Greetings, BlueJeanGirl! I notice you haven't been active at Atheist Nexus lately. <sigh> Sometimes it can seem a bit fragmented, with different groups for every interest. Please consider a group for socializing, where we talk about whatever's on our minds, Hang With Friends. :D You might feel more at home.

Hello Blue Jean Girl!

Welcome to the world of reality, congratulations on your courage to face the truth.

One of the sad realities that you’re going to face is that not all people are ready to stop drinking the purple cool aid. It’s not always a matter of logic when you’re debating, it’s a matter understanding what motivates him and what he feels is being threatened.

There are a lot of great resources to sharpen your philosophical prowl. Youtube has always been one of my favorites; Richard Dawkins has a number of great lectures that are both very fun to watch, and greatly informative, though his books are amazingly logical, they can be a bit dry for some. Hitchens has some great books, though keep in mind; he’s kind of the poster boy for Atheist rebels, so he tends to be very combative. If you Google “The Friendly Atheist”, or search for the pod casts, “American Free Thought” and “The Good Atheist”, that should get you off on the right foot.

This could be a great opportunity to find some independent social resources in your area. Most large cities have atheist groups that meet in person. Always invite your husband, explaining that he’s welcomes to come and listen, should he be willing to respect those around him. Perhaps go the first time on your own and make sure they are ok with your bringing somebody who might be a bit Christian. Some people use these groups to get away from debates, and don’t always welcome it.

I understand what you’re going through will be tough, and I would never be so ignorant to tell somebody they should, or should not leave their spouse. That is entirely your choice, but should it come to the point that you think it might be affecting you marriage or child, ask your self what you would need to strike out on your own. If I could give any advice that I feel is certain, you need to stand tall. If you’re not ready to debate on the matter, then don’t. Simply tell him that you feel he’s wrong, and that if he wants to see what the other side of the debate has found, you would be happy to help him research it. But remind him that if he’s not ready to change his views no matter what the data says, that there is little point in arguing over the matter.



Cheers,

Jeremy Milne
Jeremymilne.com

This may help in your arguments with your husband.

http://www.atheistnexus.org/profiles/blogs/religious-atrocities-his...

What's going on? I don't know how it is for you in Indiana but I stay in the Lafayette area and there is nothing good (especially as an atheist) here for you to come back for.

if ur a boarder a surfer or a biker or other join boardersbikersandsurfers

Welcome to AN fellow Hoosier! We're glad to have you here.
(I'm in Fishers.)

I've been trying to get a discussion group together. If you're interested, check out the topic in the Indiana Atheists group.

I'm very happy for your children that they're not being raised with delusional fears. I remember being afraid of hell as a child -- what exactly might make you or one of your loved ones go to a place to be tortured forever? -The rules were never very clear, thus making the whole concept that much more terrifying.

Welcome! And congratulations for being one of the few willing to put reason before delusion in a state where most people see US as delusional.

Welcome fellow Hoosier.
I had similar feelings after our first daughter was born. I could not have the sweetest thing that I have ever known live in fear of Hell or believing in a book that places her as a second class citizen.
I know you will find other freethinkers in your area. Look at meetup.com.

Thank you for joining ALL THINGS CHTHONIC. I look forward to your contributions. Be sure to select “follow” on the right hand side of the group page so that you are automatically notified of new posts.

Welcome to the group!