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Paul Monroe

Male

Irving, TX

United States

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About Me: I am 17, and an undercover atheist in a Christian home. 99% of my family and friends are Christians, most evangelical fundamentalists. I recently decided believing in God is not smart at all. I am seeking secret fellowship from other atheists because I am extremely sheltered. I started doubting God after I began studying creation "science". Even as a Christian, I thought the theories were stupid. So I was an "old earth creationist", but I still wasn't satisfied. I had to just ignored obvious fallacies, because I was scared of being damned to hell for doubting (childhood indoctrination is POWERFUL). The biggest problem I could not explain was the age of the Universe. I knew that stars, galaxies, etc. took millions of years to form. So I didn't understand why God would make the Universe appear old. I eventually decided that apparent age and real age are indistinguishable. I started to watch debates between atheists (Hitchens, Dawkins...) and creationists (particularly William Lane Craig, whose books I once believed). I was shocked how all of the arguments that I was taught, and saved up for when I'd actually meet an atheist, were all refuted effortlessly! This and many other factors led to me abandoning my bronze age fantasy...
Age Group: 14-17
City and State (For Member Searching): Irving, TX
Country (For Member Searching): United States

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Wyatt

Paul, I sympathize with your situation. The God hypothesis is deeply unsatisfying. It is a lazy explanation because it explains nothing at all. As for the problem of childhood indoctrination, I have composed several articles, but I think the following three might be most relevant:

http://www.atheistnexus.org/profiles/blogs/indoctrination-versus-ed...

http://www.atheistnexus.org/profiles/blogs/on-the-religious-indoctr...

http://www.atheistnexus.org/profiles/blogs/the-naturalist

Nov 5, 2012
Wyatt

”As soon as we abandon our own reason, and are content to rely upon authority, there is no end to our troubles.” (Bertrand Russell)

"When you are studying any matter, or considering any philosophy, ask yourself only: What are the facts, and what is the truth that the facts bear out. Never let yourself be diverted, either by what you wish to believe, or what you think could have beneficent social effects if it were believed; but look only and solely at what are the facts." (Russell)

Nov 19, 2012
Wyatt

Had to revise that. The correct quote is "upon" not "on." I have found great inspiration in the many works of Bertrand Russell. He wrote extensively on almost any subject you could name. Perhaps he will inspire you as well. I wish you the best Paul.

Nov 19, 2012