I am an athiest. Why should I become a believer of religion?

Question

I am an athiest. Why should I become a believer of religion?

I am having a very difficult time and I feel very cold and distant from the world sometimes. Has anyone abandoned atheism and turned to faith? Or the other way around? Tell me your reason.

Answer 1

A true religion isn't about all the hype you often see where people thump their bibles trying by any means to try and save your soul. A true religion is a way of life. A true person of God will not stand on the street corner spouting out words from the bible or calling you a sinner but they show their faith through their actions and way of life. How it is suppose to work is you see how happy and content they seem to be and this lures you into wanting this as well not by trying to bestow fear in you. Those that demand God's word to be told are chasing the flock not gathering them and they are attention seekers. If you see someone who has seemed to found a way in life to enjoy it you would want this as well if you see someone who has found control of those things around him you would want this. if you see someone screaming your all going to hell well this person you would walk away from because this person isn't going to help you by trying to get you to be religious through fear or force.
here is something not every knows the true word of God is written inside each of us not a book - we all know what is right and wrong if you honestly look inside yourself at any age you really do know if what you are doing is right or wrong you do not need anyone or any book to tell you this.

Answer 2

I don't think I've ever really had cold atheist beliefs, but I was raised by proud existentialists who thought religion unnecessary and quite underwhelming. LOL

from that background I have taken an interest in the doctrine of religion and come to be a believer in a one God of all which is accurately represented by the faiths, but not necessarily by the people of the faiths.

I haven't turned to any religion as a result of that, though. Religion, to me is, for the most, a meandering furrow worn into the ground by lost sheep still wishing for god in sweet tasting grass.

I would say that atheism is often a thinking persons path and it is therefore very possible that an athiest who doesn't take themselves too seriously, well anyone who is able to refrain from taking themselves too seriously really, can seek through the theological and philosophical writings coming to the eventual conclusion that there is a God and a soul and a heaven and it's all worth it.

Answer 3

I dont believe asking people on here why you should join a religion is the best way to find out. Religion or non religion is such a personal thing.

I was a Christian for about 19 years of my life, I then realised it wasn't for me, i have now taken a more spiritual earthy type path and I feel less lost and distant than I did as a Christian. I can relate to Nature, if I am totally alone I feel safe and protected just by being outside in the company of tree's, birds, wind and I feel the earth will help me re-energise.

In saying that i'm not saying you should stay an atheist (well i wish you would - we need more in the world)

Believe what YOU feel will give you the most of life!

Answer 4

I felt the same way both when I was very religious and later on now as an atheist. Neither position made me feel closer to anything, what did help was widening my understanding of the world and the people in it and determining ways that I can be a positive force in the world. Having faith in some make believe notion of a higher being cannot make you feel more fulfilled unless you delude yourself. Better to remain a rational, free thinking individual than turn to religion and realize it does not make you feel closer to everyone, rather look elsewhere for where this feeling comes from, do something proactive like make new friends or volunteer to help people rather than turn to fairy tales.

Answer 5

You're trying to think rationally about why you should adopt a religion - no one can give you a logical reason - there is no scientific proof of god - you either find it in your heart to believe or not - it's a subjective decision. I'm sure the cynic in you has already asked what if there are things beyond our senses or understanding? I think being an atheist gives you the advantage of being a critical thinker. Therefore read and learn about as many religions as you can. And if, after all that, you still can't decide to believe, always keep your mind open to religion and respect people's beliefs. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Religion comforts you. Reading a book (eg. the Bible) that tells about your creation and the beginning of time, even if YOU think it's just a silly story some old men made up, is comforting. Praying--venting, begging, thanking, loving--to God is comforting. Knowing that you're not alone in the world, that you have somewhere to go to after you die instead of just lying in your coffin as a rotting old body or floating around in the ocean as a bunch of ashes, is comforting. And after a bit of this comfort, you start to believe in it, and you start to know that it's true; you really do have somebody there for you, even if you do the worst things in the world and you feel like everybody around you has betrayed you. Faith is love is joy.

And I'm not saying that you should be Christian, although it's the most comforting religion for me. I'm not going to condemn you if you don't believe in God, but do know that you feel happier when you have something to hold onto.

