Freedom

[Cecelia]

Religion is like a prison. For some, the prison becomes comfortable. They can't handle it on the outside. But for others the prison is just that -- a prison.

Sure, the bible says you should accept people. I'm not so sure that applies to gay people. Especially since earlier passages push for stoning people for having sex. And even those who do accept gays, they expect them to remain celibate, or don't want them to be able to get married. There's a lot of guilt associated with almost everything in life.

Then there's the fear of hell. It's a place I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. And of course the crazy beliefs -- like Noah's ark for instance. Some people believe it's just allegory, though it doesn't really give any sort of message. If it were true, it would make god the biggest sociopath in the history of humanity. Especially since he did nothing to stop Adolf Hitler from leading the extermination of six million people.

Becoming an atheist was like trying to open the door to my cell for the first time, and realizing it was never locked. I just had to let myself out. I could escape the fear, the guilt, and stop justifying everything one book written 2000 years ago said. I no longer had to agree with everything it said per the Warden's rules. Even when I disagreed.

[Catholic_Lady]

The story of Noah's Ark is supposed to symbolize baptism. Just figured I'd throw that out there lol.

[Minimalist]

........

[Minimalist]

The story of Noah's Ark is supposed to symbolize baptism. Just figured I'd throw that out there lol.

Reminds me of.....

[Chad32]

The story of Noah's Ark is supposed to symbolize baptism. Just figured I'd throw that out there lol.

Baptism isn't supposed to be lethal.

[Cecelia]

The story of Noah's Ark is supposed to symbolize baptism. Just figured I'd throw that out there lol.

Explain.  What do the animals represent?  And why does everything die except Noah and his three sons?

[Whateverist]

I don't notice a big difference but then my family stopped schlepping me to church before I started school and I was an atheist by around 10, 11.  If anyone left a church they were actively involved in at a later age I can imagine it would be a lot more difficult.  And the result, once accomplished, would probably feel liberating (as well as scary perhaps).

Since I stopped going at such a young age and my parents weren't too gungho about foisting much dogma on me, I pretty much was free to imagine god as I pleased.  Frankly I think I did a better job of it than most churchly folk.  In fact, in my mind, none of them is a true Christian.  

[Catholic_Lady]

The story of Noah's Ark is supposed to symbolize baptism. Just figured I'd throw that out there lol.

Explain.  What do the animals represent?  And why does everything die except Noah and his three sons?

It's supposed to be about rebirth and water washing away the impurities for a fresh start. I don't think every single detail of the story represents something.

[ignoramus]

Anything they bloody want! Apologetics anyone?

[Angrboda]

I'm free to think that bad things happening is just bad things happening, and nothing more.