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May 19th, 2011
03:00 PM ET
My Take: Doomsdayers show what’s wrong with all religion
By David Silverman, Special to CNN Let nobody doubt that religion hurts people. Good, intelligent, caring people suffer every day and everywhere at the hands of religion, the happy lie. Religion is used by dishonest people who claim to know the way to the one thing humans want most: immortality. To combat fear of death, religious people ignore their intellect, believe the lie, and follow the preacher, usually blindly and sometimes to the point of insanity. We are witnessing one very good example of this right now, as a group led by Christian ministry leader Harold Camping prepares for the end of the world this Saturday, May 21. Of course, the weekend will pass without incident and thousands of Camping's followers, having spent or donated huge amounts of money on his behalf, will be gravely disappointed. Victims will be broken. Families will be damaged. Lives will be ruined. All because someone made a good pitch, and followers believed. Opinion: May 21 Doomsday movement harms Christianity I am not sure if Camping is a liar, but I think so. He realized that religion is a great way to make tax-free money off the backs of well-meaning people, through donations to his ministry, all without fearing eternal damnation. You see, I suspect that he, like many others of his ilk, doesn’t believe in God at all. It may seem odd that I would accuse this man of being an atheist like me, but rest assured that he is nothing like me. Like most atheists, I’m a pretty nice person and would never scam someone out of his or her life savings or convince someone to quit a job just to line my pockets. The truth is that religion and ethics are completely independent of one another. Follow CNN’s Belief Blog on Twitter Consider how Newt Gingrich could campaign against President Bill Clinton's adultery as the darling of the Religious Right while actually being an adulterer himself. Consider how evangelical superstar Ted Haggard could preach against homosexuality, in God’s name, while hiding a gay lover. And consider Camping, who can get donors to cough up what appears to be a lot of money in God’s name while ruining his followers’ real lives on Earth. These are not people who fear God or hell. In my opinion, they know very well that gods are myths. They are just bad people. Atheists have bad people, too, the worst of whom feign religion for their own personal gain. Next week, Camping’s victims will ask our forgiveness for being so foolish, and we will forgive them, because we’ve all done stupid things. They will ask for money and we will help them, because most people are charitable. And then Camping victims will ask us to forget all about this whole ugly scam. That is something we must never do. We must remember that Camping, atheist or not, is no different from any other preacher. Religion thrives on fear–the constant threat of any-time-now Judgment Day coupled with eternal punishment in hell for those who don’t believe strongly enough. Since rational minds question irrational things, believers constantly have doubts, and therefore fear that they don't have enough faith to pass muster during the eventual Rapture, when the righteous will be saved and the unrighteous will be damned. Fear of hell makes believers desperate to ease those doubts so they can be sure to get into heaven. It’s a recipe for fear-based obedience, which is exactly what religion craves. It’s the method used by Camping, and by the rest of Christianity, too. If we forget about Camping, this apocalyptic madness will happen again. Next year is 2012 and, just as was supposed to happen in 2011, 2004, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1997, 1994 and other years that the world is supposed to end, according to one religion or another. What will we do in 2012? Will we sit still while preachers take advantage of the gullible again? Will we refrain from confronting the fools and continue to revere religion? Or will we, as a society, demand that people use their intellect and pay attention to their preachers, priests, rabbis or mullahs and see them as the scammers they really are? This weekend, preachers from coast to coast will talk about why they are right and Camping is wrong, and I ask you all to listen closely. They will try to justify why one interpretation of the Bible (theirs) is right while the others are wrong. In the end, they are all interpreting the “perfect word of God” in their own imperfect way so that God agrees with their own agenda. It’s obvious if you look for it; no preacher ever says "God disagrees with me." Yes, this weekend we will giggle at the fools who follow the preachers that earn their living spreading happy lies. Religion will have been proven wrong yet again. But we all must remember that people have been hurt this weekend. We hope the victims of this year’s end-of-the-world will lift themselves back up, dust themselves off, and come out of this as better, less gullible people. Hopefully, they will use their experience to help others avoid future scams by shouting loudly at tomorrow’s victims, without fear of being irreverent about something which deserves no reverence at all. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of David Silverman. soundoff (1,927 Responses)« Previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 Next »
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The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
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Editor's Note: David Silverman, an atheist since age 6, is president of 
three good hits of LSD-25 will turn any atheist into an agnostic real quick.
now that's funny
Lmao, now that you mention it, it probably did help it along the way.
Yes, just ask charlie sheen. Drugs make you into a genius.
If you do enough drugs you can become a 50 year old superpartay family man that can smoke 7 gram rocks in a single huff. WOW, that's so coooool!!! Let's get started quick and get all the benefits that we can from drugs, just like charlie sheen!!!
Charlie who?
