Letter 4: The "Problems" in Religion"
In my studies of religion, I found something honest. Something beautiful — a worldview rooted not in dogma, but in reason and conscience. It’s called natural religion. But before I show you what it offers, I am going to describe all the problems in traditional religion. It will be a difficult and emotional journey, but I hope you will bare with me.
But... if you don't feel you're ready or cannot emotionally handle your beliefs being scrutinized then this letter is not for you and that is OK. I would, rather you be happy, and for us to be friends, then to leave you feeling frustrated. Only you know what's right for you.
___________
One day about a year ago I said a prayer asking God for some direction regarding my faith and I was inspired to pick up a dusty 1700s philosophy book sitting in the corner of my room.
I opened it to a random page–as one does when looking for miraculous enlightenment–and surprisingly, the topic was exactly what I was contemplating.
Speaking on religion and truth, the author, Jean Jaques Rousseau said:
“What difficulty do I see before me! A difficulty all the greater because it depends less on actual facts than on the cowardice of those who dare not look that difficulty in the face. Let us at least venture to state our problem.”
That is what this letter aims to do.
While prior letters have focused on how to explore faith for yourself, in this letter I will begin to “state the problem” and share my honest observations.
This letter has been the most difficult for me to write. It is an uncomfortable and terrifying topic to address, because I don’t want to offend anyone or "break a good thing” for somebody else, but I also feel a sense of obligation to share these dangers, as well as the solution and truth I have found.
Cognitive dissonance
What is cognitive dissonance?
“A state of tension that occurs when a person holds contradictory beliefs or when their actions conflict with their beliefs, creating a drive to reduce the discomfort—often by rationalizing, denying, or ignoring the inconsistency.”
The truth is, we owe it to ourselves—and to truth—to do better than live in denial. Maybe one or two contradictions could be explained away. But here we are going to look at more than 100. It might hurt to look directly at the facts, but refusing to look doesn’t make them disappear.
I know this list will be painful to read and that your instinct might be to pull back or argue here, but I’m asking you to read it with an open mind—because even if just one or two of these are true, they matter. And if you find yourself justifying all of them, ask yourself: am I defending the truth—or trying to justify a toxic relationship with a hundred red flags?
in the end, I propose these questions, and I decided to stick them in the beginning as well. as you go through my list of concerns, please consider the following:
How far are you willing to go to justify a potentially toxic relationship?
How many excuses is too many?
How many contradictions are too many?
How much faith are you willing to put in the testimonies of men you’ve never met?
And how much are you willing to sacrifice betting on those beliefs?
So without further ado, it's time to dig in.
The (Not So) Short List of Problems In Religion
Remember that dusty philosophy book I mentioned earlier? It is a book called “Emile” and it became a focal point of my studies–starting with addressing the problems of religion and then moving towards the solution. One section in particular, titled “Confessions of a Savoyard Priest,” dives deep into religion and inconsistency, identifying both the problems and the solution. I highly recommend reading it for yourself, but will do my best to summarize the most important points. I will link to at the bottom.
First, I will address some of his most powerful points, and then move towards the full list of my own observations.
Rousseau on Religion
The opening line of his book reads:
“God makes all things good; man meddles with them and they become evil.”
Supporting this, claim he proposes the following concerns:
Everyone Thinks Their Religion Is Right:
“Each sect condemns the others... all equally sure they are right.”
“Among so many religions… one only can be true. To discover it, I must examine them all. It would be madness to listen to you before that. When I was told to believe everything, I could believe nothing…”
He highlights the global inconsistency and mutual exclusivity of religious claims.
Personally, having had the opportunity to hear the profound and unwavering testimonies of people of many faiths around the world, I can’t help but weigh them all the same…
The Injustice of Favoritism
“Of all the people in the world, only a small portion are Christian or Jew... the vast majority will never hear the gospel…Can the just and good God damn millions for having been born in a place where his word was never spoken?”
In doing my own research, I found that an estimated 117 billion people have lived since the time of Christ, with only a fraction of those ever hearing the Christian gospel (and even fewer being LDS)... not to mention all the non-Jews, who lived before Christ.
This made me question: is that really fair or realistic to believe the vast majority of God's children would never actually have the gospel in life? Arguments include baptism after death, “it's a sinful world”, “other cultures did have the gospel, and then lost it”, but the reality is still the same… The majority of god's children will have never lived with the "truth”. What kind of world is that? What kind of plan is that? Even if those people could still be saved, is it fair that they did not get an Earth experience with that revelation and peace? How could they possibly reach their potential without it?
