I’ll never view a “Does God exist?” debate the same.

-Chris

Throughout my life I have been surrounded by people who believe in God. It doesn’t matter if their belief comes from a default given little thought or a conclusion derived from lengthy deliberation, the belief is usually solidified between the ears. On the rare occasion that I’ve talked to a fellow atheist, I’ve found that the disbelief is equally unwavering.

Even though each side has a slim to nil chance of changing their mind, books, auditoriums and late night drinking holes are filled with arguments trying to prove that there is or is not a God. Why waste so much time and energy in an exercise that yields no progress? The only result is each side’s inflated intellectual ego after trying to justify their (dis)belief with very little (if any) facts.

Instead, let’s debate something that isn’t as imbedded in a person’s brain, heart and soul. Let’s not debate about something so personal as a belief, but let’s debate an action.

Let’s analyze and the debate the purpose of church.

The amount of time and resources spent on church is astronomical. Is building, maintaining and attending a church the best use of resources? The main goal of my life is to be a good person and help others as much as possible. I’d like to assume that that goal is pretty much the same for everyone–believers and non. Do you need a church to do that? Of course not. Moreover, churches themselves take resources away from people who need them more than those in the congregation.

Churchgoers might say, “The church is where I worship.” True, but that does not make churches necessary. Do you need a building to have a relationship with God? From what I can tell, you can worship God by simply closing your eyes and putting your hands together. Marble-laden cathedrals aren’t necessary.

My atheism has even matured to a point where I don’t care if you believe in God–love Him, worship Him all you want. But it’s when you spend hours every week in a church and none volunteering, place cash in the offering plate instead of in the hands of the needy, and look up at the heavens while looking down at those who may be different than you that I start caring.

You can have your God. I will no longer debate that.

But I will debate the usefulness of your church until the comfort and protection of its walls crumble and you are forced to go out and truly make a difference in this world.