People eventually try to reach whatever sense of comfort they can find...each depending upon what they have been through within their life and upon their initial location within the world.
Those who were failed by one,will seek aid in another...It's common-and that's how religion kinda started in the first place,a unifying source of comfort and guidance to people who badly needed it,and they seem to gain no answer from any natural means,or...to simply have Luck,and Luck is the worshiped deity.
I really like this video, it's not insulting and it touches emotions and experience rather than logic. No one wants to hear that their faith is illogical.
I think the problem is believing a doctrine as fact. When it comes to christian universalism. Evangelical call these people heretic and there teaching a false doctrine. because they don't think that god is a Asshole. If god exist. What is the right doctrine. For all we know Muslim have it right. or the Hindu or the Ancient Egyptian are correct and where all screwed because we haven't prepared for the afterlife. There is nothing wrong in believing in a god. Just don't take the book so seriously.
I was an atheist as a teen, but then I had a conversion that's closer to something like Taoism or Buddhism, although I wouldn't call myself a Taoist or a Buddhist. I was influenced, like many others I'm sure, by Terence McKenna to take what he referred to as a "heroic dose" of psilocybin mushrooms, and I undoubtedly had what I couldn't anything else but a "religious/mystical experience." I certainly felt something transcendental enough to alter all my ontological assumptions I had as an atheist.
I don't really know what to be. I'm 14 and since i was a baby i have gone to church and don't really know anything else. I always feel out of place and i try to apply the teachings to my life but i somehow end up always feeling worse about myself. My whole family is christian and they would kill me if i ever said i don't think there is a god. There are just too many holes in the religion that it doesn't make sense to me. I feel like i'm being slowly smuthered to death.
There were 2 things that helped me make my transition to atheism.
1. I realized that everything that happens in our world, happens exactly as I'd expect it to with no god existing and intervened in our lives.
2. Throughout history, all the unknowns we've investigated, turned out to have natural explanations instead of supernatural ones. Not once, not ever, have we found an explanation that was supernatural. I think the consistent record speaks for itself.
Cool story, and the way you are sharing your story should be measurably helpful in the struggle for a rational, non-superstitious understanding of reality for everyone, and interesting for us too.
I like how the figurine waves her fists as she says "thanks for watching" at the end :-)
You were lucky your spouse was deconverting too. I've read and heard many deconversion stories where the person feels trapped since people closest to him/her are very religious.
I travelled the other path...from unbelief to belief. I was not raised in a Christian but I became a Christian in my twenties about ten years ago. God has drastically changed my life. I have to disagree with some comments that Christianity is opposed to education. Since I became a Christian I have finished my b.a. and I am now studying for my master's degree. That is a caricature of Christians being ignorant persons without education and that we live by blind faith. The Christian faith is intel
@rigbolo - Thanks for responding. I don't tend to check comments many weeks after I post a video (as I'm checking on the new videos), so I apologize for the late response. I wasn't painting a caricature of Christianity; I was explaining one community to which I moved. And believe me, the explanation is apt. I am from a denomination which supports education, and has a high percentage of educated members, so I understand what you are saying. However, faith in its worst forms cannot abide education
@rigbolo - continued - because education and critical thinking squash the superstitious effects of education. Regardless, I was speaking of a particular community. More urban communities where education is essential and valued will not so easily harbor willfully ignorant denominations.
I also became a Christian in my twenties. I urge you to consider the possibility that it is YOU, and your choices, which have changed your life.
the transition is really difficult it seems like u become hated by everyone who isnt atheist im going through it right now im still only in high school i still have 2 go 2 church sometimes cuz my parents dont yet know yet i know they wont hate me but they will be extremly sad and dissaponted wen they find out only a few friends of mine know but they cant really truly understand wat it is i am going through i want everyone 2 know but i question weather i will still be accepted afterwards
@TheGreatGreyWolf - I just read your comment about how difficult it is to be atheist when so may people around you are theist. That fear that your relationship with them would drastically change is familiar to me, too. Just remember that if they don't respect your boundaries and your right to think, then your relationship NEEDS to change. Hopefully it will change for the better. I hope you are doing well.
Thank you for your video! I always get a shocking reaction when I tell any religious person that it was Christianity that turned me from religion. If anyone could really be honest with themselves and understand how it's halting our progression as a society as well as true personal growth then I cannot really sympathise with the immoral choice of adopting such beliefs. I'm happy for you.
@darkblade1206 - Thanks, Darkblade, for watching and responding. I do think that many of the tenants of Christianity (and other religions) are halting society's progress toward more humane and fruitful values.
If you don't mind my asking, what societal groups are surprised when you reveal that Christianity turned you away from religion? Were they moderately Christian themselves?
@ReligiousFiction No, I do not mind. I think that the most suprised people in my reasons for deconversion has been my entire family who are mostly fundamentalists. I honestly don't think they have gotten over the fact that I have deconverted and it's been over a decade ago. However, generally I find that relatively mature discussions on my deconversion with Christians either end when they 'give up' on me or when they resort to character slander. Typically it's the latter. It's the religious.
@darkblade1206 I would also like to add that televangalists played a large role in me questioning the character of religious leaders. It got to the point where I transformed my question on the deliverer's message from "Is this guy a Christian?" to "Which preacher is it?". It really began to distort the religious bubble to the point where the truth only made sense in light of my experiences. "They are all people and will act as people regardless of religion." Tells you how retro I am! lol
I find with my friends ,If they know I,m an atheist,no matter what I say they will stand fast and not listen to any reason. THEy think it is a age phase,YEA! I got older and wiser
@sheppaul - The people who won't listen to what you have to say are probably scared that if they think too much about their beliefs, they'll become unconvinced. I hope that they're civil to you, though.
i am always encouraged when i hear stories like this. when i was a kid i did believe but as i grew up i never fully accepted the doctrine and was easily able to break away when i realized it was all nonsense.
to hear of somebody who was deeply religious and was able to break away is always uplifting to me.
@octobergrey1985 - Did I ever respond to your comment? I'm not sure - I can't figure out the pattern of why YT alerts me to some comments on my videos and not others. Thanks for watching and responding; I'm also delighted when I hear of people who are fully committed to their worldview but still are able to respond to logic later in life.
Thank you for sharing this story. The more stories like this that come out, the greater chance of someone struggling with the same things coming across it.
@limegreensquid - thanks, limegreensquid! That's one of my goals: get my story (and others' stories) out, so more people have more information and more support as they go through their lives.
Your early life sounds a lot like my childhood, except we moved from a more affluent suburb to a more rural, religious area (Palmyra NY, the home of Joseph Smith and the Mormon faith.) But like you, my families religiosity seemed to diminish. I remember attending church when I was little, but not going at all after the move which is funny since we were miles closer to our church. But my parents instilled in us a moral right and wrong that wasn't necessarily christian.
@TomMSTie - I think it's especially important for people to realize what you wrote in your last sentence: that not only are morality and religion mostly separate, sometimes people who are religious instill morals which have nothing to do with the religion! the more people see that this is the PLAIN, factual truth, the more they'll have to admit how unlikely it is that morality comes from divine sources, and how very likely it is that we've evolved them and imbibe them from our culture.
