So i don't believe in God anymore...........

Just say calmly I am questioning my faith and I need my space. Don't say that you are athiest.

rockerbikie

good advice.

atheists still get really horrible looks and judgements these days.

Always fascinating to see that people believe a specific age means one can automatically support them self.LJS9502_basic

I for one think it's bad parenting when parents cease to support their child because they're not seeing eye to eye on religion.

I told my parents I was an atheist when I was 15 and they respected my decision even though they're fairly religious.

that is cool, just understand I am making my comments based on observations, and your experiences likely differ from mine when dealing with Christians.

In my experience, Christianity prevents people from doing a lot of things; smoking, drinking, premarital sex, questioning authority, recreational drug use, homosexual relationships...all these things are perceived as bad because of our Christian-based culture, but in reality they really are not. Theyre in the grey area, and Christianity (again, in my experience), has zero tolerance for the grey area.

I do not hate religion, and I apologize if I came off as if I am bashing it (I can understand if you feel that way, I didnt really sugarcoat my opinion), but it is just how I feel, and it is relevant to my reality and the people I interact with.

mrbojangles25

I think that's largely due to the fact that most engaged religious people, from my experience, tend to be primarily concerned with their own salvation first and foremost, which means that they will forgo many things they would otherwise do simply because they feel that doing otherwise will land them in eternal hellfire, not because they actually don't want to do them. Not exactly the healthiest states of mind to be in, and in my view that frame of mind utterly misses the entire point, too.

[QUOTE="rockerbikie"]

Just say calmly I am questioning my faith and I need my space. Don't say that you are athiest.

good advice.

atheists still get really horrible looks and judgements these days.

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

that is cool, just understand I am making my comments based on observations, and your experiences likely differ from mine when dealing with Christians.

In my experience, Christianity prevents people from doing a lot of things; smoking, drinking, premarital sex, questioning authority, recreational drug use, homosexual relationships...all these things are perceived as bad because of our Christian-based culture, but in reality they really are not. Theyre in the grey area, and Christianity (again, in my experience), has zero tolerance for the grey area.

I do not hate religion, and I apologize if I came off as if I am bashing it (I can understand if you feel that way, I didnt really sugarcoat my opinion), but it is just how I feel, and it is relevant to my reality and the people I interact with.

GabuEx

I think that's largely due to the fact that most engaged religious people, from my experience, tend to be primarily concerned with their own salvation first and foremost, which means that they will forgo many things they would otherwise do simply because they feel that doing otherwise will land them in eternal hellfire, not because they actually don't want to do them. Not exactly the healthiest states of mind to be in, and in my view that frame of mind utterly misses the entire point, too.

yea...I wish the religion would get an update. Whatever "the authority" is (the Pope?) needs to just come out, say some things, basically "Hey people ,relax, be kind to your fellows, dont do anything illegal or anything that goes against your conscience, and try to have fun. You won't go to hell for smoking pot in your 20s, you better get some practice in bed before getting married, etc"

Religion, specifically locally-organized religion, does a lot of good on the immediate vicinity of where it is practiced, but the entire organized religion is just...awful. Nothing should be as absolute as Christianity.

[QUOTE="Rekunta"]

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"]Assumptions are not truths...LJS9502_basic

It's not an assumption. You think that everyone suffers equally? That some suffer more than others is pretty much the only truth in life I know.

Nope, I do know. I'd post a picture of Tom Cruise opposite a starving African child eating dirt who's a bag of skin and bones about to die, but don't wish to be modded. All people are not the same, their life situation is not the same, their suffering is not the same.

I come from a very religious family my dad is a deacon and i was dragged to church every week for like 17 years and i stopped going to church and believing in god when i was about 18 and they still have no idea about my beliefs and i dont plan on telling them until i move out.

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

that is cool, just understand I am making my comments based on observations, and your experiences likely differ from mine when dealing with Christians.

