There’s a lot to take in here but I’ll try my best to respond to each of these points you’ve made.
Firstly, I don’t believe the bible was inspired by God. I think that if it were, it would have far better moral pronouncements than are found in the ten commandments. It’s almost comical for me to think that the first few rules would be wasted on god’s ego instead of maybe including something like “thou shall not rape,” or something like that. The bible has been retranslated enough times throughout the years, though, that i think it loses almost all of its credibility, anyway. I’m always surprised at how people use quotes from the bible to prove the bible. It’s circular reasoning.
Secondly, I don’t think you’re wrong that some christians sincerely mean well by trying to prevent people going to hell, but their certainty of the issue is no different than islams or hindus that feel the same way about their beliefs. And when everyone’s certain on issues of faith, it can start entire wars and genocides.
The notion that atheism inspired all of that violence in the 19th and 20th century is incomplete at best. In some of those worst atrocities religion was actually a key instrument in getting people to go along with those regimes. And even if it weren’t, you wouldn’t get very far denying that so many of the greatest atrocities in our history are directly at the hands of religion.
Thirdly, that reason you cited is one of the most terrible ideas of Christianity in my opinion. The notion that I could spend my entire life raping and murdering and still go to heaven if i find jesus in the end is ridiculous and offensive. What harm is there in getting rewarded for just being a good person all along?
Fourthly, science doesn’t point toward a creator anymore than it points toward a big bang. I happen to agree that there’s likely a higher power, but i’d never pretend to understand its will or the side it takes in conflicts or political issues on this infinitesimal dot of a planet. If you could point me toward the scientific study that proves god exists, i’d love to read it.
Fifthly, I agree that it’s a strong stance to take, but some of the hateful rhetoric coming from Christian American politicians really does point in that direction. I think if they had their way on every issue, life in America wouldn’t be all that different from life under the Taliban or Al Qaeda.
