever divide us

Our friendship is true and chaste
That time and distance cannot erase
We belong to each other’s heart
And that will never break us apart

I’ll be on my new journey
But you are always with me
Happy thoughts and sweet goodbye
I’ll always recall ‘til the day I die

An Open Letter to Chain Letter Lovers

2008-09-09T06:38:00.000-07:00

What is up with you fucktard bulletin posters?

You know who the hell you are. You just do not know when to quit, huh?

Look, I believe in utilizing media to express our thoughts and ideas as a part of our right of freedom to express ourselves in general aspect. But it seems like this "right of expression" has been misused and abused by many especially on the internet.

If you do not know what I am talking about I'm referring to this statement below:

"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."

Yes, little girls and young lads. The statement above declares your right to say/write/do whatever you want with the media but this doesn't mean that you little morons should abuse it.

I just can’t help but to speak my mind because I am so fed up of seeing SPAMs, chain messages, scams and et cetera whenever I access the net.

Don’t you know that it is such a pain in the ass to see all these bullshit flipping around? Just imagine your inboxes and bulletins filled with crappy messages. Wouldn’t you be pissed too?

Do you really have to post chain letters back just because you are scared of some superstitious crap or you just need some fucking attention? Perhaps your life has become too mundane that you have nothing good to do with your miserable life. Or maybe you are just plain stupid to mindlessly post such idiocy on the internet.

Just so you know, the internet is a useful tool designed to improve our lives, make communication better and share information as fast as the speed of light. And as for social networking, “Friendster”, “Myspace” and “Facebook” to name a few, these online community sites were designed to connect with family, make friends and interact with people in a decent civilized way and these were not made for anyone who just wants to play some pranks, send frauds and forwarded chains and whatnot. If you wanna play retards, go back to your old nursery. That’s the place where you exactly belong to because your actions just prove that your mental ages do not go any higher than 6.

It’s about time people! Grow up and go get a life! Get your noses off your desktop screens and work your asses off and STOP posting shiteous messages anywhere in the internet for the sake of its sanity and its users.

The real world is miserable enough already so why make the virtual world tainted with your nonsense hence it’s only our temporary escape from reality?

Come on people... For once in your “virtual lives” act mature and be a productive virtual citizen of the internet world.

Rationally yours,

Gilbert

PS: I will be posting this once in a while until you guys learn and realize your stupidity. If you won’t stop, you’ll just regret your actions. Don’t play stupid with me because I’m better at it.

Why Go for Humanism?

2008-09-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

Why Go for Humanism?

I am a humanist. By this I mean that I accept and promote the values and principles traditionally accepted by humanists. Here I will list some of the more important of those values, and explain why they are important to me.
As humanist, I am free to debate the details or even to disagree on certain principles. And therefore we must unite together in promoting these ideals.

1. Human need is more important than following a particular religious creed.

Many creeds have been written to encourage faith in God and his plan. However, these creeds differ widely. If one of these creeds were indeed correct, how would we ever know? With no clear way of knowing that any system of belief represents the revelation of a Creator, I remain skeptical of such claims.

We live in a world with great human need. We can see the problems for ourselves, and we have the power to do something about them. It is more important to respond to human need than to conform ourselves to the unproven claims of revelation from God.

We are left then as people upon this earth, as children that are home alone. Shall we shrug our shoulders and walk off with nobody to guide us? No, why not rather choose to work together to guide ourselves? The human mind is a marvelous thing. Many human minds in cooperation are even better thing. Then why not put all our minds together, and determine how we can unitedly move on as a species?

2. It is this life that counts, not a future eternal life

Many find escaping hell and obtaining rewards in heaven to be the most important aspect of life. Everything else pales in comparison with eternity. But what if there is no life after death? What if this life is all there is? As science shows that thoughts come from the brain, and that the brain is destroyed at death, how could we possibly survive our own death? And if there is no life after death, why allow that conjecture to dominate our thoughts?

The fear of hell has traumatized many children, including me when I was young. No child should grow up with such terrors.