Truth Should Not Be Hidden by Geography or Time
“Why did your God choose to speak only to certain people, in a certain age, in a certain language?”
If our salvation is dependent on truth, then shouldn't it be accessible to all equally from the beginning?
If Religion Is Required, It Should Be Self-Evident
“If the salvation of mankind depends on religion, it must be written in the hearts of all men, not taught by missionaries.”
“It is in the depths of the heart that the eternal truths are engraved.”
Romans 2:14–15 (Referenced in Emile): “…for when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness…”
He points out that if eternal salvation is truly dependent on knowing and following the truth, then humanity would be forced to do nothing other than search, high and low, and spend their entire lives doing nothing, but trying to validate the truth. There could be no room for error, no room for blindly trusting leaders, no room for accepting stories written thousands of years ago, etc.. If it is our responsibility to find and know the truth, without a doubt, then that is our only duty in life and what a preposterous expectation.
He also questions a just God requiring belief in something most people will never even hear. On the flip side, if they are not damned, was religion necessary to begin with?
And repeats multiple times the concept that all truth is born within the heart
Revelation Is Not a Universal Method of Discovering Truth
“As soon as the nations took to making God speak, every one made him speak in his own fashion, and made him say what he himself wanted. Had they listened only to what God says in the heart of man, there would have been but one religion upon earth.”
“All revelation is necessarily individual... the rest must believe on human testimony, which is fallible.” (He discredits second-hand revelation as a stable foundation for belief.)
He goes on to explain why personal revelation–written on your own conscience–is the only reliable method of knowing truth.
“Apostle of truth, what have you to tell me of which I am not the sole judge? God himself has spoken; give heed to his revelation. That is another matter. God has spoken, these are indeed words which demand attention. To whom has he spoken? He has spoken to men. Why then have I heard nothing? He has instructed others to make known his words to you. I understand; it is men who come and tell me what God has said. I would rather have heard the words of God himself; it would have been as easy for him and I should have been secure from fraud. He protects you from fraud by showing that his envoys come from him. How does he show this? By miracles. Where are these miracles? In the books. And who wrote the books? Men. And who saw the miracles? The men who bear witness to them. What! Nothing but human testimony! Nothing but men who tell me what others told them! How many men between God and me! Let us see, however, let us examine, compare, and verify. Oh! if God had but deigned to free me from all this labour, I would have served him with all my heart.
“Consider, my friend, the terrible controversy in which I am now engaged; what vast learning is required to go back to the remotest antiquity, to examine, weigh, confront prophecies, revelations, facts, all the monuments of faith set forth throughout the world, to assign their date, place, authorship, and occasion. What exactness of critical judgment is needed to distinguish genuine documents from forgeries, to compare objections with their answers, translations with their originals; to decide as to the impartiality of witnesses, their common-sense, their knowledge; to make sure that nothing has been omitted, nothing added, nothing transposed, altered, or falsified; to point out any remaining contradictions, to determine what weight should be given to the silence of our adversaries with regard to the charges brought against them; how far were they aware of those charges; did they think them sufficiently serious to require an answer; were books sufficiently well known for our books to reach them; have we been honest enough to allow their books to circulate among ourselves and to leave their strongest objections unaltered?”
Religion Has Become a Tool of Division and Conflict
“Men claim divine truth while cursing their neighbors who believe differently.”
(He highlights hypocrisy and violence done in the name of religion.)“Every sect is intolerant. Its dogmas are the voice of the Father of truth; whoever does not listen is a child of perdition; and it is not permissible to have pity on him.”
“True religion teaches us to love, not to hate; to succor, not to persecute.”
“Far from throwing light upon the ideas of the Supreme Being, special doctrines seem to me to confuse these ideas; far from ennobling them, they degrade them; to the inconceivable mysteries which surround the Almighty, they add absurd contradictions, they make man proud, intolerant, and cruel; instead of bringing peace upon earth, they bring fire and sword. I ask myself what is the use of it all, and I find no answer. I see nothing but the crimes of men and the misery of mankind. “
Reason Is Our Greatest Gift From God And Essential In Discovering Truth.
“Being of beings, I am because thou art; to fix my thoughts on thee is to ascend to the source of my being. The best use I can make of my reason is to resign it before thee; my mind delights, my weakness rejoices, to feel myself overwhelmed by thy greatness.”