THIS HAROLD CAMPING DUDE IS SUPER RICH
http://losangeles.ibtimes.com/articles/148239/20110519/may-21st-doomsday-does-harold-camping-s-ministry-have-money.htm
LOL!!
"The money is not important at all. It's a vehicle to spread the judgment and a vehicle of the Lord."
Repent you sinners. the end is near
All of you people that think you are better than others because of thinking that the way you believe elevates you I want you to know that I'll be coming for you in your dreams at night.
you'll be coming in my dreams????
Yes, exactly, if you are the "holier than thou" type and think you are better than other people because you think you have the correct religious beliefs God himself gave me authority to come get you in your dreams at night. Have you heard of Freddy Kruger? Like that. So, don't use your religious beliefs to pump yourself up mentally into think you are better than other human beings. ah haw haw haw haw haw, ahhhh haw haw haw.
I don't want to argue with anyone, I just want to know: why does your God want to send me to hell? I'm a really nice person... I give to charities, I love animals, and I help those around me whenever they're in need. I have as much reason to believe in Jesus as I have to believe in Mohammed or other prophets from other religions, and every story is essentially the same, so why do I have to be punished when I can't find a reason to believe in one over the other? I'm not a bad person, and I don't care what anybody believes in, as long as it doesn't bring harm to others, but I'm under a constant threat of pain and torture for something I didn't do. Why?
I wouldn't worry about it.
You sound like the kind of person that would make a good spiritual leader. It's too bad people like you don't have followers. The sheep always follow people with absurd fairy tale stories, etc. The truth is not as exciting for the deluded.
He doesnt. He created you. Why would he want to destroy you? How could he cherish your love if it was not of your own free will?
No rules. No tradition. Just love...at all costs.
We have to lock you into our religion. So many things about Christianity make no sense. Why would god create humans knowing 70% are garanteed to go to hell? He knows if your born in middle east your doomed. Guess where sperm and egg meet is a crap shoot.
Thanks for all the kind words, I wish more believers were like you 🙂
In short: He doesn't. God gives us a choice to accept Him or not. If indeed Jesus is the creator of all that is good (unconditional love, grace, mercy), what is on the other side if we do not choose to be in relationship with Him? You do not need to be "good" to choose Christ as your Savior. There are no conditions. I was not "good" when I chose Him, and I struggle now, but that is not what matters, it is the relationship, and this takes off a boatload of stress. Read Ragamuffin Gospel.
What kind of relationship would it be if Christ did not give you the choice to accept Him? How loving would it be? How much more powerful the relationship if we are allowed choice. For the people who do not receive the Word God will have mercy and they will have their chance.
Well, I know that you don't need to be a good person to accept Jesus, there are very many Christians who are not good people. My confusion stems from what was once a simple matter of "bad people go to hell" evolving, over time, into "you go to hell if you don't believe in Jesus, even if you're bad." It seems so counter-intuitive in so many ways.
As far as is my understanding, the Christian God would view me in a more favorable light if tomorrow I were to commit atrocities, such as raping many disabled children, then accept Jesus as my savior and repent for those horrific acts.
It's at this point that I deny this God out of more than just doubt. I do not want to love a God whose jealousy dominates his perception of his "children."
The sin you speak of is not of God and does not give favor! The "broken" and humble seek God more than the proud and the ones who "have it all together." If a person commits a such grievous sin they were probably abused themselves, filled with hate, confusion, disconnection from reality, were deprived of healthy love. The devil was taring them apart inside. If they were to accept God I would consider that a miracle and it is very evident God is working in their life. They will transition into a new person and leave the old person behind. Truly understanding God's love and mercy naturally brought on by themselves will feel great pain in what they did which will bring on a road of healing, which maybe a life time. In Heaven there is full healing. Going back, there is natural consequence in the internal pain and turning themselves in. Romans 6:1 "What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were there fore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
City College Student
"...and to scrutinize a particular religion like Christianity is down right immature and the sign of lack of professionalism and respect."
This is the dumbest comment on here. Why NOT scrutinize a religion? It's immature NOT to. Get off the internet, "City College Student", you are literally too stupid to be allowed to use it.
A point that needs to be made is this...Christians are not supposed to set dates for a rapture, a judgment day, or a day that the world will end. Scripture instructs not to do this. So Camping is way out of line. It isn't proper to paint all Christians with the same brush anymore than it is to do so to Atheists.
Been 2000 years, bout time huh? Guess we can keep this charade up 4ever.
I think its very clear, Camping is a dork. Christians are very aware of this, and we also know what our bible says. The day Christ returns, only Christ knows. Dingbats like Camping give all anti-religious groups fuel to bash with and to say "I told ya so". Bottom line,...just becuase I'm a Christian does not prelude me to be narrow minded, ignorant, foolish, radical or a fear monger. I want my religion as much as you don't want it. I respect you if you are non religious, or non Christian, however I will not respect anyone who takes religion to a radical distortion or bashes it. Christians are all waiting for the day Christ returns....I doubt its Satruday, but it could be tomorrow,...or...etc etc.
