How To Look Religiously Ignorant…

I was reading through Digg today and came across the following image.

Now coming from a military home, as well as a Christian home, I tried to look at this editorial letter as open-minded as possible. There are several ways to look at the letter, and reading between the lines there are many interpretations or areas of focus, at least in my mind.

First off, let me say, this message is really off-base and I wonder how many Americans feel this way. Are there a lot of people who believe the First Amendment of the US Constitution (The Bill Of Rights) says that if you don’t follow a religion you should be kicked out?

Nay, I say. The purpose of the First Amendment is to ensure that the government does not impose religion, nor give it preference. Nor does it state “Christianity” and only “religion,” which includes Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, Wiccan, etc. Personally I’m looking through a Christian non-denominational and Gospel-Centered lens. Just as the Constitution was written to ensure that religion was not forced, nor endorsed by the government, it was also written to ensure that other rights were not disparaged nor removed, as stated by the Tenth Amendment. The intent is to protect the rights of those who don’t want religion as well as preserve the rights of those who do.

Now, numerous examples persist of where the influence of religion has been removed and that has had an impact on crime and punishment, politics, socio-economical alliances, business dealings, parent and child relationships, and almost every other aspect of the human existence. If we all think about how crimes are punished, how victims are exploited or how children are abused, we can see that the teachings and examples that Christ gave us have been removed from society.

As far as this letter is concerned, I’m afraid that the writer truly misses the point. Atheists exist and will always exist in America or in other countries. While trying to show a strong conviction, the writer conveyed only a sense of misplaced anger. Though I understand her perspective, it’s muddled and hard to follow other than frustration and resentment. When dealing with an atheist, “If some unbeliever invites you to a meal and you want to go, eat whatever is put before you without raising questions of conscience.” (1 Cor 10:27).

Truly, the greatest commandment is “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” Even if that other person is an atheist they, as one of God’s children, deserve our prayers and respect. Loving your enemy is a very difficult proposition, even for people stronger in the Lord than I am. Even those who may seem deserving of scorn really deserve our pity. In the end, everyone becomes a believer, even if they do not have salvation.

There’s a movement in America, and the world, called The Brights Movement. Masquerading as “naturalists” they are truly atheists at heart who do not believe in the supernatural. They have closed their hearts to God, and have become His enemies. An atheist believes in no power of then his or her self. The Brights feel the same way, except they believe that they are principled. The question I have is: Can the blind lead the blind?  As Christians we should pray for those who are without Him and ask Him to open their hearts and minds.

What, truly then, is the fear of being “created” by God in lieu of an evolutionary hiccup or mistake?