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Atheism in my world.
Fortunately for me, my family respects me and they don't dare ask me why I don't believe(they don't want know what I know), they understand that I am still the same person, after I told them how irrational they were being about it and I understood why the were upset.
It is hard being at work or in class though, most don't know, and I don't like hearing about god and jesus all day and it gives me a headache how people relate it to everything. They all think so illogically,or rather they just repeat what their preacher says or fox news sigh..... (very popular here). I just want to tell them WAKE UP, there is so much more to the world than what you are seeing, but its not that easy. I am grateful that there are some who actually practice what they preach, they respectfully tell me that they believe those that don't believe(they don't say me specifically, but they might as well) are going to hell. I think those people just don't believe that I disbelieve, and they want to really know if I don't, so that's what they say. The look on their face is priceless when they see the smirk on my face after they say that. Not all of the faithful are unreasonable people, some won't understand no matter what you say, I like to show the people that know I'm an atheist that I am not a bad person and the morality that I have chosen for myself helps me more than any religious doctrine ever could have. I think they are starting to see that saying you can't do something, makes you want to do it that much more and that is the reason why I have had people tell me that they view me as a "better" person than a large majority of the people in there churches. I view religion as a harmful institution, but I don't go around preaching the good news of logic. There are other ways to approach it and yes, there are good times to put doubt and facts into someone's mind. I feel like I'm helping individuals, as well as humanity overall when I introduce facts into a skewed view of reality, full of lies taken as truth. Even in this overwhelmingly cult-like place called Mississippi, I have had some success promoting logic, reason, and a more positive view of atheism to some, I hope that gives you hope and more confidence.
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Comment by Rejectthegods on May 17, 2012 at 10:02pm -
I packed up and moved to Maryland. It is wonderful. I don't regret it for one second! After 40 years in Mississippi it is just unbelievable how different it is. Thanks for your work.
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Comment by annet on April 20, 2012 at 11:46am -
You are doing good work. Though if possible you might want to travel and get a break sometimes or escape as Ruth did. I actually had to say these words to a Buddhist in Seattle recently: "Atheists are not all mean and most are nice." Arg. You are not alone.
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Comment by Ruth Anthony-Gardner on April 19, 2012 at 8:42pm -
Living in Mississippi, no wonder you get a headache from theism-immersion. Just remember that after you've finished all of your schooling, you can consider relocating to a major metropolis on the East Coast. I headed for the nearest big city as soon as I got my B.S., and never looked back.
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I was going to set up a group for Deaf Atheists, but figured I'd probably be alone in here if I did that so I figured I'd open it to anyone who knows sign language or even interested in learning it.
Loren Miller replied to Eric's discussion Vatican halted trial for man accused by deaf boys in the group Signing Atheists"I don't know if this is the trial you're referring to, and unfortunately, your link no longer refers to an active page, but back in February of 2013, HBO aired a brilliant if disturbing piece: Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God,…"
Dennis Michael Pennington commented on blue pashmina's blog post Not believing in an afterlife does not mean i am a "sad' person."Living forever is not what it's cracked up to be. I'm not sad, but I do get tired more often. Imagine how sad and tired you would be after a few hundred years of singing praises and hosannas with God. Maybe it wouldn't even take that…"
"awesome finds Mel! keep em coming!"
Dennis Michael Pennington commented on Wyatt's blog post Theists, Cargo Cults, and Logic"I agree with Two Cult Survivor. The theist already knows that he is correct, and he has the evidence, the Holy Bible - the "word of God." The theist puts it on YOU to show evidence that God is non-existent and he walks around talking to…"
Steph S. commented on Ruth Anthony-Gardner's group Hang With Friends"Summer school starts next week for me."
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