Thirteen Tenets of Christianity Most Don't Buy Today


Slowly but surely the popular press is catching up to understanding how and why people do not believe the tenets of Christianity, or, those of most other faiths. When I write about why people don't believe I cannot help remembering the hundreds of times I have been in atheist gatherings or discussing things on line with atheists. I think the most common explanation as to why people leave the faith is simple, they just cannot believe its stuff anymore. This simple explanation does not sell books or bookings on a lecture tour. Certainly, books and lectures which try to determine why people cannot believe are useful. But when all is said and done, people see bull shit. Game over. 

Along this vein, an article summarized recently what it is the public now has trouble believing. I thought it would be worthwhile to review what are the scoffed at tenets Below are the 13 tenets listed in the popular press that are a hard sell in the U.S. today:

1. The Earth is the center of the universe.

2. Humans have dominion, or rights, over all other creatures.

3. Myths are literally true.

4. Suffering is punishment by a divine being.

5. One faith, Christianity has the exclusive path to salvation.

6. Gender roles have been spelled out by the divine and must be followed.

7. The prosperity gospel.

8. Devine intervention.

9. Celibacy as a requirement.

10.  Going through rituals is a measure of faith.

11. After life.

12. Prayers are a transaction with the divine.

13. Heaven and hell.

Polls show some of these are not completely rejected by those who have left the faith. But, if one or two have some appeal, the sale is lost when the rest of them are included in the faith package. 

How many of the list do you reject. Or, are there some, maybe one, that seem OK. I'm a thumbs down on all 13. 


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