@ReligiousFiction Very true. It also bothers me when theists think that morality can only come from fear of a fiery retribution. What about the golden rule? I "Do unto others as I would have then do unto me" just because it's the right thing to do.
@Darkfirebrand - There are indeed moderate areas in Texas, and moderate denominations in Texas. I've found that the more educated and wealthy an area is, the more moderate the religious thinking is in that area. And many of the more moderate (and less biblical-literalist) denominations have sprung from the Anglican Church: Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian.
@ofomatheblackbelt - I don't disbelieve in god because 'bad' things happen. At first I tried to redefine what 'bad' is. Then I just accepted that bad things happen. It was when my cat died that I realized NO ONE knows what happens after death. Anyone who says s/he does is deluding him/herself just to feel better. So I saw that all religious claims are just guesses, and I couldn't base my life on guesses anymore. It's not sane, or safe.
@ReligiousFiction i wouldnt say guesses i mean thats why i look at personal testimonies and i listen to what people say and to me its real because the biblical god is a personal god there isnt any other just look at what jesus taught you can look up angelica zambrano hers in interesting and some others who have seen christ in a dream which fits well with the biblical god because he said he did not have to speak to moses with visions and dreams because he can trust moses because of who he was
As am I. I am so grateful. I'm not sure what this would have been like if he hadn't been the kind of person who was willing to face the fear and question his beliefs. Thankfully, I won't have to know. I really, really feel for people whose significant others won't journey with them.
It's difficult. I've recently (this past year) undergone my deconversion (although many of the questions leading up to that have been with me for years). Yet, sadly no matter the confounding arguments I present, and the emotional euphoria I have inside, my family (mainly my wife) will not even listen. I'm not allowed to speak of it to the children nor to her, although I now believe with all my being that they need to at the very least know the other side. It's difficult to say the least.
It's your responsibility as a human father to let your children know from all factual aspects what religion is, and what it will try to make them do, and to steer clear of the hateful behaviour endorsed in this or that passage of the bible, etc...
Humanity before christianity (or just religion).
It would be like not warning them about strangers with candy. And i know you know this. I understand the repurcussions could be bad, but your kids would be better equipped to deal with the world.
Yes, I agree. I haven't tackled the issue outright with the children just yet. They're a little young for now anyway; although, I believe it has become apparent to them what my stance is on the whole subject.
Since my original comment my wife has lightened up quite a bit. She's begun to see that things aren't necessarily as absolute as she once thought. In fact, I've even gotten her to watch quite a few atheist vids here on UTube, she likes darkmatter2525 the most I think. :)
Thank you. I love how powerfully we can connect with others' stories, and how they help us realize our similarities as humans. I also love that we're getting our stories out to more people. Hope you're able to do that, too!
It sounds like you use to be a mormon. Mormonism is not true Christianity. Salvation is based on Jesus alone and not on works.
Please reconsider your thought process - your eternal life depends on this.
Heavenly Father, I pray you open this person to the truth of your word. I pray that the shackles of Satan will be removed from her. I pray Heavenly Father that you glorify yourself and that this person will know true peace and contentmen because of you.
There's plenty of happiness to be found in appreciating this life. As sure as you are about an afterlife, I'm almost as sure this is all the life we get. So enjoy.
Many people are happy without religion; many people are unhappy with it. Much depends on a person's attitude, rather than his/her supernatural beliefs.
When you saw what you considered answered prayers, did you ever consider that perhaps what happened was going to happen anyway, with or without saying a prayer? Did you consider natural explanations? Including the reality that sometimes, people make conscious decisions to change.
The problem is that you found religion but not Jesus Christ.
You maam are a deceived person. You won't be happy when you die in your sins and go to Hell!
You try to understand God on your terms instead of who God is. If you could understand God - God would not be God.
Jesus Christ does answer prayers and I have seen great things in my life. I pray in Jesus's name that your eyes will be open to Jesus Christ and not a religious experience.
The interesting thing is you sound just like an evangelist from any other religion, including Mormonism and Islam. You think that I will be punished for not believing what you believe. You think you have a better understanding of a particular 'god' than I do, and your understanding is based on a book and what people have told you. It's also based on some coincidental answers you've had to prayers - I know because I've been there.
Not true. I have seen people changed, miracles happen, from the power of God's word.
I once had an athiest mind and thought I was happy. Once I had some of the things that I thought were missing from my life - I was not satisfied. True contentment and joy comes from the fact I will live forever with God. No more pain, tears, discouragement, but everlasting life because of my trust in Jesus as Lord.
thoughts, and I sincerely hope you find joy and peace in your current circumstances. You say I won't be happy when I die; I just hope you're happy in life.
ReligiousFiction: "I just hope you're happy in life."
I hope your happy also. I comment not to judge or belittle you but to bring truth. There are many people who are religious but don't know Jesus personally. Jesus says he is the way, the truth, and the life. No other name in heaven in which we can be saved. Jesus mentions Hell not I.
This world will not bring you happiness:
Many people have had fame,fortune,power, and ended up killing themselves. Jesus is true happiness.
I love your story and may I add in that you are no less for being a woman than any human being on earth is less than another, we are all a product of a multitude of things and actions without deep consequences is what scares people into promoting organized religion. Thank you for seeing through, keep reaching for possibilities, support evolution of society.
You're right... we seek promises and assurance, when really there's not much to be had. So we must make of life what we can! Thank you for your interest and your humorous comments (other videos, for those wondering). When we band together, and stand alone, we can help society progress.
This nation was founded on Christian principles and not communism or socialism. Why is this country different than any other is because of the Christian Heritage. Evolution is man made up fairy tales with no evidence except those who want to deny the existence of God.
This country will go by the waistside and all will morn when Obama turns us into a marxist country.
It was founded on ethical principles that are also found in the bible and were in existence long before Christianity. Evolution is a theory of science that is not offended by mockery unlike christianity. It also has more physical proof of existence than the any of the supernatural occurences of the bible. Why you would want to throw Obama into this I do not know, but it sounds like typical neo con propaganda.
Your last Christian Conservative cabinet in charge did a great job, killed many just like Jesus would do. I bet Jesus has a big American flag in his Heavenly front yard. You beleive in this crap, and have the right to do so, yet the xian community cannot help but grow extreme and promote political idiots like Bush to help eliminate all non xians.
This country was founded on principles found IN Christianity, but not unique to it. When you read the founding fathers' (Jefferson, Franklin, etc) writings, you'll see they were mostly free-thinking deists.
Evolution as used in the phrase "evolution of society" simply means change. You have to accept that definition.
If you're referring to biological evolution, you are probably offended by the idea of being related to every human, animal, and plant.
But as you know, ideas aren't proven true or false based on how we feel about them. Whether you "believe" in evolution or not has no bearing on its truth.
I cannot speak of your own personal experience's I can only speak as to what I know to be true.
