For the past year or so since I became somewhat outspoken with my beliefs, I’ve gotten into several arguments with several of my Christian friends. And without fail they all have a certain level of smug superiority about them; we have the right way, and you don’t, it sounds like to me. And PS: you’re going to burn in hell fire
I tolerate that most of the time, because it’s a little sad that they do not see the glaring irony of a loving father sending most of his children to burn in a lake of fire; for ETERNITY. Still, it doesn’t stop me thinking of a way I could get the reasons across for Christianity’s ordinariness in the grand scheme of man’s religious history.
So looking at all the religions man has made up in our history, what makes Christianity special? Nothing, I argue. We have certainly taken it as seriously as nations take the world cup, but the likelihood is that Christianity is just one in a wide expanse of man-made religions, and the reasons for you being one are more fortuitous than anything.
So why is Christianity nothing special?
Man Has Always Had Religion
It’s the oldest social institution, I dare say; though don’t quote me on this one. For Millennia, man has battled many obstacles, and man has always found a way to explain them away.
In the past, when nothing was known about the natural world, it made sense to explain away earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and other massive disasters that occurred arbitrarily and led to massive loss of life as the works of an angry god. We are pattern seeking mammals, the scientists like to say; meaning to us a bad explanation is better than no explanation.
It was always comforting to think there was a deity watching over what was a pretty merciless existence, and to think that we could do something about it, for example, through sacrifice, human or otherwise. That sense of having some say in what would happen to us was very important to us, and why we kept creating gods in our image.
So religion is nothing new, almost every society has had a form of it before. 2,000 years ago, some people built on the supposed works of a Jewish prophet, formed a church, which was lucky enough to get the backing of the Roman Empire at a point. 2,000 years of unimaginable violence later, it is the world’s largest religion.
So Christianity is just one in a very crowded field of religions, it’s just lucky enough to have the most adherents, but that does not make it any more valid, or invalid, than the thousands, probably more, of other belief systems man has made up throughout our history.
History And Geography Is The Only Reason You’re One
One of religion’s biggest flaws, to me at least, is that whether you get a chance to be saved is entirely dependent on who gave birth to you, and where. And considering that they all believe they’re the one way to salvation, they all cannot be right, can they?
Assuming we live in an alternate universe, where the British never decided to colonise the entire world, you would not be a Christian, my friend. You would be sacrificing to Asaase Yaa or whichever deity we also managed to make up in our past, and be hoping you can die an honourable death so you join the ancestors afterwards.
So because the British came here centuries ago, visited unimaginable suffering on us as a people, and left us with the legacy of their religion, all of a sudden we know the best way to heaven? That seems like a horribly contrived, despicable, and atrocious way for God to get people to know about him.
Some parts of Ghana never assimilated the Christianity either. If you had been born in the north you would most likely have been a Muslim, and some people retain their traditional beliefs. If you had been born into any of those houses, you would still be in the schnapps pouring business.
My point should be made by now, I think. The only reason you’re a Christian is because of our horrible history of colonisation, and the house you got born into. Sure there are the exceptions, genuine converts and the like, but those are too few to make any sort of meaningful impact on this analysis.
So the Indians are Hindu, Saudis are Muslim, Tibetans are Buddhists, and the British are, or rather were, Christian. It’s a mostly secular state now, but they’re the only reason you’re a Christian, my friend.
I guess I can’t begrudge your geographic serendipity giving you such bold confidence.
It’s So Obviously Made Up
This is an old point, the one Mzbel made that people wanted to chew her alive for; but it does not make it any less true. Christianity is so obviously a mash up of religious myths and legends of the time, though I guess it’s a little digging that can get you there, and if there’s one thing my country people hate its research of any kind.
Most of the elements in the Jesus story were tropes that had been used in religious myths for thousands of years before Christ. The special prophet, whose birth was foretold, son of God, born of a virgin, had followers, performed miracles, tempted by the devil, wrongfully executed, rose on the third day. Etc. These were all done to death by the religions predating first century Palestine, and the gospel authors tapped into that rich history to create the legend of Jesus.
It’s like if I was writing a story now; I’d borrow from Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Jane Austen; all the great authors of prose, drama, and poetry in the rich history of literature.
It’s all available on the internet, just one click away if you’re genuinely interested in knowledge. This article is a start, there is one linked within that one which goes into more detail. But best of all, Google can tell you anything you want to know.
You cannot blame them, the gospel writers, they did what any good author would do; but we can blame those 2000 years later who still decide to hold their words as divinely inspired truths.
So the next time I get a condescending look or statement from a Christian friend, they would find this article of mine in their inbox the next day. If you read it with an open mind, I doubt it; but if you should, you’ll probably see, as I do, that Christianity is just another of man’s attempts to explain the unknowable. Remarkably well done, which should explain its longevity, but no more true or false than the millions that have already predated it.
I rest my case.
