How To Come Out As An Atheist

[Cucco 1,907]

I think its pretty natural for people these days to try to incline themselves towards something they believe in, whether or not it has factual information. Since you gave up the whole religion thing due to the fact it was illogical (at least I think that was your reason?), its easy enough for you to look towards science since not only does it have evidence, it is also doing the same thing religion does, explain what's around us.

Yeah, that was the reason.

[Kevin_Keyblade 203]

Well I respect your position but tell me, did you always thought like that? Because sometimes people are atheist for so many religions in this world and they maybe are confused for the best way in the road of life or maybe they lost the faith because of the problems in this world and they put in their hearts and minds that there's no god who is interested in us, or maybe they only want to live their lifes without rules or pressure for being part of a religion, I gotta tell you, as a jehovah's witness I don't feel pressure or something like that and you gotta believe me, being a jehovah's witness is not easy and maybe you heard something about us but there's nothing good than help the people about the bible and its commands and advices, it's joyful, I know you dont believe in this but I'm 100% that in sometime on your life you must be thinking about the existence of a god

[atheist123 583]

I have nothing against Atheists, but honestly in just regards to my opinion I find it really hard to understand how someone can truly be atheist, but again that is me.

 

Most atheists are also agnostic. We don't know for sure that God doesn't exist, but we can be fairly certain based off scientific evidence, thought experiments, or our own experiences/our viewpoint on the world (whether we are also a nihilist, materialist, realist, etc) .

 

It's not very often that an atheist will profess to "knowing" 100% that there is no god(s) because it is somewhat unknowable. We just trust our intuition to make a  judgement call. There are some who say they know 100%, but in our hearts there is some uncertainty.

 

 

 

Its as simple as this: Those who don't believe in any deity whatsoever, and are absolutely sure of it, are atheists.

Science does get involved later on, but that isn't what atheism is. Atheism is a belief of no deity.

You can be a spiritualist/religious/etc. and still look to science for information.

 

Agnostics, however, don't really know whether there is a God or not. Different from atheists, who are absolutely sure. I am kind of like this, but then again I don't really care. If there is a God, cool, if there isn't, okay. I want to live my life the way I want to, without worrying about the afterlife. That can come later. My view is definitely subject to change as I get older. 

 

Agnosticism, in my opinion, is separate from atheism/theism. I am an agnostic atheist. I do not currently believe in a god (therefore I am atheist) but I do not profess to knowing 100% whether a god exists or not (therefore also agnostic) but all of my experiences and everything I have learned either points to no god existing or uncertainty. 

 

Some people simply don't care or know what they believe in, but most people will lean one way or the other, even if it is a gut instinct. Some people are temporarily agnostic as they transition from atheism to theism or theism to atheism. While I was an "agnostic" my view shifted from believing in a god (being a theist) to not believing in a god on a nearly daily basis, as new thoughts entered my mind. I can't imagine staying as an "agnostic" for more than a few months unless you are also schizophrenic.

 

During my early-atheist phase I read some Richard Dawkins books, so his opinions on agnosticism may have rubbed off on me, but logically I can't understand labeling yourself as agnostic with no other descriptive term, unless you simply don't want to be grouped together with atheists because of some stigma..

[MyDixieRect 2,061]

No, I'm not. I don't believe in a deity. I'm still looking for something to believe in.

 

Well I believe in you, Ghost! 

 

 

(Sorry I'm in a positive and encouraging mood today )

[Weedanort 8,786]

I'm an atheist, and I come from a very religious family (They believe in Jesus)

 

When I told my family 4 years ago that I'm an atheist, they basically said:

"It's fine by us, you believe in what you believe, and we believe in what we believe. As long as you don't bash our religion. we won't bash yours."

 

And this is what I truly believe. I believe that there is no God, or any superior force that decides what happens to us.

What happens around us is the fruits of what we, and other people did throughout time.

 

I don't like bashing other religions. You believe in Jesus/Satan/Ala, etc? Fine by me.

Just don't bash my religion, and I'll completely respect your religion.

[kingdomlanelover 494]

If you listen to any comment, please listen to mine. It is perfectly fine to be an atheist, it's your choice. What your parents are doing is not right, and I'm sorry that's happened to you. Christians are supposed to be loving and understanding people, but this isn't the case in today's society. Stay true to yourself! "Even in the deepest darkness, there will always be a little light."

[Tigerruss 576]

This ad was here when I was reading the thread... I think google ads are being pushy again.

Anyways there is nothing wrong with believing what you believe.
Though I must say if your parents truly believe Christianity, they probably have been taught there is no way into heaven aside through Jesus. And that the only other place is hell. So to them you being an atheist is you professing you are going to drive a car that doesn't have a windshield, airbag, or seatbelt on a highway. Or not taking medicine for a sickness that will surely kill you if you don't take the medicine.
They are doing it because they are wanting to protect you. But what they don't understand is you can't force someone to truly be a Christian, it is upto that person and that person alone to decide if they want to or not. Forcing them possibly is worse than leaving them be.

