The Not-So-Good-Book

Hi Bob.  Me again.  You likely don't read my writings, but I just finished chapter 3 of your book, "Life Beyond Belief", and I must admit, I don't know what to do with it.  Writing to you in this way helps to give me focus.  Overall, I believe you are right in this chapter, and because I agree with most of it, I believe some apologies are in order.  Part of me wants to apologize to you on behalf of the Christian community, and the other part of me thinks that you owe the Christian community an apology for the misinformation you offered your people while in ministry.  

  The general thrust of chapter 3 is that the Old Testament scriptures don't serve very well to establish a moral code for human conduct.  You also take aim at Christianity in general, claiming that we have perpetuated the same.  I think you are right.  I think it comes across that way, just as Atheists often come across as if they feel people should be able to live life however they want.  I know it might not be meant that way, but the message can sound that way when we hear, "There is probably no God, now stop worrying and enjoy your life."

I don't know how it comes out that way, but I would like to apologize on behalf of Christians everywhere.  Following Christ isn't supposed to be about following a moral code; it's supposed to be about following the risen Christ.  Many of us do in fact make it about morality.  I don't know how to correct them, or eject them from the fellowship.  I desperately desire to do one or the other, but I feel so helpless.  I can only hope a few of them read this apology and recognize their part in it.  

Many others do know the difference, but find it difficult to articulate it as such.  I am not apologizing for these people.  We are not all master communicators and are rarely as capable of clearly articulating theology as one such as yourself.  If you were to read my writings, you will find very little about morality, but Christendom has yet to endorse me as their spokesman.  If you still have some connections, I'd be glad if you put in a good word for me with the higher ups.

I also believe you owe your past churchgoers an apology.  It seems that coming to recognize that The Bible isn't a moral guide book was an awakening moment for you.  So I presume, and I believe rightly so, for the bulk of your ministry you presented it in just such a light.  Having been illuminated, it would be appropriate to apologize to the many honest people who were misinformed under your Christian ministry.  Maybe this book is written as an apology, but it doesn't come across that way.  The words I have for you next should be of great comfort to you now.  Having believed The Bible to be a moral good book, you were probably more effective during your ministry at tarnishing the name of Christ than anything you could do now as an atheist.

At this point, I doubt you much care about my take on the Old Testament scriptures, but I'll try  anyway.  You have done well to point out the many shortcomings in the lives of people like Noah, David and Jephthah.  The Bible is a really weird book for non believers to read.  It's kind of backwards isn't it?  Everything I read from atheists spends a great deal of effort trying to prove they are right, and other people are wrong.  Again.  That may not be the intent, but it seems that way.  Christians often conduct themselves similarly, but as you have recognized, scripture itself most certainly does not.  If you or I were to write the book, we wouldn't reveal the faults from people on our respective teams.  The irony at work, is that your criticism serves to solidify my confidence in The Bible, as it wasn't written to show that God's people were good guys, and other people were  bad guys.  It doesn't hide the flaws of its people, further demonstrating its authenticity.   It shows that before a perfect God, no one is good.  I have yet to witness this kind of transparency in your writing, my writing, or anywhere else in the world for that matter.

The people of our world are consumed with a sense of self righteousness.  We desperately want to think that we're good enough, and if there is a God, He should accept us because we are such great people.  The Old Testament makes it so plainly obvious that if a person thinks they can be good enough, or obey Him, they are quite mistaken.  You can argue that His rules are dumb all you like.  Just get rid of the notion that reaching a moral standard somehow impresses this God.  It would be better to hope and pray that He isn't real, which is the option you seem to have chosen.

So how does it happen?  How can a book, a book primarily made up of stories, be received as if it were a  moral guidebook?  How did you make it through all of your schooling and not notice?  You are indeed well learned and you have your own copy of The Bible.  You did read it I hope, at least on occasion.  How did you, or how do we take a book of story - receive and present it as a means to make us into "good people"?  I'm not sure.

I'm sorry for my part in this travesty, whether by miscommunication, or buying into the lie.    I am the kind of believer who knows he isn't a good guy.  I'm one of those people God would have killed, were it to be based on how good I am, and the really odd part is that it doesn't bother me.  At one time in your career, you may have understood.  

       As for morality, I'm guessing you believe moral standards are set by the courts or the government, because they always do such a great job of everything they touch.  I am happy you enjoyed The Wizard of Oz.  It rings hollow for me, but  I'm sure it will get you where you want to go.