An excellent piece Godwin…
I find it difficult to understand how anyone will miss the connection between their religion and geography. The probability that my mother would have been a Muslim if she was born in Saudi Arabia to a Saudi parents is something like 99.9% which means that, my siblings’ religion would have towed the line of the religion of my mother or father…
If you are born in India (as you cited) there is overwhelming probability that you would be a Hindu—and if you were born in Iran, a Muslim. Yet, people somehow think their religion which is largely determined by accident of birth—geography, is so special and important.
To some, their religion and understanding of God (which is borne out of their education, family unit, experience and religion) is so important that whoever opposes it must die.
Beyond that, many have just accepted what they were born into as true—it takes a lot of efforts, education and enlightenment to see beyond the nose of religion.
Ok my English ain’t that good so bear with me here. I visit your site every now and then and I’ve realized that we do share a lot of ideologies especially when it comes to religion. I’m making this comment because I feel like you’re dealing with the wrong crowd here. I’m also a Ghanaian who was born and raised in Kumasi for 18 years before I moved to the States in 2004. I started realizing how ridiculous religion is when I was around 22-23 years old. This is after I had gotten out of college and wanted to learn more about life so I started questioning things. I share your frustration with our brothers and sisters on why they’ve made religion their EVERYTHING! I too come from a strong christian background. The thing with religion is that once you snapped out of it u actually start to feel bad for others who seem to be eternally committed to it. Silly me, I’ve been preaching this whole thing about religion and geography to my 80yr old grandma for years knowing is not going to change her views one bit LOL. But what frustrates me the most is my sister and cousins who can’t see what I’m seeing about religion. But I’m hoping with time and living in a country full of open-minded people they will eventually get it. Most religious people from poorer countries like ours are usually uneducated or not educated enough to question it so they follow it blindly. How can u possibly convince these people believe otherwise? They’re easy victims to this kind of organization because it at least offers them hope and promises them some “great after-life” when they leave this “God-forsaken” earth LOL. Like u said, it’s so important to them that whoever opposes it must die. The funny thing is, the white men who introduced Christianity to us aren’t even half as crazy about it as we do. Why? Because they questions things. If it doesn’t make sense to them they’re not messing with it, simple as that. And to many of these westerners religion just doesn’t make sense! I feel like most people wouldn’t even care about religion if it wasn’t for this whole heaven and hell thing which puts fear in them and has been the driving force in making people do the right thing. Whoever came up with that idea is a genius! Anyways, I will leave it here but good luck trying to talk logic to our fellow brothers and sisters about religion. You my friend have a very hard task ahead of you!
aahahahah poor human being there is nothing more hilarious or sad than a human being who think is wise anought to talk about Christ,my dear wether you want it or not Christ is king and the only true way to God no matter black or white chinese or indian Christ is your only way out in this world.We are all the creatures of one and only God and therefore we are all equal.
Faith in God have nothing to do with color of skin,ethnical identity,geography or history,it has to do with truth,and founding the real God today you will find christians even in Pakistan where faith in Christ is not tolerated.People are are looking for peace and truth so your racist limitations are zero.
And please stop talking about education when faith and soul is mentionned this is about spirituality,not mere limited human being knowledge.And please stop thinking that what you think about Jesus is important,Jesus will remain Jesus and God will remain God,they are above human power and knowledge do you think you’re the first one to critized them??? you will just end up like them one day you will die and you will be buried all your ideas about God will be gone with you.You’re just a mere human being with no power repent before it’s late.
Wow! Clap for yourself. So this is your intelligent response to the above article? SMDH
Chris, Jesus loves you
There is nothing as pathetic at a human being who refuses to use his brain and instead hang on to Bronze Age ideas that have since been debunked. Let me guess, you believe God who is a spirit according to the same text, sits on a throne. Stop and think for a second. What use is a throne to a spirit? Is the throne also in spirit form or physical form? Is the world flat with pillars? Are stars ornamental used to decorate the skies? Do you believe the earth is the centre of the universe? Does the sun travel around the earth? Do you believe the earth was created in seven days? Did humans travel on the a earth with dinosaurs? Is the earth less than 10000 years old? Answer those questions and come into the light.
You really think someone who wrote the above comment can see beyond his nose to answer these questions?
He is talking about FAITH (believing without evidence). In his mind and even without any evidence, there is a GOD—he has never asked himself where the evidence is or how come there is a God or why should there even be a God.
Leave him…He says we will all die, of course my chicken died a few days ago too—did the chicken go to heaven or hell? My plant died because I forget to water it; now should I be worried if my plant is in heaven or hell?
Of course life must come to an end for all, including us—first class animals. But if the fact that you are up there on the chain of animals means you have some heaven and hell, then that is silly.
If you die and you go to heaven or hell, where does all the other animals go? Considering the fact that human beings are 96 percent similar to the great ape species, they should also be going to heaven or hell—right?
