RE: Hi, my name is "withheld" and I am an atheist
October 7, 2015 at 8:10 am
(This post was last modified: October 7, 2015 at 8:15 am by robvalue.)
I'm glad things seem to be going well, and that your doctor has been reasonable.
Take your time! There's no need to rush these things, and I hope we see you back here again, either as an atheist or otherwise. You're welcome either way! We talk about all kinds of things, it doesn't have to be about religion or atheism at all.
Technically atheism isn't a decision anyway, it's a state of mind. If you don't believe something, then you don't believe it. Of course, it is clear that a situation where your mental state is altered can cause you to temporarily have different beliefs. When I was heavily depressed I viewed many things totally differently, and I had a massive paranoid reaction to the idea of marriage which I'd never had before. When I got my right mind back, that unfounded fear fell out again.
For what it's worth, atheism is the logical conclusion of any critical study of the subject matter. You're not under any obligation to explain to anyone why you may now be an atheist, and if they can't handle it or want to force you to talk about, it's too bad for them. Just announcing you're no longer interested in it can be more palatable for people who may blow up at the word "atheist". Also, "weak atheism" isn't about even being sure there is no God, just that you're currently unconvinced that there is. No one is required to adopt the "strong atheist" position, where you actively believe there is no god. If that distinction doesn't make sense, please ask
It's a sticking point for a lot of people.
Take care of yourself
We're here to help you through it all, should you need us, whatever direction you take.
Take your time! There's no need to rush these things, and I hope we see you back here again, either as an atheist or otherwise. You're welcome either way! We talk about all kinds of things, it doesn't have to be about religion or atheism at all.
Technically atheism isn't a decision anyway, it's a state of mind. If you don't believe something, then you don't believe it. Of course, it is clear that a situation where your mental state is altered can cause you to temporarily have different beliefs. When I was heavily depressed I viewed many things totally differently, and I had a massive paranoid reaction to the idea of marriage which I'd never had before. When I got my right mind back, that unfounded fear fell out again.
For what it's worth, atheism is the logical conclusion of any critical study of the subject matter. You're not under any obligation to explain to anyone why you may now be an atheist, and if they can't handle it or want to force you to talk about, it's too bad for them. Just announcing you're no longer interested in it can be more palatable for people who may blow up at the word "atheist". Also, "weak atheism" isn't about even being sure there is no God, just that you're currently unconvinced that there is. No one is required to adopt the "strong atheist" position, where you actively believe there is no god. If that distinction doesn't make sense, please ask

Take care of yourself

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Please visit my website here! It's got lots of information about atheism/theism and support for new atheists.
Index of useful threads and discussions
Index of my best videos
Quickstart guide to the forum