Answer 7

I am an Atheist. I am by nature, & spirit. It would be totally impossible for me to accept any religion. Contrary to the perceptions of some--being an Atheist isn't a whimsical choice; it is not without a moral compass or spirituality. Nor is it a "religion" as often, people call it. [patches, for example.] It is the antithesis of religion. [Sean] An Athesist doesn't believe in God? Hello? Buddhists believe in God, & they are NOT religious. They are Atheists who "practice" but do not believe in a deity--which is desim--belief in the existence of a god without accepting revelation. Read the answers from Buddhists, Gaz, & Epitipassi for example. Note that Gaz never asks questions. Think about what this means.
As for having a very difficult time, we all do, sometimes. If we're in harmony with who we really are, this would not be a motivation to seek another "self," that is, turn to "faith." But, if you feel this is a possibility for you, I'd never dream of dissuading you. It's your choice to make only from the "inner" you. Personally, I couldn't comprehend feeling distant from the world. Idealistically, of course, I'd prefer peace. However, my interconnectedness simply couldn't make me feel distant.
I believe it's a more a matter of whether you "could" become a believer, not whether you "should." & that, my friend, is up to you.

Edit: I hope nimit_en will think about "...YOUR BELIEF IN NO GOD.." as having faith. There is a contradiction, & an untruth.

Answer 8

I used to be an atheist (first 19 years of my life). There was a bit of parents' spirituality in the background, and I tried to live a fairly decent / upright life, as far as I could.

The problems I got myself into, (as a result of what I can only blame on my own choices, actions and past naivety - catching up with me) are what fairly forced me to think 'bigger' / more broadly, at the big picture.

I realised, fairly existentially, that Scientific views on Big Bang theory etc, are all pretty much "work in progress".

Felt I had to go to a more reliable source of information, on the more important questions.

I guess the biggest one is: "Is there an afterlife"? If so, what is the nature of it?

What is an appropriate world view, to see these things in terms of?

This is a path you'll have to question / follow yourself.

During the Buddha's time, there were intelligent people who could not accept the doctrine of reincarnation.

His advice was generally that 'if there were an afterlife' (as he taught), then by living a good, upright, ethical life, one could expect a brighter future.

If, let us suppose, there were not one; one would've lived a virtuous life, be praised by wise people, acquired wealth through diligence, and a favourable reputation... amongst other visible benefits - in this life.

But, He said, there was & is one (for most of us).

For me, having tested His word, I have little doubt - in it.

Am sure there will be many interesting answers to come, for you to consider, too.

If you remain an atheist, I'd still respect you, for having asked such a relevant question. :-)

A. R.

Answer 9

Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

Consider the Jesus freaks, evangelicals and other deeply religious folks, all have reverted to that primitive limbic systems of our brains, the place where our deepest emotions reside. The 'born-again' Christian phenomena has a scientific basis. When people are in deep despair, near death, nearly starved, or other highly emotional states, the 'religious experience' is triggered. Hormones, dopamine receptors and other chemical reactions take place...all good for the body. They help to fight diseases, etc. It was a survival mechanism our bodies have devloped since the days of our primitive ancestors.

Those that know the truth like you however, ie Objective Reality, are not allowing themselves the body's defensive mechanizm that has evolved over time. The closest they (you) can come is to believe in the 'power of positive thinking' which is the closest to religion (use of the limbic system of our brains) that atheists can get.

I'm like you, I've chosen Objective Reality, even knowing that a delusional worldview could be beneficial to my health and body....go figure.

Answer 10

When you have suffered, you understand that you have emotions and "people" manipulate them... It cruel its mean...its very not nice... Often people find theirselves angry with God because He lets this happen..and therefore become an athiest... But there are forces at work on this earth.... Evil is rude, evil will manipulate a persons life, it is rude, it is arrogant and it is pushy.. God on the other hand, makes it clear in his word that He is not pushy, He allows us free will.... So interceding would make him rude... When you ask Christ into your heart -(praying and saying you believe he is your savior and asking him to forgive your sins) , the bible says, the holy spirit takes over your Body and God becomes your rescuer..your armour.


There is definetly a supernatural element to this world ...too many to name...here are a few.. when you die you lose 12 lbs. instantly that is not wastes.

Prayers are miraculously answered all the time... Sick people with incurable diseases heal instantly...

de-jua -vue and dreams that actually come true...

I for one do not believe its aliens that do these things.. I believe if there were even aliens...(not saying I believe that) they would have to worship God too.

Please visit www.Godandscience.org remember to type the org... He is a scientist that didn't believe in God.-an athiest.. He set out to Prove scientifically that God wasn't real and every direction he went either math, chemicals you name it, all he could do was prove a Single Perfect all loving God could only be behind every unit of existance... His stats, findings papers all of it are all on the website... Good Luck and God Bless you, and I am sorry that you are having a difficult time right now. Bless your heart, I know that you don't believe right now, but I will pray for God to do something miraculous for you to prove to you he exists....I will also rebuke satan so that you can believe it came from God... Bless your heart...:-) I attend bible loving churches...baptist, methodist, assemblies of God, pentacostle, nazarine...etc.