d." So the Bible itself contradicts those who had boasted of seeing God. One mail order book seller advertises that he has talked with God. But until an individual has some definite knowledge of God, he should be doubtful of the claims of the prophets past or present. Most preachers and priests base their knowledge of God on what they have read in the Bible.
Others say every tree and stone and the earth itself is evidence of God. Look at the stars. Each one of the billions of them is a sun. Around some of the suns there are probably planets like our earth, so on to infinity. The Bible, written by ignorant, primitive Jews, claims that man was made in the image of God. Can any sensible person conceive of a God who controls the infinite universe looking like an ancient Jew, or any other man?
Hearsay, so-called circumstantial evidence (it isn't even that), faith, these we are called upon to consider as proof of God's existence. We cannot have him deliver a speech to us as the leaders of nations do over the radio. Nor can we see his picture as we do of a president or a king. He does not appear to us in the heavens, nor does he write inscriptions nor letters to us. If anyone was to tell us that some man with great influence had given us certain rules and regulations we would want to see him or his authority, or hear him. By using the same common sense we use regarding sea serpents and ghosts, we would come to the conclusion that God does not exist. Try to prove the existence of a ghost in a law court and you will be considered a fool.
The truth is that priests and preachers want us to believe what they tell us, and they do not want us to inquire into the truth of their stories, because they fear investigation will disclose them to be fakers. They want us to believe what they tell us so they will be able to have power over us, to control us, and to collect tithes, dues and contributions from us. All of their mysticism, ritual and "monkey shines" are for the purpose of keeping their influence over the minds of their ignorant, unreasoning followers.
A Reasonable Analysis of the
Sermon on the Mount
According to religious authorities, the principle teachings of Christ are contained in the Sermon on the Mount. The language of the sermon is childish, in keeping with the mental condition of the people, and the educational capabilities of Matthew who reported it.
Christ said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit." Just what is meant by spirit is not understood by practical men.
"Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted." When or why they should be comforted is not known, millions have mourned and millions mourning now, without comfort, many as the result of wars and many, especially during the Inquisition days, for their relatives killed as the result of Christian persecution.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth." But only the warlike races and those who have had the courage to fight to protect their liberties have inherited the earth. All others have become slaves, either politically or economically, to the aggressive races.
"Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled." But here again the aggressors, the tyrants, the selfish elements of all countries, and the conquerors seem to have control of the earth and righteousness has not come to them. Apparently these "Beatitudes" were promises which are far from being fulfilled. What fulfillment has come is as a result of the actions of liberty-loving men who haven't been followers of the doctrines of Christ or the Christian Church.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy." But that is seldom so, the kindest people are often the most imposed upon. Being merciful does not guarantee that mercy will be returned.
"Blessed are the pure in heart; for they shall see God." None sees God, at least none who tells about it; so there must be no pure in heart, whatever that is.
"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." But the Christian church with its long history of religious wa