I went back to church, but I just DON'T believe...

[dave4shmups]

Yeah, it's been almost a month since I've posted on here, and in that time, I went to a different church. But I just can't believe in souls, a god, demons, heaven, hell, or anything else like that.

As to why I went back, I was raised by my parents (and this is by no means a slam on them) to be dependent. So, when I had a horrible day at work, I felt like that was "god" calling me back to himself. I REALLY need to break this emotional dependence on a non-existent deity, but I honestly don't know how. Any resources would help.

Guy P. Harrison's book about why people believe in a god helps, and I'm off to buy a copy of Atheist Universe, by Mills. I read the intro that he wrote on Amazon.com, and am VERY impressed!

[Minimalist]

So, when I had a horrible day at work, I felt like that was "god" calling me back to himself.

Don't you think that a "god" would find a more effective method?

Some people have a couple of drinks after work or a pharmaceutical equivalent. That seems more beneficial than sitting in some fucking church and listening to some guy who pretends to know what happens after you die.

The thing is, in all 3 cases, work will still suck again. If not the very next day then real soon. That's why they call it "work."

[Darwinian]

First of all, it is okay that you feel distant from God right now. that's normal. Through my walk with Christ, there have been MANY times where i've felt distant from Him, but that doesn't make you any less of a follower. Your faith will go through seasons-- sometimes, you will feel like you are walking side-by-side with God, and sometimes you will feel like you are forever away from Him, and that's okay. It's really good that you realize that you need God and that you have the desire to get closer to Him. So understand that that is normal and it doesn't make you any less of a believer.

Your best bet is to pray and spend time with Jesus alone reading the Bible and praying and worshipping Him. That is to say, spend time with Him alone.

God knows how you feel and He wants the best for you. Ask God to help you. Talk to Him just as you have to us. You are not a horrible person. Trust in God. He will show you the way.

I'll pray for you too. God Bless You! Remember this: God will NEVER leave you and only wants your unconditional love and total devotional above all others.

If that doesn't make you feel a bit queasy and snap you back to reality then I don't know what will

[dave4shmups]

So, when I had a horrible day at work, I felt like that was "god" calling me back to himself.

Don't you think that a "god" would find a more effective method?

Some people have a couple of drinks after work or a pharmaceutical equivalent. That seems more beneficial than sitting in some fucking church and listening to some guy who pretends to know what happens after you die.

The thing is, in all 3 cases, work will still suck again. If not the very next day then real soon. That's why they call it "work."

Hah, that's true! But I cannot use alcohol, because of my anxiety medication. And you're right, a "god" would find a more effective method.

[Lethe]

I can understand the temptation of wanting to believe in a benevolent higher power as some form of coping mechanism, as Robert Heinlein once said: "Delusions are often functional. A mother's opinions about her children's beauty, intelligence, goodness, et cetera ad nauseam, keep her from drowning them at birth."

If you want an ass-kicking in to reality, This Amazing Atheist video is actually quite entertaining:





If you're looking for something lighter, the Principa Discordia does an excellent job of satirizing the belief systems many religious institutions hold, several different versions can be found online, as well as on Amazon.

[Paul the Human]

Church's draw is the feeling of community and acceptance that it offers. When life gets you down, the church is there to offer emotional support sprinkled with empty promises of a god that cares about your plight. It's a placebo. Once you reach a point where you can rely on yourself for 'moral support' and have the knowledge that you make (and change) your own circumstances, you will have the confidence to resist the woo.

[Ashendant]

I think my distraction is Knowledge, when i feel bad i go to the internet and read something informative or discuss something intellectual, or play a fantasy videogame, i get relaxed and i'm able to deal with the world again

Some people smoke, others drink, some go to church, I read and learn

[yuriythebest]

watch several hundred episodes of "the atheist experience" - that "cured" me

[dave4shmups]

Church's draw is the feeling of community and acceptance that it offers. When life gets you down, the church is there to offer emotional support sprinkled with empty promises of a god that cares about your plight. It's a placebo. Once you reach a point where you can rely on yourself for 'moral support' and have the knowledge that you make (and change) your own circumstances, you will have the confidence to resist the woo.

Yeah, I think I'll get to that point once I've stopped going to church long enough. I'll stop tomorrow. And I do love retro video games, I just got an Atari Flashback 2 Console in the mail yesterday! Fun times indeed! And I have watched the Atheist Experience on Youtube and have subscribed-it's great stuff!

[HigherLvlofThinking]

I always find that reading the frist sentence to Genesis is enough to brighten up my day because its so hystryical on how anyone could believe this? In the begining.... HA!