Also, the promise of heavenly rewards leads one to work for unproven benefits. Doing good for others because we want future rewards leads to a legalistic, mechanical view of ethics. It is better to do good because we want to work together for the common good. This life is the only life we have. Let us live it fully.

3. Morals values come from meeting human needs

Some people, rather than building their ethics on human needs, operate instead under the idea that might-makes-right. They argue that God is the mightiest, and that he will punish us severely if we don't do what he says. They argue that we should, therefore, do whatever he says, regardless of whether this brings misery to ourselves and others. But what if the mightiest creature in the universe tells people to kill, rape, and pillage? People that approve of blindly following the strongest deity would find themselves with an unacceptable morality. So I cannot see maybe why a deity with the most ought to be considered to be unconditionally right.

4. Human reason is our most effective resource.

The advancements of society in the last 500 years have been truly phenomenal. These advancements have been led by people that have used their reason and intelligence to discover the way the world works, and to work to build a better world. The human mind is amazing. Let us promote the continued use of our intellect. Let us promote education for all, so that we all can think about our problems and work together to build a better world.

5. The dignity and worth of each person is important.

I believe in the value and dignity of the human race. I believe that we as humans can do great things. I do not believe all of our righteousness is as filthy rags, as the Bible states. I believe that we are creatures of dignity and worth, that we can accomplish things of great value. Knowing the worth of others, we can treat people with respect.

6. Unnecessary sexual restrictions should be avoided.

Consenting adults have found different ways of fulfilling their sexual desires. We must avoid unnecessary restriction, and tolerate different lifestyles.

7. Civil liberties must be promoted.

We need to promote free speech and personal liberty. People need to be able to associate as they please, and experience the liberty to express themselves in art, writing, and religion. All should be able to pursue life, liberty, and happiness.

8. We should build open, democratic societies.

The best way to meet the needs of all humans is to let all humans have a say in the way society works. Decisions should be democratically made after openly discussing issues.

9. We must maintain separation of church and state.

Governments ought not to restrict the free thoughts of others. Governments should not promote one religion over another and force people to follow that religion.

10. Economic systems should aim to increase the quality of life of all people. "

We live in an uncertain world in which unfortunate circumstances or selfish people can leave many victims in desperate conditions. Economic systems should make it their goal to provide opportunity to all, and to provide a safety net to help the vulnerable.

11. Discrimination based on race, religion, sex, age, or national origin must be eliminated.

Many have suffered unfairly in life due to discrimination. We need to strive to treat all people fairly.

12. All humans and nations should be united for the common good.

The human race has long been divided into nations that work against each other, each seeking the good of their own people. We need to transcend these differences, and learn to work together as a world community, in which each is free to follow his own traditions, but all are united for the common good.

13. War is to be avoided if at all possible.

Wars cause unbelievable human suffering. We should strive to build international cooperation in which disputes are resolved by peaceful means. Far too much damage has been done by soldiers who have been fighting for peace. Although such fighting is sometimes necessary, it should be used only as a last resort.

14. We need to stop the abuse of the environment and preserve resources.

Rapid population growth and increased wealth, coupled with a neglect of the environment, are putting a huge strain on the earth's resources. Pollution and environmental damage must be brought under control. Unless we do this, our descendants will face a desolate world.

15. All nations need to work together to build economic growth.

Economic decisions of one group of people have impact on all peoples. All nations need to work together to build growth. The world economy must give good opportunity to all, not just too a few select nations.

16. Technology is vital to human development.

We promote the advancement of science and technology as a means of promoting the happiness of all. Although there are dangers of new technologies, humans can use reason and science to enjoy the benefits of new advances while minimizing the bad effects.

17. We must expand global communication.

Open communication between all peoples needs to take place, as each gets a chance to express his needs, and all work together in mutual understanding to solve the problems.

