atheism as congruence

One of two videos on my transition to atheism — an atheist diptych, if you will.

'atheism as congruence' — this deals with the cognitive side of my transition.

'transition to atheism' — up next, deals with the emotional experience.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• congruence
• transition
• evidence
• experience
• belief

[leffehoegaarden]

I'm enjoying yours and your brothers videos. I'm a bit disappointed in this one though; no seaguls in the background.

[TheraminTrees]

@leffehoegaarden Ah — the seagull connection has been spotted ....

[Antimidation]

I always liked when people refer to being an Atheist as being the "default" position. So, perhaps you simply "returned" to it and not converted to it when it actually happened. Always enjoy your videos man. You made very elegant, succinct, and powerful points here.

[TheraminTrees]

@Antimidation Thanks. I know some people shy away from the word 'convert' in this context — but it really just means changing from one state to another. Personally, my favourite word is 'de-programming' — which conveys an active indoctrination which was then overcome.

[schlutorflyer]

Whilst I wasn't brought up in a religious household I found myself attracted to Christianity in my early teens as a coping mechanism for the angst and need for acceptance young people feel at that time in their lives. However as I became more involved in a Christian group and actually read the bible, the more disquiet I felt about what I was learning, and the vast contradictions in the texts. Hence my atheism.

I'm just curious..Are you a Psychologist? Philosophy graduate???

Great work.

Mark.

[TheraminTrees]

@schlutorflyer I sometimes think bibles should come with a warning to read the small print. Thanks — and yes, my background is indeed in psychology.

[IrishNickO]

You're an eloquent and intelligent man, sir. I appreciate your reference to Person-Centered Counseling or Rogerian Counseling, as a Rogerian Counselor myself, I was pleased to see this. However, Dr. Rogers explained Congruence as being real and "transparent" with ones clients. Not holding anything back, allowing the counselor to feel angry with their client, to feel embarrassed, to feel happy, sad, pained, etc. So I I felt your definition was off from Dr. Rogers' initial definition.

[iSOisoleucine]

Whoa, your critical thinking. INSPIRES ME, WHOA WHOA

[RighteousRebel430]

Beautifully done! I very much appreciate your brilliant work.

[humaner]

I am  Congruence Buddhist.

[chrisose]

@schlutorflyer

Your story closely mirrors my own and is why I often say that the biggest enemy of religion is critical thought.