MiloCast

Ever notice how, when a Christian says they used to be an atheist, they expect that to carry some weight? The implied message is that they know both sides of the story, and they finally understand the truth.

But tell a Christian you used to be an Christian, and you’re still an idiot — either they think you were never a “true Christian” — whatever that is — or you somehow had the truth but got confused.

The interesting thing is that an ex-religious atheist can probably give many evidence-based examples of reasons why what they once believed just doesn’t hold water. An “ex-athiest” Christian can’t give a single valid reason why Christianity is true. They can give you thousands of reasons why they want it to be true, but not a single solitary reason it is even remotely probable.

What is it about some people that makes them prefer to believe something they would like to be true when there is no evidence for and plenty of evidence against? What drives an otherwise normal person to dismiss validated scientific research for no other reason than that it conflicts with their baseless beliefs? Some of them even know they’re completely full of crap, and they put out misinformation and just plain lies about science, evolution, and anything else which doesn’t agree with their religion. They seem to think that there’s some kernel of truth in their mythology, and any piece of it which is obviously untrue must be defended for the greater good.

Maybe it’s just the frustration talking. I encounter theists on a regular basis, in person and online, who all act exactly the same predictable, ridiculous ways. They can’t give a straight answer to a question because that would require being honest, which necessarily conflicts with their beliefs. They use every logical fallacy in the book with ease. They repeat blatant lies which have been disproved long ago. As someone who cares about the truth, and that other people understand the truth, this just frustrates me to no end.