(August 20, 2015 at 12:12 am)robvalue Wrote: How open are you able to be about your atheism / non belief? Do you think it would affect you if more people knew?
Not sure. I haven't felt brave enough to test it. I'm lucky that I have parents who wouldn't flat out disown me if I converted to another religion or abandoned one entirely. I know my dad had plenty of moments where he doubted, albeit for different reasons, and he at least understands the basic definition of the word 'atheism' and doesn't demonize those affiliated with it. I know my brother is a little more open about his non-belief, and they haven't given him much flack about it from what I've seen.
Worst case scenario? They'd probably ask me a bunch of stupid questions and expect me to answer for every atheist they either see on TV or read about, or they'd just pray for me in secret and fret about the idea of me burning in hell. Funny thing is, I think my dad would take more exception to me being Pro Gay Marriage, and Pro-Choice, than he would me simply not believing in God anymore.
(August 20, 2015 at 1:01 am)Salacious B. Crumb Wrote: Did you feel guilt, or was it tough for you to break up your relationship with Jeebus Kryst?
P.S. Obama is the Anti-Chrriissstt, watch out!
Yes, but only because of the irrational fear of going to hell for it. Had to force myself to say the words “I renounce God” in a loud and clear voice just to prove to myself I could do it. That probably wasn't necessary, but I guess I had to prove to myself there was nothing up there to zap me for it. When I was spiritual I was never bothered by the idea that God wasn't real because it meant there was nothing to fear. Even in its weakest state my belief in hell had always been stronger than my belief in God, so I doubt if I ever truly believed.
![[Image: Ip4ZfOm.png]](https://i.imgur.com/Ip4ZfOm.png)
