Converting to Atheism?
May 30, 2015 at 1:11 am
(This post was last modified: May 30, 2015 at 1:56 am by BrimmingIntellectual.)
Hey guys, I just have a few quick questions regarding converting to Atheism. But first, I'll give some background on why I am here. It's the typical Atheist story, I always felt different as a child, grew up in a religious household where my parents were pretty strict. They often insulted my intelligence with stories of some "man in the sky" and I haven't grown quite fond of them as a result. I eventually became fed up with their controlling ways, so I began to explore other beliefs. I would scour the net in search for enlightenment each and ever day, and there I eventually found Atheistic gods like Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, and Richard Dawkins. I am now 18 and free from my parents grasp in a college dorm, and hence I am able to convert. So, here comes the questions (keep in mind that I'm new to this religion so please be patient with me):
1. I already acknowledge Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris as the three main Atheistic gods, but are there any more Atheist deities that I need to quote?
2. Do I have to make Atheism my whole life identity? Should I constantly assert that I am an Atheist?
2. I am good and ready to start religious debates with people on the internet, but just how much condescension is required in these Atheistic sermons?
3. I know reading up on other religions is expected of that of a practicing Atheist, but I'm wondering how much is sufficient? Is three Google searches okay enough to compete with a scholar on religion?
4. Must I dismissively label every one who explains something about religion to me as an "apologist"?
5. And finally, does regurgitating witty one-liners like "God is just as real as unicorns, fairies, and the flying spaghetti monster" score me any intellectual points?
That's all for the moment, thanks for your time.
1. I already acknowledge Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris as the three main Atheistic gods, but are there any more Atheist deities that I need to quote?
2. Do I have to make Atheism my whole life identity? Should I constantly assert that I am an Atheist?
2. I am good and ready to start religious debates with people on the internet, but just how much condescension is required in these Atheistic sermons?
3. I know reading up on other religions is expected of that of a practicing Atheist, but I'm wondering how much is sufficient? Is three Google searches okay enough to compete with a scholar on religion?
4. Must I dismissively label every one who explains something about religion to me as an "apologist"?
5. And finally, does regurgitating witty one-liners like "God is just as real as unicorns, fairies, and the flying spaghetti monster" score me any intellectual points?
That's all for the moment, thanks for your time.