"I only know that the reasoning faculty is in me; I must make use of it…. I cannot believe that God has placed within me a faculty that is deceitful and intended to mislead me in the use of it."
“It is not from the teachings of men that I have received the fundamental truths which I act on; it is through the inner voice of my soul, the reason which God himself has placed in me.”
“The more I use my reason, the more I am convinced of the existence of God.”
“To know what is, and what is not, is the first step toward knowing what ought to be. It is reason which leads us to truth, and through truth to God.”
“The grandest ideas of the Divine nature come to us from reason only. Behold the spectacle of nature; listen to the inner voice. Has not God spoken it all to our eyes, to our conscience, to our reason? What more can man tell us?”
General Problems with all Religions:
Now I will offer the bullet points in my own words, but know I am summarizing the thoughts of countless philosophers and authors, as well as my own thoughts.
Religion often neglects enlightenment and the pursuit of the highest good placing greater emphasis on shallow and empty checkboxes. Even if those checkboxes are completed with full purpose of heart, the emphasis is still on the box, and not the development of one's reason, and personal enlightenment. The cap of spirituality is often at the highest leader, rather than an infinite personal venture..
Authority is often claimed by those with no real spirituality or moral integrity. Leadership is very inconsistent, in terms of personal morality. Frankly put, 62% of pastors in America have a pornography addiction, and that is true for all sects and religions, but the list of secret sins by those with religious authority is much longer. I cannot trust the spiritual authority of somebody that is equally, if not more flawed than myself.
Speculation replaces observable reason and critical thinking. Again, most religions are based on putting trust in man and revelations even when they are not provable or even contradict very obvious science and observable truth. As Rousseau would say: ““I prefer to confess my ignorance than to adopt false opinions.”
Salvation is often exclusive or based on rituals and oaths, rather than personal growth and character.
Faith is prioritized over reason, discouraging intellectual inquiry and personal accountability.
Sacrifice is often forced, unproductive, and imbalanced–oftentimes to the detriment of the individual or the family. It makes one ask: What is truly the goal?
Mysticism takes precedence over reason and deliberate action.
Many rules are arbitrary and fail to apply consistently across cultures and generations. Who makes the rules? And why? And what if I lived in a different time?
Prayer and wishful thinking are emphasized over practical, natural-law based solutions.
A mystical "plan" undermines logical decision-making and personal empowerment. The idea of a “plan” for your life is inconsistent and contradictory and causes a lot of emotional chaos and pain.
Doctrines of original sin diminish innate human potential and worth. and religions that don't believe in "original sin" still often speak of the innate sinful nature of the human flesh creating self-hate.
Humility is often misinterpreted as self-denial or shame, suppressing healthy pride and confidence.
Religion often leads to outsourcing thinking and decision making to others less qualified
Many religions look down on nature or make it subservient to humanity rather than one with us. And if they don't look down on it, they simply don't prioritize it. Rousseau would argue the opposite: “Nature showed me a scene of harmony and proportion; the human race shows me nothing but confusion and disorder. The elements agree together; men are in a state of chaos. The beasts are happy; their king alone is wretched.”
Accountability is replaced by superficial compliance or easy forgiveness. I no longer believe in baptism, or any other ritual to erase sins. The idea of grace has become incredibly disturbing to me. I don't want Grace, I want to work off my debts as a human on this planet, proving that I can have a positive impact rather than begging Him to erase my sins simply on the fact that I believe in his existence. There is no justice or glory in that.
Again, I want to leave a reminder… If only one or two of these problems existed, it would be easier to look away… But the reality is trying to rationalize and defend all of them simultaneously is impossible.
Contradictions:
Many religious doctrines also lack logical coherence and clarity. This next list is a simple list of contradictions. While I’ve stood up for those contradictions most of my life, there comes a point where I can no longer just ignore the long list of contradictions and still feel good about it
Religious institutions amass material wealth, conflicting with their teachings on humility, charity, and simplicity.
God is just and merciful… but creates eternal punishment.
God is all-powerful… but needs humans to defend or spread His message.
God is love… but divides humanity by chosen vs. unchosen, saved vs. damned.
Truth is universal… but only one religion holds it.
Spirituality is inward… but must follow external rituals and authorities.
Faith is personal… but judged and policed by others.
