(October 7, 2017 at 6:14 pm)Whateverist Wrote: Hello new guy. I tend to take people on their word until they give me reason to doubt them. That doesn't mean I'll take it on your word that gawd exists, mind you. Empirical claims require evidence. But I do believe that you believe in something you're calling a god. May not be what everyone would call a god, but if you say so, I'll believe that you believe in what you think a god is. Got it.
I also believe you thought you might be an atheist when you realized just how bad the kool aid was in the church you were raised in. I think you thought you were an atheist for the same reason so many theists assume to be our reason, that you were angry at god. That might have been true for you, and it might be true for some others who currently think they're atheists. But certainly is not the reason for me or for the vast majority of the folks here on this site.
Now you're a believer again. Happy for you if it makes you happy. Why not? It's your life, have it your way. But we've had so many apologist missionaries come through here claiming to have been an atheist before becoming saved. It gets tiresome. But you're still in your grace period with me. If you say you were, you were. What's next? Still interested in posting here if you can't advertise your youtube channel? If so, let me know and if you really want me to tell you something about me, I will.
I would go so far as to say that having doubts and leaving a church does not make one an atheist. Just someone having a crisis of faith. I think he's being honest, but total misunderstandings like this is why people assume actual atheists are also simply having a crisis of faith.
I am sure they exist, but I have yet to meet anyone, online or in person, who claims to have gone from religion to atheism and back again. There are a couple of regulars here, even, and when questioned, they admit to confusion, anger and doubt. Never utter and complete reasoned lack of belief.
I do think there are people who are raised without any belief who can be converted, because they didnt reason their way into it, it was just at a default setting.
Anyway, welcome to the OP.
My only question is, why are you here?
“Eternity is a terrible thought. I mean, where's it going to end?”
― Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
― Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead
