Is Being An Atheist Bad For Your Health?

In my experience with atheists, I have found most of them to be unhappy individuals (not all, but most of my encounters). I have found them to be not only unhappy, but downright miserable when it comes to chat rooms or forum debates. I took a bit of time out for research and was somewhat surprised to find medical and psychological reports that were shocking. Here is some of what I found;

A Connection between Atheism and Suicide?

In 2004, the American Journal of Psychiatry had reported the following:

“Religiously unaffiliated subjects had significantly more lifetime suicide attempts and more first-degree relatives who committed suicide than subjects who endorsed a religious affiliation. Unaffiliated subjects were younger, less often married, less often had children, and had less contact with family members. Furthermore, subjects with no religious affiliation perceived fewer reasons for living, particularly fewer moral objections to suicide. In terms of clinical characteristics, religiously unaffiliated subjects had more lifetime impulsivity, aggression, and past substance use disorder. No differences in the level of subjective and objective depression, hopelessness, or stressful life events were found.

http://www.adherents.com reported the following in respect to Atheism and Suicide:

“Pitzer College sociologist Phil Zuckerman compiled country-by-country survey, polling and census numbers relating to atheism, agnosticism, disbelief in God and people who state they are non-religious or have no religious preference. These data were published in the chapter titled “Atheism: Contemporary Rates and Patterns” in The Cambridge Companion to Atheism, ed. by Michael Martin, Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK (2005). In examining various indicators of societal health, Zuckerman concludes about suicide:

“Concerning suicide rates, this is the one indicator of societal health in which religious nations fare much better than secular nations. According to the 2003 World Health Organization’s report on international male suicides rates (which compared 100 countries), of the top ten nations with the highest male suicide rates, all but one (Sri Lanka) are strongly irreligious nations with high levels of atheism. It is interesting to note, however, that of the top remaining nine nations leading the world in male suicide rates, all are former Soviet/Communist nations, such as Belarus, Ukraine, and Latvia. Of the bottom ten nations with the lowest male suicide rates, all are highly religious nations with statistically insignificant levels of organic atheism.”

A Connection between Atheism and Obesity?

“Results are based on telephone interviews conducted as part of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index survey Jan. 2-July 28, 2010, with a random sample of 554,066 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, selected using random-digit-dial sampling.”

“Very religious Americans make healthier choices than their moderately religious and nonreligious counterparts across all four of the Healthy Behavior Index metrics, including smoking, healthy eating, and regular exercise. Smoking is one area of particular differentiation between the very religious and less religious Americans, with the nonreligious 85% more likely to be smokers than those who are very religious.”

As a footnote to this Gallup poll, the Bible declares “Gluttony to be a sin”

Proverbs 23: 2 and put a knife to your throat if you are given to gluttony.

As a Christian I truly believe we need to show them that Jesus is the Way the Truth and the Life. These are simply polls and polls are never 100% accurate, however it does leave a question mark for sure.

God Bless

Brian Mason

Christmas And The Attack On Christianity

I thought I would re-post this article as I am still reading a lot of utter nonsense about Christmas!

It amazes me on how much can come out of the Miracle of Christmas. How so many people and faiths show their true colors, including the world view/religion of Atheism and Paganism. The confusion is so deeply rooted that I find that even Christians don’t really know what to make of the Holiday. Just recently I was in a room with several atheists (I would presume atheists) that felt it was ok to openly criticize how” stupid” Christians are to celebrate December 25^th as that was the birthday of Mithras and he was born of a virgin…etc. Well very little research is necessary to see that the “myth” of Mithras is easily brought into light as a “myth” and all other written myth facts on other mythical beings as stated in the documentary “Zeitgeist” et al. are erroneous and just plain lies from the producers. Mithras was written to be “born out of a stone”, according to that myth. If not bold face lies, then adequate research was not done, and was a direct attack on Christianity.

Yes it is true that the Bible does not tell us to celebrate December 25^th as Christ’s birthday and you will likely not find a Theologian that would say that it is. In theory Christ’s date of birth is thought to have been during the spring harvest. In fact nowhere in the Bible say we must celebrate it. However that does not mean we cannot celebrate our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

What has spurned on this article is the brashness of how the Antichrist Atheists and Pagans openly will throw around such vitriol. If I was to just walk into a room and started mocking homosexual or racial slurs in a room where I did not know the cultural, religious or racial makeup of the crowd, I could be sued out of my dungarees!

