Criticism of Christianity

Template:Totally disputed

Over the centuries, many people have offered criticisms of religion. Critics of Christianity have included philosophers, journalists, scientists and other people from all walks of life. This article outlines some of the major criticisms of Christianity and the actions of its followers that have been offered through the years. It is not trying to be critical of Christianity itself, but rather to list some of the criticisms leveled against the religion over the years.

Biblical issues

Internal consistency

There are several places in the Bible in which it seems to contradict itself, apparently presenting, amongst other issues, different numbers and names for the same feature, and different sequences for what is supposed to be the same event. Solutions to these issues supported by the majority of scholars include the modern documentary hypothesis, two source hypothesis (in various guises), and claims that the Pastoral Epistles are pseudonymous. On the other side, contrasting with these critical stances, are positions supported by literalists such as creationists, considering the texts to be consistent, with the Torah written by a single source, but the Gospels by four independent witnesses, and all of the Pauline Epistles, except maybe Hebrews, written by Paul.

Ethics in the Bible

Many of the ethical decisions in the Bible are considered morally questionable by many modern groups, and often do not match up to modern expectations. Some of the assertions critics claim that the Bible makes include the subjugation of women, condemnation of (perhaps only some forms of) homosexuality, and the order to commit the genocide of the Canaanites. Some critics and religious groups argue that these situations should be judged by the standards of the time, which they match much more closely. Additionally, some Christian denominations and theologians interpret these passages in other ways which do not support the subjugation of women, etc.

The Existence of Jesus

Some scholars have questioned the historicity of Jesus, advocating not only the view that Jesus Christ was not in any way a deity, but, more controversially, that he wasn't even a real person. This radical position is not accepted by most scholars and historians.

The Relationship with Scientists

Christianity has sometimes had an antagonistic relationship with science. Perhaps the best known example of this is when Galileo Galilei (who has been referred to as the "father of science"), ran into conflict with the Roman Catholic Church.

Christianity and Reason

Some critics, such as Richard Dawkins, argue that Christianity has sought to suppress rational enquiry and hence the quest for truth. He cites the story of Doubting Thomas, from the Bible and argues that the Bible actively discourages believers from making rational enquiries about their faith. Dawkins has said that he is against religion "because it teaches us to be satisfied with not understanding the world."

Many Christian theologians, however, have made appeals to reason as an important aspect of the Christian faith. These thinkers have included John Wesley, who included "reason" in the theological model known as the "Wesleyan Quadrilateral", and Tony Campolo, author of the book A Reasonable Faith. Anglican theologian Alister McGrath critiqued Dawkins' position in the 2004 book Dawkins' God: Genes, Memes, And The Meaning Of Life (ISBN 1405125381), in which he claimed that Dawkins had to overlook reason in order to make his case.

Preceding Dawkins, other philosophers, e.g. Bertrand Russel, and Friedrich Nietzsche, have issued similar criticism.

Christianity and tolerance

Some critics have argued that the conviction that Christianity is the only true religion has led misguided people to fight wars on the basis of that religion. The most notable example would be the Crusades. Critics have also noted the prevalence of warfare in the Bible, particularly the Old Testament. Linguist and political radical Noam Chomsky, has argued that the Bible is one of the most genocidal books in history.

Historical persecution by Christians has not only involved crusades against Muslims, but also against fellow Christians such as the Cathars, in the Albigensian crusade, widely viewed as the first known European genocide. Inquisitions were also against their own populations, to weed out individuals who have divergent opinions. But it has not only been the state that has committed such atrocity, Christianity and anti-Semitism have historically gone hand-in-hand amongst the general population, leading to horrific massacres, similarly the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre was carried out by a Catholic mob against Protestants.

White supremacy groups identify themselves as Christian, and are notoriously racist, and often propose alternative histories such as Holocaust denial. Racism is, however, not confined to Caucasian Christians, as the Rwandan Genocide readily testifies. Over 90% of the population of Rwanda at the time was Christian, but nevertheless, the Archbishop and other Bishops have been implicated in inciting the genocide, while others neglected to send help to stop it. Other Rwandan Christian priests have been indicted, some even being found guilty, of actively massacring individuals.

Christian fundamentalists often use passages in the Bible to criticize homosexuality, and because of the influence of such biblical teachings during the Middle Ages, in Europe homosexual acts were punishable by death, for centuries. Even today, Christian groups, particularly in America, are accused of being at the forefront of homophobia, with extremists such as the Westboro Baptist Church even picketing the funerals of gay servicemen killed in Iraq.

British columnist George Monbiot has also argued that Christian fundamentalists are driving the United States's current foreign policy, to the detriment of all concerned[1].

Critics have argued that Biblical teachings stating that a women's role is one of submission is somewhat at odds with contemporary views of sexual equality. Likewise, the resistance amongst some factions to female priests, and particularly female bishops, is viewed as out of step with the modern age.

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