The heart should be in a state of humility in order to know the truth,many people approach God in a spirit of prideful arrogance (this is not to say you did) demanding a sign or proof of his existence,as though he were not God,such can expect to receive nothing from him.
For as you may be aware he says,
S/he that comes to God must believe that he is and that rewards them that diligently seek him.
No one could convince me that God was not true or that he was true,this was something I had to discover for myself.
"If you will call upon me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
If God was true and this was truly his word then if I sought for him with all my heart he said that I would surely find him,well,he proved to be true and as the queen of Sheba said of Solomon upon meeting him,the half was not told me.
It's interesting you should quote those verses. Have you read the verses after Jeremiah 29:11? They are a beautiful promise, but they ring hollow. I was a diligent follower, but the more I searched, the less I found. Some might say that you find what you're looking for, but this is only true to a point. There has to be something there to find. I can look for various versions of gods, but I will only find what is really there or what I have chosen to believe. Many people confuse the two.
I was afraid that when I mentioned that I did not abandon my search,that I would be misunderstood.
I did not mean to suggest this of you,I was raised in a home that did not follow the teachings of the bible,although my father claimed to be one he was extremely cruel and drove me away from seeking God.
I joined a coven and hated what I thought christianity was,due to the poor example set by my father and others.
But at 26 (18 years ago) I came to a true knowledge of God,in spite of the church
If you weren't influenced by the church, why did you chose to read the bible at all?
It sounds to me like the bad examples of Christians you saw were people who were being selfish and possibly immoral. These are the same criteria that make anyone of any faith seem bad, whether they be atheist, agnostic, Christian, Buddhist, Islamic, etc.
It is when people of any faith aspire to selflessness and a common morality - common despite their religion or god - that we call them good.
When spirituality is corrupted then all it can bring forth is more corruption.
I have stated before that atheist's are often times more in tune with reality than so called christians.
My own personal experinece in the church has been much like your own,although rather than abandon my search for the truth I simple left what men have created and cried out for the God contained in the bible.
He answered me and has continued to led me,I respect you and extend the hand of friendship to you.
Thank you for your gesture of friendship and an expression of our similar experiences.
I appreciate your input, yet I must say that I in no way have abandoned a search for the truth. It is the unwillingness to leave that quest that has led me to my understanding of life today.
I understand that it's easy for those of Christian upbringing to think that the bible will lead to god, but if your religion is true, people have been led to god for centuries without the bible. the bible is new.
I am amazed you maintained your religious beliefs for as long as you did, but that just shows how difficult it is to see the obvious when we live in a culture permeated with indoctrinated automatons. Fortunately you have woken up from the land of make believe and now can see clearly.
I just heard Dawkins refer to religion as a kind of virus. It is really a memetic virus. The version he was 'infected' with was very like the version I was 'infected' with - a very calm, passive, accepting, learned, non-fundamental version of religion, with a god more like a universal spirit or consciousness, rather non-interactive and sensible. It's extremely hard to give evidence against the possibility of such a being existing, because there's so little way to provide evidence that it does
(continued) exist! The kind of people who believe what I believed are hard to disabuse of their notions because there's very little at stake. No hellfire. No condemnation or ostracism; you get community for the very low price of believing in a feeling of goodness or a reverence for morals.
Thanks for the congratulations. Life definitely makes more sense.
I really empathize with this video. My father is a fundamentalist Christian minister and when he discovered that I no longer held his belief, our relationship changed completely. He is somehow "cold" in his interactions with me. I was told it was because he no longer "trusts" me, because(according to him) I believe in "nothing". There is a feeling of isolation when I am at home, because my entire family is still mostly Christian.
So it is good to hear about others who went through similar deconversions and still made it out all right. I'm still in the middle of it. You are very lucky that your loved one was able to be on the same page as you. My relationship status is quite the opposite(she is still Christian), and sometimes that causes distress.
Anyhow, great vid! And nice question to Richard Dawkins;)
Thanks! Glad you listened to it. Dawkins is a cool teacher.
Wow, about your dad... how did he find out? I still haven't told my parents. The idea that you're somehow different from all the years he's known you is so bogus.
I hope your Christian girlfriend sees that, and knows that you are the same person no matter what you believe about the supernatural. I wish you the best in all your family and friend relationships.
I mean the typical overtly religious hypocrisy of youth: during the highly hormonal time of adolescence, sexually repressed individuals will try to experience sexual pleasure through any means possible, as long as it's not technically sex. It's just more semantics and repression leading to hypocrisy.
(continued) in writing, but to a young girl it was very psychologically damaging. I wouldn't wish a relationship like that on anyone.
The worst parts were the hypocrisy - the rules he said he believed in were too strict for even him, so he made a hypocrite and liar out of himself trying to do what he wanted while still living up to the 'letter' of the law.
Yes- a change in beliefs can tax relationships terribly. I'm not sure why that is; can't beliefs be private? I'm not sure why it's taken as a personal attack when someone disagrees with another's worldview... although among fundamentalist Christians I see that the reaction is one of fear and loathing. They can't face the fact that people can live freely and happily without their beliefs. It's a challenge to their beliefs, and that can be scary if you think your beliefs save you from hellfire.
That happened with me when I told my parents I was an atheist. My father understood perfectly and told me the church was a place for him to find his center than any literal beleif. I still feel like my mother is passive-aggresivly try to convert me though.
I'm so glad your dad was cool with it. I wonder how many others like him are in the church... non-literalists, who seem to just want a peaceful place to think or meditate every now and then.
She usually just reccomends a book about god or just says something somewhat religious. When I went to JROTC camp a whole bunch of people in our barracks were getting really political about gay marrage and all they could do to rationalize it was with religion. Thats one of the many reasons I became atheist. That, and religous peoples attitude torward my bisexuality.
It was also when I realized that a lot of arguments couldn't be made rationally or logically using religion that I really started to question the logic of the whole thing. Great example.
Have you heard about the book "Don't sleep. There are snakes." I haven't read it yet except what is on the internet. Basically an american religious whack goes to the brazil to convert the people of the rainforest to christians. Twenty years later he is an atheist and the natives are the same as when he started.
I've heard of that book - I think he appears in a video on youtube somewhere, or there's a video about him. I'll look it up and see if I can post it here. Interesting that when he opened his eyes, he saw that the natives were living more honestly.
About 3rd world countries - fundamentalist religion mixed with lack of education and poverty are disastrous mixes. I think this state of affairs will define our crises in the next century, if leaders in those countries don't nuke everyone first.
I just finished reading "Don't Sleep. There Are Snakes." It is good with some very interesting and funny stories. The author is an expert in languages and goes a little too deep for my understanding but it is educational and a very good read.
Your right about the little education mixed with religion being disastrous. Look at the 3rd world most are religious with little education. Countries haven't changed in 1000 years. You are also right about people being afraid of education because with education people move away from religion and other superstitions.
That was very well done, and a compelling story! It was really great meeting you today! What's funny about your avatar is that it really kind of looks like you!
