I will admit that I watch a lot of debates online. Much of them focus on the idea of religion versus atheism. It is one of the most interesting arguments human beings can have. One may even say it is the original argument. Personally, I come down on the side against theism. It may then seem odd to make this declaration in a post carrying this title. There is a reason for the title. In a few debates I have heard those defending theism (usually Christianity) ask if the world would be a better place had Christianity never existed in the first place. On this question I say that it would not.
Let me elaborate. I am not a Christian. I find the Bible to be littered with contradictions, exaggerations and flat out lies. Even as a moral code I think it is terrible. However, it is compelling to read. As a work of literature its importance cannot be denied. It contains some fascinating imagery that has inspired minds for centuries.
I very much enjoy reading ancient mythology. I always have; Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Norse mythology has always been a source of fascination for me. The characters within these stories are very interesting and it is intriguing to see how each culture develops creation myths, the interaction between mortal and immortal and of course the ending myths. They all have them. For the longest time I just never added that of Christianity to it.
Religious imagery is often some of the most interesting. Be it Odin with two crows perched on his shoulders, Cerberus the three-headed guard dog of the Underworld or the banishing of God's favorite Angel from Heaven. They all have great artistic merit.
As a guide to life I would not recommend Christianity any more than I would Norse Paganism, but as artistic inspirations I think both do exceedingly well. The world would be slightly worse off without the great temples built by the Greeks to their gods, the Pyramids of Egypt, or the beautiful cathedrals around the world. They are truly works of art. That does not, however, make any of their stories true.
Let me elaborate. I am not a Christian. I find the Bible to be littered with contradictions, exaggerations and flat out lies. Even as a moral code I think it is terrible. However, it is compelling to read. As a work of literature its importance cannot be denied. It contains some fascinating imagery that has inspired minds for centuries.
I very much enjoy reading ancient mythology. I always have; Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Norse mythology has always been a source of fascination for me. The characters within these stories are very interesting and it is intriguing to see how each culture develops creation myths, the interaction between mortal and immortal and of course the ending myths. They all have them. For the longest time I just never added that of Christianity to it.
Religious imagery is often some of the most interesting. Be it Odin with two crows perched on his shoulders, Cerberus the three-headed guard dog of the Underworld or the banishing of God's favorite Angel from Heaven. They all have great artistic merit.
As a guide to life I would not recommend Christianity any more than I would Norse Paganism, but as artistic inspirations I think both do exceedingly well. The world would be slightly worse off without the great temples built by the Greeks to their gods, the Pyramids of Egypt, or the beautiful cathedrals around the world. They are truly works of art. That does not, however, make any of their stories true.