God is beyond human understanding… yet religions define Him in detail and even speak for Him.
Morality is innate… but followers must be constantly reminded or threatened.
Free will is sacred… but salvation is predetermined or coerced.
When evil people hold leadership positions and do terrible things it raises concerns about those positions being "divinely appointed”. If those positions are sacred and their appointments were divinely inspired, then why would God allow men to tear down his church and hurt innocent people? Arguments to this claim result in a very long rabbit hole of excuses for people or a circular conversation about free will versus divine inspiration.
On Prayer:
This one is difficult for me because it is something that one of my exes tried to teach me and I fought hard on. Even the best argument in the world means nothing without love and kindness.
True progress comes from deliberate action and accountability, not requests for divine intervention.
God doesn't provide anything that natural laws have not already made available. everything I want to obtain can be obtained by taking the right steps.
God's will will already be done. If He wills my desires, then He will create those. I have no need to ask.
God already knows my thoughts and heart. If I believe He is always with me, then I have nothing more to say. I have no need to repeat myself.
I do not form a stronger bond with a being that is already with me, simply by repeating the facts of my day or desires.
True gratitude reflects acceptance of reality, not reliance on miracles. True gratitude means being completely at peace with both the good and the bad, not just saying ‘thank you’ for getting what you wanted.
And more specifically concerns with Christianity:
The Bible is incredibly dark and its prophets committed heinous crimes–plain and simple.
Moses ordered the slaughter of 3,000 Israelites after the golden calf incident. Exodus 32:27–28
Elijah called down fire from heaven to kill 102 men. 2 Kings 1:9–12
Elisha cursed children and sent bears to maul 42 of them for mocking his baldness. 2 Kings 2:23–24
Samuel hacked King Agag to pieces “before the Lord.” 1 Samuel 15:33
David committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged the death of her husband Uriah. 2 Samuel 11Jephthah sacrificed his daughter as a burnt offering to fulfill a vow. Judges 11:30–39
Abraham banished Hagar and his son Ishmael into the desert at Sarah’s demand, even though he loved them. Genesis 21:9–14
Lot offered his virgin daughters to a violent mob. Genesis 19:8
God commands Israel to destroy entire nations, including women, children, and animals. 1 Samuel 15:3; Deuteronomy 20:16–17
Hosea was commanded to marry a prostitute as a prophetic sign. Hosea 1:2
Countless more examples can be found both in ancient and modern times.
God has spoken to my heart and taught me what is right and what is wrong and I believe these are the works of men not of the God that I serve. I have my principles and I have no hesitations fighting for them. If I am wrong, then I will openly argue them to God’s face upon my death. But I would rather risk my own damnation than to deny the principles I believe in than to reverence the cruel actions of men claiming to be on God’s errand.
Scientific evidence proves the Earth and humans are far older than 6,000 years. We’re at a point where rational adults simply have to accept that fact despite the emotions associated with their religious beliefs. It is far more likely that the ancient Israelite authors of the Bible were wrong than to believe that God or the devil planted bones like Easter eggs around the world to deceive us. I fought the anti-science fight for decades… But the arguments just don't hold. More and more people are denying certain parts of the Bible, while claiming that others are "the word of God". I cannot raise my children in this cognitive dissonance of selective belief and denial.
Christianity was historically shaped for the purpose of political manipulation. First as a means of control in ancient Israel, and then as a means of control in medieval Europe. The doctrine and writings prioritized kings and social structure, not deep spiritual enlightenment. As a person who prioritizes freedom and my personal mission in life above all else, I don't have much patience for people who want to tell me what to do.
Moral neglect and passivity are excused by “waiting for Christ to return.” Rather than building justice, healing the planet, or improving society, many Christians justify inaction — or even harmful behavior — by claiming the end is near and judgment belongs to Christ alone.
