This is my first post, so hi. Been lurking for several weeks. I just wanted to say something about this.
"Christianity" will never be "debunked". Many things can be debunked about what people consider Christianity to be. For example, the right-wing fundamental protestantism that is peculiar and unique to the USA can be debunked as a cultural phenomenon that has very little to do with the words of Jesus. That version of Christianity is what most non-believers want to debunk, but it certainly isn't the only way of believing in Jesus. In fact, it may be the worst way.
What can be proven is that the Bible is not meant to be taken literally 100% of the time. That is just common sense. However, it can't be proven that the main tenant of the Bible- that Jesus Christ is the son of God (and equal to God), is untrue. Just as it can't be proven to be true. It can't be proven that he wasn't resurrected. It is a matter of belief, as has been stated earlier in the thread.
I think it would be useful for people to compare the actual words of Jesus to the various institutions of Christianity. I grew up as a Southern Baptist Bible thumper, since that is the family background I come from. However, Of course when I became an adult I saw the error of my ways, and to be frank I am really put off now by any version of Christianity that preaches hellfire, damnation, fear & guilt; leaving out the most important message of Jesus, which is grace, love & mercy.
It would also help if people would gain a broader understanding of Christianity outside of the world of weird American televangelists with toupees who blow on people. It's a big world out there.
I do admit that there are massive sections of the Bible I must set aside, because they do seem harsh. I can't personally reconcile the Old Testament "mean" God with the New Testament Christ. However, that is where faith comes in. Much of what I don't understand can be put down to the harsh cultural mores at the time. The rest, I'll find out in the great hereafter.
It is perfectly fine if people don't believe what I do. For the record, I don't believe that the earth is 6,000 years old. I do believe in evolution. I don't have a problem with gays. There are millions like me who do think critically about these things, and still believe. It's just that we are not as vocal, brash and annoying as the rest.
Another thing, faith is not incompatible with science. Read 'The Language of God' by Frances Collins, the guy who mapped the human genome; or 'Beyond the Cosmos' by Hugh Ross, a PHD astrophysicist. Those guys are really smart... lots of Christians do expand their knowledge of God & the universe with new scientific discoveries.
Anyway, when you say "Christianity is debunked", at least be specific about what is being debunked. Christianity is a big word with varied meanings to different people. It's like saying "Love is debunked". Christianity will never be debunked, and it will never be proven that Jesus is not God. It will never be proven that he is either (unless you are a believer, & you accept that it will be proven to all people in the afterlife). It is futile to debate the matter. So... peace.
Not ramming anything down throats here, just clarifying what this particular Christian believes.
)
