| | Coming out as an atheistPage 1 of 13 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13) | I won't over-write. I don't live in an area or have a family where
coming out as an atheist would be a problem. It might be
encouraging to others in less encouraging social environments
to admit it here though.
I'm a very spiritual person and I mean this in a sincere way -
but I am on the verge of crossing over from calling myself
an open-minded agnostic to calling myself an atheist.
No big deal, right?
Well, not really. I don't know that many atheists - and by that
I mean people who have thought about it long enough and
deeply enough to swim against the dominant religio-cultural
current in N. America. I'm not actually troubled much because
embracing atheism feels pretty good, soothing and accurate
and rational and true. I've just never really told anyone.
Anyway - if you have some thoughts share them if you like. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/19/2012 3:13:40 PM | long enough and deeply enough to swim against the dominant religio-cultural current in N. America
What current??? You're making this a lot harder than it is. It's not like you were gay coming out of the closet circa 1980. Nobody cares if you're an atheist. Nobody is going to persecute you for your beliefs. Want to avoid conflict? Don't wear your personal religious/a-religious/spiritual views on your sleeve, and don't get into no-win debates with Baptists.
atheism feels pretty good, soothing and accurate
Well whatever gets ya through the day. Have you read Christopher Hitchens' latest, "Arguably"?? It's a real gem. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/19/2012 3:28:07 PM | Considering how embedded religiosity is in
politics and community life, I think your assertion
that nobody cares is a bit, um... punk rockish.
44 Christian presidents in a row does not indicate
a society where nobody cares. The majority
clearly do care. Otherwise we'd have had a Jewish
contender at least by now.
I haven't read the book. I may. Thank you. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/19/2012 6:04:56 PM | Congratulations guignol1971
I'm also an atheist. I'm also a Canadian. Being an atheist is always going against the current. A strong atheistic comment on facebook will always offend more of your friends than a strong religious comment, despite the non religiouslness of some of yoru friends. People dont like the boat being rocked, etc.
however, trust me that being in the states, you have it much worse. I notice a big difference the moment I cross the border. The countless billboards and bumper stickers of "jesus is Lord" and stuff like that is dramatically noticeable compared to Canada. There are plenty of exceptions granted. We have plenty of bible belts here too... but it's commonly noticed. So... just sayin'... no, it's NOTHING like coming out as gay in the 70's. But it's still going against the currents.
However, by the way, as an "atheist", I was surprised to see you use the word "spiritual".... especially say you were VERY spiritual. I have to ask... what do YOU think "spiritual" means and why YOU would be more "spriritual" than most other humans? You like to daydream a lot? Think love is a really cool thing?
I mean no disrespect by that because Im actualy mocking others who actually DO think that but credit "God" for pretty sunsets and their appreciation of sunsets and enjoying naps somehow makes them "spiritual". Just saying... you may want to reconsider the word if you've given up on the idea of SPIRITS in general.
I'm sure it was just habit but it'sa thing with me. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/19/2012 6:07:15 PM | If you feel like changing your status, go for it.
Some people will react poorly, others will react will, others will be supportive or even endorse your choice. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/19/2012 6:21:20 PM | Who the feck cares. You want to be an atheist. Be an atheist.
The people I detest are those who feel "obligated" to force their views on others.
Live and let live. You will not be not hired for a job due to your religious beliefs.
But you will piss me if off if you start mocking people who believe differently than you do since you..ahem...came out.
Now...just go about your business and please do let others go about theirs. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/19/2012 6:37:25 PM | To elaborate, because I'm JUST in that mood, It even baffles me when religious people say they are spiritual. I have no idea what they mean. I can guess. People liek to think they are enlightened. they can't demonstrate they are educated because people can call them out on that and they have little to back it up. However, SPIRITUAL somehow gives you a special connection to nature maybe... like having a special power that others dont. Except.. I dont know what the power is. And if they are asked, i guess it realy just means "religious" to most.
I know that was a mocking rant... sorry. I dont think that of you. in fact, I guess I'm trying to envourage you to laugh along with me and probably agree that old language habits die hard. I'm assumiong it's out of habit.. but this is why it bothers me even more when someone sais....
"I'm not religious but I'm very spiritual". What exactly does that mean? Since they feel the need to follow "spiritual" after saying they are not religious, I assume it's related to being religious. Like... religious light? It can't be a completely different thing? The word comes from "spirit" after all. The eye rolling skeptic in me assumes that when people dont want to say they are religious, they still want to cling to something else that lets them feel a bit "better" than others. Or it's just a word used to describe "nature lover" or " i really like camping, gardening and the outdoors". because it doesn't seem to mean anything else.
