30 Reasons People Choose Atheism 5

Reason 5 - Cultural Relativity of Religion

 

“Religions vary widely based on geography, with different cultures worshiping different gods. Atheists argue that this cultural relativity suggests religion is a human invention rather than a universal truth. If one's faith depends largely on where they are born, they reason, it undermines claims of absolute truth.”

 

“Cultural relativism is the view that concepts and moral values must be understood in their own cultural context and not judged according to the standards of a different culture.” - Wikipedia

 

            Certain “religions” were started in a certain region of the world and there you will find the largest concentration of followers. They are open to everyone, but they do not seek to ambitiously spread their belief system as a rule. Some “religions” demand allegiance or death. Christianity is, as far as I know, the only belief system that speaks of the prevalence of sin and has the only plan that exists to remove it. The other “religions” cater to the individual and his or her enlightenment or growth into a deeper acceptance of their tenets, which largely involve peace, love, kindness, mercy, and passivity. While that is a noble mantra, they put the onus on the individual to achieve these characteristics on their own thru meditation, fasting, etc. But what of sin? If you are to achieve an other worldly existence after death then you must adhere to their beliefs. The origin of their beliefs come from regular individuals who claim to have achieved a certain level of spiritual understanding. Therefore followers revere the individual who either has long since died or is still living and fully accepted as their leader.

            The thing about the doctrines of Christianity is that they are true in any region of the world. Some of the stories and/or illustrations given may mean something a little different when looked at thru the lens of the original time period, but it doesn’t alter the main message being conveyed.

            The existence of sin is side stepped by most other belief systems, with few exceptions. Christians believe they are given a free will by God to do as they please, with the idea that once born again of the spirit they will seek to do that which is pleasing to God and highly beneficial for them. If a person dedicates his life to follow Christ, yet doesn’t change his behavior one iota, then what was the point of becoming born again to begin with. Most other “religions” have rules and regulations that must be followed. Christianity has statutes that are laid out in the Bible that we are called to follow for our own betterment; however, we don’t HAVE to follow them. Not following could lead to becoming disillusioned, and resentful where the individual begins to doubt what he believes. What you put into it is what you will get out of it. 

            Just because there are a plethora of “religions” in the world today, that doesn’t mean they are all false. Satan works overtime to trip people up with false teachings that keep them from the truth. This begs the question, “Is there an absolute truth?” That is a deep subject for another time. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

RL Keller

Bread of Life Ministry

Resource: An article titled 30 Reasons People Choose Atheism on a blog called Housley - written by Lisa O.; www.gotquestions.org