Is Christianity a placebo?

[Scott Free]

 

Source: rationalchristianity.net/Is Christianity a placebo?

Edited December 11, 2018 by Scott Free

[enoob57]

Give them a book of Foxe's book of martyrs … Then they will have to come up with a theory of why they testified unto the end through great suffering!

Edited November 7, 2018 by enoob57

[enoob57]

Certainly when examined it is self evident truth both of God and this present world … and even though they say they don't see it~ they are liars and it is natural for them to live within their own lies but God has told us that beneath the lies still is truth that they do!

Rom 1:20

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
KJV
 

[Uber Genius]

On November 7, 2018 at 10:24 AM, Scott Free said:

Skeptics often assert that Christianity is a placebo faith, meaning that people believe in it and derive peace from it because it's comforting, not because it's true

Textbook example of the genetic fallacy! No need to proceed with any discussion.

But for humor's sake one can respond, "Were you believe there is no God because it gives you peace you wouldn't have elsewise because you live a godless lifestyle?"

I prefer to avoid incoherent claims altogether. 

Another genetic fallacy, "We only beleive in God or act morally because we are programmed by evolution to do so."

 

Laughable, yet incoherence is the cross we bear these days when having to suffer New Atheists' arguments.

[Jayne]

It is a placebo for those who think that they are saved, but are not.  For those who walked down an aisle, got dunked in the water, and think they have their "fire insurance" and won't go to hell......then live like they choose, yes - for them, Christianity is nothing more than a soft, downy comforter that will burn with them in the end.

I cannot tell you how many people claim to be a Christian, yet they 

• never go to church [There are rare, rare places where there is no body of believers to gather with.  I'm not talking about that.]
• never read their Bibles [There are rare instances where no Bibles are to be found, but that's not what I'm talking about.]
• never pray except for a quick and superficial selfish request
• never bother to teach or reach others for Christ
• don't obey Christ and his commands
• live exactly as the world lives - for themselves and their pleasures
• think of themselves as "good enough"

Yet, they think they will spend eternity with Christ.  So  yes, for them, Christianity is a placebo and they are self-deceived and going to hell.

But for the genuine born-again believer, Christianity is a daily and hourly calling to be like Christ.  They may have ups and downs, and they will certainly have to grow spiritually.  But they  have a desire for the word of God, the fellowship [in real life] with other believers, growth, strength through prayer and worship [which can take place anywhere], and they have a deep burden for lost people and the will of God.

These people have a relationship with God that no placebo could ever replace because what they have - given to them by God, and expressed in their daily lives - is the real thing.

There's pain in being a Christian when you see ones you love die and go to hell.  There's work in being a Christian - daily work and work that's many times not a lot of fun.  But there is joy and contentment also in being a Christian.

Paul, having suffered physical horrors untold was content, he said.  Stephen, the first martyr, while being stoned to death and ridiculed, looked up and saw Christ.

It's no picnic being a genuine Christian.  But it's real - the relationship, the work, the blessing, and the joy.

Edited December 4, 2018 by Jayne

[Who me]

We all can see that the world, that society is 'not right', that 'something needs to be done', but no one knows or agrees what. 

Yes Christianity is a crutch, but when one is limping a crutch is a necessity not a luxury.

 

The biggest proof is the evidence of what Christianity has done to change how people live, for the better and to change how people think.

search for 'Why Africa needs Christianity.' by Matthew Parish an avowed atheist and journalist. Read why he withot believing in God can see the benefits that Christianity brings to Africa.

While he sees clearly for africa he cannot or more likely wil not see that the world needs Christianity.