Observation after embracing atheism for a year

[robvalue]

One of the first things many people come to realise is that mortality makes this life all that more important.

Yeah, I've not been through the transition, but I think it's way better to realize this is your one shot at life and embrace it; rather than coast along thinking it's just a warmup.

Life to me would actually be much less meaningful if I thought it was just for the amusement of some bored space-daddy. Luckily that scenario is ludicrous and unevidenced.

[LivingNumbers6.626]

Indeed, the sobering naturalistic idea of humanity does define our own personal insignificance. That's why I like Hawking's quote: "We are just an advanced breed of monkeys on a minor planet of a very average star. But we can understand the Universe. That makes us something very special."

[lisah]

I've "converted" from Christianity for almost a year now, and the following observation kind of snuck up on me. I'm curious if anyone else has a similar experience they'd like to share.

With Christianity, there is a "father" type relationship, where you die and go to the Father for judgment and eternity. Having abandoned that belief system, it eventually occurred to me that there is no higher power or safety net, so we're quite literally on our own (alone). As we live an interact with each other, we leave impressions there, but it doesn't get noticed by any higher power. When I was in religion, I kind of banked on the fact that I was just along for the ride, tried to be as nice as possible, and felt that some sort of higher court would look at this transcript and I'd be cool for eternity.

This is kind of sobering to realize that this life is real, and that what I do now is simply part of humanity. In other words, the impact of my words and actions is measured by a minute influence on a small slice of humanity...and that's it.

Anyone else coming from religion feel similar thoughts on this subject of being alone?

For me, the idea of nothingness was ( and sometimes still is) a bit unnerving. Sometimes, I would actually awaken at night with a start, like my mind couldn't wrap itself around the idea and was fighting it.

[madog]

 , it eventually occurred to me that there is no higher power or safety net, so we're quite literally on our own (alone).  

Just a note, you can still talk to yourself, just that now you can realise that the someone you are talking to has your interests at heart, namely yourself and not some psychopathic sky monster or his brat of a child

[Simon Moon]

My deconversion was 40 plus yrs ago. I seem to remember a feeling of freedom and release. Shaking off the fucked up thoughts/actions tied to the delusion.

Prior to your deconversion was life something less than "real"?

I don't understand "alone".

Oh life was not very real to me, because I had a spiritual warranty that skewed my perception of reality. Now that I am free, I can judge my words and actions based upon my own human gauge as opposed to some dreamed up stuff written thousands of years ago.

The word "alone" in my context simply means that I am not in the company of some higher power. Actually, now I am far from alone, because I am in the company of my fellow humans, and feel great allegiance to this experience.

And the irony is, most people, after eliminating the belief in a "moral authority" become more moral.

When you understand that, to get forgiveness for a wrong that you do, has to come from the actual (existent) person who you wronged, instead of asking for forgiveness from a nonexistent being, one is more likely to take other people's well being into account when contemplating one's actions.

[TruthSeeking]

I think there is no more inspiring thing then realize that you responsible to your own deeds and you can do whatever it takes to succeed. You aren't alone at all, what about your family? friends? you can speak with them, express your feelings and tell your desires.

And about your(our, all humanity) psychological need for "father" or higher power you better exchange to believe in science, friends, love, good will and so on...more tangible and essential then to speak/pray to yourself.

[RozKek]

My deconversion was 40 plus yrs ago. I seem to remember a feeling of freedom and release. Shaking off the fucked up thoughts/actions tied to the delusion.

This was awesome to experience, religion forbids you from many pleasures of life, once I found out religion isn't true I felt a "feelin' good" rush through my body because I realised I wasn't restricted from the "good" parts of life.

What's good about living a celibat life (nuns or w/e do), abstaining from e.g pre marital sex and bacon and everything that can give you a good time when there is no god to punish you for it? What is there even to punish? Burning in hell for eating bacon because it tastes good? Burning for eternities because you found out masturbating gives a good feeling? Religions are a mental prison.

[Aractus]

I've "converted" from Christianity for almost a year now, and the following observation kind of snuck up on me. I'm curious if anyone else has a similar experience they'd like to share.

With Christianity, there is a "father" type relationship, where you die and go to the Father for judgment and eternity. Having abandoned that belief system, it eventually occurred to me that there is no higher power or safety net, so we're quite literally on our own (alone). As we live an interact with each other, we leave impressions there, but it doesn't get noticed by any higher power. When I was in religion, I kind of banked on the fact that I was just along for the ride, tried to be as nice as possible, and felt that some sort of higher court would look at this transcript and I'd be cool for eternity.

This is kind of sobering to realize that this life is real, and that what I do now is simply part of humanity. In other words, the impact of my words and actions is measured by a minute influence on a small slice of humanity...and that's it.

Anyone else coming from religion feel similar thoughts on this subject of being alone?

The interesting thing is just how different Christianity, Judaism, and Islam is when dealing with the so-called "same" monotheistic deity. Jews do not believe in hell, therefore while you may not be greeted with heaven after you die if you renounce your faith, you won't be sent to hell to pay for your sins for an eternity. Jews teach that their God is for their people; whereas Christianity teaches that the God of Abraham loves all - including all sinners and unbelievers (John 3:16 for example). Islam teaches that God hates all unbelievers, and especially those who leave the faith (Qur'an 3:32 for example). So to put it simply, the angry, vengeful, and psychotic God is only the one that the Christians and Muslims believe in, the one that the Jews believe in is less angry, less vengeful, and much less psychotic - because while he does things we don't understand, at least he doesn't send people to hell for not believing in him.

[The Grand Nudger]

When you're dead...god is through with you.  -Anonymous jewish scholar.