Ten Beginner Arguments For Atheists and Agnostics

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Secular Claims That Challenge Jesus... 

1. Later Generations of Christians Re-Branded Jesus. Later generations re-branded Jesus, embellishing his story, but sometimes it's contradicts the Christian message. For instance, in Matthew 15:21-28, Jesus's comparison of a gentile woman to a dog and his initial refusal to help her shows this. 

    2. A Trouble Maker. The bible shows Jesus as a troublemaker as he challenged Israel's rulers by publicly declaring himself as a great figure with the use of apocalyptic symbolism. Instigating disturbances in the Jerusalem Temple heightened tensions, especially as some of his followers carried weapons! 

    3. The Gospels Resemble Historical Fiction! Some scholars think the gospels are like what Bernard Cornwell has done with his works about Uhtred of Bebbanburg! Jesus Christ did not teach our Christianity, his followers did— scripture writers had the final word! 

    4. The Failed Messiah Approach. Jesus was seen as a failed messiah because he did not meet everyones expectations of the role.

    5. The Biased Writing Angle. E.P. Sanders, a credible biblical scholar, believed that Jesus's arrest and execution was unexpected. He argued that Easter traditions were created retroactively by followers to explain Jesus's fate and rebuild their movement.

    6. Bad news for the Jews. Many Jewish people did not benefit from the introduction of Christianity, despite being considered God's 'chosen' people. Centuries of christian-based anti-semitism in Europe caused hardships. It seems the gospel story brought them no benefit, this is not fitting the message of loving your neighbour. 

    7. It is an Unrealistic Story. The miraculous stories, raising the dead and healing by touch are far fetched. None of us sane minded individuals would believe to similar events today from friends, we quickly dismiss it nonsense. We never see legitimate news reports about real miracle workers, angels or demons, dragons or nephilim.

    8. So Much Contradiction! There are numerous scriptural sources about Jesus: The New Testament, The Nag Hammadi Scriptures and The Apocrypha, for starters. Across the internet various sources claim that tens of thousands of denominations exist, which are all like interpretations or expressions (for want of a better description) such as Methodists, Calvinists, Mormons, or Jehovah's Witnesses. They can't all be right, but many can be wrong!

    9. It's a Dodgy Deal! If Jesus rose again and walked, the divine trinity went back on its deal of the son dying for the sins of humanity, because, let's face it, death is a permanent arrangement, it is not being alive ever again! There's no consensus on the nature of the risen Jesus either, so we can't explain whether he was a ghost or a spirit, which we commonly associate with death or a physical ressurection which is the deal breaker.

    10. Contraception and Sexual Ethics: In 1968, the Catholic Church released a document called 'Humanae Vitae' to continued the ban of artificial birth control such as condoms and the pill. This religious decision led to significant health problems for adherents of the faith, especially in communities afflicted with HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases: we all know such protection greatly helps reduce the spread of illness and death.

These ten points are meant to stimulate that detective mindset. If you want to add to the list or have any thoughts, please share them in the comments section! 

 

Abrahamic Religion: The Bad Stuff.

There is Always a Calling for Power-Lovers, Those Who Relish War, or Fancy Being a Predator!

YouTuber Sarah Rocksdale posted a brave and sincere video, sharing her experiences of upbringing and indoctrination within an evangelical Christian community. Hat's off to her. Being raised in such a manner may seem subtle compared to the harsh realities of Middle Eastern strictness, but even mild indoctrination shapes our worldview! Molding a child's perspective to conform to religious dogma and discouraging their instinct to question stifles their intelligence. In these cults, girls are often made to blame themselves for the sexual advances of aroused men. We've seen this in the case of Warren Jeffs of the FLDS, and in historical abuse cases within Catholic, Anglican, and Orthodox churches—more will likely come to light. Child offenders exploit the bodies of minors, but religious abusers also manipulate their victims' behavior, leading to ongoing compliance.

Buddha and Jesus watch on

Let's avoid that well-trodden path. If you turn on Netflix or browse Amazon Prime, you'll find documentaries galore from religious morality, to church paedophile rings to the crusades. Then there are shows like "The Borgias," depicting a family of incestuous, adulterous murderers—two of whom became Popes! What drives people to embrace these corrupted religions, knowing Catholicism once castrated boys (castrati) to enhance their choir voices?

