Atheists that are former believers...?

Question

Do atheists who used to be believers ever retain the "make them one of us/spread the word" mentality? Is it a drive that in ingrained because they were brought up with that mindset, or it is something easily put away with the rest of religion when someone became an atheist?

Not trying to accuse anyone of anything... I was born and raised a non believer and never had that influence, and was just wondering about that.

If it does stay with some, and they "push" non belief now, does the religious side only have itself to blame for that mentality?

Answer 1

I think it's *similar* to what you're saying, but...not quite.

It's like if you were once in a club that was founded on a lie. You would feel a special "pull" to other people who are still in the club. You would feel that you owed it to them. And emathy with them. You would feel a bit of "survivor guilt" --- that you might still be in the club if things had gone just a little bit differently.

Answer 2

I think having faith and proselytizing are two different things. People who who were zealous missionaries probably would feel an equal compulsion to disabuse people of the faith they now reject. But sometimes the divorce is quiet and the subject is just dropped.

As a believer, I was never comfortable initiating a theological discussion. Now, as an agnostic, I am open to the existence of God and I can still appreciate the driving power of the Christian mythos, but I don't count on God for salvation or other favors. I don't feel any need to challenge the faith of believers because there should be different paths available for people on their life journeys. (Example is a better teacher than preaching IMO.) If asked, I willingly share my understanding short of upsetting people. I don't insist that anyone agree with me.

Answer 3

Good question. I try to get them to wake up because I regard them as dangerous, not because I want them to believe in my lack of beliefs. Fact is that the general acceptance not just of Christianity but of other Sky God religions makes it possible for people like David Coresh, Jim Jones and Charles Manson to recruit disciples. If the basic methods were not promoted as religion and peoples reason destroyed Cultists would have no hold.

the answer above mine is a classic example of the "No true Scotsman" fallacy!

Answer 4

I used to be a Christian. I never felt the urge to "spread the word" with either Christianity or Atheism. I like to debate and defend, and I admit that I would like more people to analyze their beliefs a bit more, but I don't want to make them "one of us". I'd just like people to be more informed and less ignorant. If education kept them religious, okay, at least they are knowledgable about other perspectives. But I think Atheism is sort of a need to be free from being pushed into something that doesn't make sense. If Christianity makes sense to people, great, but at least analyze to make sure and realize that not everyone holds those same beliefs.

Answer 5

When I was a Catholic I was never expected to nor was I motived in any way to proselytize. Now that I'm an atheist I don't go door to door spreading the unword, but I do answer questions in order to clarify and clear up misconceptions and make sure that mass delusion doesn't spread unchecked.

Answer 6

If they do, I have to say, I'm not one of them. I don't even recall ever being told to witness or proselytize or what have you to others, even as a kid growing up Lutheran. Guess I can't carry over something that wasn't there to begin with. Heh.

Though oddly enough, I have an aunt and cousin who both proselytize to no end, so I dunno. I'm not sure if I'd been brought up to do that if it'd carry over or not. I doubt it. It wasn't there and even if it were, the way I've been treated, I probably wouldn't want to continue to do something like that after I gave up my faith.

To me, it was all easy to put away with. I did come to the conclusion over the course of a few years, but when I finally accepted that I didn't believe and probably hadn't for a long time, it was easy to let it all go.

Answer 7

In the beginning of enlightenment, yes. It's only natural to want to have others join the club especially if it dawns on you at an early age. But as the light of truth begins to shine even brighter, atheists tend to simpy view the inane antics of organized religion and their followers with amusement, content to be at peace with their understanding of themselves and the world around them. Which explains why atheists are far more tolerant of people in general than anyone associated with a religion.

Answer 8

I even have hassle-loose believers who've became away, and that i've got hassle-loose atheists who've became to God. i do no longer think of that each and each physique atheists are un-knowlegeable with reference to the Bible. in actuality, some have study greater of the Bible than some Christians. My purpose, as a follower of Jesus, may be to construct a courting with a non-believer and share why i comprehend the Bible is real, why Christianity is a logical perception, and how it has impacted my existence and the lives around me. notwithstanding if or no longer that individual accepts Christ isn't in my palms. faith may be shoved down people's throats in some places, however the point of the message of Jesus could are available in love yet with conviction in a individual's heart. in simple terms by way of fact somebody has faith does no longer recommend they have the Spirit of God residing in them. 19My brethren, if any between you strays from the reality and one turns him returned, 20let him comprehend that he who turns a sinner from the errors of his way will shop his soul from dying and could conceal a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20)

Answer 9

That's a good question. I was raised as a Christian and later became an atheist and sometimes I find myself wanting to shake someone and shout "because it is for your own good, dummy!"
I never considered it might be residual christianity rearing it's ugly head.
Hmmm.
I think this might be the first question this week that's actually made me think. Thank you.

Answer 10

Like all questions about humanity, the answer is annoyingly enough: Some do, some don't.

Some operateout of an intention to teach that is perceived incorrectly. Also take that into account.