Offenses

I've often heard in conversations and sermons that a primary reason people abandon religion is because of offenses taken; the pain experienced at the hand of Christians (etc.). I can't even count how many stories I've heard about atheists that in the past were geeky teenagers, not accepted in their church youth groups.

To say that my abandoning of faith in religion did not come about because of many offenses taken would be a stretch. It may play a larger role than I'd even want to admit. But really, offenses make perfect sense as a pathway away from religion or God. Primarily because if religions were everything (or even a little bit) that they claimed to be, there would not be the large outpouring of people without good character. If Christians acted out of love, if there were no suicide bombers, if people didn't confuse their politics with their religion, then wouldn't religion be way more popular? If I started a religious group with values of selflessness and love, not forgetting balance, letting go of rules based on fear, and the people involved actually acted according to these tenants, would it not attract people rather than repulse them? Just take look at Zen Buddhism, or the new age movement.

I understand the argument that humans are 'fallen' and 'sinful' and that God tests us through the bad things that happen to us. I also understand that people believe we shouldn't judge a religion based on the bad qualities or choices that its members exhibit. BUT, why can't we?

So I'll admit that offenses have played a part in my journey