Is “religion” irrational, as this atheist graphic suggests?
First of all, I wouldn’t know because I’m not the least bit religious (and here’s why: http://wp.me/p2wzRb-i9). In fact, the world would be a much better place without religion.
So what about faith, which is a very different thing? Is it irrational? By the standards of our world, absolutely.
I don’t think it’s a stretch to declare that North American culture worships at the altars of science (don’t get me wrong, I find science quite fascinating), shopping, celebrity scandal, getting and staying rich, the latest technological gadgets and our next vacation.
All of these pursuits are pretty tactile; we can touch money and iPhones, suntan on a cruise ship, obsess over celebrities on our 60-inch flat-screen TVs, read all about the latest scientific discovery and stand in the middle of a crowded mall.
Can’t do any of that with faith. Can’t see or touch God, can’t make any money off Him (unless you’re one of those creepy televangelists) or obtain a vacation cottage or find out who’s wearing the black hat in the latest celebrity divorce spectacle.
Now, let’s think about what else is irrational in our world:
- Love: as the 1960s anti-war song said, “what is it good for?” What can love achieve that a solid contract with a willing business/life partner can’t?
- Superstition: Beyond the obvious (fear of black cats and walking under ladders) there’s “Beginner’s luck”, 666, Friday the 13th and cross your fingers. Can anyone credibly tell me these are rational?
- Fashion: The sports jacket I wore five years ago is now a joke? Seriously?
- Fear of flying: so it’s okay to be in a speeding vehicle but so much more dangerous to go on an airplane? Have you read any statistics lately?
- Facial hair: it grows naturally on both genders, so what on earth possesses so many of us to shave it off?
As you ponder this list, consider the fact that most people who want nothing to do with faith accept many of these irrationalities without second thought. And that includes the atheist person who created the graphic that inspired this blog.
Why the double standard? Simple: faith is about something serious. Even more serious than love. It’s about how we view this world and how we think about what comes after this life ends.
Our culture constantly tells us not to bother with such things, but if you’ve read this far, then I bet you’re willing to think for yourself.
So consider this: not only is there a Creator of everything we see and experience, this creator is vitally interested in YOU. So interested, in fact, that He offers YOU a gift: His perfect Son, who came to this earth to live, die and be resurrected for YOU and everyone else who’s willing to accept that gift.
What do you think about this gift? Post your thoughts below and let’s have a conversation.
Frank's Cottage 
The greatest gift of all time!
I think there’s a big disconnect here. It seems you are sometimes referring to the colloquial use of ‘faith’ as representing one’s belief system, while at other times referring to ‘faith’, as it is described over and over in the Bible, as belief in something without tangible evidence. The two definitions only have an emotional overlap, not a logical one.
You seem to rely on the former definition, to make your argument, which is then unbiblical.
Faith, in the biblical sense, is not a feeling like ‘love’ and it takes some mental gymnastics to make that work. Only By confusing the two very different meanings of the term, are you then able to make your argument for faith not being irrational when, by biblical definition, that’s simply all that it is: a belief in something despite the evidence (or lack of.)
Thanks for your comment. I’m using faith as opposed to religion. The latter is all about following rules, keeping up appearances and judging others.
Faith is about a life-changing relationship with the creator of the universe through His Son.
Religion changes nothing. Faith changes everything. And that’s the best news in the world! 🙂
I think the cartoon was silly, but if it meant anything it was the exact opposite of what the atheist was trying to say.