So... I noticed something today. I think I understand one of the reasons atheists are sometimes so agitated by Christians. I was looking at a scientific picture, which was absolutely gorgeous by the way, and a comment on it went thusly:
"Glorious work of God, for us Humans to appreciate His greatness. The Creator of Space & Time to infinity!"
Now... those of you who read my blog frequently understand that I believe very firmly in God. I have a testimony, and am not afraid to share it. This blog is devoted entirely to my testimony, and sharing it. However, this comment.... well, something just doesn't quite seem right about it. I've noticed that there are Christians out there who refuse to even consider scientific explanations, for fear that it will disprove God, Heaven, and the afterlife somehow. This comment feels like that. It also feels somewhat pushy, and like it was just asking for a atheist to attack it and say something derogatory about God, or a belief in Him, so they can get in a fight about religion vs atheism/science.
Here is my problem with that kind of mindset: More and more, atheists are beginning to hate Christians. The predominant comments I see on stories about Christians being murdered are people applauding it. I'm seeing people say terrible things about our General Authorities. If you mention you are against same gender marriage (which, incidentally, I am), if you mention you are against abortion, (again, me too), or are against pornography (can I raise my hand any higher on that one?!), if you mention that you don't believe in evolution (eh... actually on the fence about that one... I'm starting to believe that we just don't have all the answers yet. Go to the temple thinking about it; and you'll see what I mean), or any of the other religion related hot-button items, you get attacked viciously. It's like there is no way to even comprehend that you could possibly have beliefs that go against the mainstream.
I do think that part of this is simply is the gathering of dark forces prior to the second coming of The Lord. That is fact. It was prophesied by multiple sources within the Bible and the Book of Mormon, and it is clearly happening today.
However, I also believe that part of it has to do with the way in which Christians often respond to attacks, or perceived attacks, on their belief system. Rather than seeing if the other side has any legitimacy, there is immediate reaction strongly against the discord of their beliefs. I think it comes down to the brain (I would, wouldn't I?) I think it has to do with cognitive dissonance. Rather than resolving the dissonance by exploring further, and finding common ground, most just go straight to their established beliefs, and violently shut out any opposing view. Saying this, however, I do realize that it is a two way street. I think that atheists do the same thing. This is one of the reasons people react so strongly, they just go with their gut instinct reaction, which is a externalization of their strong emotions. With the relative anonymity of social media and online presence, I think this is happening increasingly because people don't feel like they need to filter out what would be extremely uncomfortable in a face to face interaction, because they won't see how it affects the receiving individual.
So... the "so what?" of this rather long post is this: Next time someone says or posts something that makes you feel upset, violated, or otherwise uncomfortable... give yourself a second or two. Think about it from their perspective. Try to understand why they came to that conclusion. Most people looking for a fight are expecting a poorly thought out, illogical, and pre-canned response, and are waiting with their own poorly thought out, illogical pre-canned version. Even if they aren't looking for a fight; if you give them one, odds are they will get defensive and revert to the prior mentioned version of argument. If you surprise them by showing thought and consideration... well, you might just find yourself having a conversation rather than an argument, and one or both of you may actually get somewhere.
I also want to testify that I do know that there is a God. There is a afterlife, and there are consequences to our actions and words in this lifetime. God cares who we become. He wants us to be good people who make good choices and follow His commandments. Sometimes it is not easy to understand why we need to follow a particular commandment. I get that. I can also testify that if He gives us a commandment, if we follow it, and are seeking reasons behind the commandment, He will reveal them to us. I have found a lot of peace in some things, and strengthened my belief in some of the less popular commandments by doing so. I testify that there truly are good and evil things in this world, and that evil is increasing in strength. Satan will continue his attacks, and continue recruiting any who will listen to his siren's song, but he will never support his followers.
Follow God, follow the prophets. If you are reading the Book of Mormon, listening/reading to General Conference talks, working on keeping God's commandments, and praying daily; you will not be led astray.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ; amen.
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