To: <darwin@atheists.net>
Subject: response to your site
Date: Sun, 2 Sep 2001 16:28:38 -0700

Hello, I too stumbled across you site by accident, and was compelled to read it.
 
I too am sorry to hear about the experiences you have  encountered in your life which brings about such hatred towards Christians and God.  I just have a few quick comments in response to what all I read.
 
- about circumcision, I don't know where that one person got the idea about 99% of us Christians believe it and enforce it because the Christians I know don't, and the New Testament does not support it as being mandatory either.  It was a Jewish custom (Old Testament).  One of the main reasons it is still around today is because of Judaism and it is believed by the medical profession to be beneficial.
 
- as far as atheism not being a religion, I disagree.  It is a belief that one bases their life upon, and that is the heart of what religion is.  Everyone is religious, and has religious beliefs.  Some stand up for what they believe, and others just claim to believe certain things, but don't act on them.  For a Christian to not act on his or her beliefs is hypocrisy, and then I ask, what is the point of having the beliefs.  The same goes for all other religions.  You commented on how it is bad for Christians to send their children to church.  Well, if they didn't, they would be hypocrites.  It is the same as a parent who believes guns are bad, allowing his or her child to play with guns.  The parent would be a hypocrite.  And, I would question whether or not they really believed guns were bad.  Religion is life changing.  If it doesn't change or shape your life, then you can't claim it is your religion and to do so would be hypocrisy (this was a generalized comment to all people).
To ask someone to apologize for their beliefs is stupid.  To present someone with a different set of beliefs so that they may see why you think theirs are foolish is honorable.  But, we all have the right to choose are beliefs, and the beliefs we choose are evident by how we live.
 
- A quick comment on Bible reading in school, and stuff like that:
No matter what you do, or where you go, you are bombarded with beliefs that people have.  They are either in line with yours, or they are not.  In my school, I am subjected to secular music.  Most of which goes very strongly against my beliefs.  A lot of the songs promote premarital sex, rape, drugs, violence, vulgarity, etc... By listening to this music, and promoting it, my classmates are condoning it and saying that these ideas are consistent with what they believe.  So, they are forcing their beliefs upon me.  However, if I play Christian music which talks of loving one another, glorifying God, helping others, being nice to people, having good morals, etc.... they are quick to take offence (even some who claim to be Christians) because they say I am forcing my beliefs upon them and should not act out my beliefs at school.  So, they are asking me to be a hypocrite, while they force their religion on me. 
So, no matter what you do, as long as you are around others, you will be subjected to their beliefs.  That is why it is important to accept everyone, live out your beliefs, but be considerate of others at the same time.  It is ok to present your ideas to others and give them a choice, but it is wrong to force one's beliefs on others who are mature enough to make their own decisions.
 
Someone who has graciously accepted the grace of God by believing in Jesus Christ who died and rose again so that all who believe in Him shall be saved.