Atheist/non-religious thread

[chickentrains]

Guys don't actually ignore me come back lol

HEY

 

[docteurshepherd]

HEY

aww thanks I feel loved

 

[KarynVA]

This, from that same Pew survey in 2014, is also interesting:

Many athiests do not see a contradiction between atheism and pondering their place in the world. About a third of American atheists say they think about the meaning and purpose of life at least weekly (35%), and that they often feel a deep sense of spiritual peace and well-being (31%).

In fact, the Religious Landscape Study shows that atheists are more likely than U.S. Christians to say they often feel a sense of wonder about the universe (54% vs. 45%).

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Hi all.....I has been stalking this thread and finally decided to jump in....I grew up in a Catholic family and have recently been reflecting on my experiences. I am in limbo...I'm afraid to say I don't believe.......(Catholic guilt) but refuse to think that the bible is truly the WORD. There is so much gray material......what I call LIFE. Racism, homophobia and hate are created by words that are so judgemental and preachy. I find a lot of hypocracy in organized religion and find myself more spiritual, than religious.

 

[Silviaschicks]

Huh! This is interesting (albeit, an old survey):

In the U.S., atheists are mostly men and are relatively young, according to the 2014 Religious Landscape Study. About seven-in-ten U.S. atheists are men (68%). The median age for atheists is 34, compared with 46 for all U.S. adults. Atheists also are more likely to be white (78% vs. 66% of the general public) and highly educated: About four-in-ten atheists (43%) have a college degree, compared with 27% of the general public.

That's interesting! Most of my friends are atheists, none of them are men, and only 2 of them are white. I'm not white nor a man either

 

[docteurshepherd]

Sigh. I'm so embarrassed. I feel like I owe y'all an apology on behalf of all Christians. Our arrogance is ... inexcusable. If I had a wonderful product to sell, and I was going door to door to sell it, no doubt I would come across some folks who would politely decline. What should I do then? Walk away. Respect their choice. What I see here instead is folks banging on the door, hurling insults and threatening to set fire to people's houses (figuratively, of course). No wonder y'all don't want any part of this. And the REALLY sad part of this is, what we supposedly are offering is entry into an evrlasting kingdom of ... LOVE. Smh.

I'm just really, really sorry.

I know I already replied but I kinda feel like I didn't say enough with all the negativity I want to say more positive and just genuinely really say thank you and to anybody else who's Christian or religious who may even be reading along but not commenting to give us our space. I'm careful to use this term but there are very few people in my life that I feel are true, good Christians. They're kind, loving, non judgemental folks.. that's just a couple ways to describe them. I could use way more. Helpful, good listeners, open minded, understanding, patient are others.

Basically what I'm trying to say is I'm very appreciative of folks who are like this. You guys help bridge this division. I'll even say that the times I have really felt closest to considering myself Christian or trying to learn more or attend church etc are when I've felt these things in the people around me. So if you're reading this and your goal is to TRULY save others, you can't do it like a lot of folks do. When you're arguing, debating, being rude, more than likely that's coming from a place of ego. When you're loving, peaceful, well, a Christian like yourself might say that's similar to Christ.

 

[docteurshepherd]

Hi all.....I has been stalking this thread and finally decided to jump in....I grew up in a Catholic family and have recently been reflecting on my experiences. I am in limbo...I'm afraid to say I don't believe.......(Catholic guilt) but refuse to think that the bible is truly the WORD. There is so much gray material......what I call LIFE. Racism, homophobia and hate are created by words that are so judgemental and preachy. I find a lot of hypocracy in organized religion and find myself more spiritual, than religious.

Thanks for sharing. I know I keep mentioning this denomination but really Anglicanism/Episcopalianism (NOT American Anglicans) would be great to look into. I almost actually started to convert to Catholicism as an adult but decided I just couldn't deal with the homophobia. I learned about Anglicanism and it truly is very similar to Catholicism so you'd feel very welcome there I think. They're just way more accepting. Way more.

 

[KarynVA]

When my children were young, I started going to an unprogrammed Friends Meeting with them. At these Sunday meetings, the adults sit together in companionable silence and speak only when moved to share an inspirational message. There is no 'pastor' or 'leader' - all individual perspectives are encouraged and welcomed. Meanwhile, the children attend Sunday school where they learn about a different religion each week and discuss commonalities amongst all the different philososphies and belief systems.

I felt that gave my kids a well-rounded and cultural familiarity with religious thought; without forcing a specific set of beliefs on them. Essentially, it was an all-you-can-eat buffet and they can choose what they want on their plate, or none at all, as they like.

 

[docteurshepherd]

When my children were young, I started going to an unprogrammed Friends Meeting with them. At these Sunday meetings, the adults sit together in companionable silence and speak only when moved to share an inspirational message. There is no 'pastor' or 'leader' - all individual perspectives are encouraged and welcomed. Meanwhile, the children attend Sunday school where they learn about a different religion each week and discuss commonalities amongst all the different philososphies and belief systems.

I felt that gave my kids a well-rounded and cultural familiarity with religious thought; without forcing a specific set of beliefs on them. Essentially, it was an all-you-can-eat buffet and they can choose what they want on their plate, or none at all, as they like.

Quakers right? I've talked to a few quakers. They're also from my experience very loving, peaceful folks.

 

[TropicalBabies]

Ya know what, I have the teleological argument, the anthropic principal, and moral law.

But I have a life too, gotta get back to it.

If y'all actually wanted me around I would come back. Just came here to ask five questions, thank you for answering

Btw this is not running away, it's just that I'm busy. Keep looking for the truth y'all, you'll find him eventually.

"Atheism, in the broadest sense, is an absence of belief in the existence of deities"

Note*** did not say reality?

Agnostic- "a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (such as God) is unknown and probably unknowable...."

Oh, to be so humble, the beautiful dignity and humility in true grace. As opposed to humiliation...

May I remind you also that you are on a chicken site...? The lack of authority and condescending tone has escaped no one. Some people wear their faith like a loose shirt and rely on the laws of attraction. I think acting above or holier is what drives people away, so maybe tend to your garden.

"For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

King James Bible
"And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?"

Since it is you on the atheist/non-religious thread, I am guessing you are not interested in staying in your lane- more poking or trying to convince others of your passion. Your unsolicited advice- an insult, is missing the whole point of this tread. This thread is a safe place for others to have their own passions apart from yours. It is not for you to asses or find what is lost, nothing is lost. No one here is lacking intellect or passion either so if you chose to engage- remember your lane and wear it like a loose shirt. Maybe not barfing your beliefs but try listening?