Comment

Comment by Madison Burnett on August 7, 2011 at 8:50pm

Thank you

Comment by Jennifer on August 7, 2011 at 8:46pm

The American Atheists web site has an article that might be some help to you:

 

http://www.atheists.org/atheism/coming_out

 

I think they have some great advice, and even give some tips on how best to answer the inhabitable questions you will get from your mom, and other family or friends that you talk to about it.

 

Hope that helps!

 

Comment by Madison Burnett on August 7, 2011 at 6:08pm

anyone have an advice on how to maybe broach the subject of one's nonthiestic-ness (if there is such a word) to their highly conservative/religious mother who will not be able to ever come close to understanding how/why i no longer believe?

Comment by Marshall on August 7, 2011 at 3:36pm

 

Just wanted to invite everyone to listen to a recently released discussion with Darrel Ray. It's a in depth talk with Darrel about his recently released sex survey. You can find it here: http://agnosticsalvation.podomatic.com/ .

 

It's a pretty fun and informative interview and we have it on fairly good authority that the Flying Spaghetti Monster will be most displeased if you pass up on this opportunity. Is not listening to it really worth an eternity of stale beer and herpes? Personally, I wouldn’t take the chance.

Marshall

 

Comment by Earther on July 18, 2011 at 9:35am

How do we know if we have completely recovered?  Are born atheist completely recovered from religion? If we relax our views will something crazy pop into our heads?  Is our biggest fear laziness?

Comment by Prog Rock Girl on July 18, 2011 at 8:44am

After being atheist for a few years I definitely have chilled out about it. I don't think I will ever get into religion/spirituality again b/c I remember all the doubts I had during that time but being atheist isn't as much of a big deal anymore, and I don't have any rose-colored glasses about atheists all being superior or free of logical fallacies (just the fact that so many atheists think there is no such thing as an ex-atheist; this is identical to "once you've found Christ you can't reject him"). As for him being not really everything, well some people have a hard time with categories. When dabbling in different religions it seemed they were like brand names.

Comment by Lyra Silvertongue on July 14, 2011 at 10:23pm

It does sound like the pressures are coming from within, and also that part of his brain does know it's a scam. See his last quote in the next-to-last paragraph.

Comment by Adelita D on July 14, 2011 at 6:08pm

unfortunately I can relate....having been indoctrinated and then leaving and then going back under pressure a couple times it really is difficult to not fall back into the familiar.  The last 2 years have been hard but worth it.  I have to say that since our resignation letter was sent I feel such a release that I don't feel any pressure to go back ever again.  I have let it go.  I suppose I could relapse again, but it is doubtful as I have the support of my husband and children....am I still learning and healing?  yes...hopefully to be able to think clearly and have less and less guilt.  I think this young man wanted to be an atheist and not believe, but he has too many pressures to go back.  Even if those pressures are within his own head.

Comment by Darrel Ray on July 13, 2011 at 9:12pm

I agree, the story was not that dramatic but much more interesting was the obvious psychological issues that he seems oblivious to.  I think Bill caught the essence of his delusion. At the same time, people are clearly tempted to "go back" to religion and I think it is important to understand what happens to make that possible.  NY City Atheists are having a program on that very issue this week. It is titled "the Siren Song of Religion" led by two people who have done it and survived to tall about it.

Comment by Clarence Dember on July 12, 2011 at 12:06am

I think back at times to my youth in Roman Catholic grammar School. The thing those grim beings of the Dominican order were trying to inculcate was the mistaken notion that a collective sock puppet owned everybody's process. This is the rational for everything else against equanimity, poise. and grace that they did to and against the youth.

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