1ST Quarter_Week 8_Discussion Q1-Q3

Personal Comment: I'm sorry for not conforming to these "facts" and "case studies." I refuse to be plastic to my beliefs and principles. 

Q1. What is atheism? Based on the testimony of Kevin, a former atheist, why is atheism a destructive thing?

Based on Kevin’s testimony, atheism made his life miserable. He suffered from depression, and he felt empty. As a coping mechanism, he decided to go into the pursuit of power and possessions. He wanted more and ended up having less. His emptiness was a void that couldn’t be filled no matter how much he has. In the end, the word of God gave him salvation, and he was freed from his shackles. Now, he shares his experience with those who are experiencing the same thing.

For me, I see his point as something valid but not completely true. I agree that obsession with power and material things can worsen the feelings of emptiness. I also agree that depression is a serious thing that most people will suffer from, and it is something that we need to give more attention to. However, I don’t agree with the statement that his depression came from his atheism.

Correlation and causation are two different things. Kevin is depressed, and he is an atheist, but this doesn’t mean that his depression came from his atheism. He came up with such a conclusion based on a very narrow perspective. He eliminated other factors in his life that might have caused his depression.

All I’m saying is that atheism does not equal bad, and religion does not equal good. Let us not demonize atheism. Let us respect each other’s beliefs, like decent human beings. 

Q2. Apple had a wonderful work/business and career. Then, she contracted HIV. Her life, all of a sudden, was devastated. What made her turn her life around and restore her wonderful life? Also, did her perspective/outlook on life change? How and why? 

Apple used to believe that God was a genie that punishes those who have sinned, rewards those who are good. She believed this until her world crumbled, and she got diagnosed with HIV. Going to God’s arms gave her hope and solace. She decided to believe fully in God. With this, her perspective in life changed, and she felt unconditional love like never before. She felt that no matter how tainted she is, God will always love her. With this, things took a good turn. After 5 years of no intercourse, her disease was now hardly detectable. Now, she became an advocate of God, sharing her story with the people around her.

Again, correlation and causation are two different things. After contracting the disease, she stopped doing intercourse. She came up with the conclusion that God’s love was the cause of it all. She didn’t take into account the years of celibacy that she had. This made me realize that she turns to evangelism as a coping mechanism where she uses God as the cause of everything. She’s pretty much saying that: “God gave her HIV to open up her eyes.” That’s just wrong. She is the cause of her own miseries and shouldn’t be throwing God’s name all over the place.

She shouldn’t use him as an excuse for everything. God didn’t cause her pain, and God didn’t end it. It was all her.

Q3. Why is it important to know the truth about God? How does this impact our lives and our spiritual aspect?

God is an important part of most people’s lives. They use Him as a basis in their ways of life. His words give them courage and guidance so that they will not stray off the wrong path. He is the moral compass for those who are lost and an oasis for those who suffer emotional and mental burdens. He is the embodiment of good and evil, and by following Him, people can find the door to enlightenment and happiness. Even sinners are not spared from His kindness, no matter how tainted they become. He will welcome sinners with open arms, and he will forgive them with an open heart. Peoples’ sins are never-ending, but His love and acceptance are just as abundant (maybe even more).

His plans for people give them purpose and meaning in life. He is the answer to all their questions and problems.  As people acknowledge His existence, they also give appreciation and responsibility to His creations. With this, people will attain equilibrium.

To those who live by His words, they have received salvation like never before. Through His commands, people have stayed off the path of mortal sins and have received inner peace with themselves. With this, God has manifested into their hearts, and He will stay there for as long they are still willing. He will guide them until they have ascended into the afterlife, back into his arms.