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"Is Christianity Merely a Crutch for the Weak-minded?"

"Christianity has not been tried and found wanting. Christianity has been found difficult and left untried." - G.K. Chesterton

I have heard some non-christians criticize Christianity (and other religions) as being a "mental crutch" for the weak-minded.

These critics claim that Christianity is an escape from the reality of life's suffering. It's something that people believe because they are too afraid of the possibility that death is the end of existence of any kind, not something that could actually be true.

This page will present the following counterarguments to this criticism:

1. Christianity requires a strict moral code which isn't always convenient to the believer.
2. Christianity requires a strict faithfulness to the point of suffering or even death.
3. Alternative beliefs on death are more desirable than the Christian view of judgment and eternity

Christianity requires a strict moral code which isn't always convenient to the believer. Consider the following scriptures:

"Flee sexual immorality." - I Corinthians 6:18

"Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God." - Galations 5:19-21

The Christian is required to repress fleshly desires. This is inconvenient to say the least. Strong self-discipline is required on the part of the Christian who commits him/herself from abstaining from sin.

I submit to you that many people reject Christ merely because they do not want to live under such a difficult moral authority.

Christianity requires a strict faithfulness to the point of suffering or even death.

"...Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.. Still others had trial of mockings and scourging, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they weresawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented -- of whom the world was not worthy." Hebrews 11:35-37 "Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life will preserve it." - Luke 17:33

"...all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." - II Timothy 3:12

"...If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." - Matthew 16:24

"but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." - I Peter 4:13

Alternative beliefs on death are more desirable than the Christian view of judgment and eternity

I'd much prefer the atheistic view of death that asserts that it is the end of existence. This type of death is a permanent sleep and is not to be feared. When dead, a person would feel exactly as they felt before they were born. They would be nothing.

However, the atheistic view of death is sad. This is probably why you won't find a funeral service conducted with this view. Imagine the minister giving the following requiem:

I actually hope that Christianity is wrong because I'd prefer to die and cease to exist and never know the joys of heaven, then for all of us to die and receive our just rewards, the Christian's eternal life, the nonchristian eternal fire.