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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 7:09 pm
I'm guessing that they are still making you attend church (if not ignore the following).
I started my journey out (age 13) with telling my folks that I no longer wanted to attend church. That I wasn't getting anything out of it. Of course they yelled and forced me to go. During the service I said I had to go pee and then just never returned that day (I was only 4 miles from home so I walked). They got home, yelled again and said I had to go next Sunday. The next Sunday I walked out again (they were not going to make a scene in church) and didn't return. They got the hint. Then the religion discussion came. I didn't tell them that they were wrong. I said that I had questions and doubts and needed to come to my own religious decisions. They were OK with that. Much further down the road atheism came up. Came to the agreement that they had their religion that I'd be OK with and I had my atheism that they would have to be OK with. It became understood that we didn't talk religion and our relationship was fine.
Don't try to deprogram your parents, that's not your place. Individuals should be allowed to believe what they want to no matter how fanciful it is.
Good luck. Wishing you the best.
Being told you're delusional does not necessarily mean you're mental.
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 7:27 pm
(This post was last modified: December 23, 2015 at 7:27 pm by abaris.)
(December 23, 2015 at 5:08 pm)Veritas Wrote: How do you educate others about Atheism? I know that it has a negative connotation which is why I try to say skepticism, etc.
Also, how should one go about in talking to his parents about his beliefs? I'm in a deeply Christian part of Texas and I'm not quite sure if I should "preach" Atheism or just let everyone live in their delusion... Help! 
Why do you even need to introduce people to atheism? Truth is, people have to employ their own minds. If they're not willing to give up faith, you probably will face the same reception as any given missionary at your door.
Simply be yourself and don't push the topic. Otherwise you will achieve the opposite of what you set out to achieve. With making some new enemies on the side.
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 7:29 pm
(December 23, 2015 at 7:09 pm)mh.brewer Wrote: I'm guessing that they are still making you attend church (if not ignore the following).
I started my journey out (age 13) with telling my folks that I no longer wanted to attend church. That I wasn't getting anything out of it. Of course they yelled and forced me to go. During the service I said I had to go pee and then just never returned that day (I was only 4 miles from home so I walked). They got home, yelled again and said I had to go next Sunday. The next Sunday I walked out again (they were not going to make a scene in church) and didn't return. They got the hint. Then the religion discussion came. I didn't tell them that they were wrong. I said that I had questions and doubts and needed to come to my own religious decisions. They were OK with that. Much further down the road atheism came up. Came to the agreement that they had their religion that I'd be OK with and I had my atheism that they would have to be OK with. It became understood that we didn't talk religion and our relationship was fine.
Don't try to deprogram your parents, that's not your place. Individuals should be allowed to believe what they want to no matter how fanciful it is.
Good luck. Wishing you the best.
Correct on the church part... thank you for the best wishes!
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 8:08 pm
I don't really consider it my place to introduce anyone to atheism.
However, if a person is leaning towards skepticism and clearly wants to be talked out of their religious beliefs, I'm more than happy to nudge them in the right direction. It's a scenario I've encountered at work a few times, since a lame attempt to "out" me occurred a while back.
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 8:43 pm
(December 23, 2015 at 5:08 pm)Veritas Wrote: How do you educate others about Atheism?
Actions speak louder than words, and until atheists/skeptics/humanists have organised communities that embody the beliefs and values they espouse, all the talk in the world is useless.
So, take a long term view, and worry less about "evangelizing" to your family and friends, and worry more about building a community that people can point to and understand what you're all about.
Remember, Christians didn't arrive at their beliefs via rationality, they acquired them via convenience in a community. And if you give them a convenient alternative community to switch to, they're much more likely to be open to your views.
Bart Campolo @ Houston Oasis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TgvxQPeKHOA
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 8:58 pm
(This post was last modified: December 23, 2015 at 9:00 pm by abaris.)
(December 23, 2015 at 8:43 pm)mralstoner Wrote: Actions speak louder than words, and until atheists/skeptics/humanists have organised communities that embody the beliefs and values they espouse, all the talk in the world is useless.
And what, pray tell, do we have in common? Other than not believing. But even that's up for debate, since you believe in all kinds of tinfoil stuff. Takes a lot of faith to do so.
No, thank you very much. I'm an individual and the one thing scaring me, is atheists banding together like a religion. It's just plain stupid. OP said, he's a rightwinger and gave the most simplistic explanation for that. I don't share any common ground with fellow atheists, unless they're on the same wavelength as I am. Atheism doesn't define me. Life experience and values do.
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 9:15 pm
(This post was last modified: December 23, 2015 at 9:18 pm by mralstoner.)
(December 23, 2015 at 8:58 pm)abaris Wrote: I don't share any common ground with fellow atheists, unless they're on the same wavelength as I am.
Your wavelength sounds very intolerant, quick to demonize those who don't share your views, and quick to interject in conversations that are not about you or your attitudes. It's ugly and illiberal. I'm not surprised you find the idea of community unappealing.
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 9:17 pm
(December 23, 2015 at 9:15 pm)mralstoner Wrote: Your wavelength sounds very intolerant, quick to demonize those who don't share your views, and quick to interject in conversations that are not about your or your attitudes. It's ugly and illeberal. I'm not surprised if you find it hard to enjoy community.
Iliberal? Says the one presenting one rightwing hack after the other as sources for his conspiracy theories?
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 9:50 pm
You'll meet someone really pushy who will want to know sooner or later. Let that happen naturally instead.
"That is not dead which can eternal lie and with strange aeons even death may die."
- Abdul Alhazred.
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RE: Ways to introduce people to Atheism?
December 23, 2015 at 10:14 pm
(December 23, 2015 at 9:50 pm)RaphielDrake Wrote: You'll meet someone really pushy who will want to know sooner or later. Let that happen naturally instead.
For some it doesn't happen naturally. I hate to see people living in the "fear of the lord" and abusing their children with their chosen religion
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