If you were Christian, but became something else....?

Question

Did you go through a period where you couldn't help but worry about the "consequences" of leaving the faith? As I further myself from the religion, I can't shake all of the things that have been pounded into my head starting at a young age. You know, like the burning in hell kind of consequences. I was just wondering if people who were Christians and are now Atheist, Agnostics, or other faiths felt that same way and when, if ever, the feelings went away.

Christians: You are more than welcome to throw your two cents in. But this question is not directed towards you, and I already know what kind of things you are going to say....

Answer 1

Sometimes I do think about the possibilty that Christianity is the real thing. Then about me going to hell ect. BUT Then I think of how wrong the whole idea of God threatening to send me to hell if I don't do what He says (become a Christian again). What kind of God would be like that? If He is real, why would I serve a God like that?

Answer 2

It's a common feeling, especially among those whose faith leaders tended to demonize all other faiths. It's just old tapes echoing in your head, something like PTSD for a soldier.

I look at it this way. The idea of an "eternal" torment is problematic in several ways. For one, what kind of "body" will you have? Something that can sense pain but is indestructable? How does that work? How do the demons keep this body from adapting to this endless torture until it barely registers?

Another issue is proportionality. What could a person possibly do that would justify a punishment that lasts infinitely longer than the entire age of the universe? Many denominations say it isn't even a matter of what you do but what you believe. Eternal consequences for doubting something that can't be proven?

Even if it were true, the alternative is supposed to be gazing into the beautiful eyes of the architect of such a heartless scheme. Could we truly forget? And could we truly never tire of beholding the divine countenance? Obviously something is not being described adequately. Any god that really existed would have to be greater than such a petty notion.

Hope is what gives life meaning. Any faith that dares to preach despair to anyone is not worthy of your regard.

Answer 3

I considered all the consequences and concluded that even if Christianity was the one true religion I'd rather follow my own will in life instead of being a slave to some sadistic God's will. Leaving Christianity was the only honorable thing to do, I could not in good conscious remain a Christian. If "God" and Satan were the only two options, I'd proudly choose to fight with Satan against God. (Please note, I don't believe in either one.)

After I made my decision, I have never had any regrets nor did I worry. I knew I was doing the right thing. I began researching all the other options that are out there, eventually I found my current religion, Asatru. I rings much more true to me then Christianity ever did and it also happens to be the religion my ancestors practiced before Christianity took over Denmark (and the rest of Europe).

Answer 4

At first, I worried. But as I stopped going to church, stopped reading, and stopped listening, I realized that I'd been reinforcing those attitudes. By sleeping in on Sundays and making pancakes and watching NASCAR in comfy clothes, I was reinforcing new things. I learned that I could cuss and listen to music I really liked and read books like the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy without God striking me dead. I spent two years as an "apatheist" who didn't care about God or religion. It was a relief.

Then I discovered Wicca and Neo-Paganism. By then, I was ready. I couldn't be an apatheist forever. But if I'd discovered it earlier, I'd have been too afraid to pursue it.

I very, very, very seldom fear anymore, and if I do, it's usually after I've done a lot of research into the right wing (therefore read their sites or books or magazines) or talked to my fundie relatives a lot.

Answer 5

I grew up Luthern. Went to Sunday school & church & social time after that every Sunday. Wednesday was Bible study, Thursday was choir. Friday was youth league. It was shoved down my throat! I explored several other religions, some of them eastern. I am an agnostic. I won't say that there isn't some spirituality out there, but it's not some man who won't treat women as equals & recognize animals as spiritual beings. The eastern religions made the most sense to me so far.

Answer 6

Yes, I went through years of the same feelings. I have a sister who is convinced those feelings demonstrate that I am wrong. But I am quite convinced that those feelings were the inevitable byproduct of reprogramming my brain to get rid of the delusional thinking.

Children don't have the ability to critically evaluate what they are taught until they are in their early teens. There are so many subtle and subconscious things about the way that we perceive the world that were programmed in our brains before we had any say over it. You cannot remove all of that in an instant, over even in a few years. It takes time.

I highly recommend that you spend some time studying psychology and neuroscience so that you can understand why your mind has to go through this period of confusion in order to rid itself of the delusional thinking.

Answer 7

YES! I struggled for several years wondering if I could possibly be wrong about my impending disbelief. But I over came those feelings and I have a newfound sense of freedom that I have never experienced before. I had doubted my beliefs since I was little. It was just a matter of time before I became an atheist. As much as I tried I had never felt the presence of god. So yes, those feelings will go away. Just keep searching and you will find your answer.

Answer 8

(Sorry if I don't express correctly I'm still learning English +_+ )

I feel the same way, I born into a christian family and since I was a child I really believe in Christian's religion... but well the things sometimes change, and I see things in the bible I don't like (the bible allows the slavery.Can you believe that?), and well I grow and change (maybe more than I wanted) but still with all this things I just can't get out of my head all the things I believed as a christian.

Well maybe I'm don't helping you with this answer but I don't believed someone feel the same that I feel about that and that makes me feel better ^_^ .

Answer 9

you're confusing a couple of things . Sweet and nice doesn't necessarily mean Christian . Christians have rules of conduct to follow .the Bible is clear about "men lying with men ". They may be sweet and nice but that doesn't mean they are not sinners . Jesus gave his life to provide us with the ability to be forgiven for our sins . That doesn't mean that it's fine to continue sinning . That means if you repent you will be saved .Look what happened at Sodom and Gomorrah to a whole community of sinners . All sin is a choice . You can love all people but you should hate their sins . To me it sounds like you are uninterested in the people and in love with their sin . I have also known gay people and it's bs to say that they are all sweet and nice .

Answer 10

I am a Catholic, and the Catholic Church says that as long as you are honestly searching for God and live a just, moral, good life, you will end up with God. So if you leave Christianity and become a Buddhist and you try to become the best person you can be, you will still end up in heaven.