ex-xian

The appeal to religious experience is an unconvincing one. There are many, many religions in which the adherents claim that subjective, individual experiences are the "proof" that their religion is valid. Someone below cited the change in behavior of her daughter as evidence of the truths of xianity. With all due respect, and with happiness for her daughter's improvement, this isn't good evidence. Mormon's regularly have dramatic testimonials--most orthodox xians would not call mormons orthodox. Secondly, Malcolm X, a commmited pro-violence advocate, underwent a mysticl experience on his pilgrimage to mecca. Upon his return, his views moderated, and he was fast approaching the stance of Martin Luther King. If not for his assisination, they probably become allies in principle and practive.

For the "open" christian who sees all religions a valid and ways to god, the question arises, "Why anything?" If all religions are equally valid, is no religion? I know moral, ethical, content atheist; theives life are full and they are happy. If pragmatism is the test of xianity, then whatever is the post pleasing is what to believe. This sounds all nice and tolerant, but the xian has to interpret the bible in some pretty odd ways. Most of the OT and the writings of paul are gone. All that stuff about jesus being the savior of the world can't be right either. One is still left with the contradictions inherent in believing in an omni-god.

The orthodox xians and the liberal ones are all in the same boat. One believing in spite of reason, one using the techniqes of reason "explain away" the problems of what they desperately want to be true.