My Viewpoint on Atheism

2008-09-01T00:10:00.000-07:00

All right. So I'm an atheist. Does this mean I love science? Science interests me but not to the extent of being a diehard scientist. I used to be a Christian and do stuffs like Christians do but I simply did not feel anything whatsoever going to church when I became enlightened and mature therefore, stopped believing and I’ve always questioned "Is religion really plausible?" This thought keeps popping into my head. I don’t even want to mention about the hypocrisy, lack of credibility and contradictions of my old belief.

Does it mean that I have faith in the government? Au contraire--I think the government and politicians and all that junk are mostly corrupt, stupid and money hungry.

Do I hate other people for believing in gods? Nope. In fact, I love diversity. The world would be boring as hell if we were all atheists. The thing that I hate about theists is pushing their beliefs into someone’s throat. They even have to fight against one another just because of their beliefs.

Have I ever gone out of my way to convince a theist that what I believe is right? I sort of did that. I’ve always been curious all my life I’ve studied books about theology, philosophy and psychology and I was able to elucidate the ridiculous things about religions. I have also realized how religions work in human minds and how it affects the humanity.

Well, I can't tell you for sure whether I'm right or wrong--it's not like a have proof or anything--so I don't spend much time arguing over it. Unfortunately, a lot of theists don't pay me the same respect. :(

Am I evil? A theist may think so, but I am not. I participate into worthwhile causes, I love my family and friends and I respect people’s thoughts and opinions. I don’t judge people based on their past experiences, sexuality, credence and actions. I always have good intentions for myself and for everyone.

I also have faith--not in a god, but in myself and to those who love me and believe in me. I believe in living my life to the full as I can, since it is the only life I think I have to live. I don't constantly look to god to pull me through tough times; I pull myself through and make myself stronger and better person so I could contribute something good in this whole existence.

A Guide to Christian Clichés and Phrases

2008-08-28T00:47:00.000-07:00

“Save sex for marriage.”

Translation: “If I can’t have consequence-free sex, neither can you.”
Acceptable Response: “I pledge myself! Give me a promise ring!”
Unacceptable Response: “So how did that work out for you?” Or, “Where exactly does the Bible say that?”

“All you need to do to go to heaven is ask Jesus into your heart.”

Translation: “You’re going to burn in hell if you don’t say this prayer, little boy.”
Acceptable Response: “Dear Jesus, thank you for coming into my heart and saving me…”
Unacceptable Response: “Dear Jesus, where in the Bible do you tell us to ask you into our hearts? That seems kind weird. And why did the ancient world think the heart was the kidney? Hello? Can you hear me? I guess this is just a one-way intercom. How can I know if you’re still around if you don’t say anything back? Okay, if you’re really there, appear to me right now in person like you did to Paul.” Or, “What exactly does Jesus do in my blood-pumping organ?”

“Amen”

Translation: “Say ‘amen’ back to me!”
Acceptable Response: “Amen” or “Preach it!” combined with vigorous head nodding.
Unacceptable Response: “No!” Or, “Hmm…. That doesn’t sound right.”

“What can I pray for you about?”

Translation: “Any juicy tidbits about your life I can spread through the prayer gossip grapevine?”
Acceptable Response: “Thanks for asking. You’re so kind. My wife is having an affair, my brother is a drunk, and my dog can’t control his sexual desires.”
Unacceptable Response: “Have you ever kept a prayer journal to see if you get more unanswered prayers than answered ones, or if your unasked prayers get answered just as much?”

“I’m not a racist, but…”

Translation: “I’m a racist asshole who attends an all-white church and is uncomfortable around most black people. I love racist jokes and am about to tell you a good one.”
Acceptable Response: Laugher followed by telling a slightly more racist joke.
Unacceptable Response: “You’re a hypocritical racist asshole.”

“God is in control.”

Translation: “I only believe this about overwhelming situations. The rest of the time, I believe things are up to us and I act that way.”
Acceptable Response: “Amen.” Sometimes followed by an anecdote about some unexplained or coincidental experience that you attribute to God.
Unacceptable Response: “If God’s in control, then relax and don’t do anything about it! In fact, you don’t have to do anything at all ever, right? But that’s not right, and people still have to do everything, so what does it mean for God to be in control and why does it matter?”