Homophobia and misogyny have long echoed through the corridors of abrahamic traditions. The denial of homophobia by abrahamic school protesters backfired in 2019 in Birmingham, England. A particularly outspoken Muslim protestor challenged the inclusion of same-sex themes in school materials—a story about a baby penguin with two dads. The man, confrontational by nature, and others left some children and the headmistress feeling intimidated. The dispute escalated but thankfully, no one was injured. The case reached court, and the main agitator, who had no children at the school, lost credibility when recordings surfaced showing homophobic slurs. Consequently, the Islamic group of mothers lost their battle to remove the penguin book from the curriculum, and key individuals were banned from school premises. Granted, we shouldn't generalize based on a few bad examples. 
Nowadays, the Western world often links religious violence with 9/11, the beheading of a teacher, and the French cartoonist, not to mention the countless assaults and ongoing strife in the Middle East. While Israel has its own history of harsh punishments, they're not known for targeting Europeans over caricatures. Islam has suffered under Western occupation, and these intrusions are often cited as evidence of Western malevolence. Is the UK miserable? 

Clearly, with concepts like the apocalypse, messiah, and jihad, abrahamic religions can be seen as particularly conflict-prone. In contrast, dharma-based and meditative traditions like Buddhism, Jainism, Advaita Vedanta, and Sanatana Dharma are peaceful. Armies representing atheism or non-religious agnostics are virtually unheard of. Interestingly, it's often those who proclaim peace who wage wars. I'm not suggesting a binary choice between 'good' Dharmic and 'evil' abrahamic spirituality. Everyone can hold personal beliefs or none at all. Atheism can be a spiritual stance too. Apparently, we lose innocence when we learn about immorality and engage in it regardless. That's how religions often brand us as sinners. If you're at home and decide to indulge in foot porn while dressed as Spider-Man, it's inconsequential if you're unaware of any supposed immorality. What if we never learn such rules? We have our golden rule and our innate human empathy—what more is essential?

St. Paul advocated for controlled sexual behavior—a rather Orwellian concept, don't you think? Today, modern evangelicals like William Lane Craig idolize the perfect family as the cornerstone of God's kingdom. To me, that's absurd. We don't all have to agree. The heteronormative adage 'go forth and multiply' is well-known. But if Paul's God demonizes homosexuality, it's akin to a potter faulting his pots for not turning out as intended. A perfect God doesn't err. . . nevermind. If homosexuality were truly an issue, an omnipotent being could simply 'turn off' that aspect of human DNA, rather than resort to eternal punishment and lamentation. Without resorting to vague statements like 'The Lord works in mysterious ways,' no Abrahamic faith has adequately explained why the world is naturally imbued with a cruel, sadistic streak. The problem of evil implies complicity on the part of the Almighty for permitting such malevolence.

Reference:
Rocksdale, S. (2019). 10 Harmful Effects of Religion. YouTube. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a0Q_IhGdDcA#Menu

Disrespecting The Departed Queen

Why is it so ugly to see?

I saw a couple of posts accusing Elizabeth II of being a parasite. As well as this, there have been a few art posts on Instagram portraying her in a negative light, as well as regular memes done in bad taste—not forgetting that booing up in Scotland. It is sad this behaviour is churning out before her funeral! I'm not a massive Royalist. In fact, I don't even read about them. I think one particular moral value of mine is that decent folk don't spit on graves, the flavour of disdain is not palatable for me. That and usually, before we start smashing the jokes out, we wait a couple of months (admittedly, I cut close to the mark with Prince and Keith Chegwin).

What's with the Parasite thing? 

Years ago, David Ike made money demonising the Royals in his books. He once said The Queen was a reptilian from space. He may have been trying an edgy approach or something, I have no idea, but I doubt the schizotypal conspiracy illuminates among us have contributed to charity work or the country as much as the Queen did over the last seventy years. If the anti-monarchy agenda label our recently departed Matriarch a parasite, what will they say about the rest of us? Are recipients of benefits also parasites? If not, are they called something else like bottom feeders, maybe? Circumstance has forced sections of the public to rely on food banks, generally, opiniated narcissists like to throw their intracranial excrement at other people just to validate self image—perhaps this factors into it? The expenses scandal of the 90s revealed a 'parasitic nature' in politics which continues today. Comparably, working class families are richer than the countless starving children in those television adverts asking for donations; if £5 feeds someone and you have £5000, at what point do you become a saint or an idiot or just mean with your money? 

Bad Politics Bad Conduct? 

The age of retirement in this country is 67 for some and like my father, many are given a cheap watch, and a half-soaked speech before you clock out for the last time. Pensions and the life of retirement is fantastic for some but not all. My point being, anyone can call anyone a parasite, it's just low. The Queen was working only two days before her death, approaching one hundred! Without a choice, she was born into a life where public service was the norm before becoming the country's Monarch. She was expected to learn the pomp and tradition—she did what was expected of her—you cannot choose what family, heritage or nationality you are born to. 

