Atheism vs. Christianity

People know what religion they are based on their beliefs, traditions and practices. Do people ever stop and think about what the rest of society’s beliefs are, or compare someone else’s beliefs with their own? For all they know, the person right across from them could have completely different thoughts and ideas of faith, and they are not wrong for believing in what they feel is true! Most people think that what they believe in is the only right answer and disregard any other possibilities without even keeping an open mind to listen to them. Many wars are started over religion because they think it is absurd to have any separate beliefs besides their own. Yet, do you think those people who have started these have ever taken the time to consider these peoples’ beliefs or compared them with their own? Comparing Atheism and Christianity is like comparing hot and cold; they are complete opposites!

For starters, both of these religions originated in exclusively different time periods. Christianity began in 30 AD, in Israel, which is in the Middle East in Asia. It is said to have been founded by Jesus, who Christians believe was the son of God. Atheism, on the other hand, does not have a specific time frame where it began, but has been believed in all throughout history. Beliefs of atheism were especially strong after the period of Enlightenment in the 19th century. Likewise, there was not a distinct founder of the religion either.

The vital beliefs of Christians are that God created all men and women and the Earth we all live on. They believe he sent his only son, Jesus to earth to preach the word of God, and when the proper time came, he sacrificed his life so that every person’s sins may be forgiven. They believe God knows that everyone has sinned in their lives, and him sending his son to forgive everyone for those sins so they can be saved, was such a charitable move. Many Christians, especially Catholics, go to what is called confession, as another way to relieve their sins and receive forgiveness from the church. Atheists, however, believe that there are no gods or divine being. Their beliefs originate from proven facts and science. Some atheists have converted to this religion because they previously believed in another religion, but they just could not find enough proof that those events had ever truly occurred.

Some major traditions of Christians are going to church every Sunday, or sometimes Saturday, to listen to bible verses, sing, and to take in the preacher’s sermons. Furthermore, they celebrate Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, and the season of Lent. Lent starts 46 prior to Easter Sunday and basically what it is, is for 40 days, (not including Sundays) they give up something that is of significance to their every day life, such as a phone or computer or even sweets. It signifies what Jesus has given up for his people and the sacrifices he gave. Atheists do not necessarily have many traditions because their religion is based off of what they do not believe in, rather than what they do believe. However, many still celebrate Christian holidays, such as Easter and Christmas, but in a separate manner than how Christians do. Atheists celebrate these holidays, taking the religious aspect out of it. For example, for Christmas they still buy each other gifts, sing carols, make gingerbread houses, and visit Santa Claus and the mall. Or even for Easter, they can still paint the eggs, have Easter egg hunts, and look for Easter baskets filled with candy and toys.

In conclusion, comparing and contrasting these two religions is just a preview of the huge variety of beliefs we have in this world. Just because someone does not believe in the same faith we do, does not mean they are wrong for that. They are entitled to believe whatever they want to, whether it is Christianity, Atheism, or any other religions. People should be open-minded and not judge simply because it does not match up to their exact beliefs!