Introduction

[1129banks]

My name is Michael and I just joined this site/forum. I was searching for a way to connect with others who share my Atheist views and have some discussions about it. I feel very strong about my beliefs but it appears most of friends do not so it makes for an uncomfortable topic for me to participate in when religion comes up. I'm not so popular when I speak. I feel like an evil outsider when I express my views. I mean, what do I say when someone says "I will pray for you" or "God bless you", etc.....Prayer is ridiculous and having most of my friends, who for the most part are normal and intelligent in all other aspect of their lives, worship an imaginary friend makes me think they are nuts. It’s very hard being an Atheist and it appears in my social circle I stand alone. It seems it would be easier to be a “believer” but every time I hear a ridiculous quote from the bible (a disturbing collection of fairy tales) it reminds me that I am happy where I am, in reality.

[Violet]

Welcome, 1129banks

I hope you will find plenty of discussion here

[Craveman]

AF is a wealth of information! Enjoy your stay!

[binny]

Welcome to my world. I'm an atheist in a Christian saturated community. I think everyone has gone insane.

[Violet]

Welcome to my world. I'm an atheist in a Christian saturated community. I think everyone has gone insane.

You be right, mon!

[fr0d0]

Where is this hell you speak of Michael?!?

..and welcome

[1129banks]

I spoke of hell?

[A Theist]

I'm also brand new to the forum. From one newbie to another, welcome.

[1129banks]

Well, I want to thank everyone for responding and welcoming me. It certainly feels good to have a place to go where you feel accepted and listened to without feeling like an outcast. It seems only the last few years of my life (I'll be 45 in a couple weeks), especially the past 2 years or so that I so strongly believe that Religion not only does not have any place in modern society but that it is dangerous. For fear of sounding like an extremist (and it doesn't take much as an Atheist to sound extreme, just admitting it seems to do it! LOL!) and alienating my mostly Christian friends I usually say nothing but I feel compelled to vent here because I don't feel I will offend anyone. I don't wish to offend anyone in life, ever.
........Sometimes I feel like I’m the only sane person among my seemingly normal friends. It is so disturbing to be surrounded by people who believe in something that simply does not exist and the constant references to it..."God willing", "god bless you", "I’ll pray for this and that", etc.....it just seems to saturate my environment and it makes no sense to me. Even when I drive by a church on Sunday and see gaggles of people streaming in or out I actually look at them in my mind like they are insane....I mean, they are gathering to pray, worship, give money to, etc....something or someone who does not exist. It's frightening when you really think about it but the very few times I have ever been in an exchange with anyone over it (and it's only when they pursue it first, I'm not that stupid anymore to bring it up first!) they seem so completely closed minded over ANY discussion about it. When I hear the word "faith" I know I have truly lost any chance of the conversation being discussed intelligently. How can you combat that word when it gets thrown in?

Hey, as a person, a good person and a good father (in my opinion!) I not only try to be tolerant of others beliefs, I AM tolerant of them but I need to get something off my chest, something I have not and cannot express to any of my friends. I think people who believe in something or someone that there is not a shred of real evidence for and people who don’t understand that the bible (or any other holy book) was simply written by fellow human beings (not by an all knowing god or on his behalf), some of whom were violent maniacs and then actually use this information and delusion as a moral compass from which to live their life by are complete and total mindless idiots. This includes most people I know and care about. I know that sounds horrible and I don’t feel like I'm better than them I am just AMAZED at how many people believe in something because they were told it was true, not for any other reason. It's scary.

It's safe to say I won't be called upon to say the prayer for thanksgiving dinner next week, My "Rub-a-Dub-Dub, thanks for the grub" prayer a couple years ago didn't go over so well with the family and still has my "Born Again" sister and her drunkard husband thinking I just might be Satan himself. LOL! I may have over did it with thanking the almighty Bill Gates for bringing the Xbox 360 into my life and dissin' God/Jesus by not mentioning him but that drew a chuckle from my son and his goofy friend. I took advantage of my little scrap of power, hey it was my house. LOL! My sister did get her prayer in and even asked Jesus to forgive me for my ignorance so I think I'll be ok. : )

[Dotard]

Are you that same Michael that found a nickel? Found a nickel all shiney and new?

Brought you a whole lot of candy? Is that what you were gonna do?


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Anyone care to date themselves and admit they remember that one?