Imagine, for a moment, that we operate under the assumption that there is no god, and that the entire judeo-christian tradition is a creation of human minds. Under this lens, the teachings and doctrines of this faith take on a rather peculiar hue. We are told not to seek wealth, to avoid the pursuit of knowledge, to submit to authority without question, and to never resist oppression. These messages are consistently pushed by those in positions of power, whether secular or religious.
Why, one might wonder, would the powerful so fervently endorse a belief system that insists the meek shall inherit the Earth? Could it be that these doctrines serve to keep the downtrodden in their place, pacified with promises of an afterlife that conveniently cannot be verified? The faithful are urged to believe without seeing, to eschew wealth, and to hand over their resources to the very institutions that promote this narrative. Meanwhile, those in power enjoy the fruits of others' labour and maintain their dominance.
When one steps back, the con becomes glaringly obvious. The faithful are encouraged to remain ignorant, obedient, and impoverished, all the while being fed unsubstantiated promises of heavenly rewards or hellish punishments — conveniently deferred until after death. The realisation dawns that these teachings might not be divine wisdom but rather a carefully crafted strategy to control and exploit.
In this light, the supposed divine commandments seem less like spiritual guidance and more like tools of manipulation, designed to keep the masses subservient while the powerful consolidate their position. The question then becomes: will we continue to accept these dictates unquestioningly, or will we dare to seek the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it might be?
Stop. Step back. See the writing on the wall. The con is obvious.
Written by Matt Volker Bouma
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