Avakian's 'God Doesn't Exist'

 

I listened to Bob Avakian's talk entitled 'God Doesn't Exist' today, and found it quite an interesting and refreshing perspective on the role of religion within today's capitalistic society. The talks are located at Avakian's site and you can listen to them in MP3 format here: http://www.bobavakian.net/more.html#god

He raised a few interesting points, focusing primarily on the Judeo-Christian traditions. Of course, as you can tell from my other writings, I consider myself a very spiritual person but not following any particular religion or dogma. However, I do find myself very critical of existing religious institutions and do agree with many of the points that Avakian pointed out regarding Christianity in particular.

  We find ourselves in a society dominated by Christian fascists who perverse the 'Word of God' in order to institute their own personal agenda. This perversion of the teachings of Christ enables the oppressive society that Avakian describes in his talk to take control. One of the major problems I have encountered and Avakian spends a good deal delving into deals with the way Christians pick and choose the parts of the Bible that suit their own ideology. The amount of contradiction found in the Bible regarding the philosophy it teaches is astounding, and it is something that I find many Christians avoid and many religious leaders refuse to talk about.

   What I find myself struggling with is the reconciliation with spirituality in general and the ideas that Avakian puts out regarding religion and spirituality. As an Atheist, he believes God does not exist. I have no problem with that, at times I do find myself leaning towards an agnostic stand point regarding the existence of any sort of Creator. While still not an atheistic belief, I can see where he is coming from and I recognize the need for a logical and rational society in order to enable the oppressed to rise up and take control of society and their lives. It is also essential for the continual development of mankind to constantly be seeking to improve themselves and the accumulation of knowledge.

     However the point is, and I do believe Avakian supports this view, is not to outlaw religion, but rather the shifting the focus of power from the religious institutions to the people. The separation of Church and State was an important step in the right direction, but it wasn't enforced as it should have been and the religious right were able to gain in power. Hence, we find ourselves in the situation we face today where the Christian fundamentalists have a strong hold on the political system, and fundamentalists within other religions such as Islamic fundamentalists voice their beliefs and often in a violent manner.

     I'll conclude with an interesting reference that Avakian pointed out involving the crucifixion of Sparticus after the up-rising of the slaves. The image of the crucifixion of Sparticus isn't as important as the crucifixion as Christ. Of course Christ is viewed as the son of God, and hence a bit more attention is paid to it, but another reason is because of the suppression of the working class by the elite. An image of a revolutionary would be detrimental to the security of power possessed by the ruling class, and therefore the image isn't made into the powerful symbol that Christ on the crucifix has become. It is these sort of symbols and images, and the differences between them, that shape the viewpoints of so many people and yet when examined closely make so much sense to explain the current situation.

     I look forward to reading more of Avakian's work as well as listening to more of his speeches. While I have yet to commit myself to the ideals he supports, since I consider myself more of an anarchist then a socialist, I do believe that his work merits serious attention. This is especially true in the sociopolitical and economical climate we live in today. It is essential that the oppressed and underprivileged be educated and learn to take the responsibility of their lives into their own hands. Since if we continue to allow the elite, whether political or religious, to step all over us then true liberty and freedom will forever be abstract concepts that we're never make into reality.

Anonymous Raid on Scientology

My initial impression is that the February 10th raid on Scientology by the online group known as Anonymous was quite successful. Unfortunately I was unable to attend the NYC protest as I had originally hoped to, but watching the videos of the protest is quite amusing. Now, I place enormous value on freedom of religion and religious expression. I believe each person is entitled to worship and believe as they so desire. Had Scientology provided their teachings free of charge, open up their 'wisdom' to the masses without stripping them bear of all the money they have, and had Scientology not go to such draconian measures of assaulting those who disagree with their believes I might have a much different opinion on the group. However, their legal stances and their policy of 'fair game' is perfect indication of the evils that the group perpetuates. The theft of life, money, and happiness from its members is one a most horrendous crime, crippling the psyche of those who are unfortunate to fall for the false hopes and promises that Scientology makes.

Maybe in a different world Scientology could be viewed as something profound and wonderful. Maybe in a different world the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard, despite the crackpot he was, could have had a very different impact on those who seek them out. But this isn't a different world, and in this world Scientology has committed theft. Theft of life, theft of possessions, theft of happiness, and most importantly, the theft of mind. These people have lost one of the most fundamental freedoms that any of us have, the freedom to make up our own minds.

For your viewing pleasure I've added a couple links to YouTube videos of the protest in NYC. I'm sure there are plenty other amusing videos out there.

NYC Scientology raid 2/10/2008 (Part 1)

NYC Scientology raid 2/10/2008 (Part 2)

NYC Church of Scientology Protest 02/10/08

New York Scientology Raid Feb 10 2008 Part 1 of 2

New York Scientology Raid Feb 10 2008 Part 2 of 2

Info about the Anonymous campaign and Project Chanology

America's Problem

Religion is a powerful thing, it shapes nations, creates wars, and serves as the foundation for many people's entire lives. People live by it, people die by it, and people kill for it. We can't be blamed for religion though, the universe is such a large and still mysterious place that we need something to help us cope with the questions we can not answer. But, religion has become dangerous. It has become a threat that we all must take very seriously. I believe religion is important in our lives, not as an explanation for unanswered questions, but as a moral foundation and a motivation to seek out answers to those questions. I think in time science will come to show that metaphysical teachings aren't as far out as we once believed.

Nevertheless, as it stands, religion plagues this nation. Specifically, Christianity, or as I should say 'literalist Christianity'. I call it this because I've come to believe that Christianity, as it is believed and taught today, doesn't reflect the original Christian teachings proposed by the Gnostics, for example, who I think were on the right track. I might be a bit harsh, for not all Christians are the narrow-minded individuals that I've come to associate with the religion. Indeed my closest friends growing up were a strongly Christian family.

But with the appearance of videos such as "Jesus Camp" and a video I'm currently watching about the members of the Westboro Baptist Church, as well as the ties that the current administration and Neocons has with the evangelicals I can't help but be afraid and very critical of Christianity.

My point being is that it is essential that we as Americans both defend our right to religious freedom and prevent the Christians from turning this Nation into a strictly Christian nation and more importantly, educate ourselves both about their beliefs and firmly understand our own so that we can defend our beliefs when they are scrutinized and criticized by the Christians. Don't get me wrong, I think the Christians have every right to be here as we do, but my beliefs are my own and I shouldn't have to worry about being forced to follow someone else's.

I'll continue to write more on this, as well as elaborate more on my useage of 'literalist Christianity' as well (especially once I'm finished reading The Jesus Mysteries.)