God is love… but commands genocide
(1 John 4:8 vs. Deut. 20:16–17; 1 Sam. 15:3)Salvation is by faith alone… but also judged by works
(Ephesians 2:8–9 vs. James 2:17, Matthew 25:31–46)God never changes… but changes often in the Bible
(Malachi 3:6 vs. Genesis 6:6; Exodus 32:14)Jesus is God… but says the Father is greater than Him
(John 10:30 vs. John 14:28)God is all-knowing… but asks questions and tests people
(Genesis 3:9, Genesis 22:1)The Bible is perfect… but full of internal contradictions
(e.g., two different genealogies of Jesus – Matthew 1 vs. Luke 3)God wants all to be saved… but predestines some for destruction
(1 Timothy 2:4 vs. Romans 9:18–22)Thou shalt not kill… yet killing is often commanded and praised
(Exodus 20:13 vs. Numbers 31:17–18)
Jesus said not to judge… yet also gave instructions for judgment
(Matthew 7:1 vs. John 7:24; 1 Corinthians 6:2)God is just… but punishes people for inherited sin (Ezekiel 18:20 vs. Exodus 20:5; Romans 5:12)
Contradictions regarding how Christ will return are rampant in the Bible (even worse in LDS revelations) I have studied the second coming backwards and forwards and the more I studied, the more I realized there is zero consensus–which was pretty uncomfortable considering its “life or death” nature.
LDS Doctrinal Contradictions & Concerns:
Second Coming Inconsistency: Early in my study and exploration, I went to the temple to pray and study as I mentioned before. One of the verses I read really shocked me. It said: “Wherefore, if they shall say unto you: Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: Behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not; For as the light of the morning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, and covereth the whole earth, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be.”—Joseph Smith—Matthew 1:26–27. This is in direct contradiction with modern revelations and instructions that state Christ will appear to leaders, worthy members in temples, and even the church at Adam-Ondi-Ahman. But being a matter of literal life and death, I felt it important enough to continue my study to find resolution and clarification.
Joseph Smith Testifying of Himself: The second verse I found on that trip was a scripture of Joseph Smith speaking Messianically and testifying of himself as a true prophet. For the first time in my life I realized: “that’s quite odd”. As Rousseau described, a man cannot testify of himself. (And yes, I understand there were four other witnesses either seeing Christ or hearing his voice and testifying of Joseph Smith), however, a man speaking for God and testifying of himself does not fit the bill of reasonable / rational testifying procedure.
Up to 100 billion people since a time of Christ alone never had the “gospel”, while only a few million have. If life is a test and the doctrines were necessary for becoming the person you’re supposed to become before death, then all would have them equally. Otherwise God himself failed and it’s a broken system.
Truth-seeking is limited by institutional control (we know best and asking questions is wrong)
Polygamy’s justification is irreconcilable with values of equality, love, personal freedom, and family. This further invalidates the Bible, in my opinion, since polygamy only led to broken families.
Many doctrines often create unnecessary hysteria and discontent instead of fostering joy. If God is joy and peace, why do so many doctrines end up creating the opposite?
Definitions of "good" and "evil" are inconsistently applied.
"Family first" teachings contradict the sacrifices demanded of missionaries and leaders.
The "one true church" doctrine excludes respect for other faiths and truths that are not taught in our church, but are no less true. and even where we proclaim respect for those truths, if they are true, then why don't we teach them?
Overemphasis on eternal rewards distorts perspectives on living in the present creating imbalance. Everything is so focused on the afterlife that people will destroy their life on earth, feel miserably banished to this godforsaken planet, all for the hope of a better life in the next, rather than just living in peace and joy.
Fear-based doctrines undermine hope, empowerment, and rational decision-making. While fear may be valid in some cases, the fear should be letting ourselves down, and not reaching our highest potential versus things like family separation or being damned.
Truthfully, the Holy Ghost provides no power that isn’t universally accessible. This is observable by looking at the actions and well-being of members and nonmembers around the world. Revelation and insight is available to all as well as peace and enlightenment. I feel no different as a person or in my relationship to God since leaving church than I did before. I felt no massive loss of spiritual connection nor have my actions become more erratic or irresponsible. I have the same morals, and therefore I have the same spirit of peace.
Procrastinating the Second Coming. Early saints, specifically preach that it would be in their generation, and here we are 200 years later. People have believed that Christ is coming "any day" for 2000 years. Generation after generation continues to live in the belief with no real change or actualization. But this was built into the doctrine, telling people that in the day that they finally give up believing, He will come and destroy those who gave up early. No one wants to be a quitter. The price is too high.
Again, even if you can, rationalize one or two… How many of these are we willing to allow to exist before it becomes illogical?
Other Concerning LDS Cultural Behaviors:
There is a lack of connection to the earth and natural world, undermining proclaimed stewardship. Frankly, the church does some pretty irresponsible things in terms of the environment. And I cannot justify the neglect on the basis that "Christ will return soon”.
Cultural behaviors often produce outcomes that contradict stated values.