Again.. I'm hoping you're laughing with me.... just having fun. insedrt yor own jokes and I look forward to them.
Fellow
How can you tell a spiritual person from another | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/19/2012 6:43:27 PM | WOW Procol Harem!
So... on a philosophy site, with a title that says the word "atheist".. that YOU clicked on, designed to keep conversations contained within the walls for those who want to join in, YOU rant about having views pushed upon you? unless you were critisizing ME about the spirituality thing and/or billboards in the states... But I was kind of championing yoru cause there. about pushing views..
I actually dont mind views being pushed. If you believe in something to be true, and for good reason, and if it's consequencial.... LIKE MY ETERNAL LIFE... I'd like to know about it. But I happen to disagree... but I will continue inviting the discussion. I DO enjoy the discussion. So, in fact, I ironically invite you to keep expressing yourself. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/19/2012 8:55:59 PM | I meditate often and I practice yoga rather seriously. These are scientific practices,
not religions though they have been adopted within many religions, like fasting for
example. Practitioners of both eastern and western religions use these
practices and have for centuries in order to calm the nervous system,
manage anger, develop well-rounded personalities, cleanse the lymph and
blood systems, and bring good health and longevity to the body.
In common parlance they are often considered spiritual disciplines.
Ancient religions probably have their roots in meditative practices
combined with nature shamanism. Nobody knows for sure but it is
certainly the case that a non-religious person can have experiences
which would by most people be described as spiritual.
I claim no special abilities.
Sorry to have confused or offended anybody here. Creating confusion
and pissing off people with different philosophies was not my intent. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/19/2012 9:54:04 PM | I am joining this thread a bit late, so why is there a need for labeling someone. Atheist, spiritual, religious?
We judge on what we experience. So we display who we are by our actions and if you have the need to stand up and “Come out as an atheist,” how different are you?
Let me ask you something; your statment” embracing atheism feels pretty good, soothing and accurate
and rational and true.”
What is truth? | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/19/2012 10:26:51 PM | Your questions aren't very interesting to me. Not enough to spar
with you. Ask somebody else. Sorry. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/20/2012 2:42:57 AM | I think your assertion
that nobody cares is a bit, um... punk rockish.....
44 Christian presidents in a row does not indicate
a society where nobody cares
When I said "nobody cares" I wasn't making a social statement, I was saying nobody cares that you are an atheist. You are an atheist now.... Nothing has changed but your own perceptions. But don't worry, the Pope isn't going to personally lecture you about how wrong you are, and you will not be forced into a Christian re-education camp. Now go forth and sin no more. ;) I think you'll find more controversy about your personal decision right here than you will anywhere else on the planet.
Sorry to have confused or offended anybody here. Creating confusion
and pissing off people with different philosophies was not my intent.
You didn't. And I'll assume that your innate common sense will save you from becoming one of those self-congratulatory atheists we hear so much about, who isn't happy unless he's mocking someone who doesn't hold with equal fervor the same beliefs he does, because he never shuts up about it.
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/20/2012 4:38:04 AM | So he's being encouraged to leave one doctrine and adopt another ? LOL
Listen "The public square network" .. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/20/2012 9:00:40 AM | | Um.... Being an atheist does not require any doctrines. It simply means NOT believing in any gods. That is really all it means. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/20/2012 10:05:28 AM |
But don't worry, the Pope isn't going to personally lecture you about how wrong you are, and you will not be forced into a Christian re-education camp.
Are you sure about that? Are you living in a commune somewhere? Here in the US, polls clearly show that Atheists are one of the most despised groups in the country. People would vote for a Muslim before an Atheist. They trust a Gay man more than an Atheist. Atheists are considered by many to be Immoral.
Here in Texas, you are at serious risk if you reveal your Atheism among your co-workers and neighbors. You risk ostracism, hate crimes, and job loss.
To the OP, I strongly advise that you consider the social and political climate you live in. There are certainly parts of this country that will be more accepting, and many that will be less so.... | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/21/2012 7:39:06 AM | | I also commend you, OP. The more of us who come out, the sooner we, as a group, will potentially have a voice and be accepted by the rest of society. Wouldn't it be wonderful to see an atheist/agnostic POTUS in our lifetime? | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/21/2012 8:29:11 AM | Wouldn't it be wonderful to see an atheist/agnostic POTUS in our lifetime?