Accusing the Queen of colonialism, as well as stealing the Jewels and treasures for her Royal adornments was another unfair post. Let's just imagine she decided to abdicate and dissolve her monarchy and reset everything pre-monarchy just before her passing? We would see some international disinterest in our country for a start, his means fiscal disadvantages. Anti-Elizabethan sentiment is blown around the playground by politics and anti-monarchism. However, dissolution of monarchy would be a large democratic motion facilitated by The Palace, White Hall and Westminster, but it isn't going to happen. It is funny to imagine The Queen on a jewellery heist for her sceptre and diamonds, as social media geniuses have implied. Also, with regard to historical blaming, in no form of logic can people be rightfully held accountable for the actions of relatives born years before they were: should we slam Prince Andrews daughters on trial for his antics with Guiffre and Epstein? In fact, I could be charged by the descendants of the murdered French soldiers my forefather arrowed down in the skirmishes under Edmund Mortimer in 1415. Should we demand an apology from Rome for conquering us? Expect compensation from Norway and Denmark for Viking raids? 

The word parasite is not a fit word to describe anyone who attracts business and global alliances to the country. It's not the correct word for anyone who never retires, created a commonwealth and regularly engaged with Prime Ministers. If you're tempted to goof off on the royal family, maybe wait at least a week or so. 

The Queen - Elizabeth II - Royal Death - The Queens Funeral - Show Respect 

Jesus The Cult Leader: Have We Ignored The Facts?

What is a Cult?

A cult is a sect perceived as different from everyday life because it is considered radical or simply wrong. In contrast, religion is integrated into society. Cult members don't lead normal lives compared to free civilians; their group identity centers around their communal lifestyle often based on theological arguments. Often, a charismatic autocratic leader may facilitate undesirable outcomes, such as dictating financial measures or imposing sexual and/or work-related demands. In extreme cases, there have been instances of mass suicide. Unsettling indeed! 

There have been cult-like comparisons made with Jesus before. These seem reasonable. Why not? For instance, Jesus's followers voluntarily devoted their lives to him and willingly faced death for their beliefs. Manson's family surrendered their lives, but they committed murder for Manson. Osho's 'Red People' took up arms for Osho, and then there's the messianic aura surrounding David Koresh and the Waco disaster. Clearly, none of these cults evolved into a global religion; media scrutiny tends to reveal unhealthy sects. Hence, figures like David Koresh, Charles Manson, or Warren Jeffs are unlikely to achieve the historical renown of The Buddha or Moses in the modern era.

Some Key factors that made Christianity grow:

1. The promise of saviour and heaven in exchange for 'belief' which equated to service, loyalty and following the the sect leader. This was alluring for ancient superstitious communities.

2. The ease of communication across language barriers, with merchants along trade routes, converting influential individuals. 

3. The written accounts of Jesus Christ came from devotees who revered him, and who wanted others to revere him.

4. Christian writings defended Christianity against opposing theological views and were disseminated globally.

5. Christian evangelism infiltrated numerous other religions and traditions by cultural appropriation: turning celtic gods into saints, attempts at christianising Roman Saturnalia, Jesus as a germanic warrior Christ. 

6. The execution of Jesus was transformed into a holy symbol, a divine super martyrdom offering hope to potential converts: Preaching that God sacrificed his only son to save us all, meant that deals based on salvation continued during missionary work!

Culty Types These Days! 

The cult leader Warren Jeffs (featured in the Netflix show: Keep Sweet, Pray and Obey) and the historical figure Eoshu Msheekha (known today as Jesus Christ) are separated by over two millennia. Despite the differences in myth, culture, and geographical distance, it is intriguing to see how theological modes of operation can seemingly transcend boundaries.

Charges against Jesus according to the bible:

• Blasphemy: He claimed to be the Messiah and the son of God. Crucifixion was an incorrect punishment for blasphemy within the context of Jewish law. E.P. Sanders noted that two specific actions led to Jesus's arrest: his symbolic entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling a messianic prophecy, and his expulsion of traders from the temple. The chief priests (usually the Sanhedrin) were responsible for reporting troublemakers to the Roman governor. Under Octavian's rule, Rome maintained justice and order in its territories, not leaving such matters to the locals.

• Sedition against Rome (Likely): This was a crime in Roman territories and could have been the rationale for Jesus's crucifixion. However, religious crimes often fell under the remit of local religious authorities. Jesus, aware of his cousin John the Baptist's fate, would have understood the potential consequences of his actions. The Gospel of Mark portrays Pharisees as malevolently seeking Jesus's death for their own reasons. Professor Sanders suggests that the Gospels do not fully represent their historical and cultural context. In other words, they are not as villianous as portrayed and Roman Governor Pontius Pilate ordered the execution quickly.

