(September 19, 2013 at 8:40 pm)Tonus Wrote: Well, having had the experience makes it easier to understand your question.Thanks. I worry while asking questions like these that I will inadvertently cause offense.
Quote: While I cringe at some of the things I believed and the arguments I made, I didn't feel any different than I do now. I just believed differently. It's similar to how our political views may change with time and experience.I can wrap my mind around that- since in my experience political views can often be products of faith: in an idea, a person, one's upbringing.
Quote: I was raised a Jehovah's Witness, and they are particularly strict about where you get your information from. If you control what the flock knows, they'll believe just about anything. Ignorance bolstered by unjustified confidence is like a very thick logic-proof vest. As far as I was concerned, everyone else just didn't get it, but we did, because we had THE TRUTH.What's different about you, Tonus, since I assume most of your family and old friends are still in the faith? What do you think happened with you that doesn't happen with other believers? I'm always amazed that ANYONE gets out, when I hear a description like the one you just gave.
Quote:From what I've read and heard from others, it can often be a very heartbreaking experience. Having the religious safety net pulled away suddenly can leave a person terrified. Our subconscious mind does not automatically discard old beliefs when we change our views.
I would imagine it could be very scary. Do you think there are many people who came to the atheist place like you, but just can't acknowledge it because of that terror? Are there tons of closeted atheists in all the faiths just because of the fear of letting go of that safety net? I can also imagine that the pain this would cause family and friends would keep people mute. What do you think?