Atheists, why and how did you remove the shackles of religion and begin to think for yourself ?

Answer 1

Religion is like "training wheels for morals". It's good to get you started in life, but eventually, you grow-up and realize that you have your own set of moral standards. Once you realize that, you can start to live your life by those standards and leave behind the training wheels.

I plan to take my children to Sunday school like my parents took me so that they can begin to learn good morals. If they are lucky, they too will progress to the point where they will have their own moral code and go out into the world making decisions based on that.

Answer 2

I don't know if it's always about thinking for yourself... I reckon a lot of atheists had atheist parents, too. That's how it was for me :) I don't know, if you build your perception of the world on ideas about science, not faith, it's much easier to keep seeing it that way. Much less painful, too - judging by what my religious-raised parents say.

But man, you put your question that way and you're just looking for attacks. I mean, I agree with you and all, but I don't know - what are we going to get, calling the religious people shackled where they can read it? Contentious, that's what it is.

Answer 3

I was never religious, but as a kid I used to be quite open-minded about a lot of weird things like the Loch Ness Monster and Ancient Astronauts and the like. My Dad gradually taught me critical thinking skills and I learned that belief is only justified by reason and evidence, and nothing else - Not wishful thinking, or faith, or simple credulity. I try to apply reason and critical thinking to all aspects of life.

Answer 4

Perhaps they are thinking for themselves and you are the one shackled to a religion that treats others as barbarians and infidels.

Answer 5

I was 6. When I heard my grandfather tell my mother she was headed to hell because she was changing to her new husband's church, I felt how horrid his religion made him inside, to the point of condemning his own child.

I walked away then and have seen no reason to go back. Luckily, I grew and became a mystic and have learned the truth of 'god'. It's pretty cool but the religionists have no friggin' clue and degrade the divine.

Answer 6

I have never been religious so had no shackles to remove.

Answer 7

Hello..:)

I used to be an Atheist..I hated Christians..I would do anything and everything to try and discredit them..I used to be a druggie, whore and a child abuser..

What kind of proof does one need..my life was a living hell here on earth..I was bitter, wanting all for me, or nothing, I did not care about my family, it was all about ME..

My brother asked me to go to church with him and my 3 young children, (he was screwing up my plan to commit suicide that day) I told him I was not dressed, he said he would wait..so I went..I swore at the Pastor called him a Jesus Freak and told him he was crazy..All the Pastor could do is tell me that he Loved me, and Jesus did too..that made me all the madder and wanting me to go back, just to do the same..

The following Sunday, I did go back, but before I could say or do anything, the Pastor asked who wanted to be baptized that day..my hand went up in the air..I was baptized in the Lake (Kingston) behind the church that as a little child, I would make fun and taunt the other children who went to that church..

The Pastor asked if I believed that Jesus died for my sins, I said No, but I want to..I said I knew that I was a sinner and I wanted to be a good Mom for my oldest daughter, whom I could not Love.. :(

That was on August 28, 1978..I smoked a joint on the way home..when I woke the next morning, I was quoting the Bible (I never read it before) I was so full of peace, Love, joy, kindness and gentleness, I could hardly contain the the Love that dwelt deep within my heart..the empty pit in my stomach was gone..a veil was lifted from my eyes..I was looking through different eyes..my vision was finally clear for the first time in my life..I felt clean, as white as snow..I was set free from drugs, greed, hatred, anger and swearing..

My daughter came to see what was happening..I said to Sherry, I Love you..and for the first time in her sweet ten years of her little life, I meant it and I could feel within my soul..we both hugged each other and cried.. :)

I will never go back to hurting others, nor hatred, greed, lust, envy, strife and why should I for who the Son hath set Free, Is Free Indeed..Praise the Lord..Glory be to God in the Highest..

In Jesus Most Precious Name..
With Love..In Christ..

Answer 8

MOST christians do not practice what they teach
too much anger hatred not for me
i want a religion that loves and accecpts everyone
not just people that conform or have lots of money!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 9

"Shackles of religion" hehe, that's funny.

How about your shackles of obvious anger and hatred?