JESUS LOVES YOU
Chris how do you differentiate between what is good and evil
Yea, it’s really a tough task to ask a Ghanaian to reason; our brothers and sisters just hate to reason and look at anything from a critical point. It’s interesting you pointed out how the white man treats religion today (Christianity they brought to us). Yet, we have grabbed it and have taken it to a different new level. How can you be more catholic than the pope? Of course unless you are an Africa who just buys anything thrown at you without critical thinking.
Trying to reason with a lot of Ghanaians is not a task worth holding on but we’ve decided to keep it going because a few like you are out there who can see beyond the nonsense and be able to have an intelligent conversation on the ‘divine’ subject.
I find it so shocking that none of these people trust in Bronze Age medicine, Horoscope and all those other nonsense yet they cannot see religion in the same light. Of course many still do, because some actually believe a bird recently turned into a human being.
You can across videos like this; http://www.ghanacelebrities.com/2015/05/31/shocking-video-pastor-strips-female-church-members-stamp-on-their-bodies/
and you cannot just sit down for the nonsense to continue…
Having this conversation with your grand parent or mother is pretty useless—even if the younger ones cannot reason, how do you expect the ones who have less years to live to want to question what they’ve been told as true all their lives?
Thanks for stopping by and hope to see you more around here.
LOL word! I checked that link last night and I couldn’t finish watching that video. It’s really sickening! I’ve seen worse tho; one where the congregation were asked to eat grass and they were on it like herds. Another one where they were asked to drink that nasty water from the gutters. If any of those f**kers pulled that shit here in the States they would be going to jail. The funny thing is that these pastors always get caught in the end as frauds but then a new one comes along and he’s able to convince these same idiots to follow him. That’s the part that really trips me. It gets worse when u have the president of Ghana seeking help from these guys using the people’s tax money. Us Africans have a long way to go as far as religion. It’s slowly becoming unpopular in the west but I honestly don’t know when our people back home will come to their senses and start questioning it! What’s crazy is that here in the States the most religious people are mostly the white males in the south. They also happen to be the most racist and intolerant group in the country, smh!
I do like your explanation . The geographical point says a lot . Of course if I was born in a shrine i would be worshipping it .but eventually I would have the chance to know about other religions .doubt is good. But don’t always say no without listening ..be open to things, scrutinize as long as u want , and make your choice. If I still think pouring schnapps and killing goats as sacrifice to the god is better, gives me peace and does what i want without a price i can’t provide then why not ?
This is the reason why all of you should consider learning about Judaism. And MAYBE you might consider been Jews.
I am going to quote most of my comments from a jewish book – nine questions people ask about Judaism by Dennis Prager.
Can one doubt God existence and still be a good Jew ?
-Yes
Belief in God is often difficult . Crises of faith are to be expected, and acknowledging such crises is not an irreligious act for jew .There are four signicant reasons why doubts about God ‘s existence should not be an obstacle to your being a good Jew.
1. Judaism emphasis deed over creed .
2 . Absolute certainty in faith leads to fanatic
3. If God were known , Moral choices would end .
– let me explain this . God has given u the free will to do what pleases us . If we knew God existed and would punish u the for evil acts , them good acts would be much less freely chosen. That free-will will be gone . An element of unknowability about God is neccessary so as to allow us to choose good .In order to choose good we must feel free to do bad, and we would not feel this way if we had definitely knowledge that God was present and recording our every action . ( How much choice do we have to speed when a police car is present ? ) . The way lesser gods kill people in their villages , do you think if you have to swear by a lesser god in court people would tell a lie ? You think KKD would have been bold enough to say he didnt do anything ? As long as there’s Good , then there’s bad . Therefore ; if there’s God , then there’s evil (lesser gods and witches) . That sends me to the last point .
4. Since God’s existence is unprovable , doubt is natural .
So you can doubt God’s existence . But don’t deny it .if you doubt he exists or deny him . Maybe say this prayer whenever you feel like —
God, I don’t know if you’re out there. I’m not sure how I feel about you if you are. But if you do exist I’d like to know more about you. Reveal yourself to me. Help me to find you.
And give it a chance . If he opens your eyes.. great if not . You are free. Whenever he appears to judge you , you can say i called on you and you didn’t answer . Of course who would believe in something you called on in terms of help and never answered ?
Anyway , I said God not Jesus . Jews dont believe in Christ . Of course . Why would God impregnate a virgin who happens to be someone’s wife , make her go through all that trouble (other babies been killed bcus of him) to keep the him alive so he can save people , when he created Adam with soil ? Would have been better if he did that just to save the drama .
One last thing . Yes the British came and colonized us . But remember there were good and bad people . Some might not have approved . Countries send their soldiers to war . Some dont even know the reason or they are been lied to.
Wow I never knew people hate white men. They claim white men brought religion. Hahahhaa the gospel came to Africa in acts 8, through the Ethiopian Eunuch ( black man) before Paul took it to Europe in acts 9. Also the white man brought internet so All white haters should stop using the inetrnet. Who brought Athiesm to Africa?