Thursday, January 10, 2008

Giving the People What They Want: Sensationalistic Religion-Bashing

I cannot believe how many people in this world (the majority of them on this continent, really) think that their religion is the only REAL one, which they defend in some extremely un-godly ways. Unfortunately, some of the worst offenders are supposed followers of Christ, who apparently was pretty jazzed about not judging and kindness.

Today, my frustration stems from an episode of Wife Swap, but it's been building steadily, as has my fascination with the Evangelical movement and their apparent pillar of faith, Creationism. I get that it's not the central tenant of their faith, but it seems to be the topic on which so much of their energy is concentrated.Like most reasonable people slash Non-Americans, I believe in evolution. I think the idea that some Christians take a literalist view of the Bible is laughable. That isn't to say that I don't think there's any value in the Bible. I think used in a certain context it can be a wonderful pedagogical tool, but believing that it should be interpreted literally is like teaching your kids not to talk to strangers by telling them there really is a witch in the woods who will lure them into her gingerbread house.

Honestly, I don't see why they seem to think Creation is the most miraculous way for God to create the world. I wouldn't call myself a Christian as defined by modern standards, but I do believe in God. To me, millions of years of tiny variations and adaptations resulting in human beings is like a symphony of miracles orchestrated by a Supreme Being. (Whether you think that the supreme being is God, Buddha, or Leeloo, is your own business).


Supreme Being, or hot carrot?

Creationists argue that public schools teaching evolution are really teaching our kids that they're animals; meaningless organisms in the grand scheme of things. I never remember receiving this message, direct or implied, in all of my years of school. Keep in mind, this is one such person sending the Creation message:
Ken Hamm, Creationist

You see what I mean. Have you every seen a human being who looks more like a chimpanzee?I laugh at his Creationist views, because he is tangible proof of evolution. I'm pretty sure Ken Hamm is the missing link.
Of course, the science that these people have such contempt for is the same science that they will gladly allow to cure their grandmother's cancer. I do see the appeal in this pick-and-choose type of spirituality- it's like a supermarket of faith! You don't have to follow all the rules, just the fresh ones that smell nice and won't give you gas and bloating down the road.
There's a lot more to say about this, but I'm tired now and my white-hot rage has dulled into a mild exacerbation. Stay tuned for more of "What's Wrong With the World According to Michelle".