I grew up in the church. My family didn't just go a couple times a week. We volunteered, cooked, cleaned, and did everything we could for the church. That church was a huge part of my life and I enjoyed it very much. I have a pretty basic knowledge of the Christian faith. I have also declared myself atheist since I was about 11. Most 11-year-olds probably don't know what atheism even is but I just "knew" in my soul that this religion was not what I believed to be real. Later, I decided that I was, in fact, agnostic.
ag·nos·tic (
g-n
s
t
k)n.
adj.1.
a. One who believes that it is impossible to know whether there is a God.
b. One who is skeptical about the existence of God but does not profess true atheism.
2. One who is doubtful or noncommittal about something.
1. Relating to or being an agnostic.
2. Doubtful or noncommittalThis is probably far more accurate than the atheist title I had formerly given myself. I think there is probably some greater power in this universe. I'm not sure if it is a God or purely science but I'm basically choosing not the chose. It's a cop-out but I'm okay with that.
So, back to my point. Why in the hell do most atheists throw such a fit about religion. Chose to live your life however you might and leave everyone else's choices out of it. Atheists usually claim to not care so much yet they get in an uproar if there is a display of the 10 commandments in a government building. WHO CARES? It is not offensive. How could it possibly be? If you don't believe in it, how can it offend you? It would just be words then, wouldn't it?
I'm not exactly sure what I believe at this point. What I do know is that Christianity feels good. Even if there isn't a "higher power," what's wrong with the church? It certainly isn't harmful. If anything, it will help mold my children into better people. Singing, friends, helping the community, studying the bible (it is fascinating literature, no matter what you believe)...even if, in the back of my head, I am always thinking "This is so naive and ridiculous." Who cares? It makes me feel good. Religion is my guilty pleasure.
So, Happy Hannakuh/Merry Christmas/Happy Kwanzaa/Happy Ramadan/Happy Chinese New Year!
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5 comments:
Once again, i am in a fit of confusion as to how we are friends. Probably for perspective. Regardless, we still respect each other.
Allow me to point out a few things from my point of view. Evangelicals (christians/catholics etc.) are the worst at trying to push their beliefs on people. It is in my experience that the religulous people of the world are concerned with other people's points of view and their possible damnation into hell. You know this. We went to FBC together.
The ordeal with the ten commandments has to do with the argument for the separation between church and state. It isn't separated as it should be. I don't know for certain, but i'd like to think they are just making a point when asking for religious symbols be removed from government property and not because they are offended.
I don't categorize myself into the "evangelicals" of the atheists. I choose not to believe as my own personal choice based on my own deductions. (And i could write pages about that.) I don't like that *any* group has people who attempt to convince others they are wrong.
I wish everyone only spoke about their beliefs when they are asked about them or in private, friendly settings. Places like a blog are certainly acceptable for displaying ones thoughts because it is THEIR blog and they are THEIR thoughts. No one has to come back to their blog. But to knock on doors, hand out pamphlets and to pray before any public ceremony is unacceptable to me because it is an assumption that everyone is or wants to be religious.
I 100% agree with you. I think that forcing a religion on someone is absolutely disgusting. I'm not overly versed in many other religions but I know that Christianity is well-known for this. Of course, I'm not saying that I am Christian, I was just playing devil's advocate (how appropriate of a term, eh?) for the christian side of things. I think asking asking-no, demanding, people to give money to a church is insane. We are sinners if we don't pay an enormous amount of money to some guy to read from the bible. Of course it might be a little more involved than that but that's basically their bottom line. You are sinning if you don't give us money. Organized religion is the worst. There are rare, but few, good churches, in my opinion. And the Christian faith, in general, is about being a good person. I also feel that a lot of atheists force their "religion" (or lack of) on people just as much, if not more.
Keep in mind that all of this is coming from the mouth (or fingers) of a fellow non-believer. My point is just that why do atheists have to make such a big deal about being atheist? Why is it so important to them to let everyone know that they don't' believe in God? Who cares? In general, I keep my beliefs to myself unless, like you said, someone specifically asks me about it. Or, if I happen to feel like writing about religion on my blog :)
i think we are always going to come across people in every group who are this way. because we can't say they are all pushy and assertive and intrusive. not all christians intrude into my life or try to argue with me. not all atheists want to slam their point of view onto the table.
As my daddy always said; "There's one in every crowd."
You are totally right-not all Christians or atheists are pushy. I adore atheists who are not (you). Maybe just like any bad experience, it takes 10 good atheists to outweigh 1 bad?
oh sure! kinda like, it takes one bad experience in a restaurant to make you never want to go back. even if you've been there ten times and it was "alright."
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