In my experience, Christianity prevents people from doing a lot of things; smoking, drinking, premarital sex, questioning authority, recreational drug use, homosexual relationships...all these things are perceived as bad because of our Christian-based culture, but in reality they really are not. Theyre in the grey area, and Christianity (again, in my experience), has zero tolerance for the grey area.

I do not hate religion, and I apologize if I came off as if I am bashing it (I can understand if you feel that way, I didnt really sugarcoat my opinion), but it is just how I feel, and it is relevant to my reality and the people I interact with.

mrbojangles25

I think that's largely due to the fact that most engaged religious people, from my experience, tend to be primarily concerned with their own salvation first and foremost, which means that they will forgo many things they would otherwise do simply because they feel that doing otherwise will land them in eternal hellfire, not because they actually don't want to do them. Not exactly the healthiest states of mind to be in, and in my view that frame of mind utterly misses the entire point, too.

yea...I wish the religion would get an update. Whatever "the authority" is (the Pope?) needs to just come out, say some things, basically "Hey people ,relax, be kind to your fellows, dont do anything illegal or anything that goes against your conscience, and try to have fun. You won't go to hell for smoking pot in your 20s, you better get some practice in bed before getting married, etc"

Religion, specifically locally-organized religion, does a lot of good on the immediate vicinity of where it is practiced, but the entire organized religion is just...awful. Nothing should be as absolute as Christianity.

I think humans need an update, not religion. :P

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

that is cool, just understand I am making my comments based on observations, and your experiences likely differ from mine when dealing with Christians.

In my experience, Christianity prevents people from doing a lot of things; smoking, drinking, premarital sex, questioning authority, recreational drug use, homosexual relationships...all these things are perceived as bad because of our Christian-based culture, but in reality they really are not. Theyre in the grey area, and Christianity (again, in my experience), has zero tolerance for the grey area.

I do not hate religion, and I apologize if I came off as if I am bashing it (I can understand if you feel that way, I didnt really sugarcoat my opinion), but it is just how I feel, and it is relevant to my reality and the people I interact with.

GabuEx

I think that's largely due to the fact that most engaged religious people, from my experience, tend to be primarily concerned with their own salvation first and foremost, which means that they will forgo many things they would otherwise do simply because they feel that doing otherwise will land them in eternal hellfire, not because they actually don't want to do them. Not exactly the healthiest states of mind to be in, and in my view that frame of mind utterly misses the entire point, too.

you'll have to pardon the analogy, but...

I was a momma's boy for 19 of my 26 years of existence; I was afraid to disappoint her, mostly due to the feeling I was letting her down, but also due to the dire consequences if I specifically disobeyed her (which, i nfact, were not so dire...I was often harder on myself than she ever was). Even when I went to college and she could never find out what I was doing, I still acted as if she was omnipotent lol.

I cannot help but think the religious live in a similiar state to this; theyre afraid of disappointing God or even fear his punishment.

All I can say is that the day I started treating my mom as a person with often-wise advice and not the ultimate authority, was one of my happiest days of my life and the true beginning of my adult life.

/end embaressing tangent lol

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

I think that's largely due to the fact that most engaged religious people, from my experience, tend to be primarily concerned with their own salvation first and foremost, which means that they will forgo many things they would otherwise do simply because they feel that doing otherwise will land them in eternal hellfire, not because they actually don't want to do them. Not exactly the healthiest states of mind to be in, and in my view that frame of mind utterly misses the entire point, too.

GabuEx

yea...I wish the religion would get an update. Whatever "the authority" is (the Pope?) needs to just come out, say some things, basically "Hey people ,relax, be kind to your fellows, dont do anything illegal or anything that goes against your conscience, and try to have fun. You won't go to hell for smoking pot in your 20s, you better get some practice in bed before getting married, etc"

Religion, specifically locally-organized religion, does a lot of good on the immediate vicinity of where it is practiced, but the entire organized religion is just...awful. Nothing should be as absolute as Christianity.

I think humans need an update, not religion. :P

that, too.

