Simul justus et pecator - Simultaneously saint and sinner.
Crosshairs on Good
Posted On: August 06th, 2006 at 7:58 pm
Offensive: 1. Adj. Insulting, revolting, aggressive, or serving for an attack
Makes sense, right? If someone pushes you, it’s offensive. If someone curses and insults your family, that’s definitely offensive.
What’s so offensive about Christianity?
I recently visited the “Friendly Atheist” blog. I’m not going to give the link, because if you must read it, Google is good for that sort of thing. Anyway, he usually posts his random, “friendly” rants about Christians and their implications. Someone in Utah recently had the nerve to put crosses along a highway in memory of fallen highway patrol officers. Atheists are demanding that atheist symbols now be put up to be even.
Let’s stop and think about this for one second.
We hear all the time about how different groups are deemed “offensive” along with their symbols. We can’t have children praying in schools anymore because this might be offensive. Any mention of God or god or higher being in power could be offensive, so let’s not utter it…ever. In the pledge of allegiance. In public proclamation. In passing.
This is quite confusing, so how about we define some things?
First of all, what is offensive? I’ve already given the dictionary definition, but what, in terms of everyday life, could be offensive? Let’s just assume, for the time, that there is an even vague (yet noticeable) separation of good and evil. Let’s also forget the “good and evil doesn’t exist because it’s personal perception” garbage. Come on, people. Pain hurts and is bad. Comfort feels nice and is good. Evil creates pain. Good creates comfort. Difference? Yes. We could go on.
Now take evil for a moment and examine it. Not theologically. Not right now. We’re working with secular logic. Evil, even in the movies, does not create pleasant situations and is eventually defeated. Using this analogy, we can assume from the evidence that evil is bad and must not exist if at all possible. Evil is: Wicked, malicious, painful, backstabbing, selfish…The list goes on. Would we sincerely want any of this? Of course not! I would never believe anyone who tells me they genuinely wish for anything evil. Not even people who worship Satan necessarily want the evil to continue, they simply cling to the disguised protection, and suffer from the results. Suffer. Another way to describe evil’s consequences. Suffering is not comfortable. I’m guessing everyone could agree on this.
Why am I outlining evil? Well, if there is a distinction between good and evil, there is one we can obviously discourage or dissuade - Evil. Taking it the next step, evil would be offensive. Again…
Offensive: 1. Adj. Insulting, revolting, aggressive, or serving for an attack
All adjectives that could easily describe evil, yes?
This all sounds like kiddie stuff. Peace of cake. Those with a -2 IQ could figure this out.
If this is so easy, why do people consider Christianity offensive?
Think about it: What does Christianity advocate? The Christian God is often described as “love” and came down in human form to die for all humanity. No other god in any religion has done something so drastic for the good of humans. Christians are also encouraged to follow the 10 commandments, all laws opposing evil and tendencies of evil. Christians may appear pious, but the intentions are for good. Christian missionaries and relief services help those in need. Christians proclaim this message: Christ, who is God, loves you. Christ died for you. Christ forgives you, even when you mess up. Christ gives you strength. Christ assures everlasting life. Throughout all of this, has anything Christians advocate been parallel to evil mentioned earlier? Not at all!
Another point: We know people make mistakes. Regardless of religion, race, whatever - People say things wrong or do things that are far from good. Being a Christian does not assure perfection.
However, compared to any other group, the least offensive would be Christians. Even in a logical sense.
So what if Christianity isn’t your religion? Seeing a cross will not burn your eyeballs to a crisp. Christianity conflicts with atheist’s beliefs (and lack thereof) and they can’t handle it. Christianity does not attack. Messages of grace do not provoke suffering. Atheists are not a minority group suffering in a little corner from lack of rights.
“Hate what is evil, and cling to what is good” (Romans 12:9). Why would a person want to cling to what is good? Because evil has never helped anyone. Evil takes away and never gives back. Evil laughs at misery. Christ gives good things. Christ loves everyone, unconditionally. The Christian message has never stopped in the declaration of this good and love - And claiming to be offended at such a sincere opposite of evil clearly does not make sense.
So here we have it…Another reason as to why Christianity makes sense. Because there is no good apart from Christ, and no life without.
Edited on: September 08th, 2006 9:41 pm
Comments:
Re: Crosshairs on Good
Posted On: August 10th, 2006 at 9:24 am by John Bartucciotto
ahhh..all this logic must make their heads hurt
Re: Crosshairs on Good
Posted On: August 15th, 2006 at 2:00 am by Kelly
You know why, of course, Christianity is offensive even though it's so good. It's because *we're* evil. Our sinful natures call good evil and evil good.
Re: Crosshairs on Good
Posted On: September 07th, 2006 at 1:20 pm by Orycteropus Afer
Rachel, keep writing. You only continue to get better. And please accept receipt of the Golden Aardvark Aaward for this post.
Re: Crosshairs on Good
Posted On: October 02nd, 2006 at 2:52 pm by Bloghardt
Submitted as a blog gem.
Re: Crosshairs on Good
Posted On: October 08th, 2006 at 6:56 pm by J Hansen
Awesome article!!!