I truly believe that as Christians we should keep our eyes on our Lord Jesus. Why do we as Christians not stand up in allegiance to this onslaught? Is it in our character to let it go? Jesus taught us love, humility, sacrifice and forgiveness. How should we respond? “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places,” Eph 6: 12

Peter wrote about the persecution.

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing; so that also at the revelation of His glory, you may rejoice with exultation. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. 15 By no means let any of you suffer as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler; 16 but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God. 17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if it is with difficulty that the righteous is saved, what will become of the godless man and the sinner? 19 Therefore, let those also who suffer according to the will of God entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.” 1 Peter 4: 12-19

We are clearly in the end times. Persecution and yes, MURDER of Christians will exponentially rise as it did in the past. So how are we to handle this? 1 Peter 3: 13-17 says it all.

“And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; 16 and keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. 17 For it is better, if God should will it so, that you suffer for doing what is right rather than for doing what is wrong.”

Christianity is a real threat to their ways of the world. Don’t kid yourself! Keep your eyes on the cross!

Remember to be ready to make a defense to everyone as Peter wrote. Christian Apologist Greg Koukl uses what he coins as “The Columbo Tactic”, that is when confronted by an attack or accusation start by asking the question, “What do you mean by that?” then you can follow up by “How did you reach that conclusion?” After those probing questions you will find their argument will not hold up, or at least getting them to think, thus dropping a pebble in their shoe.

Remember that Christian Persecution is rampant and that it is as usual open season on Christians. Please remember to pray for the persecutors and always keep Christ your main focus. As the scripture that Peter wrote:

“And who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, 15 but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts…”

Merry Christmas! Stay on guard! Glorify Christ in all you do!  AMEN!

Brian Mason December 15, 2011

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Problems with the Book of Mormon

Year after year archeological discoveries are unearthed shining light on the proofs and validity of the Holy Bible. In contrast the there have been NO such discoveries supporting the Book of Mormon.

According to Authors’ John Weldon and John Ankerberg, the Book of Mormon seems to be a fairy tale of epic proportions. They state; “In other words, no Book of Mormon cities have ever been located, no Book of Mormon person, place, nation, or name has ever been found, no Book of Mormon artifacts, no Book of Mormon scriptures, no Book of Mormon inscriptions…nothing which demonstrates the Book of Mormon is anything other than myth or invention has ever been found.”

This puts the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (aka Mormons) in a bit of a pickle, although they will state officially that the reason is that these proofs of validity just have not yet been discovered. I could go with that if I were to not look at the glaring problems with lack of evidence.

Checking on the website http://www.mormonthink.com , they propose a plethora of Book of Mormon difficulties, here is a few:

1. The Book of Mormon is not supported by any linguistic evidence

2.DNA disproves that the Laminites are principle evidence of the Indians

3.Why don’t “dark-skinned” people turn lighter after reading it as claimed by the prophets?

4.The Book of Mormon discusses many things that did not exist anywhere in the Americas until after Columbus came to the New World, such as: Horses, Cattle, Oxen, Donkeys, Goats and Wild Goats – 1 Nephi 18:25

Sheep, Swine and Elephants – Ether 9:18

There are many, many more problems with the Book of Mormon so I would suggest checking out some very credible websites and publications that also show the futile efforts of the LDS Church’s defense.

We must pray for the members of the LDS Church to have the Holy Spirit come over them with Holy intervention.

God Bless

Brian Mason

Can a Christian Listen To Or Perform Secular Music?

I am a Christian first and foremost in my life, and my focus is always on Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. At times I wonder if as a Christian can I listen to secular Music. Moreover can a Christian perform such music? I fit into both of those categories as I compose, record and perform secular music.

I am one to believe of course that God created music to begin with. Take for example God commands us to sing to his glory;

1 Chronicles 16: 9 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.

The Book of Psalms literally means in Hebrew “Mizmowr”, and translated to English is “Music”. God also created music with the significant number of “seven” notes. And when you put “three” of those notes together you get the base of a harmony called a “Triad” which is also a reflection of the “Trinity”.
So I guess this all begs the question “Is secular music something a Christian can delve into?” Another question I would like to ponder is “What exactly is Christian Music?” As well “What if the music has no lyrics”? Bach for instance wrote to the glory of God and was primarily instrumental music.

Biblically speaking there is no condemnation of any one specific musical style or genre as we call it today anywhere in the Holy Book. Within Christianity there is an in fight so to speak as to what style is acceptable and it can be a real divisive subject within the Christian body. Some will say only “Praise Music” and some will say “Christian Rock” etc.

