Okay, so I'm an atheist, what now?

[flobadob]

I've pretty much been an atheist, that is I find the idea of a God preposterous, since I was in my mid teens. Admittedly, I will go to Mass on occasions such as weddings, funerals, anniversaries and the like. Furthermore when I go to Mass I do the whole communion thing and sing along a little if I know the words.

I'm not overly vocal on the matter except sometimes when it comes up in drunken conversations and after that I'm usually annoyed as it usually takes over my whole mindframe once set in for the evening.

Anyway, basically what I'm wondering is, I'm 33 now, so far as I know I'm always going to feel this way but what should I do about it? Do I just continue on the way I am, doing nothing about my beliefs, or should I be out Jehova style imposing my opinions on the world?

What do you people think?

[jomifl]

An atheist with beliefs! keep quiet about it, people won't believe you.

[petal54]

you can have beliefs without faith, but if you have a faith,can you see beyond your belief?

[FredPuli43]

When you were not a Christian did you go around telling people that you were? Did the question of your religion ever come up in sober conversation? No?
Well, it's the same with atheism.
So, it's just in drink that atheism and religion come up, is it? Well, you'll just have to avoid talking religion and atheism when the booze flows, as it upsets you. You're a bit unlucky; round here nobody cares enough to talk intensely beyond soccer, religion is far outside our repertoire!
Don't go promoting it. If people want to believe nonsense but it comforts them, let them, is my atheist view. Anyway, Richard Dawkins hasn't announced that you are his son with whom he is well pleased, yet.

[FredPuli43]

Typo. "When you were a Christian..." not 'not a Christian'

[jomifl]

I think he's been taken with the drink...

[naomi24]

Flob, If you're thinking of stepping up on a soap box to spread the word, you need to be sure you know your stuff because you're going to meet a whole lot of hecklers!

[sandyRoe]

The AB theists will weep to hear that their powerfully persuasive antagonists have beguiled another poor soul into their godless ways.

[naomi24]

Sandy, perhaps if those theists had a sensible argument to offer - or indeed any argument at all - they'd have a better chance at success. ;o)

Night. x

[beso]

I have been in the same place. When we realise that, far from being the way to serenity and peace, the worst of the human conditon is actually a product of the fascist Abrahamic mentality it is difficult to avoid wanting to say so.

It is never pretty though. Better to put the energy into a place where people come to talk about controversial philosophy. Nobody wants to get into heavy stuff while they're having a drink.

[jomifl]

Try harder Sandy.

[WF8MAN]

You could start your own seudo-religion! I might join when God snuff it!!

[WF8MAN]

Sorry, I missed the "s" out of snuff it!

[jomifl]

How does a pseudo religion differ from any other religion? Don't they all share the same god?

[keyplus90]

What you should be doing now?

Good question, just keep your mind open and think about one thing. What do you know about the god you do not believe in?

[jomifl]

God...what god?

[jomifl]

Keyplus, what do you know(I mean actually know) about the god that you believe in?

[Zacs-Master]

I think he believes it doesn't exist keyplus. That's the whole point.

[flobadob]

I don't mind the fact that keyplus always stands his ground and he has never said anything disrespectful to me but keyplus, the idea of someone overseeing such an insignificant speck as our planet seems incomprehensible to me. That said, I've yet to see any credible hypothesis for the fact that there is a universe. Those big bang programmes I find ramble on with no real killer point. I digress.

[naomi24]

Keyplus, //just keep your mind open ...//

What, just as you do? ;o)

[China Doll]

Unless it comes up naturally in conversation or I'm answering a particular question, I've never really felt the need to discuss my lack of belief. I'm not going to convince anyone that their belief is wrong in much the same way a religious person is never going to convince me that a deity of any form exists.