Non-biblical sources:

Talmud, Sanhedrin, Tosefta:

These texts are considered late and not strictly historical, but none of it really is strictly historical given the theological spin! Nevertheless, they present alternative candidates as Jesus and Mary, his mother. The identification of Yeshua Ben Pantera as Jesus Christ is not widely accepted in biblical circles and mainstream theology. It wouldn't though, given the defamation within them. Admittedly, the new testament writings do not mention Pantera, which, yet again, if it would true make sense wouldn't it? The Pantera tradition is argued to be a polemical reaction to Christianity by Jewish authors. However, I would doubt it, if the earliest mentioning of this Yeshua ben Pantera tradition came from the 2nd-century Greek philosopher Celsus who was actively writing between 170–180 CE. This shows Celsus was propogating an existing Jewish narrative that is evidently much older that Talmudic text, the age of this these stories are unknown but it could have been a first century oral tradition.

 

Top scholars Professor Sanders and Professor Crossan say that the Romans crucified Jesus much quicker than the gospels portray. High Priest Caiaphas is seen by Sanders as being pro-active in his duty by having Jesus taken-up to justice. In doing so, he ended a potential uprising which would have saved many Jewish lives from Roman swords. Instead, it was one life for all the Jews which, fair dues, was the person who caused the trouble. Rome permitted it's provinces religious freedom and so, first century Pharisees punished their religious criminals by stoning them, not the Roman cross. Sanhedrin 43a claims that Yeshua and his five disciples were stoned to death and then hanged (crucified) on the eve of the Passover, Schäfer (2009). 

Professor Tabor (2016) has shared his ideas about Pantera being a family name. In his YouTube videos, he has referenced early church leaders and fathers, Epiphanius and Origen who have used this Pantera name in connection with Jesus. Epiphanias said Mary was the daughter of Joachim Bar Panther, the son of Levi, likely surnamed Pantera! Eas the names cursed or shamed? Tabor simply highlights the plausibilty of a Pantera family existing in the first century. He has pointed to a discovery of a first century Israeli ossuary bone box, inscribed with Joseph son of Pantera. He doesn't think it is the father of Jesus. 

Old non-biblical sources, such as Tacitus, note Emperor Nero's persecution of Christians—some of these accounts are quite blunt. The Talmud and Midrash do not support Jesus being oppressive to his followers, engaging in sexual misconduct, or being involved in terrorism. These later sources emphasize that both Jewish and Roman authorities collaborated in Jesus's execution as a joint punishment, aligning with the accounts of stoning and crucifixion—methods used by Rome to set an example for others. 

Jesus's disciples were Jewish individuals familiar with the Torah but receptive to his eschatological teachings. It is commonly accepted Jesus believed himself to be the Messiah, descended from King David, who urged his followers to abandon everything to join him, promising a hundredfold reward in the kingdom. This talk sounds very reminiscent of a cult leader.

Verdict:

There is no compelling evidence to suggest that Jesus Christ was anything other than a leader of his own movement or sect influenced by Judaic traditions and other philosophical ideas. Cults typically do not stem from established religions, unlike cases such as Warren Jeffs and the FLDS or the Waco cult. Scriptures depict Jesus challenging the religious authorities of the established Jewish faith, preaching to them about imminent divine judgment, posturing himself as a figure of key importance, attracting thrir followers, claiming salvation came only through him! This resonates strongly. In contrast to sects, cults often demand total devotion from members. A charismatic leader, such as Jesus expected his followers to bear their burdens alongside him, forsaking their families to join his cause. He sent them into perilous situations as "lambs among wolves," a practice more akin to a cult than a sect:

"If anyone comes to me but loves his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, or sisters more than me, he cannot be my follower. Whoever will not carry the cross that is given to him when he follows me cannot be my follower." - Luke 14:25-27

"Peter began to speak to Jesus: Look, we have left everything and followed you. Jesus replied: Truly I tell you, no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life." - Mark 10:28-30

References:

Crossan, J. D. (1996). Who Killed Jesus? HarperCollins, pp. 31–38.

Sanders, E. P. (1996). The Historical Figure of Jesus. Penguin Putnam, pp. 215-238.

Schäfer, Peter. (2009). Jesus in the Talmud. Princeton University Press.

Tabor, James. (2016). TABORBLOG: The "Jesus Son of Pantera" Traditions. [Online] Available at: https://jamestabor.com/the-jesus-son-of-panthera-traditions/