“I believe this because the Bible says so.”

Translation: “I have no clue about the history of that big book I’m in love with, and I don’t care either, because it’s God’s Word, and if God said it, it must be true.”
Acceptable Response: “Amen.”
Unacceptable Response: “It also says to kill homosexuals.” They might heartily agree to that one, which in case the unacceptable response becomes, “It also says to kill your children when they talk back. Have your children ever talked back?” Or, “Explain to me the authorship and transmission of the Bible, and why you think it’s God’s Word.” Or especially, “Jesus said to give anything to those who ask of you – and not only to give what they ask, but more. So please give me your wallet and your car.”

“What’s God doing in your life?”

Translation: “I’m getting ready to judge you.”
Acceptable Response: “I’m conquering pride and lust!” Or, “Oh, Jesus, Jesus, I love Jesus my beautiful King and Savior!”
Unacceptable Response: “God’s been teaching me about how much evidence there is for evolution.”

“Hate the sin, love the sinner.”

Translation: “I’m a flaming fundamentalist.”
Acceptable Response: “Amen.”
Unacceptable Response: “That’s a relief, because I’m a homosexual transvestite in an interracial relationship.”

“We’re in the end times.”

Translation: “My pastor said we’re living in the end times.”
Acceptable Response: “God will punish America for our s0069ns!” Or, “America isn’t mentioned in the Bible because we’re going to crumble soon!”
Unacceptable Response: “Did you know that out of the millions of times Christians have claimed this throughout history, they’ve always been wrong?” Or, “If you’re so confident, I’m sure you’ll be confident in putting some significant money towards a bet on that.”

“He is risen!”

Translation: “It’s Easter! Let’s eat!”
Acceptable Response: “He is risen indeed!”
Unacceptable Response: “Where? I don’t see him.” Or, “Do you have any evidence for that statement?” Or especially, “Like yeast?”

“Jesus loves you.”

Translation: “Jesus does, but I don’t.”
Acceptable Response: “Amen.”
Unacceptable Response: “If that were true, why doesn’t he tell me himself?”

“Do you know where you’re going to go after you die?”

Translation: “This is the question they told me to ask in my evangelism class.”
Acceptable Response: “To heaven to see my sweet, precious Savior!”
Unacceptable Response: “How can you know that before you’re actually dead?”

“What would you say if you stood before God after you die?”

Translation: “I’ve got you now, sinner!”
Acceptable Response: “Please forgive me! I was so fracking stupid! How blind of me not to see you in everything you created!”
Possibly Acceptable Response: “Oops.”
Unacceptable Response: “If you wanted me to believe in you, why didn’t you show some kind of evidence? Why create everything through the painful process of evolution? Why did you let your creation suffer through hunger, neglect, disease, and war? Why incarnate yourself and then commit deicide/suicide? Why were you so bloodthirsty in the early years? If you’re God, you’re not a very good one.” Or, “Which one?”

“Thank you Jesus!”

Translation: “It’s easier to thank Jesus than the people who deserve it.”
Acceptable Response: “Amen!”
Unacceptable Response: “I’m not Jesus.” Or, “You’re welcome.”

“Have you found Jesus?”

Translation: “Are you also a Jesus-lover, or must I convert you?”
Acceptable Response: “I’ve been walking with the Lord since I was two years old, Praise Gawd!”
Unacceptable Response: “I didn’t know he was missing.”

“I’ll pray for you”

Translation: “This conversation is over. My mind exploded.” Or, “I refuse to believe you won this argument.”
Acceptable Response: “Thanks, you’re so kind.”
Unacceptable Response: ”Instead of praying, why don’t you read a non-Christian book?” Or, “I’ll think for you.” Or especially, “Liar.”

“Lord willing…”

Translation: “The Bible says somewhere to say this, and I feel uber-spiritual whenever I do.”
Acceptable Response: “…”
Unacceptable Response: “How would you know if it’s the Lord stopping you, or just your laziness?”