Guidance on critical life matters is shallow and insufficient.
Hypocritical judgment fosters distrust and alienation.
Fear and pain regarding eternal families leads to further broken families
Cultural behavior perpetuates problems the church claims to oppose.
Rituals are often performed without meaning or connection to spiritual growth.
Dozens of other examples of the people not really living the teachings even on an organizational level, such as church schools, events, etc.. I will not raise my children in contradiction. It is better for them to have no religion at all than to live in contradiction.
Concerning LDS Leadership Behaviors:
The church promotes commercialism in several ways, including investments and media
Standards change inconsistently, eroding trust and credibility.
Media content often fails to reflect spiritual values.
Land use prioritizes financial gain over stewardship and sustainability.
The accumulation of material wealth conflicts with teachings about humility
The way they manage their money, the stocks they invest in, the countless sketchy and questionable business decisions, etc.. One can choose to deny them, but facts are facts.
Their investments often contradict church values.
Changing rules and lowering standards
Sketchy church media that doesn't really match 200 years of beliefs and blanket statements made by prophets
Potential vices taught or perpetuated within LDS churches & Some Christian Churches:
This also applies to other religions, however, I'm not taking the time to differentiate or sort them:
Valuing obedience over critical thinking and personal discernment.
Prioritizing appearances and checklists over genuine moral action (“do these things and you’re good” mindset).
Encouraging self-denial to the point of neglecting personal needs and growth.
Promoting fear-based doctrines that undermine hope and empowerment.(swings back and forth)
Fostering a sense of guilt through teachings on inherent sinfulness.
Discouraging questioning and exploration in the pursuit of truth.
Elevating sacrifice as a virtue, even when it is unbalanced or unproductive.
Creating dependence on institutional authority rather than personal accountability.
Focusing on ritualistic practices over meaningful spiritual connection.
Teaching humility in a way that suppresses self-worth and healthy pride.
Prioritizing exclusive salvation over universal compassion and understanding.
Promoting mysticism over reason and observable truth. (Wishing in prayer vs real action, denying reality, magic seeking idolatry)
Encouraging reliance on prayer over actionable, practical solutions.
Accumulating material wealth, conflicting with values of simplicity and service. (Riches in heaven)
Undervaluing the importance of connecting with the earth and natural world.
Placing undue emphasis on eternal rewards at the expense of present fulfillment / rejecting reality, always unhappy
Ignoring individuality by pressuring conformity within the community (even honoring the same standards, there's a lot of judgment in what's perceived as fitting in).
Viewing suffering as inherently virtuous, rather than pursuing joy and fulfillment.
Teaching hierarchical gender roles that limit personal empowerment. If I believe God's power is truly unlimited and me, then why should any other power or structure exist?
Creating a culture of judgment and hypocrisy rather than support and growth in ways that matter most.
Failing to provide meaningful guidance on issues that truly matter in life
Undermining the value of rational self-interest and personal happiness with always doing what’s best for the “flock” – a formula resembling Marxism.
And finally, I’ll end on one that my son brought to me recently. (I'll include another letter on how I’ve discussed these beliefs with my kids) But he came to me, and said:
“Mom, if God founded America and helped write the Constitution which says that “all men are innocent until proven guilty” then why does God do the opposite? And that doesn't make any sense since he already knows what we do. Why do men have to wait for final judgment?”
Thinking about it further I realized that that brings up multiple contradictions across multiple sects of Christianity.
If God already knows our judgment, then why do we have to wait after death?
But if death is the end, then why would we get more time after death?
If Grace forgives us for our sins, then why is there a Purgatory?
If it wasn't a person’s fault that they didn't have the gospel then why would they have to wait in spiritual prison?
Conclusion
This list is exhausting, but far from complete. I'm sure there are countless contradictions and problems I didn't address. This is just a short list that checked all of my boxes regarding religion and rationality. I tried to include those that are mostly objective, and apply to the most number of people. I've spent months working on it, but I would rather be focusing on the solution, which is coming next.
And before you flood me with the emails or comments on how wrong I am or how I don't know my doctrines, the point I’m trying to make is this:
How far are we willing to go to justify this toxic relationship?
How many excuses is too many?
How many contradictions is too many?
How much faith are you willing to put in the testimonies of men?
And how much are we willing to sacrifice in life betting on these beliefs?
I will see you in the next letter where I will explain a solution without any of these problems.
