A true Christian

[Tonus]

Can you explain more about what this was like? I was raised by atheists and never even flirted with a god, so I don't understand it. For those of you who have been on both sides- what's it like to have that moral certainty? What's it like to lose it?

It feels like any other belief that you are sure of. For many years I had no problem shrugging off counter-arguments. When you are convinced of a position and have ways of dismissing counter-arguments or tough questions, it is quite easy to maintain a firm hold on your beliefs.

As I've said before, my faith slowly came apart because I was driven to prove that my beliefs were perfectly plausible and compatible with modern day understanding of the world. You could say that it was my mistake to do so, but I was confident that I could do it because god was real and the Bible was his divine word. Oh well, you can see how that turned out.

Deconverting was not a painful process for me because it was so drawn out and marked more by apathy than anything else. By the time I sat down and admitted to myself that I was an atheist, I had long ago become one. Admitting it was probably the toughest part, and it wasn't very difficult at all.

[Neo-Scholastic]

Ever hear of the Apostles' Creed?

[Zazzy]

It feels like any other belief that you are sure of.

I've been wondering bout this a lot recently- what I just believe on faith. It's a tricky thing to try to acknowledge because, as you say, it's easy to shrug off counter-arguments. I'm trying, though. Perhaps it's easier for people like you who have already seen through a religious lens?

When you are convinced of a position and have ways of dismissing counter-arguments or tough questions, it is quite easy to maintain a firm hold on your beliefs.

How much of this was faith, and how much could you justify as belief based on reasonable evidence? Could you see the difference then as it applied to your religious belief?

I was confident that I could do it because god was real and the Bible was his divine word. Oh well, you can see how that turned out.

Are you happier now? Do you ever miss it?

Admitting it was probably the toughest part, and it wasn't very difficult at all.

Do you think this is normal for deconverts?

Thanks for the replies- I'm like a kindergartener learning about this and trying to apply some of the lessons to myself.

[Captain Colostomy]

Ever hear of the Apostles' Creed?

Yeah. The Italian Stallion beat him in Rocky II.

[Cato]

The only perosn that is qualified to answer this question is a real Scotsman.

[Tonus]

I've been wondering bout this a lot recently- what I just believe on faith. It's a tricky thing to try to acknowledge because, as you say, it's easy to shrug off counter-arguments. I'm trying, though. Perhaps it's easier for people like you who have already seen through a religious lens?

Well, having had the experience makes it easier to understand your question. 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.

How much of this was faith, and how much could you justify as belief based on reasonable evidence? Could you see the difference then as it applied to your religious belief?

No, I couldn't. This is in part because 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.

Are you happier now? Do you ever miss it?

I was always a happy person, and leaving god behind did not change that. I feel more free and more in control of my life. When you learn that there is no puppet master, you no longer act as if you're a puppet.

Do you think this is normal for deconverts?

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. They remain embedded there like mental land mines, just waiting for us to get too close.

[Bad Writer]

A true Christian is filled to the brim with Jesus.
...
...

[Zazzy]

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.

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.

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.

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?

[Lemonvariable72]

I was the only "true christian" I
ever knew... maybe my wife too

Can you explain more about what this was like? I was raised by atheists and never even flirted with a god, so I don't understand it. For those of you who have been on both sides- what's it like to have that moral certainty? What's it like to lose it?

To be entirely honest, for me it was liberating as I was convinced I was going to hell for something I said once about a Christian missionary documentary. Although sometimes I miss the comfort of prayer, I also find my mind is now sharper and I myself am less complacent.

---

Ever hear of the Apostles' Creed?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostles%27...lic_Church, Wikipedia lists many said creeds, which is right?

[Ryantology]

A true Christian is always the Christian you are talking to at the time.

Conversely, anyone who doesn't agree with their interpretation is wrong with a capital R.