“Here’s my testimony…”

Translation: “I was a guilt-ridden sinner until I hit rock-bottom and then believed in Jesus and my sins were forgiven!”
Acceptable Response: “That’s a great story, how can I have my sins forgiven and go to heaven?”
Unacceptable Response: “The reason you’re telling your story is because it’s impossible for me to say you didn’t have that experience. Unfortunately, people have religious experiences all the time, and many of them have nothing to do with Jesus. Your story is nice, but it’s easier to fool yourself than you might think. You don’t know the truth about God and Jesus and the Bible through an emotional experience, but through evidence, and you’ll find that lacking.”

“It’s a miracle!”

Translation: “My brain can’t comprehend how this could happen without the God of the Universe getting involved, so it must be true.”
Acceptable Response: “Exactly! How else could they have called when you were thinking of them, except for God to control them like a puppet to impress you?”
Unacceptable Response: “Maybe, but could you prove it?” Or, “Would this really be impossible without God?” Or especially, “It seems you don’t understand probability theory. Let me explain.”

“It takes more faith to be an atheist than a Christian.”

Translation: “I don’t really understand atheism or how it’s possible not to believe in a god.”
Acceptable Response: “That’s right, brother. Denying God is like denying gravity.”
Unacceptable Response: “Believing in something without evidence takes faith. Not believing in something without evidence takes intelligence.”

“Atheism is a religion.”

Translation: “Atheism is a religion because everyone believes there is a god, right?”
Acceptable Response: “They know there is a God and they reject him and hate him! They will burn in hell forever!”
Unacceptable Response: ”Calling ‘atheism’ a religion is like calling ‘bald’ a hair color.” (Don Hirschberg) Or, “If atheism is a religion, then not collecting stamps is a hobby.”

“It’s a mystery.”

Translation: “It doesn’t make any sense to me either, but that’s what the Bible says.”
Acceptable Response: “And when has the Bible ever steered us wrong?”
Unacceptable Response: ”If every hard question ends with mystery, how can you be so confident you are right?”

“It’s not a religion, it’s a relationship.”

Translation: “I hope he doesn’t ask if I attend church every week.”
Acceptable Response: ”Yep, it’s all about the big J.”
Unacceptable Response: ”Can’t every religion claim they are about a relationship with God?” Or, “If you’re not a religion, why do you attend church, read the Bible, believe in orthodoxy, and are trying to convert me?”

“God always answers prayer.”

Translation: “He just usually answers no…”
Acceptable Response: ”God knows best.”
Unacceptable Response: ”Jesus said if you ask anything in his name you’ll receive it. He also said if you have even the smallest amount of faith, like a mustard seed, you can move mountains. Does that fit with your experience?”

The Atheist's Angst

2008-08-28T00:43:00.000-07:00

Comments that I get tired of hearing:

Atheists just hate God.
Atheists hate Christians.
Atheists have a negative outlook on life.

As an atheist, I can assure you that I do not hate god. The statement that an atheist hates god is about as nonsensical as saying that Christians hate sentient hamburgers. In order for someone to “hate” something, one must actually believe that the something exists. How can I possibly hate that which I do not believe exists? Please, I would really like an answer to this one.

As for hating Christians (or any other theist, for that matter), nothing could be further from the truth. For the most part, I do not know you. Just like the example above, I would have to have a certain degree of knowledge about you before I could decide whether or not I “hate” you. Seems rather fundamental to me.

As for the negative outlook, I would contend that theists hold more of a negative outlook on life than an atheist would. Otherwise, why look forward to a “paradise?” I think that I would rather bring about positive change in the world that I know exists than wait for the “next life,” which is, to say the least, unproven.

Yes, there are things in this life that I hate. Hypocrisy, for example. Homophobia would be another example of things I hate. Injustice is a good one. Bigotry. That’s a big one.

So, if you are a narrow-minded, homophobic person that happens to hate others due to their gender, race, creed, age or disability and you just happen to be a Christian… Well, I think you see where I am going with this.