Big Think

Alex Lipton commented on Ricky Gervais on Religion on March 15, 2009, 12:47 PM

Mr. Gervais, you couldn't have been more reasonable and articulate. Caleb, the very fact that there are many different religions, many of which have absolutely contrary views on the universe should sound some warning bells in your mind that they can't all be true, or "real" as you put it. How do you determine which one, if any is true? What makes more sense, going to heaven and meeting St. Peter at the pearly gates or flying to heaven on a winged horse? Neither makes sense to the rational mind, one that hasn't been distorted with indoctrinating religious dogma. Just because someone dies for a belief does not make that belief true. If I kill someone in the name of "O" the omnipotent omniscient all loving (and tasty!) cheerios God it doesn't mean that "O" really exists, or that I make him exist by believing in him. That sort of ontological argument was discredited centuries ago. It's not Christianity specifically that's a waste of time, Caleb, it's any ridiculous, stone-age mentality or belief that is simply incompatible with the 21st century rational, educated mind.