I know it was for me! I gained enormous self-respect and an intellectual honesty with myself that was SO lacking!
2007-03-25 14:19:19 · 24 answers · asked by Brendan G 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Yes, my stepping into the light of reason was a very positive move for me. I miss the people, the music, and the many good programs the church supports--and, until I found a good Humanist community, I deeply missed the sense of belonging--but not the superstition. For me, it was not an act of rebellion; it was a matter of, as you said, intellectual honesty. I found that I could face reality with my eyes open and not lose heart, and my knees did not buckle without the crutch of a comforting religion to support me. It's not for everyone; it was for me.
2007-03-25 14:22:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
Even though there was a time I considered myself "christian" in hindsight I never really bought it, even all those years I was dragged along to church. So, I guess leaving the church merely allowed me to sleep in on Sundays, which is nice. I think I always had self respect for questioning things that did not make sense to me.
2007-03-25 14:40:19 · answer #2 · answered by hammerthumbs 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well, although I am no longer Athiest - I can say that leaving the church was one of the best things I ever did.
I feel so free - so much more then I was Christian. It's not something you realise when you are Christian - just how bound you are. It's hard to explain to those still in it. Probably something to do with the religion being based on misunderstandings and false translations.
Although - while I was trying to untangle myself from Christianity I didn't really thing it was good. I can't think of a darker time in my life then trying to escapse Christianity.
2007-03-25 14:26:28 · answer #3 · answered by noncrazed 4 · 3⤊ 2⤋
I gotta tell you folks - leaving the establishment was the best thing I ever did. I left the church, I work for myself, I have embraced natural health and shunned big Pharma - I even homeschool my kids. If you think that leaving a church and thinking for yourself is the right way to live - think about leaving it all behind and truly living the ordinary life in an extraordinary way. Walking in the sun - the way to go.
Peace!
2007-03-25 14:48:13 · answer #4 · answered by carole 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I wasn't technically a "Christian" before becoming agnostic (I know, you asked about atheists, but they are kind of similar, nonetheless), but I want to answer anyway.
It kind of was the best thing. The act of thinking for myself, and deciding what I wanted to believe and didn't want to believe, was truly a wonderful thing. Some people are unhappy with certain things their churches request they agree to. I don't see the point in that. Being agnostic means I believe what I want, and don't believe what I don't want to believe. It is truly the happiest state I have found.
2007-03-25 14:23:55 · answer #5 · answered by its_victoria08 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No but Ive heard many testimonies of people that have rejoined church after being out in the world for a while and they were happy to be back. Being outside of Gods love and will doesnt gain you much if you forfeit your soul by doing so. A person in Christ need not have self-respect or intelectual issues. I think it would be more accurate to say that they were YOUR problems, and not the churches. And now your problems have led you down an empty fruitless Godless road.
2007-03-25 14:37:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Well, nope!
I was indifferent, and I remain indifferent!
And a thought for you.......
All fathers want their offspring to do better than themselves.
What would happen if WE are the cause of Christ returning?
And Christ looking at the sheep, in their churches.
And looking at the Atheists, looking back in disbelief.
And he takes the intellectually evolved Atheists, who dared to question everything, even him, into the kingdom of heaven, and LEFT the sheep behind!
LOL
2007-03-25 14:22:36 · answer #7 · answered by tattie_herbert 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
When i turned from the church i saw the light. It wasn't christianity and it was the urge to follow a diffrent path.
2007-03-25 14:32:29 · answer #8 · answered by Banana tree 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
I did feel better to finally challenge and acknowledge what seemed so accepted that christianity was right.
2007-03-25 14:21:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Whaa....waa.....honestly Brendan, you're a grown man. Do you really need the little pats on the back you're asking for here?
And when was it you left the "church" again? Oh yeah...when you were still a kid.....
*roll*
2007-03-25 18:02:21 · answer #10 · answered by Last Ent Wife (RCIA) 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