Did I "Convert" to Atheism? Not Really

[fromdownunder]

I am not sure I was ever really a believer, although I went to Church for many years, was Confirmed in the C of E when I was 12, was a Sunday School Teacher for a while, and a Church Organist for about 10 years (because: Hammond Organ) at the same time in the later years I was playing in a local Rock Band and getting pissed out of my brain several nights per week.

But Church was something everybody did in Australia in the 50's and 60's because the Country would literally close at weekends, so it was Footy on Saturday and Church, which was also the major social outlet, on Sunday.

But as I said I just did it because everybody else did and dutifully read the Bible, which turned out to be one of the reasons I drifted eventually drifted away. I did not believe the bloody thing.  The other reasons for stopping were Marriage, a hectic job, then a mortgage, then kids.  Life got in the way of what I always felt was suspicious, and later felt was a complete fiction, and apart from Weddings and Funerals, have not been inside a Church for over 40 years.

I am not a Capital A atheist, and my atheism is not even an important part of my life.  It just IS. And Australia is a pretty laid back place, very forgiving of most beliefs that are not extremist, so the subject rarely comes up in real life.  As one example, when I started becoming bored in my retirement, I started doing volunteer work for a Religious (Uniting Church) based Food and Material relief organisation.  I was there 8 years and my atheism was never an issue.

So, such as it is, that is my "conversion" story.  It's late, so time for bed.

Norm

[robvalue]

It sounds to me like you've never been a believer, but went along for the ride for a while. I was forced to pray in school, and I went along with it, even though I knew it was bullshit. It's funny thinking back that I never ended up in any religious discussion with a teacher, or anyone else. I just did what they told me, and then ignored the idea for the rest of the time.

[Fireball]

Welcome!

[Joods]

Welcome! Another Aussie! Yay!

I'm not one... I just think your accents are wicked cool.

[Whateverist]

Welcome! Another Aussie!

Oye, oye, oye!!!

[AFTT47]

I am not a Capital A atheist.

Nor is anyone else. In fact, there is no such thing. Atheists are people who lack belief in the local (or any other) religion. Aside from that commonality, we are quite a diverse group. In general, we tend to be liberal, humanistic and materialistic but there is no atheist dogma. Atheism defines what we do NOT believe. It does not define what we DO believe.

[ignoramus]

Good to have another Aussie here. Where ya from?

I'm Jim from Sunbury, Vic. (A quaint little town 20 minutes past Melbourne airport).

[Abaddon_ire]

I am not sure I was ever really a believer, although I went to Church for many years, was Confirmed in the C of E when I was 12, was a Sunday School Teacher for a while, and a Church Organist for about 10 years (because: Hammond Organ) at the same time in the later years I was playing in a local Rock Band and getting pissed out of my brain several nights per week.

But Church was something everybody did in Australia in the 50's and 60's because the Country would literally close at weekends, so it was Footy on Saturday and Church, which was also the major social outlet, on Sunday.

But as I said I just did it because everybody else did and dutifully read the Bible, which turned out to be one of the reasons I drifted eventually drifted away. I did not believe the bloody thing.  The other reasons for stopping were Marriage, a hectic job, then a mortgage, then kids.  Life got in the way of what I always felt was suspicious, and later felt was a complete fiction, and apart from Weddings and Funerals, have not been inside a Church for over 40 years.

I am not a Capital A atheist, and my atheism is not even an important part of my life.  It just IS. And Australia is a pretty laid back place, very forgiving of most beliefs that are not extremist, so the subject rarely comes up in real life.  As one example, when I started becoming bored in my retirement, I started doing volunteer work for a Religious (Uniting Church) based Food and Material relief organisation.  I was there 8 years and my atheism was never an issue.

So, such as it is, that is my "conversion" story.  It's late, so time for bed.

Norm

Damn, it's a small internet. Welcome here and hello from there. Have a rep point for old times sake.

[fromdownunder]

Good to have another Aussie here. Where ya from?

I'm Jim from Sunbury, Vic. (A quaint little town 20 minutes past Melbourne airport).

I'm from Beautiful Downtown Lara, about 40 minutes from Melbourne (well, 40 Minutes to the West Gate Bridge, then hope for the best), and about the same to Sunbury if you go via the Bacchus Marsh Road.

Norm

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

heh.  'organist'.



Boru