One quick question.....did matter create intelligence, or did intelligence create matter? hmmm
burp...
God doesn't believe in atheists.
god is a a dog
how the hell do you know? hahaha god damn you religious freaks are funny
I also like Sapporo beer.
I am drinking it now. It's delish...
God just cameth unto me and toldeth me to telleth you people to listeneth to me and I should telleth you what God wants you to do. Haveth you people ever heardeth of seeds? Harvest? Can you grasp the concepteth of reaping harvests from seeds? Do you have a credit cardeth? Send all your money to me as seed money and you willeth be given 1 million fold harvests from God.
you sound nigerian
yall should go buy a CB and discuss.
David, I agree with you to the part that such apocalytic phrophesies have long confused and plagued people however, when writing an article as such you should keep in mind that you not take your personal biases to hurt the beliefs of others. As a blogger, you need to keep in mind that people reading your words come from all walks of life, and to scrutinize a particular religion like Christianity is down right immature and the sign of lack of professionalism and respect. It's evidently apparent just how much lack of research you've put forth since if you knew any better, you'd understand that the general Christian population in no shape or form believe in the May 21st prophesy and rather such allegation contradict the fundamental Christian belief that no one will EVER know the time of judgement. So, take this from a college student, and please next time refrain from posting blogs that is offensive and profane towards a group. P.S.-The latest trend of targeting Christians has become some form of hobby among Athiest..I wonder why such hobbies are not employed when it comes to Islam, Judaism or Hinduism.
Who is your English professor?
He's calling a spade a spade. It may hurt and make it more difficult to keep up your self serving lie but it is what it is. I am glad so many believers read this. Maybe one will look at this rationally.
It's called freedom of speech and freedom of the press....and oh yeah freedom of religion or not religion. He can say whatever he wants....P.S.-it's the internet..people get made fun of all the time.
I went to catholic school up to 8th grade, I always knew these people were a sham, like they were all hiding something... and now as an adult I know for sure that they were... the priests are ALL gay, the nuns are lesbians or just weird freaks, the whole religion is a joke, we should end it already. No more tax breaks or incentives for these weirdo’s.
And take that disgusting dead half naked carcass off the cross in the front of the church... how gross! why would a young kid want to see something so vulgar?!?!?!?!
priests are not gay, they're bi
did you get banged too?
seriously...??? really??? umm, half the priests I know molested somebody (always young boys no less).. ever watch TV?? Google "catholic priest + molestation".. see how many thousands of pages come up.
you were banged. too uptight
luckily I was not, and I don't know of anyone personally that was, but I went to catholic school and I have CNN.... I know what these nut jobs are all about -and so do you... don't be stupid you idiot.
Yes it's true. All Christians are doomsday obsessed nut jobs, just like all atheists are cannibal serial killers. Don't worry about being different, you're all unique, just like everybody else.
Play that music my brothers and sisters:
1. The Sun will burn out in 3-5 billion years so we have a time frame.
2. Asteroids continue to whiz by us daily.
3. One large hit and it is all over in a blast of permanent winter.
4. There are enough nuclear weapons to do the same job.
5. Most contemporary NT scholars do not believe in the Second Coming so apparently there is no concern about JC coming back on an asteroid or cloud of raptors/rapture.
Bottom line: our apocalypse will start between now and 3-5 billion CE.
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You know what I find really amusing, how the religious bash the atheists and the atheists bash the religious. Many of you guys say this world would be better off without religion, but we all gotta wake up from that dream cloud, it ain't gonna happen because no matter what anyone does or whatever happens, religion will always exist. Both respectful and beyond disrespectful religious/spiritual and atheists alike.
Now, I highly doubt this to be true because the bible never states an exact date and even says that nobody but God knows when the end of the world is. But there isn't a specific date of a "Judgment Day," Judgment Day is something different for everyone. Whoever believes in this will be their own self fulfilling prophecy. Simply live every day as if it's your last. If you believe in a God, then you shouldn't have to fear death, because Death isn't the end, it's only the beginning. If you don't believe in a god, then simply live your life to the fullest and enrich yourself. For all you know your "End of The World" could be tonight or tomorrow or next month or next year, Nobody knows. Therefore, I'll simply leave it at that.
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There are two camps when it comes to religion: people who are indifferent towards religion and people who are not. The so-called Athiest are *not* indifferent to religion. They consider religion as important as *religious* people consider it important. Somewhat ironic, in their attempt to belittle or criticize reltigion, they have brought *more* interest in it! For me, I generally don't even think of religion, at least not the *organized* variety.
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sapporo beer is quite good