You have a great story to tell. One that is very common that eventually happens to all intelligent people who embrace proven scientific knowledge. Eventually all people will come to the point where you have to reconcile "the claims of faith" with the facts of life. Facts never lie.....Religion always does.
Thank you very much. You're right about scientific knowledge. Although my doctrine wasn't in opposition to any one theory (like Evolution), applying a thorough process of inquiry and requiring high quality evidence - both inspired by my growing understanding of science - made faith and belief harder, and eventually intellectually impossible.
I kind of like this approach. It looks cool and interesting. I might have a friend of mine try this approach.
I made the mistake of actually reading the Bible with open eyes. I have noticed that mixed into the loving Jesus Christ were some rather violent things that did not really make any sense. In the parts of the Bible the Christian ignore, he was the worst kind of monster, who advocated the slaughter of a whole town.
When I was a believer, I heard the fastest way to deconvert a Christian was to have him/her read the bible. Then, I laughed it off - anyone who read the bible and was deconverted clearly didn't know the history of the canonization of the bible! My historical education was actually a buffer against deconversion for a while.
But then I read and thought and experienced more...
As part of a video series, I am reading bible quotes by themselves and then in the context of the parts surrounding it. The meanings of the passages change when you read the stuff around it.
Even though it is pretty much whenever Jesus opened his mouth, I am referring to Matthew: 10:14-15 specifically. Jesus tells his listeners that if a city has not heard of him, then what happened to Sodom and Gomoroh would be more tolerable.
it was so deep and i thank you for sharing it whit me and others your right people think about atheists as evil and bad and sad people but we are not evil we dont do anything to hurt anyone and sad for from it we are very happy people and i bet this video has change some peoples minds about what atheists are and i bet it helped people who are confuse about there believes we need to make it ok for others to be none believers like us
I bet your video will change people's perspective, too. I think that's one of the most important messages for those of us 'without belief' to get across to people: we are just like believers, but we remain unconvinced by supernatural arguments. It doesn't make us unpleasant or "evil"!
This story sounds all to similar to mine. It was the realization that praying will do nothing that came as a shock. The irony of praying is that you are asking an all knowing person to change their all knowing plan. If you wish goes along with the plan then w00ts. But otherwise you are Shit out of luck. I find it easier to think that everything happens through laws of nature instead of someone sick plan for life.
Agreed. That's part of why I said that "life makes more sense now" - I don't have to wonder whether my prayers will be answered. I know they won't. So I do the work I can do to achieve the goals I want, including helping others. Thanks for your comment.
I consider that a great compliment. Her story and personal reactions really resonate with me. I also found a lot in common with Ayaan Hirsi Ali's story in her book Infidel.
"But a short time elapsed after the death of the great reformer of the Jewish religion, before his principles were departed from by those who professed to be his special servants, and perverted into an engine for enslaving mankind, and aggrandizing their oppressors in Church and State."..Thomas Jefferson in a letter to S. Kercheval, 1810
If you have windows XP then you have "windows movie maker " on it. Search for it
Wow! i found it!!!! i'm such a techie noob... So now all i need is to save up for digital recording capability. And to take a gander at how to use 'windows movie maker.' Thank you so much for the tip.
Great quote, too. Jefferson was pretty savvy. i bet he would have been fasinating in conversation.
OH GREAT! It is rare indeed that someone can actually help another person. All you need is a simple USB webcam You can find one easily for under $20 Craig's list. E-Bay, Wal-Mart etc. I could send you my old one but it would require that you give me a mailing address.
It IS a long journey! I know you were in youth work, too. It's hard to think now that I might have participated in making other children's journeys harder... But then again, just telling our stories helps others, doesn't it? I was inspired by yours.
People eventually try to reach whatever sense of comfort they can find...each depending upon what they have been through within their life and upon their initial location within the world.
Those who were failed by one,will seek aid in another...It's common-and that's how religion kinda started in the first place,a unifying source of comfort and guidance to people who badly needed it,and they seem to gain no answer from any natural means,or...to simply have Luck,and Luck is the worshiped deity.
Wharwulif 1 month ago
I really like this video, it's not insulting and it touches emotions and experience rather than logic. No one wants to hear that their faith is illogical.
lordfumblesquid 2 months ago
I think the problem is believing a doctrine as fact. When it comes to christian universalism. Evangelical call these people heretic and there teaching a false doctrine. because they don't think that god is a Asshole. If god exist. What is the right doctrine. For all we know Muslim have it right. or the Hindu or the Ancient Egyptian are correct and where all screwed because we haven't prepared for the afterlife. There is nothing wrong in believing in a god. Just don't take the book so seriously.
Tuber77 4 months ago
I was an atheist as a teen, but then I had a conversion that's closer to something like Taoism or Buddhism, although I wouldn't call myself a Taoist or a Buddhist. I was influenced, like many others I'm sure, by Terence McKenna to take what he referred to as a "heroic dose" of psilocybin mushrooms, and I undoubtedly had what I couldn't anything else but a "religious/mystical experience." I certainly felt something transcendental enough to alter all my ontological assumptions I had as an atheist.
Hanahleia 4 months ago
I don't really know what to be. I'm 14 and since i was a baby i have gone to church and don't really know anything else. I always feel out of place and i try to apply the teachings to my life but i somehow end up always feeling worse about myself. My whole family is christian and they would kill me if i ever said i don't think there is a god. There are just too many holes in the religion that it doesn't make sense to me. I feel like i'm being slowly smuthered to death.
Lunarmoon67 4 months ago
@Lunarmoon67
"I don't really know what to be. I'm 14 and since i was a baby i have gone to church and don't really know anything else"
Read the Bible, Learn the Science, Decide for yourself.
Until you are of age and move out, you have to comply with the wants of the parents. When you move out you will be able to live your choice.
I respect that you are willing to examine you veiws and offer this from Socrates
"The unexamined life is not worth living"
whiteowl1415 4 months ago
Thanks for sharing your story with us.
There were 2 things that helped me make my transition to atheism.
1. I realized that everything that happens in our world, happens exactly as I'd expect it to with no god existing and intervened in our lives.
2. Throughout history, all the unknowns we've investigated, turned out to have natural explanations instead of supernatural ones. Not once, not ever, have we found an explanation that was supernatural. I think the consistent record speaks for itself.
Cootabux 8 months ago
Thank you for sharing, you brought a tear to my eye with your story....
TheATHEISTNOW 11 months ago
Cool story, and the way you are sharing your story should be measurably helpful in the struggle for a rational, non-superstitious understanding of reality for everyone, and interesting for us too.
