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Fundimental Beliefs |
The individual alone defines the meaning of life. We, like all creatures, exist because of the natural process, but the more important "eternal question" is why anyone but a fool would relegate the meaning of their life to an external source.
An individual cannot build character or be considered moral through the actions of another or of a god.
The strength of a person's character is not measured by comparison to others or contributions to society or religion but by the personal effort of the individual to maximize their strengths and overcome their weaknesses.
Truth is essential; evangelism through misinformation, exaggeration or deceit is corrupt.
Time spent in worship or in prayer isn’t, in itself, a measure of character or morality. Belief alone is a ridiculous standard of morality and is counterproductive to character building.
Believing in a god “just is case” is hypocrisy, "god" obviously can see through deception. There is no threat to the atheist if there is a god, a good god will not reject a good person.
Possibly the greatest failure of world culture is the rejection by Christians of the philosophy of Jesus. |
Greed has wreaked havoc in our economy, obesity (gluttony) is rampant, families are plagued with spouse and child abuse, teen pregnancy, single parenthood and divorce, drug and alcohol abuse is out of control, sexually transmitted diseases are wide spread and millions are without adequate health care.
Since a 78% of our population identify themselves as Christian, Christianity is the conscience of American. (http://religions.pewforum.org/affiliations) The moral fiber of the vast majority of Americans is anchored by their Christian religion. Yet Americans seem to lack the character necessary to avoid these calamities. It is rather obvious their religion, the source of their self discipline, is insufficiently persuasive to engender a wholesome lifestyle.
With predominance comes responsibility. Christians must take responsibility for the results of the culture they have built. There is nothing wrong with the philosophy of Jesus. However, the way it has been implemented in America obviously leads to widespread lack of self control. The reason seems clear. American Christianity is built of concepts such as belief alone and universal forgiveness. It is prayer, worship and rhetoric. It is not self discipline or accountability. It is failing our culture.
Only 4% of Americans are atheist or agnostic, and neither these nor other non Christians (Jews, Muslims, Oriental Religions, etc) can be demonstrated to be significantly less moral, So until the 78% Christian majority develops the necessary strength of character, America will never have a moral society. |
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Humanism |
Humanism is a philosophy of life inspired by humanity and guided by reason. It provides the basis for a fulfilling and ethical life without religion.
- Humanists make sense of the world using reason, experience and shared human values.
- Humanists see no convincing evidence for gods, the supernatural, or life after death.
- Humanists believe that moral values are properly founded on human empathy and scientific understanding.
- Humanists believe we must live this life on the basis that it is the only life we'll have -- that, therefore, we must make the most of it for ourselves, each other, and our world.
Institute for Humanist Studies: http://humaniststudies.org/humphil.html |
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Christians vs. Jesus |
The philosophy of Jesus is good and if adopted by our culture as its basis of morality, America would benefit. Unfortunately Christians, despite their belief in Jesus as god and the path to salvation and despite their desire for heaven and fear of hell, have significantly perverted the spirit of Jesus. The next web page "Christians vs. Jesus" outlines the major deviations. |
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Personal Worth |
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Any society which bases personal worth on circumstances of birth is flawed. Any religion which basis personal worth on the superficialities of worship, belief or rhetoric is non-productive. When these place their own preservation above the optimization of individuals, establishing universal standards to promote that end rather than adopting the philosophy that individuals worth is measured by the maximization of talent and the triumph over personal constraints and deficiencies, it is doomed to failure.
Beauty, athletic ability, intelligence, entertainment talents do not denote worth just as homeliness, physical or mental disabilities and lack of talent denote failure. Attending church on Sunday, believing in a god, universal forgiveness, giving to charity, or following the Ten Commandments do not prove personal integrity. An individual proves their worth and their integrity by accomplishments exceeding that which would be expected given personal circumstances of birth and environmental background. Being talented, (e.g. musical or athletic) is an accomplishment only if one improves upon that talent through hard work. Following the Ten Commandments is only an accomplishment if your personality and environment are not already inclined to compliance.
Society and religion impair the growth of the individual when it promotes superficial accomplishments and provides props and excuses for failure. Convincing any individual they are “fulfilled” simply by believing in a god or that any supernatural force relives them of personal responsibility will result in a less than optimal being. Convincing a young girl she is beautiful and therefore deserving of admiration or success results in the creation of some rather perverted individuals.
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CONTACT:
David VanLandingham
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While I appear to be extremely critical of the way Christianity is practiced, I do not begrudge anyone their belief systems or their religion. I very much admire the philosophy of Jesus. I believe if American Christians practiced Christianity as Jesus taught, it would be of great value to our culture. |
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Issues
Click to read PDF format:
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The Christian God doesn't exist because:
- no compassionate God would create humans with the possibility of spending eternity in the incredible torment of everlasting hellfire, especially if even a single individual is condemned through no personal fault but simply un-exposed to a particular belief system.
- the only creditable witnesses to the Christian God are Christians whose belief, with very few exceptions, is so weak that they fail significantly to learn, understand or follow the teachings of Jesus
- as the only creditable witnesses, Christians, with limited exceptions, lead lives proving that they have no true belief in either eternal punishment or reward. |
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David's Books
Co-authors need to whip these books into shape and secure a publisher.
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