What evidence exsists that Christianity could be one big scam?

Question

...and let's talk about actual evidence, not quotes from the Bible, that means no more to me than quoting out of a Stephen King book or Dr. Suess.

Think about it, it's exactly like mind control. It seems logical that a governmental entity would come up with this big lavish story to keep people from committing immoral/illegal acts. Back then, people believed in all kinds of rubbish, from mythology to witches to what-have-you. It's also self sustaining, because of tithing. You are taught to stop thinking for yourself, to as evidenced today by the hypocrites, hate everyone that doesn't match your beliefs -- from gays to people from other religions. It's hard to escape, you're shunned and told you'll rot in hell forever because of your "loving God". You can't talk to a protestant with them trying to "recruit" you. Christians dedicate so much time, taking a big gamble on their faith, completely close minded. And trust me, I know, I was a Christian DJ for 3 years. So tell me... scam?

Answer 1

I don't understand how so many people can trust in something that isn't even proven true. What if I said God talked to me in my basement and told me that there was a good place and a bad place, aka heaven and hell, and that if I didn't want to suffer eternally, I had to brush my teeth 23 times a day. Now what if I made this into a book, and brainwashed people around me into believing that it actually happened? This could make a religion based on pure lies, but if I could put it in good enough words, I could convince people that it was true. I think some crafty person did this every few thousand years to supress their insanity. They are simply brainwashing people into believing 'morals'. They want them to believe exactly what they are told, so they brainwash them into believing them! I also think it probably has something to do with government. They want us under control!

razor

Answer 2

It is an interesting idea. My sister often says "Mac and Jack sat in a shack and wrote the bible to control the masses". She goes on further to say that these guys did so because they were fed up with following the spiritual teachings of women (since women were featured a lot more prominently is many of the earlier religions) and specifically created a religion to put men into a position of power. Of course she was refering to the Old Testament.

If that is true, you must admit that they did a brilliant job. Today the Bibles play a big part in shaping our world and the tithing and converting things are their crowning achievement. I mean a system that makes men king, they earn money for not a lot of physical work and their congregation converts people for them. It really is a lazy man's dream - wouldn't you say?

Peace!

Answer 3

I believe you might be able to decide if it anything is a scam is by how those who promote it act. If the organization is for the benefit of the promoters, the money flows towards them then you have to question "Why are they really doing this?"

In the case of Christianity 11 of the 12 original Disciples were martyred for their belief in Jesus. Scam artists would not die for their scam. I believe in Christianity and part of that belief is based on those who knew Him and were willing to die for Him

That does not mean scams have not been commited under the name of Christianity. (Barker) However, Christianity is no scam.

Answer 4

It all goes back to faith. I look at the world and it's hard for me to imagine that life and all of it's complexities- going all the way down to the microscopic levels- are all just a big cosmic goof. Life here on Earth is just a result of chance. As far as religion goes, what screws it up is people. The Bible has been written and re-written to fit the purposes of the writer. New religions have been developed to fit the purposes of one individual. I think the king of England started a new branch of Christianity so that he could divorce!!! People are stupid not religion. As far as which God is the right one, I'd probably venture a guess that it's not the one that encourages strapping bombs to yourself to blow up your enemies. But people need to recognize that their is a spiritual nature to human beings. You asked for proof? The only thing I have to offer is to look at trees, the sun, a cat, fishes, how atoms combine to create all these things, then decide which is more unlikely: that this all developed on just this planet randomly or that a higher power arranged all of this. You decide.

Answer 5

I am a christian, and proud of it, so when I read this, I am a little offened. never the less, you bring up an interesting point. It sounds like to me that you have "closed your mind" except for being disgusted with christianity. Mythology and witchcraft were believed in, but that "fad" has left. Christiany has lived on for all time, and always will until the end times. to stop thinking for your self would be to believe what the world tells you and not to believe what you know to be the truth is thinking for your self. the church is just a group of believers coming together to worship the true and living God and to do their best to spread the truth to all others. we donot force anyone into our religion but give them the choice between the truth and shat they want to believe.

Answer 6

I've got an entire book answering that question (I'm glad I found it in the book store-very interesting).

The Jesus Mysteries
Was the "Original Jesus" A Pagan God?
by Timothy Freke and Peter Gandy

This is only one of the books they have written...

It's not just a 'what-if' book...the reference section alone (mostly writings from the entire time period described in the bible) is thick enough to be a chapter on it's own.

Answer 7

So if Christians were a scam, we were definitely not started by any government. Early Christians were seen as a threat to the Roman Empire (and thus put to death) and definitely weren't very popular with the rulers in Israel at the time either.

Answer 8

Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyers, Peter Popoff.

Talk about scam artists...they take the cake.

Answer 9

Just like the government filmed the landing on the moon at "Area 51".

Answer 10

Really? Taught to stop thinking for myself? So-o-o-o, why HAVEN'T I received this 'stop thinking' training? I have thought for myself my entire life; no one, including you and those in my church, think for me. If you don't believe, fine and dandy; but don't knock me if I do -- and I do.

The televangelists? Yes, they are scam artists -- and pseudo-Christians. Their faith is more false than a three-dollar bill. If these knee-jerk jerks are what you are basing your thoughts on, you need better evidence.

Idiot.