Has Christianity (and any other religion for that matter) lost ground since its inception?

Question

It seems like, in the biggest global debates, the majority of energy is spent just trying to prove that god exists; let alone that one particular version of it is the acutal truth.

It just seems to me that it used to be that an atheist was a very rare thing, that no one questioned that SOME version of god existed.

But polytheism has largely given way to monotheism... and now monotheism is being picked apart by atheism. From what I can tell, more and more people are either watering down their religion (I.E. not believing the bible is literally true), not bothering to claim a religion, or are becoming outright atheists.

(Just so no one can accuse me of being ambivalent, ... I think this is a good thing)

What do you think? Let's say the rapture/apocalypse/ragnarok/whatever, never happens. Can you see theism disappearing eventually? I'm not asking if you wish it to be so or not, I'm asking if you think things are heading in that direction.

Answer 1

there are also more peopel seeking individual spiritual paths, whther mono- poly- or pan-theistic.

some reasons:

1- Educated, thinking people are less easily indoctrinated (at least on a permanaent basis).

2- Freedom from church control of social/governmental services and functions leaves people free to challenge theologic ideas.

3 - Secularization of authority combined with freedom means that using violence and genocide to further the cause of monotheism no longer a viable means of recruitment and retention.

4 - self-determination implies responsibility for one's self, in contrast to feudal, paternalistic models. Hence we are colelctively "growing up" in more ways than one.

Answer 2

As far as atheism goes, I have always found it curious that (to the best of my knowledge) that almost all atheists use the definition of God that is either provided, exepted, used by those who may or may not know any more about the nature, mind, and existence of God than they do!?

Meaning, it appears that the only 'argument' they are having is that they disagree with some other persons definition of what God is or isn't.

To and/or for me, a true atheist--or one who is truely interested in seeking truth outside the normal channels would at least start with their OWN definition of what God is, or was, or wasn't, etc., and not use an unproven truth (definition) which originated from outside of themselves.

My point is, is that we are ALL 'fallible', and therefore, if the definition of God you use is from another 'fallible human', it runs an equal risk of being useless. Then all your decisions, conclusions, etc., are equally useless.

I believe and/or see that neither polytheism nor monotheism nor atheism is giving way in one direction or the other--nor do I ever see 'theism' ever disappearing.

Eventually, I believe that through the experiences, or lack thereof (of such things as 'the rapture') that a 'new and improved' (workable) definition of God will be arrived at.

Yes, I believe that 'things' are heading in the direction that I am speaking of. I predict that one of the biggest 'things' to happen (outside of the rapture) is the non-appearance (by the traditional definition) of who/what we believe Jesus/the Christ to be.

No, I believe that he will re-appear, but because we are not adequately prepared (by thinking for ourselves), that we will essentially not 'see' him and/or miss him altogether.

Think for a moment as to what happened the last time he came. Outside of the apostles and a few other followers (120 to be exact), could any of the people really understand what was being said, or knew who he really was?

Considering the concept of "I make all things new", why is it that we think, feel, believe that we will understand him when he comes again? You think he will be teaching the same teachings? If you do, then you need to think again.

How quickly things are or will move depends on too many things to use in any useable calculation.

Regards,

Bryan

Answer 3

You must remember that all of the mainstream religions that exist today were formed quite a long time ago. Events in nature that can quite easily be explained today were looked upon as omens or other such supernatural manifestations that stemed from a angry/jealous/sad/ take your pick ,God. As science advances ever more quickly and continues to explain ever more of the World around us , I believe that the childish need for a God that eternally looks over man kinds shoulder will finally recede to be replaced by a healthier society where people will accept responsibility for their own action and not have to resort to the nonsensical " the Devil made me do it ".

Answer 4

The Rapture will happen--but not until after the Tribulation. I think there will be very few skeptics during the Tribulation as to whether or not God exists. Check out the links below, and if I can help answer any questions you might have, feel free to drop me a line at [e-mail].

Answer 5

The Bible itself says that religions (ALL, including Christianity) will dry up near the end of Time. It calls this the "drying up of the Waters of Babylon." Mostly because Babylon was an unconquerable city until God dried up its rivers allowing Darius(?) to use the riverbed to invade the city and conquer it for the first time ever.

Also, in the Book of Revelation, false religion is known as Babylon the Great, since EVERY religion except Christianity (and they borrowed many of Babylons customs such as Easter (Astarte), Saturnalia (Christmas), etc., from Babylonian traditions. So, that is why Babylon the Great will be destroyed (and those who practise her customs (yes, even most Christians).

God is JEALOUS and has a RIGHT to declare HOW HE is to be worshipped. If its not done to his specification, as we say in America, "ignorance is no excuse."

Answer 6

I see your element yet i hit upon a pair flaws on your statements. i'm not a Christian through ways. a million)Christianity is diverse to diverse human beings- some use it to advance their lives and others do not. 2)China and India? In China, in the perfect fifty years 75 million human beings were killed unneccesarily through Mao (very low, conservative estimate through ways. Many imagine the quantity is in direction of one hundred million). Its a semi- police state the position even ordinary dissent is punishable through arrest, torture and execution. Healthcare is medieval, a lot worse than the U. S.. As for India, thousands and thousands stay at a element of poverty not even comprehensible to the perfect American. merely google "poverty in India" or something. it really is fairly undesirable. So sure, I see your element about the failings of questioning Christianity is the answer to each little thing- that is not- yet China and India are literally not examples of what's going perfect contained in the international.

Answer 7

Atheists can find a lot of faults in the bible mainly because it was the work of so many men, and men can make mistakes unfortunately.

Id like to see them find as many faults in the Quran.

Apart from a few things, theres nothing there they can dismiss without seing how well thought of it and coherent it is.

Islam is against religious hierarchy, and is very strict about its ethics, so thats not going to change anytime soon buddy

Answer 8

I'm Pagan.

So long as people can believe, they will. Rapture, Ragnarok, Apocalypse, or not.


- 17 yo Pagan

Answer 9

God is God no matter what you think of Him. Jesus is well and alive, He is on His throne. And He will come back. : )

Answer 10

to you it might seem that way but the huge majority of ppl 85% ALREADY BELIEVE IN HIM....No we are strong....m,ine is huge