I like how the figurine waves her fists as she says "thanks for watching" at the end :-)
KrisBlueNZ 1 year ago
Sure is weird hearing a robot talking like this. XD
But thanks for sharing your story! ^^
AvatarZ 1 year ago
I didn't know robots could be christians! xD jk! great vid! :)
Redbloodedsky 1 year ago
Great story! Thank you for sharing. This is an important topic and more of us need to "come out". Thank you!
jennabryson 1 year ago
You were lucky your spouse was deconverting too. I've read and heard many deconversion stories where the person feels trapped since people closest to him/her are very religious.
edheldude 1 year ago
I travelled the other path...from unbelief to belief. I was not raised in a Christian but I became a Christian in my twenties about ten years ago. God has drastically changed my life. I have to disagree with some comments that Christianity is opposed to education. Since I became a Christian I have finished my b.a. and I am now studying for my master's degree. That is a caricature of Christians being ignorant persons without education and that we live by blind faith. The Christian faith is intel
rigbolo 1 year ago
@rigbolo - Thanks for responding. I don't tend to check comments many weeks after I post a video (as I'm checking on the new videos), so I apologize for the late response. I wasn't painting a caricature of Christianity; I was explaining one community to which I moved. And believe me, the explanation is apt. I am from a denomination which supports education, and has a high percentage of educated members, so I understand what you are saying. However, faith in its worst forms cannot abide education
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
@rigbolo - continued - because education and critical thinking squash the superstitious effects of education. Regardless, I was speaking of a particular community. More urban communities where education is essential and valued will not so easily harbor willfully ignorant denominations.
I also became a Christian in my twenties. I urge you to consider the possibility that it is YOU, and your choices, which have changed your life.
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction - haha! Shouldn't type while listening to lectures. Education and critical thinking squash the superstitious effects of *religion*
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction Aha! Perfect spelling/punctuation/grammar! You MUST be an atheist :-)
KrisBlueNZ 1 year ago
the transition is really difficult it seems like u become hated by everyone who isnt atheist im going through it right now im still only in high school i still have 2 go 2 church sometimes cuz my parents dont yet know yet i know they wont hate me but they will be extremly sad and dissaponted wen they find out only a few friends of mine know but they cant really truly understand wat it is i am going through i want everyone 2 know but i question weather i will still be accepted afterwards
TheGreatGreyWolf 1 year ago
@TheGreatGreyWolf - I just read your comment about how difficult it is to be atheist when so may people around you are theist. That fear that your relationship with them would drastically change is familiar to me, too. Just remember that if they don't respect your boundaries and your right to think, then your relationship NEEDS to change. Hopefully it will change for the better. I hope you are doing well.
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
Sister you are not alone you have we atheists.
Blackguy811 1 year ago
I appreciate hearing your story.
CaledoniaJeanne 1 year ago
@CaledoniaJeanne - Thanks for listening!
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
Thank you for your video! I always get a shocking reaction when I tell any religious person that it was Christianity that turned me from religion. If anyone could really be honest with themselves and understand how it's halting our progression as a society as well as true personal growth then I cannot really sympathise with the immoral choice of adopting such beliefs. I'm happy for you.
darkblade1206 1 year ago
@darkblade1206 - Thanks, Darkblade, for watching and responding. I do think that many of the tenants of Christianity (and other religions) are halting society's progress toward more humane and fruitful values.
If you don't mind my asking, what societal groups are surprised when you reveal that Christianity turned you away from religion? Were they moderately Christian themselves?
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction No, I do not mind. I think that the most suprised people in my reasons for deconversion has been my entire family who are mostly fundamentalists. I honestly don't think they have gotten over the fact that I have deconverted and it's been over a decade ago. However, generally I find that relatively mature discussions on my deconversion with Christians either end when they 'give up' on me or when they resort to character slander. Typically it's the latter. It's the religious.
darkblade1206 1 year ago
@darkblade1206 I would also like to add that televangalists played a large role in me questioning the character of religious leaders. It got to the point where I transformed my question on the deliverer's message from "Is this guy a Christian?" to "Which preacher is it?". It really began to distort the religious bubble to the point where the truth only made sense in light of my experiences. "They are all people and will act as people regardless of religion." Tells you how retro I am! lol
darkblade1206 1 year ago
i hope to meet more people like be for i die
parsonman05 1 year ago
Excellent first video. I'm glad your husband stood by your side as you both began to think more freely.
truth0r 1 year ago
I find with my friends ,If they know I,m an atheist,no matter what I say they will stand fast and not listen to any reason. THEy think it is a age phase,YEA! I got older and wiser
sheppaul 1 year ago
@sheppaul - The people who won't listen to what you have to say are probably scared that if they think too much about their beliefs, they'll become unconvinced. I hope that they're civil to you, though.
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
i am always encouraged when i hear stories like this. when i was a kid i did believe but as i grew up i never fully accepted the doctrine and was easily able to break away when i realized it was all nonsense.
to hear of somebody who was deeply religious and was able to break away is always uplifting to me.
good luck
octobergrey1985 1 year ago
@octobergrey1985 - Did I ever respond to your comment? I'm not sure - I can't figure out the pattern of why YT alerts me to some comments on my videos and not others. Thanks for watching and responding; I'm also delighted when I hear of people who are fully committed to their worldview but still are able to respond to logic later in life.
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction
no you didn't, but that's ok. i'm not the type to get upset over youtube comments. keep up the good work.
octobergrey1985 1 year ago
Thank you for sharing this story. The more stories like this that come out, the greater chance of someone struggling with the same things coming across it.
limegreensquid 1 year ago
@limegreensquid - thanks, limegreensquid! That's one of my goals: get my story (and others' stories) out, so more people have more information and more support as they go through their lives.
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
Your early life sounds a lot like my childhood, except we moved from a more affluent suburb to a more rural, religious area (Palmyra NY, the home of Joseph Smith and the Mormon faith.) But like you, my families religiosity seemed to diminish. I remember attending church when I was little, but not going at all after the move which is funny since we were miles closer to our church. But my parents instilled in us a moral right and wrong that wasn't necessarily christian.
TomMSTie 2 years ago
@TomMSTie - I think it's especially important for people to realize what you wrote in your last sentence: that not only are morality and religion mostly separate, sometimes people who are religious instill morals which have nothing to do with the religion! the more people see that this is the PLAIN, factual truth, the more they'll have to admit how unlikely it is that morality comes from divine sources, and how very likely it is that we've evolved them and imbibe them from our culture.
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction Very true. It also bothers me when theists think that morality can only come from fear of a fiery retribution. What about the golden rule? I "Do unto others as I would have then do unto me" just because it's the right thing to do.
TomMSTie 1 year ago
...there is seriously a moderate area in Texas?
Also, I like the parallels of Jesus to Mithra and Osiris, If people are actually researching mythical figures.
Darkfirebrand 2 years ago
@Darkfirebrand - There are indeed moderate areas in Texas, and moderate denominations in Texas. I've found that the more educated and wealthy an area is, the more moderate the religious thinking is in that area. And many of the more moderate (and less biblical-literalist) denominations have sprung from the Anglican Church: Episcopal, Methodist, Presbyterian.
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction so you don't believe in god cause bad things happen
ofomatheblackbelt 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction so you stoped believing because you had horrible things happen to you in your life(not being an a-hole)
ofomatheblackbelt 1 year ago
@ofomatheblackbelt - I don't disbelieve in god because 'bad' things happen. At first I tried to redefine what 'bad' is. Then I just accepted that bad things happen. It was when my cat died that I realized NO ONE knows what happens after death. Anyone who says s/he does is deluding him/herself just to feel better. So I saw that all religious claims are just guesses, and I couldn't base my life on guesses anymore. It's not sane, or safe.