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

yea...I wish the religion would get an update. Whatever "the authority" is (the Pope?) needs to just come out, say some things, basically "Hey people ,relax, be kind to your fellows, dont do anything illegal or anything that goes against your conscience, and try to have fun. You won't go to hell for smoking pot in your 20s, you better get some practice in bed before getting married, etc"

Religion, specifically locally-organized religion, does a lot of good on the immediate vicinity of where it is practiced, but the entire organized religion is just...awful. Nothing should be as absolute as Christianity.

I think humans need an update, not religion. :P

that, too.

To the TC, congratulations, you've just taken your first step into a larger world =D To be honest, and fair, I think there's a lot of good things in the bible. But, I also think there's more outrageous WTF moments in the bible. I really did give it a chance at one point in my life, but I just couldn't get used to being closed minded.

It sounds like you have a grudge against God instead of not really believing in him.

Maybe you should reflect on what you're really praying for. Did you even act on the problem or do you just need somone to point the finger at? I kinda picture it like those 16 year old's who aren't even happy with a BMW. How could you possibly evolve or appreciate anything if you just got down on your knees and then poof, problem fixed.

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"][QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

true, but at least you will be an educated atheist that can argue from both sides

and welcome to the club? I guess. Anyway, prepare yourself for a happier life free of needless guilt, pressure, etc.. Focus on humanity, not fiction.

mrbojangles25

that is cool, just understand I am making my comments based on observations, and your experiences likely differ from mine when dealing with Christians.

In my experience, Christianity prevents people from doing a lot of things; smoking, drinking, premarital sex, questioning authority, recreational drug use, homosexual relationships...all these things are perceived as bad because of our Christian-based culture, but in reality they really are not. Theyre in the grey area, and Christianity (again, in my experience), has zero tolerance for the grey area.

I do not hate religion, and I apologize if I came off as if I am bashing it (I can understand if you feel that way, I didnt really sugarcoat my opinion), but it is just how I feel, and it is relevant to my reality and the people I interact with.

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

[QUOTE="GabuEx"]

I think humans need an update, not religion. :P

rockerbikie

that, too.

Dr. Evil approves

I'd wait to tell them until they can take you a bit more seriously, or you can back up what you believe quite well.

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

[QUOTE="LJS9502_basic"] Oddly I am happy and I don't go about feeling guilt or pressure.Silenthps

that is cool, just understand I am making my comments based on observations, and your experiences likely differ from mine when dealing with Christians.

In my experience, Christianity prevents people from doing a lot of things; smoking, drinking, premarital sex, questioning authority, recreational drug use, homosexual relationships...all these things are perceived as bad because of our Christian-based culture, but in reality they really are not. Theyre in the grey area, and Christianity (again, in my experience), has zero tolerance for the grey area.

I do not hate religion, and I apologize if I came off as if I am bashing it (I can understand if you feel that way, I didnt really sugarcoat my opinion), but it is just how I feel, and it is relevant to my reality and the people I interact with.

I am not well versed on the Bible, so please forgive me, but I thought you had to learn and accept Christianity, i.e. you practice Christianity.

I guess what I am saying is that you need to put effort into being Christian, therefore it is not exactly natural.

So the difference between a false Christian and true Christian is pointless, both are practicing and subscribing to the dogma, which is good enough.

I'm so glad I didn't have to go through the whole believer to non-believer process. Having to go to church for 15 years and not believing the whole time made for an interesting educational experience. wstfld

out of curiosity, how did you maintain your sanity?

I am not well versed on the Bible, so please forgive me, but I thought you had to learn and accept Christianity, i.e. you practice Christianity.

I guess what I am saying is that you need to put effort into being Christian, therefore it is not exactly natural.

So the difference between a false Christian and true Christian is pointless, both are practicing and subscribing to the dogma, which is good enough.

mrbojangles25

Again, this more or less comes back to the version of Christianity that basically misses the whole point, and makes it out as though the reason one should be a Christian is because one wants to go to heaven.