What for, so you could throw a party to pat each other on the back??? I'd vote for a dyed-in-the-wool Illuminati Space Brother *IF* I thought he would do his job based on the oath he swore to uphold the Constitution and Bill of Rights instead of giving a lot of lip service about whatever the f#ck his personal beliefs are.... because perceptions about religion or god don't actually prequalify anyone to be POTUS.
William Howard Taft didn't believe in the divinity of Jesus, but he couldn't get out of a bathtub either. COINCIDENCE?? Lol.
Here in the US, polls clearly show that Atheists are one of the most despised groups in the country.
I lived in Texas for a couple of years….. knew some atheists, worked with some. None of them ever ended up losing their jobs or hanging from short ropes in tall trees because of their personal beliefs. And this was back in the day, before being openly gay was all the rage.
Not saying nobody ever hated on an atheist. There are also a lot of Christians out there droning on and on about how persecuted they are for their beliefs… it’s the “institutionalized liberal media bias” or whatever accusatory phrase best covers their persecution complex. Polls, schmolls. If you ask people about their religious and political beliefs, you will ALWAYS get a lot of really bombastic, outspoken opinions either way. Why do you think the religion and politics forums have been hidden here? | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/21/2012 8:41:22 AM | Coming out as an atheist should elicit about as much fanfare these days as coming out as someone with brown hair or green eyes.
I feel I wasn't able to be spiritual until I left christianity. Indoctrination does not enhance one's spirit, it crushes it. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/21/2012 8:42:35 AM | What I'm not getting is why got from agnostic: "One who believes that it is impossible to know whether there is a God" to I'm atheist "One who disbelieves or denies the existence of God or gods"
Did you discover some tremendous new facts to totally prove how the universe came to be?
I think you can safely deny the existence of the bibles definitions of God because, not only is the concept ridiculous it's totally illogical but if you knew all that is knowable and so understand how the universe came to be you'd also have amassed the ability to create your own.
Best sticking with the agnostic tag mate, it's a lot easier to defend your opinion.  | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/21/2012 8:53:16 AM |
What for, so you could throw a party to pat each other on the back??? I'd vote for a dyed-in-the-wool Illuminati Space Brother *IF* I thought he would do his job based on the oath he swore to uphold the Constitution and Bill of Rights instead of giving a lot of lip service about whatever the f#ck his personal beliefs are.... because perceptions about religion or god don't actually prequalify anyone to be POTUS.
Agreed.
I don't get the whole atheist pride thing. For what, not believing in something??? Weird.
I'm a non practicing Catholic. I do not wear it on my sleeve, nor do I go out of my way to "come out" as a non-practicing Catholic. What for?
Can I get a light pat on the back or applause? Should I feel the need to seek that out???
Lot's of people were excited about our first black POTUS. Did that work out all that well?
I voted for him. But I can't say I'm happy about it, being unemployed for the first time in 35 years and all. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/21/2012 9:10:58 AM | The reason for applaud....................he has finally evolved enough to see the light
Ah...so being "evolved" requires belittling others with beliefs which differ from your own?
I'm glad I've evolved past that childish milestone in evolution. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/21/2012 9:33:10 AM | | Praise the Lord. Another atheist fulfills prophecy. Jesus told us there would be people like you showing up in this antichrist generation. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/21/2012 11:45:32 AM | | I'm straight up atheist. I don't believe there is a god, and I don't care. My family, however, is mostly christian baptist and it bothers them (particularly my dad and sister because the former finds it stupid while the other is EXTREME with her religion, so she tries to convert me once a week). It's part of the reason I'm the black sheep of the family. Despite this, I still treat them with love. I've actually been verbally attacked once in a philosophy class when I said I was an atheist (by two super christian women and four other students who were baffled by my answer). Despite this, I tell people I'm an atheist, it's just a part of me I'm not going to deny or water down for anyone. If they don't like it, they can kiss my ***. | |
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| Coming out as an atheist
Posted: 6/21/2012 12:57:35 PM | Unless you are absolutely, postively sure that you believe in nothing, stick with Agnostic.
Also, alot of people with a religious bent find Agnostics significantly more palatable than Atheists.
So, unless you're looking for social conflict, Agnostic is easier and less confrontational. If that doesn't matter to you, then keep it to yourself unless the discussion comes up and you feel comfortable sharing that information. | |
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