Built into Christian theology and praxis, is a celebration of persecution for one’s beliefs. Christians claim a long history of martyrs, and a quick scan of the New Testament alone reveals at least a dozen verses extolling the value of persecution and encouraging the faithful to endure. However, some claims of persecution have popped up lately that I think warrant a response. Disagreement does not equate to persecution.
Makeesha Fisher's Blog
About the Author
I am a graphic artist, mom to two girls and wife of an actor. I enjoy dancing, reading, knitting and I might be a little obsessed with podcasts. I spent the first 31 years of my life as a passionate evangelical, Pentecostal Christian (12 years of which were spent as a minister) and am now trying to find my dance outside of religion.
One of the things that ultimately led me away from religion was the added layers I noticed were utterly superfluous. Religion definitely played a role in my life but analyzing all of life’s experiences through a lens of religion became exhausting. When I left religion, I experienced freedom I didn't know was possible.
“Why can’t atheists just leave religious people alone? What difference does it make to them anyway?” This is a common complaint levelled against the non-religious. Sometimes I have these thoughts too. What harm is it really? And then I remember my childhood and think about the encounters my kids have had with religious kids. I remember the fear and anxiety, the pressure to proselytize and the way my Christian friends treated others.
Atheist parenting, like all parenting, requires many tools. Atheists face some unique challenges in our parenting since most of us live in communities dominated by religious ideology. Here I attempt to provide you with some of my favourite resources for parents and kids alike.
I have heard atheists accused of many things. In this post I address the accusation that atheists lack imagination and can't tolerate mystery. Is it true that the "spiritual" amongst us have a greater appreciation for mystery? If so, what's so great about mystery anyway?