Regarding atheism and religion?

Question

I'm an atheist. However, I always feel 'compelled' to convert to Catholicism or Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Why is this? Anybody is free to answer.

Internal forces.

Answer 1

I am a Catholic but I hardly ever go to mass now but it has given me a strong sense of moral values & someone I can turn to. Thanks for being a nice atheist. I wish you well

Answer 2

Perhaps you do not have enough faith in your atheism!! I wonder what you mean by "compelled"... What is compelling you -- something or someone outside yourself? I have read what you have written about your girlfriend being Catholic, so could she be influencing you?? Quite possibly. You may want to believe in God or to embrace a religion, if not overtly, then subconsciously. You need not remain a nonbeliever; the atheist community will wish you well if you convert so long as you do not become an evangelist! We shall miss your thoughtful commentary, and seriously, you have a lifetime to consider, learn, reconsider, and alter your belief system or philosophy, and introspection is healthy and often enlightening...

Answer 3

Compelled internally or by external forces? ie, does your 'heart' tell you, or do people tell you?

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Hey, if your insides tell you to go, then go. You'll never know what they mean if you don't.

Few months back, I had this overwhelming urge hit to attend Synagogue. So I did. I now know that *IF* I were to become Jewish, Reform is sooooo not for me. Far too liberal.

Of course, when I was catholic, I was an Old Catholic, even though I was born 20 years after Vatican II... I'd probably end up Chassidic.

Answer 4

Cultural ethos are strong.

I still consider myself a strong "Cultural Catholic". You see this much more often in the Jewish faith (most American Jews are in fact secular Jews), but there is no question that the religious undertones of our families make an impression on us.

Even as an atheist, Catholic mass still "means" something to me, and I still celebrate Christmas and Easter. Only know I do it in the cultural sense, not in the religious and supernatural sense.

There is nothing wrong with the feelings of cultural identity, just don't get sucked down the rabbit hole of thinking that requires to your believe in things which need no believing in.

There is nothing wrong with that.

Answer 5

Are you at that point where you want to be a part of Christianity, but at the same time you know the religion is based on bs?

Answer 6

Because God knows who is His and will work on you until you are where you should be. You can deny God and still be pulled to Church. Just because you can't see Him does not mean he is not there. This could be an exciting time for you. if you like to argue a point find a clergyman and debate. You might find it cool.

Answer 7

I think it is because it is so easy. How easy is it to believe that there is someone who is watching over us and helping us through everything? It is so comforting to believe that people a God actually will help us and control things for us.

Too easy.

The fight for athiests is not to give in to the hope that can be found in trusting your life to something that doesn't exist.

Answer 8

The need to fit in to a group, longing for companionship. The insecurities in your own existence and eternal life. Yearning for answers where none can be provided.

Answer 9

maybe it's because you like the religion of catholicism

Answer 10

Either you are experiencing some left over guilt and fear, or you aren't really an atheist.