Coming out of the closest as an atheist

[kılıç_mehmet]

Wow, what a big deal, man.
I think such a "coming out" thing for atheists only exist in *specific* countries.

[passionatefool]

Wow, what a big deal, man.
I think such a "coming out" thing for atheists only exist in *specific* countries.

Wouldnt be a big deal if people arent still believing in fairy tales and religion ceased to exist. U.S. is one of those "specific" countries

[HarryStanluv25]

It's frustrating for me because I don't really remember why I didn't believe. I just...stopped. Guess it was when I was around 15 or so and life was getting hard and from that I started questioning god and everything. I can't recall ever telling my mom I was atheist either. To this day it bothers her slightly when I use the term but I simply tell her it's not a word to fear. It is what I am so just be okay with it. And she is I think, by now. She knows I don't believe and doesn't force me to either. She even makes the occasional comment about Christians or something we see on TV. So knowing she's accepted it is great. My dad was one of those kids who hated being forced to church growing up and never went to church with us when I was a kid so he's fine with me too. If only others were...

My aunt is in denial about it and drops in the Jesus thing here and there. I doubt she'll ever accept my beliefs. Same with my brother. It's pretty much impossible to talk about it with him as he feels he knows everything about anything. And since he believes others have to too. He will continue to force me to believe if that conversation pops up again. The way he is...makes me feel insecure, stupid, uncomfortable, unworthy... like my views don't even matter... I don't know if he realizes this but until he stops putting my opinion down he'll never accept either. Just because he's been through so much sh** in life and apparently god helped him through it, I am an idiot if I don't choose the same path. That sums it up really.

It's unfortunate when certain people will never accept you're an Atheist. But if there is one thing I am putting my foot down on is I will not let these people control my beliefs or force me to think or do anything I don't believe in. *sigh*

Aww yeah sometimes its hard. While the path to becoming an atheist is intellectual, religion is however something emotional to people.

I find it ironic that if you are a Hindu, you would say you experience lord Vishnu and he helped you overcome bad time, if you are a buddhist then its buddha, if you are a taoist then its Jade Emperor, if you are Muslim its Allah, and if you are a Christian, its Yaweh - God. I think people doesnt realize their own capability and strength to overcome and cope with problem by themselves or with the help from friends and family when they give God or deities all the credit. Overall it is a self-assurance thing they do to give themselve a delusional comfort that there is a supernatural, all powerful and all knowing being watching after them. Religion is a double standard thing, if they couldnt overcome or maybe have something tragic happened, its God testings their faith, if something good happened its a blessing from God....

So Harry, you shouldnt feel stupid. I think your brother isnt capable of understanding you yet because the mentality he is in. If he accept your POV then he is putting his faith in risk. So sometimes theists put atheist down to reassure them that they are on the right. The path to becoming an atheist for me was very intellectual, philosophical at times, a lot of logic and rationality, it wasnt an easy thing to do just to abandon comforting delusion. I believe it was the same for you and it was, in my opinion, a brave thing to do. So you should feel good And be proud that you are finally seeing reality for what it really is, no longer limited and blinded by religion, even if you brother, mom, or aunt cant understand it.

Aww, thank-you! I need to hear things like this more often . True, if he or anyone accepted what I believed in it would make them second-guess their own beliefs and who wants that?? And Minimalist- it's not that easy. See my brother was in the Air Force. Went to Iraq. Had problems with his ex-wife and can't see his 2 kids. So I can't tell him to shove it because he will be on my ass like no other. He's a lot like our dad, if you don't see something their way, you're wrong. That's what sucks is because he's been through all that he really does make anyone else feel stupid and wrong. It's all rather unfortunate... but you can't pretend to believe in something, that just doesn't do anyone any favors.