ReligiousFiction 1 year ago
@ReligiousFiction i wouldnt say guesses i mean thats why i look at personal testimonies and i listen to what people say and to me its real because the biblical god is a personal god there isnt any other just look at what jesus taught you can look up angelica zambrano hers in interesting and some others who have seen christ in a dream which fits well with the biblical god because he said he did not have to speak to moses with visions and dreams because he can trust moses because of who he was
matrixlone 9 months ago
@Darkfirebrand
No, there is no moderate area in Texas. All of it is outrageously awesome.
blainer19er 1 year ago
nwo, made this video! ! ! new world order
Daniellightsky7 2 years ago
@Daniellightsky7 - ? Thanks for commenting... but I don't know what you mean!
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
Hey thank you for your story! I am so happy for you that you have a husband that is with you on this.
KasparHauser4 2 years ago
As am I. I am so grateful. I'm not sure what this would have been like if he hadn't been the kind of person who was willing to face the fear and question his beliefs. Thankfully, I won't have to know. I really, really feel for people whose significant others won't journey with them.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
It's difficult. I've recently (this past year) undergone my deconversion (although many of the questions leading up to that have been with me for years). Yet, sadly no matter the confounding arguments I present, and the emotional euphoria I have inside, my family (mainly my wife) will not even listen. I'm not allowed to speak of it to the children nor to her, although I now believe with all my being that they need to at the very least know the other side. It's difficult to say the least.
TheDrunkard1 2 years ago
It's your responsibility as a human father to let your children know from all factual aspects what religion is, and what it will try to make them do, and to steer clear of the hateful behaviour endorsed in this or that passage of the bible, etc...
Humanity before christianity (or just religion).
It would be like not warning them about strangers with candy. And i know you know this. I understand the repurcussions could be bad, but your kids would be better equipped to deal with the world.
limegreensquid 1 year ago
@limegreensquid
Yes, I agree. I haven't tackled the issue outright with the children just yet. They're a little young for now anyway; although, I believe it has become apparent to them what my stance is on the whole subject.
Since my original comment my wife has lightened up quite a bit. She's begun to see that things aren't necessarily as absolute as she once thought. In fact, I've even gotten her to watch quite a few atheist vids here on UTube, she likes darkmatter2525 the most I think. :)
TheDrunkard1 1 year ago
@TheDrunkard1 Who COULDN'T like darkmatter2525? Hehe.
limegreensquid 1 year ago
Thanks for your vid, ReligiousFiction, it's nice to hear another person's story and realize that it isn't too different from your own...
gustjorodedheo 2 years ago
Thank you. I love how powerfully we can connect with others' stories, and how they help us realize our similarities as humans. I also love that we're getting our stories out to more people. Hope you're able to do that, too!
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
It sounds like you use to be a mormon. Mormonism is not true Christianity. Salvation is based on Jesus alone and not on works.
Please reconsider your thought process - your eternal life depends on this.
Heavenly Father, I pray you open this person to the truth of your word. I pray that the shackles of Satan will be removed from her. I pray Heavenly Father that you glorify yourself and that this person will know true peace and contentmen because of you.
In Jesus's name,
twospot7777777 2 years ago
There's plenty of happiness to be found in appreciating this life. As sure as you are about an afterlife, I'm almost as sure this is all the life we get. So enjoy.
Many people are happy without religion; many people are unhappy with it. Much depends on a person's attitude, rather than his/her supernatural beliefs.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
When you saw what you considered answered prayers, did you ever consider that perhaps what happened was going to happen anyway, with or without saying a prayer? Did you consider natural explanations? Including the reality that sometimes, people make conscious decisions to change.
I was never Mormon, nor do I believe in Satan.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
The problem is that you found religion but not Jesus Christ.
You maam are a deceived person. You won't be happy when you die in your sins and go to Hell!
You try to understand God on your terms instead of who God is. If you could understand God - God would not be God.
Jesus Christ does answer prayers and I have seen great things in my life. I pray in Jesus's name that your eyes will be open to Jesus Christ and not a religious experience.
God Bless,
twospot7777777 2 years ago
Lol. :) Lucky for me I'm in a good mood.
The interesting thing is you sound just like an evangelist from any other religion, including Mormonism and Islam. You think that I will be punished for not believing what you believe. You think you have a better understanding of a particular 'god' than I do, and your understanding is based on a book and what people have told you. It's also based on some coincidental answers you've had to prayers - I know because I've been there.
Thank you for your kind
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
ReligiousFiction:"coincidental answers"
Not true. I have seen people changed, miracles happen, from the power of God's word.
I once had an athiest mind and thought I was happy. Once I had some of the things that I thought were missing from my life - I was not satisfied. True contentment and joy comes from the fact I will live forever with God. No more pain, tears, discouragement, but everlasting life because of my trust in Jesus as Lord.
Peace.
twospot7777777 2 years ago
thoughts, and I sincerely hope you find joy and peace in your current circumstances. You say I won't be happy when I die; I just hope you're happy in life.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
ReligiousFiction: "I just hope you're happy in life."
I hope your happy also. I comment not to judge or belittle you but to bring truth. There are many people who are religious but don't know Jesus personally. Jesus says he is the way, the truth, and the life. No other name in heaven in which we can be saved. Jesus mentions Hell not I.
This world will not bring you happiness:
Many people have had fame,fortune,power, and ended up killing themselves. Jesus is true happiness.
twospot7777777 2 years ago
I love your story and may I add in that you are no less for being a woman than any human being on earth is less than another, we are all a product of a multitude of things and actions without deep consequences is what scares people into promoting organized religion. Thank you for seeing through, keep reaching for possibilities, support evolution of society.
craborama 2 years ago
You're right... we seek promises and assurance, when really there's not much to be had. So we must make of life what we can! Thank you for your interest and your humorous comments (other videos, for those wondering). When we band together, and stand alone, we can help society progress.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
craborama:"support evolution of society"
This nation was founded on Christian principles and not communism or socialism. Why is this country different than any other is because of the Christian Heritage. Evolution is man made up fairy tales with no evidence except those who want to deny the existence of God.
This country will go by the waistside and all will morn when Obama turns us into a marxist country.
twospot7777777 2 years ago
It was founded on ethical principles that are also found in the bible and were in existence long before Christianity. Evolution is a theory of science that is not offended by mockery unlike christianity. It also has more physical proof of existence than the any of the supernatural occurences of the bible. Why you would want to throw Obama into this I do not know, but it sounds like typical neo con propaganda.
craborama 2 years ago
Your last Christian Conservative cabinet in charge did a great job, killed many just like Jesus would do. I bet Jesus has a big American flag in his Heavenly front yard. You beleive in this crap, and have the right to do so, yet the xian community cannot help but grow extreme and promote political idiots like Bush to help eliminate all non xians.
craborama 2 years ago
This country was founded on principles found IN Christianity, but not unique to it. When you read the founding fathers' (Jefferson, Franklin, etc) writings, you'll see they were mostly free-thinking deists.
