Rationalising The Irrational - Hardcore Theists Apply Within

This is EXACTLY what I have noticed over the years. It was part of what led me to leave the church. I suddenly realized that 99% of the time I wasn't even listening to what the pastor was saying, much less care what he was saying. When I did listen and actually try to make sense of it, I realized that it was just word salad. You can find tons of good examples by reading the lyrics of modern Christian praise songs. It's almost as if it's a Scrabble game where the tiles have things like "Grace of God" or "Kingdom of God" on them. Pastors draw 8 of them, put them in a random order, and then base their sermon on that word salad. It's like listening to someone who just strings a bunch of clichs together:"Birds of a feather flock together, but it often goes over like a lead balloon. Instead, opposites attract while time heals all wounds."That's what sermons sound like.I grew up in a devout Christian family, but I harbor them no ill will. I think they have come to the realization that I am no longer a believer (took them 20 years), and they are actually being cool about it. Mom wanted me to go to church on Mom's Day, and I agreed in 1 second because it was a special day and she rarely asks. During the sermon I really had the urge to ask someone in my family if they can explain what was just said. I suspected that they wouldn't be able to. I suspect that no one would be able to. However, since they are being cool with my whole kitten-eating atheism, I didn't push it. Still has me curious if they could explain what was said, but I suspect it will always remain a curiosity.Edited by Taq, : No reason given.Edited by Taq, : No reason given.

I would agree that you can find many examples of meaningless phrases in the Bible. Here is an example:"One need not look very far to see examples of discord, hostility and disunity within humanity and even within creation. Culture wars, political wars, theological wars and military wars abound. What, we might ask, is the source of all this hostility? And, more importantly, what is the source of true peace, true unity, true harmony? Paul tells us in Ephesians that Jesus is the one true peace. Jesus IS our peace and the Holy Spirit is the unifier. A new president or policy or military leader or social activist will not bring peace. Only when people accept the one (Jesus) who IS peace, who IS harmony will true unity come. "
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At this point I would be getting a bit frustrated because I have already said that it is full of meaningless phrases, and your first response is to repeat my question back to me.I have given an example, as you asked me to do. Please explain how it isn't a bunch of meaningless phrases and platitudes.

Then engage in the conversation. No one is stopping you.

Getting rid of an entrenched dependency can't be easy, so I wish you luck. I have had my own periods of detox when trying to rid myself of nicotine, so I understand the ups and downs. Good luck, and keep plugging away.