The Nature of the Virus

Being an Information Technologist, I am more than a little familiar with computer viruses. About 90% of my business is virus removal. Sure I used to get viruses myself, some years ago, but now I never do, because I know how they work. A well-known author named Darrell Ray wrote a book called, "The God Virus: How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture". This virus metaphor got me thinking. By the end of this article, you should have a good start at avoiding computer viruses, and something to discuss at the water-cooler.

Having not read Darrell's book, I will not refer to anything that Dr. Ray has written or said, at least that I am aware of. What I will do, is fumble around, comparing actual computer-viruses with my interpretation of the metaphor of the God Virus.

How does a virus infect the target?

Here it is, the most important thing you need to know about viruses; They are almost always disguised as an anti-virus. A message will tell you there are viruses on your computer, and prompt you to download the software to clean your PC for you. Here's the thing though... There was never anything wrong with your computer, but now you have downloaded and installed a virus.

The virus will run a scan, and show you a fake list of malicious trojan's and spy-ware infecting your computer. The virus will most likely disable important parts of your computer and do a lot to diminish your overall experience, making the need to purchase their software more urgently than ever. Once you purchase the virus, you have given you credit card information to some very malicious people. They may even make it appear as if they removed the virus, so you will think you bought a legitimate piece of software.

Are there any parallels in religion? Someone comes up to you and tells you there is something wrong with you, and they can save you. Once you accept their proposition, you have allowed them access to control you as they see fit, just like a computer virus. Also, like a computer virus, they are helping you deal with the problems they themselves gave you. Your computer was fine before you downloaded that "anti-virus software" and you were fine before you accepted religion.

In conclusion, I see religion and computer viruses like mobsters, offering you "protection"

Be good without God, and close online messages that say you have a virus!