Evolution as used in the phrase "evolution of society" simply means change. You have to accept that definition.
If you're referring to biological evolution, you are probably offended by the idea of being related to every human, animal, and plant.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
But as you know, ideas aren't proven true or false based on how we feel about them. Whether you "believe" in evolution or not has no bearing on its truth.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
I cannot speak of your own personal experience's I can only speak as to what I know to be true.
The heart should be in a state of humility in order to know the truth,many people approach God in a spirit of prideful arrogance (this is not to say you did) demanding a sign or proof of his existence,as though he were not God,such can expect to receive nothing from him.
For as you may be aware he says,
S/he that comes to God must believe that he is and that rewards them that diligently seek him.
8Anya8 2 years ago
No one could convince me that God was not true or that he was true,this was something I had to discover for myself.
"If you will call upon me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart."
If God was true and this was truly his word then if I sought for him with all my heart he said that I would surely find him,well,he proved to be true and as the queen of Sheba said of Solomon upon meeting him,the half was not told me.
8Anya8 2 years ago
It's interesting you should quote those verses. Have you read the verses after Jeremiah 29:11? They are a beautiful promise, but they ring hollow. I was a diligent follower, but the more I searched, the less I found. Some might say that you find what you're looking for, but this is only true to a point. There has to be something there to find. I can look for various versions of gods, but I will only find what is really there or what I have chosen to believe. Many people confuse the two.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
I was afraid that when I mentioned that I did not abandon my search,that I would be misunderstood.
I did not mean to suggest this of you,I was raised in a home that did not follow the teachings of the bible,although my father claimed to be one he was extremely cruel and drove me away from seeking God.
I joined a coven and hated what I thought christianity was,due to the poor example set by my father and others.
But at 26 (18 years ago) I came to a true knowledge of God,in spite of the church
8Anya8 2 years ago
If you weren't influenced by the church, why did you chose to read the bible at all?
It sounds to me like the bad examples of Christians you saw were people who were being selfish and possibly immoral. These are the same criteria that make anyone of any faith seem bad, whether they be atheist, agnostic, Christian, Buddhist, Islamic, etc.
It is when people of any faith aspire to selflessness and a common morality - common despite their religion or god - that we call them good.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
When spirituality is corrupted then all it can bring forth is more corruption.
I have stated before that atheist's are often times more in tune with reality than so called christians.
My own personal experinece in the church has been much like your own,although rather than abandon my search for the truth I simple left what men have created and cried out for the God contained in the bible.
He answered me and has continued to led me,I respect you and extend the hand of friendship to you.
8Anya8 2 years ago
Thank you for your gesture of friendship and an expression of our similar experiences.
I appreciate your input, yet I must say that I in no way have abandoned a search for the truth. It is the unwillingness to leave that quest that has led me to my understanding of life today.
I understand that it's easy for those of Christian upbringing to think that the bible will lead to god, but if your religion is true, people have been led to god for centuries without the bible. the bible is new.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
I am amazed you maintained your religious beliefs for as long as you did, but that just shows how difficult it is to see the obvious when we live in a culture permeated with indoctrinated automatons. Fortunately you have woken up from the land of make believe and now can see clearly.
compassionateman 2 years ago
I just heard Dawkins refer to religion as a kind of virus. It is really a memetic virus. The version he was 'infected' with was very like the version I was 'infected' with - a very calm, passive, accepting, learned, non-fundamental version of religion, with a god more like a universal spirit or consciousness, rather non-interactive and sensible. It's extremely hard to give evidence against the possibility of such a being existing, because there's so little way to provide evidence that it does
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
(continued) exist! The kind of people who believe what I believed are hard to disabuse of their notions because there's very little at stake. No hellfire. No condemnation or ostracism; you get community for the very low price of believing in a feeling of goodness or a reverence for morals.
Thanks for the congratulations. Life definitely makes more sense.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
I really empathize with this video. My father is a fundamentalist Christian minister and when he discovered that I no longer held his belief, our relationship changed completely. He is somehow "cold" in his interactions with me. I was told it was because he no longer "trusts" me, because(according to him) I believe in "nothing". There is a feeling of isolation when I am at home, because my entire family is still mostly Christian.
maniac2040 2 years ago
So it is good to hear about others who went through similar deconversions and still made it out all right. I'm still in the middle of it. You are very lucky that your loved one was able to be on the same page as you. My relationship status is quite the opposite(she is still Christian), and sometimes that causes distress.
Anyhow, great vid! And nice question to Richard Dawkins;)
maniac2040 2 years ago
Thanks! Glad you listened to it. Dawkins is a cool teacher.
Wow, about your dad... how did he find out? I still haven't told my parents. The idea that you're somehow different from all the years he's known you is so bogus.
I hope your Christian girlfriend sees that, and knows that you are the same person no matter what you believe about the supernatural. I wish you the best in all your family and friend relationships.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
What did your ex -boyfreind do that was justified by the bible if its not too personal?
Enuvrack 2 years ago
It's not too personal, since it helps to see inside a worldview I didn't begin to understand...
-bossing women (including his mom, sister, and me) around
-condemning women for wearing revealing clothing, while wanting me to dress more immodestly
-condemning sex before marriage but pushing for EVERYTHING else
-refusing to accept even documented history that women had any role in the early church
-pushing me (I wasn't hurt badly, but that was at the end of our relationship)
It sounds minor
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
What do you mean by pushing everthing else?
Enuvrack 2 years ago
I mean the typical overtly religious hypocrisy of youth: during the highly hormonal time of adolescence, sexually repressed individuals will try to experience sexual pleasure through any means possible, as long as it's not technically sex. It's just more semantics and repression leading to hypocrisy.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
(continued) in writing, but to a young girl it was very psychologically damaging. I wouldn't wish a relationship like that on anyone.
The worst parts were the hypocrisy - the rules he said he believed in were too strict for even him, so he made a hypocrite and liar out of himself trying to do what he wanted while still living up to the 'letter' of the law.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
It's awesome that you & your husband were able to deconvert together. A lot of times the deconversion of one partner can break up the relationship.
badderinperson 2 years ago
Yes- a change in beliefs can tax relationships terribly. I'm not sure why that is; can't beliefs be private? I'm not sure why it's taken as a personal attack when someone disagrees with another's worldview... although among fundamentalist Christians I see that the reaction is one of fear and loathing. They can't face the fact that people can live freely and happily without their beliefs. It's a challenge to their beliefs, and that can be scary if you think your beliefs save you from hellfire.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
That happened with me when I told my parents I was an atheist. My father understood perfectly and told me the church was a place for him to find his center than any literal beleif. I still feel like my mother is passive-aggresivly try to convert me though.
Enuvrack 2 years ago
Ha! What are some of her tactics?