[ReikuSSR 1,071]

 

I said I am ending my end of the convo, I do not want to anger people or possibly make anyone of any religion/atheism feel out of place, I just wanted to come back to let you all know I am listening, and whell, I have been in a lot of those, "real time experiences" and what not and hell I have been in SO much that I cannot even begin to think there is not a god, but yeah feel free to continue your little convo, if you want to know more fill free if not I will just be here seeing how this goes.

[Shana09 5,769]

 

 

I said I am ending my end of the convo, I do not want to anger people or possibly make anyone of any religion/atheism feel out of place, I just wanted to come back to let you all know I am listening, and whell, I have been in a lot of those, "real time experiences" and what not and hell I have been in SO much that I cannot even begin to think there is not a god, but yeah feel free to continue your little convo, if you want to know more fill free if not I will just be here seeing how this goes.

 

 

Your post wasn't angering anyone, if you don't understand, then people will help explain it to you.

 

 

If you listen to any comment, please listen to mine. It is perfectly fine to be an atheist, it's your choice. What your parents are doing is not right, and I'm sorry that's happened to you. Christians are supposed to be loving and understanding people, but this isn't the case in today's society. Stay true to yourself! "Even in the deepest darkness, there will always be a little light."

 

Technically all religions are supposed to be a loving and understanding thing, but yeah just like everyone doesn't follow every single law, rule, etc. people don't directly follow the bible/Quran/etc..

Which is sad when it comes to these situations but definitely not a surprise.

 

 

 

Most atheists are also agnostic. We don't know for sure that God doesn't exist, but we can be fairly certain based off scientific evidence, thought experiments, or our own experiences/our viewpoint on the world (whether we are also a nihilist, materialist, realist, etc) .

 

It's not very often that an atheist will profess to "knowing" 100% that there is no god(s) because it is somewhat unknowable. We just trust our intuition to make a  judgement call. There are some who say they know 100%, but in our hearts there is some uncertainty.

 

 

 

Agnosticism, in my opinion, is separate from atheism/theism. I am an agnostic atheist. I do not currently believe in a god (therefore I am atheist) but I do not profess to knowing 100% whether a god exists or not (therefore also agnostic) but all of my experiences and everything I have learned either points to no god existing or uncertainty. 

 

Some people simply don't care or know what they believe in, but most people will lean one way or the other, even if it is a gut instinct. Some people are temporarily agnostic as they transition from atheism to theism or theism to atheism. While I was an "agnostic" my view shifted from believing in a god (being a theist) to not believing in a god on a nearly daily basis, as new thoughts entered my mind. I can't imagine staying as an "agnostic" for more than a few months unless you are also schizophrenic.

 

During my early-atheist phase I read some Richard Dawkins books, so his opinions on agnosticism may have rubbed off on me, but logically I can't understand labeling yourself as agnostic with no other descriptive term, unless you simply don't want to be grouped together with atheists because of some stigma..

 

 

I think there is a difference between Agnostic, Agnostic Theists, and Agnostic Atheists.

One doesn't really know.

One is inclined to the fact one god exists.

One is inclined to the fact no god exists.

 

I think the reason why I say I am agnostic is because I really don't know if there is a god or not. Not that I keep thinking about it daily or weekly, but I just don't know since I don't have any proof. However, I am sometimes more inclined to Agnostic Atheism more than Agnostic Theists, so I guess that counts.

Also like I said, I don't really care if there is a god or not. Not in a bad way of caring though.

Edited July 15, 2014 by Shana09

[ReikuSSR 1,071]

Your post wasn't angering anyone, if you don't understand, then people will help explain it to you.

 

 

 

Technically all religions are supposed to be a loving and understanding thing, but yeah just like everyone doesn't follow every single law, rule, etc. people don't directly follow the bible/Quran/etc..

Which is sad when it comes to these situations but definitely not a surprise.

 

 

 

I think there is a difference between Agnostic, Agnostic Theists, and Agnostic Atheists.

One doesn't really know.

One is inclined to the fact one god exists.

One is inclined to the fact no god exists.

 

I think the reason why I say I am agnostic is because I really don't know if there is a god or not. Not that I keep thinking about it daily or weekly, but I just don't know since I don't have any proof. However, I am sometimes more inclined to Agnostic Atheism more than Agnostic Theists, so I guess that counts.

Also like I said, I don't really care if there is a god or not. Not in a bad way of caring though.

Do not act as if I do not understand, I understand a lot. I guess a better word is cannot rationalize it. I was once atheist and very skeptical, I know several roads, many of which people have not even heard of, so don't make me sound like an idiot. 

[Shana09 5,769]

Do not act as if I do not understand, I understand a lot. I guess a better word is cannot rationalize it. I was once atheist and very skeptical, I know several roads, many of which people have not even heard of, so don't make me sound like an idiot. 

