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?

[keyplus90]

Flob – What you believe is insignificant might not be as such. I am not a scientist but I do read here and there that how precisely this planet called earth has been placed in our solar system when it comes to be good or bad for life. Then its not the insignificance of a speck that counts, it’s the significance of the creator who created it.

I have said this before and here it is again. Majority of the people in the West have given up belief in God only due to the wrong doings of the Church and idea of God presented to them by Christianity and made worse by the Greek mythology. Obviously if someone asks me to believe that there is a white bearded man sitting in the sky and he is God then perhaps I may think twice too. And then there is trinity that has confused it even further.

But my sincere advice is that first of all ignore the people who wants you to just believe in what they believe or those who have decided to close their eyes and say do not believe in anything. In this case even ignore me and what I believe in as I do not want you to think that I am pushing you somewhere because it’s not me, or anyone else but God himself who shows the right path to those who are willing to look for it. Keep thinking and if you are sincere with your own feelings then one day you would find what you are looking for. Just keep looking and ignore those who would try telling you that there is nothing to look for. Because in my mind that is not what few call open mind.

[flobadob]

The paedophile priests and the like weren't any part of my decision not to believe, it is more that I can't contemplate the idea of a sentient entity with no particular form, overseeing existence. And even if that were the case I completely discount any notion of heaven or hell or everlasting life in said places.

Maybe I could agree that the mind never dies upon death but it experiences either good or bad feelings after the body has expired depending on how one judges themselves.

[jomifl]

Keyplus, as ever there is more than one interpretation of everything. Instead of the Earth having been placed in exactly the right place for life to inhabit it, it could be that life evolved on a planet that was suitable for life to evolve. The theory of evolution does away with the need to invoke a god to put everything in 'the right place' and create the correct creatures so they can all interact in a way at present beyond our understanding. No prayers needed either.

[cathfromsaron]

IMHO if you are athiest, you should not disrespect the church by 'playing along'. live by what you believe.

[jomifl]

That might cause offence Cath.

[naomi24]

Cath, I don't understand what you mean. How is going to weddings etc, and singing along with hymns disrespecting the church?

[flobadob]

Cath, in my opinion most people who are religious, especially older people, completely change their attitude once they know of my belief. To one of contempt. They are not open to discourse on the matter. I don't have any problem going through the motions of Mass and its easier than peeing people off by not doing it.

[mibn2cweus]

I was as first surprised when greeted by contempt for refusing to subscribe and pander to unfounded beliefs until I realised that unquestioning agreement is the backbone upon which such beliefs are supported. Refusal to rock the boat is the only thing keeping it afloat upon the truth it displaces ultimately contributing to an ever widening and fathomless sea of lies. God exists solely in the mind of the believer by virtue of ones refusal to shine the light of reason in His direction.

[naomi24]

Keyplus, //Majority of the people in the West have given up belief in God only due to the wrong doings of the Church and idea of God presented to them by Christianity//

How do you know that? How many Christian sermons have you listened to in western churches? In my experience most Christians have no idea of the history of the church, or of their religion, and base their faith on the erroneous image of Christ as portrayed by their teachers – you know, that meek and gentle Jesus who was born in a stable, son of a virgin and a supernatural benevolent god, and who died to save their sins. Those who have given up that idea have done so because they’ve discovered that, like the teachings of the other Abrahamic religions, it’s the biggest lie ever told.

[mibn2cweus]

The majority of people, in all four hemispheres, are wrong for clinging to ancient superstitions that would never have been adopted in the first place if belief had never been allowed to take presidence over the facts in ongoing efforts to come to grips with reality. Belief in an arbitrary overseer of reality, which has with every stone turned proved an erroneous assumption, is unquestionably one of the biggest stumbling blocks humanity has ever encountered in the pursuit of understanding the world around us, our proper place within it and how best to relate to each other.

Atheism is not in itself an answer to life's questions but a manifestation of ones refusal to accept anything short of understanding in pursuit of those answers. The value of knowing is only fully appreciated through the process of learning and a wealth of riches lie before us all enabling us each to enjoy the benefits provided with the placement of each new puzzle piece in the beautiful mosaic of a reality waiting patiently on our honesty, integrity, ability and initiative to be revealed.

[flobadob]

Would anyone agree that most people don't actually think about there beliefs? They just believe what they believe due to their upbringing. For example if keyplus was adopted by an english couple when he was born he would now be a protestant, and may be less adamant in his views. Is that fair to say?

[sandyRoe]

There are Protestants in N Ireland who are as fanatical about their beliefs as any zealot from any other religion. If Keyplus had been adopted by someone like the Rev Ian Paisley, God knows where he'd be now.
People who are nominally religious probably don't give much thought to religion.
Paradoxically, it seems to be atheists who have given great thought to the question before arriving at their disbelief.

[naomi24]

Flob, yes that is fair to say.

[starone]

What I can't understand is the huge number of people who say they are Christians if asked but never set foot in a Church. In this street of 50 or so houses only one household go to church every Sunday - unless ill. I heard this majority referred to as CMB Christians - only going to church to be christened, married and buried.

[sandyRoe]

I suppose if they use the Church to baptise their children, marry them, and eventually bury them, they're Christians of a sort.

[rozia]

don't do anything, just be what you want, its not a bad thing to be what you want. Your entitled to an opinion on anything, but try not to impose your atheism on others, enjoy life, be happy....xx

[flobadob]

Sandy I will be doing all those things to appease.

[gemzbok]

I think if you're pretty happy with your beliefs, just be happy, no need to force them down other peoples throats, but in the same way, people should respect your beliefs and not try to force you to change. Have you read 'The God Delusion' by Richard Dawkins or Derren Browns 'Tricks of the Mind' book? Both make for very interesting reading. I guess what I'm saying is, just enjoy being happy in yourself and your beliefs, whilst not letting anyone make you change :)

[flobadob]

I don't really like Dawkins or Brown gemzbok, so no. But I did just find this question I posted two years ago on the same subject. Weird http://www.theanswerb...y/Question885115.html

[ladybirder]

flobadob, yes that is fair to say, in fact you have described me. It actually took me until recently to decide I didn't believe in any god after being brought up in a BMD household, sent to Sunday school as a child etc. Life got in the way and I never had time to think about it but I was aware I felt uneasy describing myself as a Christian. After I retired I really had time to think about it. And it has been such a relief to me. I don't know why, but it has.