Punks and Christianity
Well, I figure I may as well start a discussion in the group, haha, since I have nothing better to do.
I've been an atheist for, oh, three years or so, but was never really able to communicate why I thought the way I did for others. I have my reasons, I don't particularly care what others believe until they push things on me. Most of my friends are/were not into the punk scene, but at gigs or being out and about I'd encounter some punks. We'd hang and talk, and I'd always found it strangely odd if they were of the Christian persuasion. But, since I couldn't really pinpoint to them why I was a bit put off by their choice to follow Christianity, I would tend to refrain from voicing my belief in that Christianity and the punk subculture do not go hand in hand..
A couple years back I stumbled upon a website that really nailed things in for me, and I just thought I'd like to share the site. Except from first paragraph:
"The purpose of this publication is to critically examine Christianity, particularly as it intersects with the hardcore/punk scenes in the United States. In recent years, Christianity has found firmer footing within the various hardcore and punk subcultures (referred to hereafter as "hc/punk"), giving birth to record labels, bands, and zines which carry the banner of Christian belief. This essay is for everybody within the hc/punk scene, Christians and nonChristians alike, but it was primarily written for the nonChristians who think that it's OK for Christians to proselytize in punk."
http://www.diy-punk.org/diyfiles/hcpguide/1.html
It's a long read, but definitely worthwhile. It sums up what we all as punk atheists think, backing it up with Bible verses and the like. Thoughts, opinions?
I've been an atheist for, oh, three years or so, but was never really able to communicate why I thought the way I did for others. I have my reasons, I don't particularly care what others believe until they push things on me. Most of my friends are/were not into the punk scene, but at gigs or being out and about I'd encounter some punks. We'd hang and talk, and I'd always found it strangely odd if they were of the Christian persuasion. But, since I couldn't really pinpoint to them why I was a bit put off by their choice to follow Christianity, I would tend to refrain from voicing my belief in that Christianity and the punk subculture do not go hand in hand..
A couple years back I stumbled upon a website that really nailed things in for me, and I just thought I'd like to share the site. Except from first paragraph:
"The purpose of this publication is to critically examine Christianity, particularly as it intersects with the hardcore/punk scenes in the United States. In recent years, Christianity has found firmer footing within the various hardcore and punk subcultures (referred to hereafter as "hc/punk"), giving birth to record labels, bands, and zines which carry the banner of Christian belief. This essay is for everybody within the hc/punk scene, Christians and nonChristians alike, but it was primarily written for the nonChristians who think that it's OK for Christians to proselytize in punk."
http://www.diy-punk.org/diyfiles/hcpguide/1.html
It's a long read, but definitely worthwhile. It sums up what we all as punk atheists think, backing it up with Bible verses and the like. Thoughts, opinions?
Views: 22
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Robert on
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While I would agree that christianity is wrong in their beliefs, this in no way suggests that all/most christians are conformists or all/most christians feel a need to proselytize. On top of this, you are over extending the label of atheism and restricting the punk ideal to your own personal view of it.
The definition of atheism is as follows: the lack of a belief in a god or gods. When someone feels the need to label themselves as an atheist, the only real assumption that someone can make is that they lack a belief of a god. To further assume anything about them is to be ignorant.
As for christian punks, I see no more problem with this than I would with anyone else being christian, its the same idiocy from a different group of people. A "punk" has no more responsibility to remove themselves from the hierarchy of the church than any other person, and their beliefs of anarchy/individualism, if they so hold these, would not change what they believe about the supernatural...this is like saying that simply because you like fashion you can't believe that old clothes exist.
Now, you can attack God's morality and you can point out what biblical "laws" they don't follow, but this is only going to illicit one of two responses: "You can't judge god by human morality." or " is no longer necessary because jesus died for our sins so it is no longer necessary." While you can refute the second response in many cases quite easily, neither is going to quell the tide, as it were. You're best bet is to point out where the bible contradicts science and, more importantly, history.
I also feel no need to hold respect for ridiculous beliefs, I will debate the religious as I would if I were debating another adult about santa clause.
And, on a final note, I fail to see how a belief is a choice in any way. To me it is a natural conclusion to thinking about a certain topic, I feel belief is no more a choice than sexuality. -
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Permalink Reply by Kobalos on
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Except sexuality isn't typically based on thinking, whereas belief is.
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true, but you're telling me I choose the belief that everyone dies even though my life would be alot easier if I went along believeing they didn't, and by extension myself. It would seem that if belief was a choice, the easiest to handle would always win out.
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I think that's very true for most believers in religion - they choose the easiest one, the one they are taught from early childhood and is in their family, community or media most often and the one that offers hope and strict absolute rules to live by. Plus, a lot of it is to fit in - people often claim they are one thing and go along to church even though they don't follow the belief system in every day life.
Although I didn't claim belief or sexuality to be a choice. I don't think they are for most people - but one is a taught construct and the other is a basic inbuilt drive that doesn't need teaching. -
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Permalink Reply by ScreamOut! on
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What would you guys do if you're convinced you're and atheist, but your parents are really really christian.
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Well, you can choose to keep it in and things will be easy(er) between you and them, or you can tell them straight up.
Telling them can have anywhere from no to a very explosive reaction. My parents did, and still do, think its a phase I'm going through (much like my mohawk, piercings, and tattoos) I've known people that have gotten kicked out of their house because of it as well and some people whose parents didn't even react.
In the end you need to decide if you can handle hiding it, or if you find the risk worth it. At that point you need to decide what and how to do things. -
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Permalink Reply by Psyco Mike on
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I believe that the christians or any other theistic person believes in a god solely because deep in their minds they have a fear that alone they cannot live their life. they need guidance, its like when your a little kid and you have an imaginary friend, without him/her you wouldnt steal the cookie from the cookie jar but with your "friend" by your side you will do it because it makes you feel more comfortable to have that feeling that your not alone. you have somone to share the experience with. i think that they need to grow up and realize that we all are in this alone. but if it comforts you to have your friend jesus or buddah, in your heart go ahead, i cant stop you. JUST DONT PUSH YOUR SHIT IN ME!
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I don't think this is always true though, you need to understand that they are victims of a recruiting and fear based process that is, at least, 2000 years old. So, while I do believe alot of your christian bilogists are in a state of sectionalized denial, there are quite a few poeple that simply don't know any other way and haven't been informed bout the facts of life.
This is why the church is so vehemently against teaching evolution in school and why they want faith-based nonsense to take its place. -
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