 

Uh, I didn't say that?

You literally said

 

I have nothing against Atheists, but honestly in just regards to my opinion I find it really hard to understand how someone can truly be atheist, but again that is me.

[ReikuSSR 1,071]

Uh, I didn't say that?

You literally said

Note: what I said. "I guess a better word is cannot rationalize it." I hate the English language. 

I cannot understand "it" 

"It" meaning the why not the how.

[Shana09 5,769]

Note: what I said. "I guess a better word is cannot rationalize it." I hate the English language. 

I cannot understand "it" 

"It" meaning the why not the how.

 

Anyways, either way, understanding why Atheism exists is the same answer as we gave you.

They simply, don't believe in a deity.

The same way, you believe in a deity, they just don't.

If an idea exists, the opposite or alternate route exists too.

Edited July 15, 2014 by Shana09

[Jack Sparrow 160]

All of this jabber. Why can't we just harmoniously converse in an engaged conversation elsewhere of a different topic. Religious, non-religious, whatever. I say we sit down, drink some rum, exchange stories and we go on with out days? Doesn't this seems right?  

[Hardrada 117]

I said it was how someone becomes an atheist. There's no proof of a god, so I don't believe in one. Simple as that.

Well atheist literally means without religion.

Atheist means "without god", not "without religion".  That's an important distinction, since being religious does not necessarily mean you believe in a diety.

[Cucco 1,907]

Atheist means "without god", not "without religion".  That's an important distinction, since being religious does not necessarily mean you believe in a diety.

Oh I thought theist meant religion. But yeah I don't believe in a deity.

[Hardrada 117]

Oh I thought theist meant religion. But yeah I don't believe in a deity.

Theist - God is present and interacts with his creation.

 

Deist - "God" either still exists or existed at some point, but regardless has no interaction with the universe.

Edited July 15, 2014 by Hardrada

[Think Pink 1,967]

I grew up going to a christian private school because it was the only private school we could afford at the time. I had to listen to that stuff from kindergarten through 8th grade, so of course I was brainwashed into believing it. Around 7th grade I began questioning religion - I talked to my science teacher (who was christian and taught creationism and evolution, so I figured they were a good source) and pastor, and afterwards I started to think this is bullshit.

 

In 8th grade I teetered back and forth a little bit - I was exposed to it almost all day every day so it was kind of hard to think critically instead of letting them sway me. I transferred to public school in 9th grade and pretty quickly I was like yeah no I'm 100% sure there's no god. My parents never went to church but my dad would drive me because I felt like I had to go. He waited in the car and watched DVDs instead of going in but I didn't think much of it. But once I became 100% sure I was atheist I decided I would have to tell my parents because I didn't want to go to church. 

 

I explained to them why I didn't believe anymore and they were literally like "we're so proud of you sweetie. If you'd continued believing it we wouldn't have stopped you, but we're glad to see you're at the age where you can think logically." And it turns out my parents are atheists too. But I totally just assumed they were christian? As my views developed and I learned more by 11th grade I was like I'm definitely an antitheist (for those who don't know, I'll use this quote to summarize:  "I'm not even an atheist so much as I am an antitheist; I not only maintain that all religions are versions of the same untruth, but I hold that the influence of churches, and the effect of religious belief, is positively harmful.") So I'm just chilling and talking with my dad about antitheism and it turns out he's also an antitheist! I think my mom's strictly an atheist though. 

 

So long story short, you know your parents better than anyone else, but if you feel comfortable, go ahead and tell them you're an atheist (or agnostic or antitheist or a different religion or whatever). You might be really surprised by their reaction! I have a lot of friends whose parents are religious but they're atheist and don't go to church with their family. It seems to me that a lot of religious parents are at least fairly tolerant of their kids' beliefs, so you might as well give it a shot. 

[VisitJoan 2,713]

It's very hard to be an atheist in a religious family, especially if you live in the south like me where everyone's a motherf*ckin' bible thumper. I straight up told my parents a few months ago im an atheist and they have been making me go to church every sunday and my mother threatens to not let me participate in holidays anymore. So it's not the best option to tell them sometimes. Anyway, for those of you who haven't come out about it yet, I'm sure this will help.

I applaud you.  In my opinion if your parents can't accept you for who you are it shows lack of character on their part.  I'm agnostic I'm so glad I didn't come from a religious family.  My mom grew up in a Catholic household and she hated going to church.  So we never went.  I think it gave me the opportunity to see the world as it really is. 

[Guidinglight 8]

I grew in non-religion family and ive been desperatly trying to find my faith in god .

[marukyu 132]

I grew in non-religion family and ive been desperatly trying to find my faith in god .

omgggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg sammee

 

i mean i grew up in a normal religious family but i really want to believe in god so badly. 

religious people always look so happy i think its really like, therapeutic to have something to believe in.

 

FUNNY HOW IT WORKS OUT HUH