Is secularism such a bad thing?

Question

I was raised a Christian for the first 18 years of my life. I went to college and given a chance to do some research of my own (I am an engineering and therefore a very analytical person; I also try to keep an open mind), I began to have my doubts, because some things in the Bible didn't add up. Since then, I have basically turned secular and consider myself a secularist. I've been bombarded by people from multiple religions saying that being secular is bad, and although I will admit that religions do preach good things, there are lots of things I disagree with. For example, I have no problem with someone being homosexual. I also don't agree with pressing one's religion upon someone else. As for whether there is a God or not, I have no idea beacause there is no evidence either way (I ignore people who argue one way or the other). Also, whether there is life after death really isn't a concern for me. Anyway, now that I've become secular, is it really such a bad thing?

As for Biblical miracles, one possible explaination is that they are exaggerated, or the author may have just made them up. Or they may have really happened.

insulting that religious people think secular people are following a path of evil. There were evil secular people, there were good secular people. There were also good and evil religious people.

Oh, and the other major thing that bothered me what that "anything can happen if you believe." Well, if you believe anything, you can fool yourself in to thinking anything is true, even if it is not.

Answer 1

You sound a lot like me. I recently read a philosophy book called Mere Christianity, written by a former athiest named CS Lewis. I'm a CPA (so I understand the engineer side of you). The book makes a very logical case for the existence of God, uses logic to evaluate different ideas of God, and describes the Christian understanding of God and man's salvation. It's a very deep book, and requires a lot of brainpower to understand, but I think you'd appreciate reading it.

Answer 2

Well, w/o giving u a 'sermon' from what I have learned,
secularism is negative in that it 'glorifies' man and pretty
much states to live in a free and unconscienable manner,
or maybe I am confusing this with satanism,sorry, anyway, it is a historical fact, that civilizations, when they
become decadent and 'greedy' (pretty much the way
society is now, will evenutally 'fail' As for your 'doubt'
or questioning God's existence,that is your "God" given
right, free will; as for proof of his existence, well I am sorry there is more proof of, then not,but I won't go there.
In short, my friend, yes, secularism is 'negative.' I am a
catholic christian, and yes, I doubt, sometimes when I see
awful things in the world, but I have to remember there is
an 'end' to the means, there is also a lot of good and love
in the world, people make religion 'unappealing' with their
proselytizing,but it is done I guess with 'good' intentions,
albeit annoying, I have always said,if you believe u have
everything to gain, and if u dont' u have nothing to loose,
best regards (: JML.

Answer 3

Secularism is definitely a good thing. The founding fathers, including Jefferson, Adams, Madison, and Franklin, were well aware of the dangers of theocratic rule, which tore Europe apart through brutal warfare.
As far as your personal beliefs, read the Bible and Koran, especially the old testament, and you will find out about all the murders, rapes, wars, enslavements, and other crimes done in the name of the so-called "Lord". Study science, particularly astronomy, geology, and evolutionary biology, and contrast its' methodology and findings to the childish fairy stories in the Bible and Koran (then again you already know all about this). Then notice the behavior of most secular people vs. that of many fundamentalist people. Who is preaching hate against gays and non-Christians/ non-Muslims? Who thinks women should be subservient and obedient, like second class citizens? Who commits acts of terrorism? Who are the majority of criminals incarcerated in the U.S.?

I'm not saying all Christians and Muslims are bad. Many are good people, including family and friends of mine. But that doesn't mean you have to believe what they believe. Don't be afraid to proclaim yourself a secularist. I too was brought up in a Christian family, but I discovered the truth on my own. Don't believe the nonsense about Atheists not having morals. Moral values come from our families, not the Bible or Allah. One's morals don't all disappear overnight due to the loss of religion. Remember, there are a LOT of us, but because we are mostly mild-mannered, private people, we are not as visible as some others in our society.

Answer 4

Consider the secularism of Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot. They were responsible for the deaths of close to 100 million people. And that is just in the 20th centrury. Are these the kinds of people you want to imitate?

Miracles and biblical prophecy are also difficult to explain away without the existence of God. Most people ignore these because they don't fit with what they already believe. Are you *really* open-minded?

Answer 5

i dont think its a bad thing but christians will tell you different. I am an gnostic christian. I am not against gays and i will never try to change a persons religion and i do not believe in a GOd of wrath. I only believe in a God of love and the whole devil thing is just a dumb idea.

Answer 6

Its not a good thing if there is eternal punishment and reward. And once you die I gurantee youre going to be quite concerned about the afterlife because that is where you spend eternity.

Ok you being educated and all, what is say 70 years of life on this earth compared to eternity? Does that seem like a good risk to sacrifice all eternity for 70 years?

Youre thinking of God and the Bible as a self-help agent rather than what they are, truth. God is willing to have a relationship with you in prayer and even do miracles for you if you believe! There is also great scientific evidence for him as well if that is what your mind requires. But typically people disbelieve because of what is in their heart, not their mind.

Answer 7

to the people who fear what they don't understand everything is a bad thing anyway you sound like an agnostic and i agree with what you are saying about the fact that people shouldn't be pressing their religion and religious beliefs and views on other people and gays are human beings also

Answer 8

Simply analyze the modern world.

There's your answer, for we are the product of secular America.

Aids, addictions, abuse, war, greed, self, me, envy, hate.
Ah secularism, survival of the fittest!
Let the games begin.

Answer 9

I can be a bad thing. I can be a good thing. Religion can be a good thing. Religion can be a bad thing too.

The best is when religion is secularism is balanced.

Answer 10

It's a good thing. It makes you a better human being.