In the early 1950’s some Evangelicals claimed that drum and percussion was the instrument of the devil. However there again… no Biblical evidence of such an opinion. The Bible only speaks of stringed instruments, tambourines (which are considered percussive but no attachment to a satanic connection), chimes and wind instruments. Again as mentioned above we have a commandment to sing to God which leads me to the subject of lyrical content.

As a Christian I must only do what edifies God. So if I choose to perform secular music and not mention Jesus I should at least sing about Godly values such as; honesty, integrity, forgiveness, love and good moral overtones as the subject matter. Obviously profanity of any kind should never surface.

Rock Star Alice Cooper is a devout Christian and that may surprise a few of people, as well there are many Christians currently in the music industry in all genres. To mention a few; “The Fray”, “Lifehouse”, “Owl City”, “Daughtry” and “The Rocket Summer”.

I would suggest some acts call themselves “Spiritual” but that is not necessarily Christian. Some so-called bands sing of Buddhism and other Anti-Christian faiths such as Gnosticism, so beware and be aware of such lyrical content acts.

The bottom line is music is a gift of from God. Appreciate it…don’t profane it!

God Bless.

Brian Mason

My Favorite Christian Apologetic Quotations Pt. 2

“The Christian pities men because they are dying, and the Buddhist pities them because they are living. The Christian is sorry for what damages the life of a man; but the Buddhist is sorry for him because he is alive.”
Chesterton – Generally Speaking

“If we could sufficiently understand the order of the universe, we should find that it exceeds all the desires of the wisest men, and that it is impossible to make it better than it is, not only as a whole and in general but also for ourselves in particular, if we are attached, as we ought to be, to the Author of all, not only as to the architect and efficient cause of our being, but as to our master and to the final cause, which ought to be the whole aim of our will, and which can alone make our happiness.”
Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz – translated by Robert Latta, The Monadology, 1714

“A man’s real belief is that which he lives by. What a man believes is the thing he does, not the thing he thinks.”
George Macdonald

“Extreme open-mindedness is merely empty-mindedness.”
(b. hearn)

It takes God a long time to get us to stop thinking that unless everyone sees things exactly as we do, they must be wrong. That is never God’s view. There is only one true liberty — the liberty of Jesus at work in our conscience enabling us to do what is right. Don’t get impatient with others. Remember how God dealt with you — with patience and with gentleness. But never water down the truth of God. Let it have its way and never apologize for it. Jesus said, “Go . . . and make disciples . . .” (Matthew 28:19), not, “Make converts to your own thoughts and opinions.”
Oswald Chambers – My Utmost for His Highest – May 6

“Education, the great mumbo-jumbo and fraud of the age, purports to equip us to live and is prescribed as a universal remedy for everything from juvenile delinquency to premature senility. For the most part it only serves to enlarge stupidity, inflate conceit, enhance credulity and put those subjected to it at the mercy of brain-washers with printing presses, radio and TV at their disposal.” Malcolm Muggeridge, in the “Observer”, 1966

“If men will not be governed by the Ten Commandments, they shall be governed by the ten thousand commandments.”
G. K. Chesterton

“Imagine a person who comes in here tonight and argues ‘no air exists’ but continues to breathe air while he argues. Now intellectually, atheists continue to breathe – they continue to use reason and draw scientific conclusions [which assumes an orderly universe], to make moral judgments [which assumes absolute values] – but the atheistic view of things would in theory make such ‘breathing’ impossible. They are breathing God’s air all the time they are arguing against him.”
― Greg L. Bahnsen

“So whom does God wrong in commanding the destruction of the Canaanites? Not the Canaanite adults, for they were corrupt and deserving of judgment. Not the children, for they inherit eternal life. So who is wronged? Ironically, I think the most difficult part of this whole debate is the apparent wrong done to the Israeli soldiers themselves. Can you imagine what it would be like to have to break into some house and kill a terrified woman and her children? The brutalizing effect on these Israeli soldiers is disturbing.”
― William Lane Craig

“Atheists don’t hate fairies, leprechauns, or unicorns because they don’t exist. It is impossible to hate something that doesn’t exist. Atheists — like the painting experts hated the painter — hate God because He does exist.”
― Ray Comfort, You Can Lead an Atheist to Evidence, But You Cant Make Him Think: Answers to Questions from Angry Skeptics

Again, these are great quotes for thought.

God Bless
Brian Mason