you know, I just express myself in a way that denies the christian god as a intelligent hypothesis. If people hear everything I know is wrong with the christian system of thinking, they usually just think I'm satan and move on. I'm glad you can find religious people that will really think.If they ignore the AHHHH SATAN logic, well, I've yet to find them. I don't try to convert people, I just try to make them understand how it's impossible to believe in the god of the bible. Sometimes they go quiet, and sometimes they just say something stupid from scripture that doesnt line up at all.. aka kenn hamm's retorts. okay, i try to convert them.

I never try to introduce anyone to atheism unless it comes up in conversation then you can't shut me up and i hope a little of what i am saying gets through.

manowar

Never. I haven't yet seen a delusion worth having.

(February 26, 2014 at 4:11 pm)ThePinsir Wrote: Do you guys ever have any reservations when you effectively "un-indoctrinate" someone?

Nope. I think of it in terms of rather being sad as a result of finally knowing the truth than blissfully ignorant. However, one eventually learns and copes with the understanding that the sadness is due to having lost the comfort of that which made the person happy. Once the individual realizes that he is perfectly capable of being happy without the belief, the sadness dissipates.

Quite a few people over the past few years, were surprised to see me 'changing,' and slowly leaving my faith behind. I have a number of friends who are atheists, and who have been more supportive than some of my friends, who identify themselves as Christians. That said, one of my Christian friends has 'disowned' me recently, and another is listening to my views, and has expressed feeling confusion over his beliefs. That he 'always' felt confused, but just followed along. I can't help but think that many are like him. Following along, going through the motions, afraid to abandon what they may feel is a belief based on falsehoods. I don't pressure, or push my views, but I'm available to lend an empathetic ear, should he need it.

If someone departs from his/her religion, it is because they feel what we are saying is true. No one comes to religion, or moves away from it, but by their own accord. So, don't feel guilty. You may be the conduit for them to finally have the courage to leave something that they have been wanting to leave for a very long time.

(February 26, 2014 at 4:11 pm)ThePinsir Wrote: I've discussed religion (or lack of) with plenty of people IRL. A lot of people, after talking to me, say something like "I'm starting to question things now" or "I've never thought of it like that!", etc.

I don't actively TRY to "deconvert" people, but might be doing it anyway. My thing is I sometimes feel like I'm pulling people from their ignorant bliss. And I usually feel a little bad about it. Like...it's hard to describe. I'm glad they're finally thinking for themselves, but sad because I'm kind of forcing them to doubt what they've held to be true their whole lives. I went through it, and I know it can be rough.

I feel like a lot of the people I talk to aren't well prepared and don't really know how to debate, so I also feel kind of condescending when I try to explain my atheism. Not ALL the time, but with my mom for example. She's always been religious, and in the month since I "came out", she told me she doesn't know what to believe anymore. I'm happy...but kind of sad that she's sad. Or something.

Do you guys ever have any reservations when you effectively "un-indoctrinate" someone?

I feel guilty because I came to this forum and realized a relationship with atheists online is more enjoyable than relationship with God.


Also yes. To tell people they have been living a lie alwayz troubles my conscious.

I think it is the challenges in life which make life meaningful. I don't think of it as burdening someone with sadness, but rather as opening up new challenges and possibilities.

(February 26, 2014 at 4:40 pm)FreeTony Wrote: No. Humanity would make no progress unless we question what we think we already know.

If you have a good reason to believe something then it will withstand scrutiny.

Truth

(March 22, 2014 at 12:17 pm)rasetsu Wrote: I think it is the challenges in life which make life meaningful. I don't think of it as burdening someone with sadness, but rather as opening up new challenges and possibilities.

Confucius couldn't say it better sister!

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(March 15, 2014 at 3:14 pm)Deidre32 Wrote: Quite a few people over the past few years, were surprised to see me 'changing,' and slowly leaving my faith behind. I have a number of friends who are atheists, and who have been more supportive than some of my friends, who identify themselves as Christians. That said, one of my Christian friends has 'disowned' me recently, and another is listening to my views, and has expressed feeling confusion over his beliefs. That he 'always' felt confused, but just followed along. I can't help but think that many are like him. Following along, going through the motions, afraid to abandon what they may feel is a belief based on falsehoods. I don't pressure, or push my views, but I'm available to lend an empathetic ear, should he need it.

If someone departs from his/her religion, it is because they feel what we are saying is true. No one comes to religion, or moves away from it, but by their own accord. So, don't feel guilty. You may be the conduit for them to finally have the courage to leave something that they have been wanting to leave for a very long time.

Assuming you have a sensitivity to the beauty in nature due to the flowers in your signature I don't see why you can't use nature as an icon to raise your mind and heart to a reality that is greater than yourself.

Why not?