[QUOTE="Silenthps"][QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

that is cool, just understand I am making my comments based on observations, and your experiences likely differ from mine when dealing with Christians.

In my experience, Christianity prevents people from doing a lot of things; smoking, drinking, premarital sex, questioning authority, recreational drug use, homosexual relationships...all these things are perceived as bad because of our Christian-based culture, but in reality they really are not. Theyre in the grey area, and Christianity (again, in my experience), has zero tolerance for the grey area.

I do not hate religion, and I apologize if I came off as if I am bashing it (I can understand if you feel that way, I didnt really sugarcoat my opinion), but it is just how I feel, and it is relevant to my reality and the people I interact with.

mrbojangles25

I am not well versed on the Bible, so please forgive me, but I thought you had to learn and accept Christianity, i.e. you practice Christianity.

I guess what I am saying is that you need to put effort into being Christian, therefore it is not exactly natural.

So the difference between a false Christian and true Christian is pointless, both are practicing and subscribing to the dogma, which is good enough.

I'm atheist and was raised Catholic and can't say I like the idea of rejecting God because "he doesn't answer my prayers", sounds really immature and like you never thought of real reasons "why?". The way you describe sounds really immature.

I stopped believing when I was 11, for me it was logical and no longer made sense to believe. As for your parents, go to church and suck it up. They give you a place to stay, roof over your head, food to eat and really it is the least you can do. You could be worse off than going to church every Sunday. I told my parents I didn't believe early but still respected them enough to go to church. I hit 17 / 18 then I said I am stopping and they had no qualms.

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

[QUOTE="Silenthps"] Truth is, if you are a false Christian it probably is better for you to just be an atheist then to face the needless guilt of abstaining from things you don't even think is wrong. If you're truly a child of God, you'd abhor all those sins and it is a joy to not partake in such things. Silenthps

I am not well versed on the Bible, so please forgive me, but I thought you had to learn and accept Christianity, i.e. you practice Christianity.

I guess what I am saying is that you need to put effort into being Christian, therefore it is not exactly natural.

So the difference between a false Christian and true Christian is pointless, both are practicing and subscribing to the dogma, which is good enough.

One does not have to believe in something to necessarily understand the logic behind it, but then again when there is no logic behind that something, it doesnt help.

out of curiosity, what specific form or practice or whatever of Christianity do you subscribe to?

[QUOTE="Silenthps"]

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

I am not well versed on the Bible, so please forgive me, but I thought you had to learn and accept Christianity, i.e. you practice Christianity.

I guess what I am saying is that you need to put effort into being Christian, therefore it is not exactly natural.

So the difference between a false Christian and true Christian is pointless, both are practicing and subscribing to the dogma, which is good enough.

mrbojangles25

One does not have to believe in something to necessarily understand the logic behind it, but then again when there is no logic behind that something, it doesnt help.

out of curiosity, what specific form or practice or whatever of Christianity do you subscribe to?

[QUOTE="mrbojangles25"]

[QUOTE="Silenthps"]Well according to the bible, to be a Christian you must be "born again", and that's a supernatural act in which God transforms you into a new creature so that the sin you once loved you now hate and the God you used to hate you now love. But if you don't believe in the supernatural or God then I can understand why you would think there's no difference between the two.

Silenthps

One does not have to believe in something to necessarily understand the logic behind it, but then again when there is no logic behind that something, it doesnt help.

out of curiosity, what specific form or practice or whatever of Christianity do you subscribe to?

pretty much.

I suppose it is just one of those things you have to experience (being born again); its simply too hard for people (well, me at least) to take on faith, no pun intended.

just stop talking about it to them.

i can care less if you lost the faith you prolly didnt even put your shoes on for the race.

and one thing you say you prayed and neve got listend to boo hoo, my beliefe is that god wants your prayers first here on earth,if judment is true and just i would hate to pray to god when am seeing him fave to face, becuase as you said you lost faith here on eath what gives you thr right to believ in him when you face him.