(May 15, 2015 at 10:59 am)whateverist Wrote:(May 15, 2015 at 10:44 am)nicanica123 Wrote: I know that atheist don't have a clergy or hierarchy but rather respected individuals that speak out as atheists, correct? Matt D from atheist experience is one of these men to many atheists. I saw a lecture once where he said (paraphrased) "people say that you want to be an atheist just so that you can do immoral things, so what, whats wrong with that?"
The idea of having a difficult time deciding to believe in invisible, undetectable woo for the sake of the benefits seems whack to me.
If you really think there are immoral things you can do which would bring down upon you the wrath of a limitlessly vengeful god .. well you just aren't an atheist. Calling yourself one probably isn't going to free you up if you really believe in eternal revenge.
I guess I can see how from that twisted view point we might seem to have it good.
I guess what you're really saying is you would welcome a cure for your belief. At least you know you are not well. Let the healing begin! *begins speaking in tongues and bouncing serpents*
What I believe is that if god is loving and caring for his creation then his commandments are for their ultimate good. Without having to get into a discussion of whether or not that god is good or not is pointless. I have a brother that left JW's about 8 years ago, not actively against witnesses but just giving up on practicing it. He got a girl pregnant and then married her. She ended up being a drug addict and they were divorced 6 months after they were married and he had a infant to take care of by himself. We helped him constantly with our nephew but about 3 years ago he cut us all off after telling us how we are in a brainwashing cult and that he was now an atheist. He started using drugs himself and eventually about a year ago gave up his son to a random family and then I took him temporarily before finding him a permanent home. There are other heartbreaking details that go along with that story but I bet you're wondering what the fuck my point is anyway. I cry almost every day about this situation but I truly and strongly believe that he would be in a better and happier position today if he stuck to his "indoctrination." Not saying that simply being a JW is a protection, but its following the principles that are preached. So my point is, I worry that god has given me the warning. he won't personally give me the pain but rather it'll be the bad consequences I'll inflict on myself.
