Have you ever had an imaginary friend? From what i can recollect, I’ve never had imaginary friends. When i was younger, i was fascinated by Star Wars (and i still am). Its only been in my maturation that I’ve come to appreciate all of the philosophical, political, moral, and religious intricacies touched upon by this mythic drama. But when i was younger i did not discern such things. For me, it was all about spaceships and light-sabre duels. I had a great collection of action figures which enabled me to re-create scenes and even allowed me to add my own plot-twists and alternate endings to the movies. My Jedi roster meant so much to me. They are probably the closest thing I’ve ever had to imaginary friends. Besides that, I’ve never had imaginary friends.
Let me attempt to define generally what an imaginary friend is. An imaginary friend is…1) Not Real (duh…its something invented by the person’s mind)…2) A Crutch (Imaginary friends are usually produced to cope with confusion, loneliness, pain, et cetera)…3) A Safety Blanket (They provide comfort, security, and purpose)…4) Childish (Mostly children invent imaginary friends. Once they grow up and become smarter they cease to believe in imaginary friends)
Many people like to place God in that same category. God is something imaginary invented by people because they need crutches and safety blankets, and if people were to be better educated (especially in science) they would cease to believe in this hoax. Believers are then looked upon as childish and naive people who have held on to their primordial ancestor’s myths. This view is becoming very popular and is winning the applause of some in academia.
Richard Dawkins is one of the most eloquent deniers of God. If blaspheming were an art then i must admit that he is dominating the contemporary landscape. He is notorious for comparing the Christian God to fairy-tale creatures and monsters. My favorite one is the Flying Spaghetti Monster. (it really makes one wonder…what does Rich do in his spare time?) Dawkins has even inspired some of his followers to create a church for the Flying Spaghetti monster. These pious FSM desciples have created a religion that is entirely satirical, it is meant to mock religion (especially Christianity).
It is clearly evident that people who believe in God today (especially the Christian God) will be accused of having an imaginary friend. And this accusation will not only come from the street but from higher learning institutions. Movies, Organizations, and even “religions” are being mobilized to advance this precise claim.
I have not disclosed my personal thoughts on this matter. A series may be forthcoming in which i will.
4 Comments
September 28, 2008 at 8:05 pm
Great post. It’s true that God has been reduced to the value of the monster under the bed. But we must remember that the things of God are what? Yep, foolishness.
September 30, 2008 at 1:41 am
It seems to me that people like Richard Dawkins are desperate to deny God, as though on the run from Him. A study of Christian apologetics, such as the works of Josh McDowell (“Evidence That Demands A Verdict” is one of his books) shows that Christianity has a credibility greater than some of the theories advanced by science. Just look at this. Within the last 80 years, the planet Pluto was discovered in our solar system, then it was found not to be a planet…or what exactly do they know? Trusting completely in the human intellect is misplaced faith indeed.
September 30, 2008 at 7:33 pm
Well I think the bible addresses this best when it says, “The fool says in his heart there is no God” Great post, keep it coming.
November 7, 2008 at 11:41 pm
With all the events occurring in the world today, I am not surprised that there is such a popular mockery of a specific religion. All this imaginary-friend non-sense could be the very start of condemning Christianity and paving the way for other things. People say they want proof then they will believe. The ones who will have the “proof” they seek will not lead them to God. Everything that is happening is not just a coincidence. The signs are everywhere. My heart aches for those who won’t listen.