I Am an Atheist
Could I, a pastor and a believer, also be an atheist?
I found this video of a song entitled "I am an Atheist," which appears on a forthcoming album produced by Brian McLaren, quite provocative. It raises the question of the God we believe in. The God of violence, exclusion, hatred, isn't the God I believe in -- but I do believe:
Take a look and a listen and share your thoughts. This song will appear on an album to be released in November 2007 entitled Songs for a Revolution of Hope. Information is found at Brian McLaren's site -- by clicking here.
I found this video of a song entitled "I am an Atheist," which appears on a forthcoming album produced by Brian McLaren, quite provocative. It raises the question of the God we believe in. The God of violence, exclusion, hatred, isn't the God I believe in -- but I do believe:
Take a look and a listen and share your thoughts. This song will appear on an album to be released in November 2007 entitled Songs for a Revolution of Hope. Information is found at Brian McLaren's site -- by clicking here.
Comments
I think one of the biggest problems I have with taking some of the Tanakh literally, as in God ordering some of the atrocities, is that the behavior is too human. If such behavior occured in any other context, same words, same people, and the name of God was replaced with the name of "Harold," I'd have no problem imagining that a human ordered such actions.
And that shouldn't happen. I shouldn't look into something like that, see the name God, and see the very worst that humanity has to offer. Rather, I should see something that is so ... pure, that it makes me instinctively want it, want to be a better person, want to eliminate anything that might cause cruelity, or violence, and just be the person God created me to be. In God's light, I should see only light, including the light in myself, and the image of all the potential of what I could become.
It's also why I don't hold to the penal substition atonement theory, either. God is supposed to be better and higher than us.
I don't believe in the god of capitalist greed, nor in the god of "communist" totalitarianism. I don't believe in tribal gods of nation, race, social status, gender superiority, etc.
The Barmen Declaration had to say NO to the Nazi's "German Christian" movement (similar to the "God Bless America" churches) as well as YES to the God of the gospel.
It is true that those, like the early Christians, who rejected the gods of the empire -- including Caesar -- were called atheists.
I believe in the God revealed in Jesus, who isn't the God of the tribe, of violence, injustice, or inequality.
And thanks everyone for the comments!
I believe instead in the God of justice, of peace, of compasssion and grace. This is a God who transcends national boundaries.
Bob thanks again for one more good tip. The video is also in my brazilian blog, but I've given the credit.
Our journey goes on. May the God of love, mercy and compassion bless you and your family.