Thank you to the two fellows that commented on my last post.  I really didn’t think anyone would read it or comment.  It is nice to know people are listening.  I think it’s funny that I typed several paragraphs and your comments basically only responded to half of one sentence.  I think I should clarify my statement so you don’t think I’ve become a complete atheist.  Though, I do respect and admire atheists. 

I was half-joking when I said retardation is evidence that there is no god.  I was half serious in that I think retardation is evidence against god.  However, this is not necessarily what I believe.  From a Christian perspective, I agree with Gregg.  Retards are like children.  They have souls (something I questioned) and they have a free pass into heaven because of their innocence.  What do I think?  I think it’s sad.  I think to dismiss their suffering on earth as trivial because they get a free ticket into heaven is insensitive and uncaring.  I don’t think we should let retards’ situations ruin our lives, but a tear once in a while would be nice. 

So, what am I saying?  Retardation is evidence there is no god, but it does not prove he doesn’t exist.  It is impossible to prove that god does not exist and that is a fact.  That doesn’t prove he does exist either. 

I added the statement about retardation and god because earlier that day I had seen a handicapped woman on campus.  At first I felt sorry for her.  Then I got angry.  This is not unusual for me.  I get angry at god all the time, but that’s not the point.  The point is people are suffering and god allows it.  More than allows, god wanted children to be molested and women to be raped.  I say this because along with god is the idea that he has a plan for our lives.  If he has a plan, then everything that happens is included.  This means he designed this world to be full of evil.  For whatever reason, god wants children to be molested.  Isn’t that sick?  Unfortunately, it doesn’t matter how messed up god is, if he exists we have to deal with it.  That’s where I am.  I’m pissed off.  The world’s a mess and god allows it.

The point was made that maybe retarded people are here to teach a lesson.  Think about that.  You’re saying another human being only exists so you can learn a life lesson.  That’s a bit egotistical, don’t you think?  I know you didn’t create this idea but you still said it.  It’s hateful and it puts your worth higher than another persons’.  Doesn’t that violate your Christian principles?

You said suffering doesn’t disprove god.  I agree.  But it does show that if god exists, he is not the loving, forgiving deity he claims to be.  Yeah, I know it is all part of his plan.  Well, he didn’t ask me if I liked his plan so I’d rather be left out of it.

Worship and entertainment: In my humble opinion, everything we do that is not absolutely necessary for our survival on this earth is entertainment with few exceptions.  Worship is not an exception.  My wolfy friend said there is a difference between entertainment and meaning.  How are they different?  Just because praising god fulfills you doesn’t mean it doesn’t entertain you.  You enjoy doing it and you don’t have to, to survive.  Yeah, it gives you meaning, so what?  Artists’ probably find meaning and purpose in their art.  Is it still entertaining?  I think so.  Solitaire defines me and makes me feel whole, but it is still entertainment.  I agree finding purpose is a life-long joy, and it entertains you while you’re here.

You commented that worship is more than church services.  You said it is a lifestyle.  That’s great.  That’s your opinion.  If doing your homework makes you feel like your praising god, then go with that.  I can’t tell you you’re wrong because it is none of my business if you think smiling at strangers is worshipping god.  I think killing racists and rapists is worshipping god.  It has nothing to do with my comment.

I hope I wasn’t too harsh with my comments.  I don’t want you to stop commenting.  I hope you comment on this post and criticize the crap out of it.  You made some really good points and I probably shouldn’t have made the comment about retards without explaining myself.  But doesn’t it make you ask why when you see a retarded or handicapped person?