I'm so glad your dad was cool with it. I wonder how many others like him are in the church... non-literalists, who seem to just want a peaceful place to think or meditate every now and then.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
She usually just reccomends a book about god or just says something somewhat religious. When I went to JROTC camp a whole bunch of people in our barracks were getting really political about gay marrage and all they could do to rationalize it was with religion. Thats one of the many reasons I became atheist. That, and religous peoples attitude torward my bisexuality.
Enuvrack 2 years ago
It was also when I realized that a lot of arguments couldn't be made rationally or logically using religion that I really started to question the logic of the whole thing. Great example.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
Have you heard about the book "Don't sleep. There are snakes." I haven't read it yet except what is on the internet. Basically an american religious whack goes to the brazil to convert the people of the rainforest to christians. Twenty years later he is an atheist and the natives are the same as when he started.
kingmike40 2 years ago
I've heard of that book - I think he appears in a video on youtube somewhere, or there's a video about him. I'll look it up and see if I can post it here. Interesting that when he opened his eyes, he saw that the natives were living more honestly.
About 3rd world countries - fundamentalist religion mixed with lack of education and poverty are disastrous mixes. I think this state of affairs will define our crises in the next century, if leaders in those countries don't nuke everyone first.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
I just finished reading "Don't Sleep. There Are Snakes." It is good with some very interesting and funny stories. The author is an expert in languages and goes a little too deep for my understanding but it is educational and a very good read.
kingmike40 2 years ago
Your right about the little education mixed with religion being disastrous. Look at the 3rd world most are religious with little education. Countries haven't changed in 1000 years. You are also right about people being afraid of education because with education people move away from religion and other superstitions.
kingmike40 2 years ago
That was very well done, and a compelling story! It was really great meeting you today! What's funny about your avatar is that it really kind of looks like you!
ChuckyJesus666 2 years ago
Awesome! Thank you very much for the comments on the story and the avatar. It was great to meet you, too... good luck in your epic youtube battles ;)
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
Thanks! You too!
ChuckyJesus666 2 years ago
You have a great story to tell. One that is very common that eventually happens to all intelligent people who embrace proven scientific knowledge. Eventually all people will come to the point where you have to reconcile "the claims of faith" with the facts of life. Facts never lie.....Religion always does.
doubtingED 2 years ago
Thank you very much. You're right about scientific knowledge. Although my doctrine wasn't in opposition to any one theory (like Evolution), applying a thorough process of inquiry and requiring high quality evidence - both inspired by my growing understanding of science - made faith and belief harder, and eventually intellectually impossible.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
Great story I'm glad your happy
Boombasticman86 2 years ago
Thank you for watching, Boombasticman. :)
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
I kind of like this approach. It looks cool and interesting. I might have a friend of mine try this approach.
I made the mistake of actually reading the Bible with open eyes. I have noticed that mixed into the loving Jesus Christ were some rather violent things that did not really make any sense. In the parts of the Bible the Christian ignore, he was the worst kind of monster, who advocated the slaughter of a whole town.
malestrithe 2 years ago
Thanks for commenting.
When I was a believer, I heard the fastest way to deconvert a Christian was to have him/her read the bible. Then, I laughed it off - anyone who read the bible and was deconverted clearly didn't know the history of the canonization of the bible! My historical education was actually a buffer against deconversion for a while.
But then I read and thought and experienced more...
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
When I read that even Jesus, the hero I tried to adopt, talked about hell... the mental dominoes started tipping. So I think I know what you mean.
Specifically, to what verses were you referring?
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
As part of a video series, I am reading bible quotes by themselves and then in the context of the parts surrounding it. The meanings of the passages change when you read the stuff around it.
Even though it is pretty much whenever Jesus opened his mouth, I am referring to Matthew: 10:14-15 specifically. Jesus tells his listeners that if a city has not heard of him, then what happened to Sodom and Gomoroh would be more tolerable.
malestrithe 2 years ago
wow i am happy and i loved your story
it was so deep and i thank you for sharing it whit me and others your right people think about atheists as evil and bad and sad people but we are not evil we dont do anything to hurt anyone and sad for from it we are very happy people and i bet this video has change some peoples minds about what atheists are and i bet it helped people who are confuse about there believes we need to make it ok for others to be none believers like us
i am a happyatheists
ROBISDISTURBED 2 years ago
I bet your video will change people's perspective, too. I think that's one of the most important messages for those of us 'without belief' to get across to people: we are just like believers, but we remain unconvinced by supernatural arguments. It doesn't make us unpleasant or "evil"!
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
thanks that is what i am trying to do make it ok to be a atheists
yeah we not evil but religion want to make us evil
ROBISDISTURBED 2 years ago
Thank you for sharing, it's nice hear such a honest and clear minded account.
Zekian 2 years ago 2
Thank you very much for the compliment. I'm glad you watched. :-)
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
This story sounds all to similar to mine. It was the realization that praying will do nothing that came as a shock. The irony of praying is that you are asking an all knowing person to change their all knowing plan. If you wish goes along with the plan then w00ts. But otherwise you are Shit out of luck. I find it easier to think that everything happens through laws of nature instead of someone sick plan for life.
Echelon730 2 years ago
Agreed. That's part of why I said that "life makes more sense now" - I don't have to wonder whether my prayers will be answered. I know they won't. So I do the work I can do to achieve the goals I want, including helping others. Thanks for your comment.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
This is a great video. Thanks for this.
junk007stock 2 years ago
Reminds me of Julia Sweeney's tale "Letting Go of God".
Thanks for sharing. =)
TheAtheistSwede 2 years ago
I consider that a great compliment. Her story and personal reactions really resonate with me. I also found a lot in common with Ayaan Hirsi Ali's story in her book Infidel.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
"But a short time elapsed after the death of the great reformer of the Jewish religion, before his principles were departed from by those who professed to be his special servants, and perverted into an engine for enslaving mankind, and aggrandizing their oppressors in Church and State."..Thomas Jefferson in a letter to S. Kercheval, 1810
If you have windows XP then you have "windows movie maker " on it. Search for it
KasparHauser4 2 years ago
Wow! i found it!!!! i'm such a techie noob... So now all i need is to save up for digital recording capability. And to take a gander at how to use 'windows movie maker.' Thank you so much for the tip.
Great quote, too. Jefferson was pretty savvy. i bet he would have been fasinating in conversation.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
OH GREAT! It is rare indeed that someone can actually help another person. All you need is a simple USB webcam You can find one easily for under $20 Craig's list. E-Bay, Wal-Mart etc. I could send you my old one but it would require that you give me a mailing address.
KasparHauser4 2 years ago
It's a long journey isn't it? Good to hear it. Thanks for sharing.
thePuzzledDragon 2 years ago
It IS a long journey! I know you were in youth work, too. It's hard to think now that I might have participated in making other children's journeys harder... But then again, just telling our stories helps others, doesn't it? I was inspired by yours.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago
A really great personal story! All the best.
TheraminTrees 2 years ago
That means a lot coming from you. Thank you very much.
ReligiousFiction 2 years ago