I have been very religious all my life, but after doing extensive research for a year I have come to conclude there is no evidence for God. Being a believer was always so much fun for me, and now that I am an atheists it's got me seriously depressed. How do you get over that?
2007-05-23 07:06:34 · 28 answers · asked by Texas Toast 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Acid-Zebra:
The one about Joseph Smith was before I came to this conclusion. I used to think there was "proof" in the bible, but when I realized that same standard could be applied to the Book of Mormon, I understood I weak that proof was.
Forgive me, the question about penis and foot size was a joke.
2007-05-23 07:42:04 · update #1
Read Christians' answers here for about 2 days. Then you'll love being an atheist.
2007-05-23 07:09:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 15⤊ 3⤋
I've seen this before. By the way, it's also proof that old silly Marx may have been right: it's like an opiate. Once you've been addicted to it, even when you know how bad it is for you, it's hell to kick - pun intended.
But be assured that like many such matters, you will come out the other side a wiser person. I recommend delving into anthropology to see the various forms religious thought takes across cultures and history. It makes every single "ism" look silly.
2007-05-23 14:20:53 · answer #2 · answered by JAT 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have been an atheist all my life: I never paid attention to either Easter or Christmas and I have lived. I don't care much where did everything come from and how, because that's a pain in the neck. I just live a life. When it ends, I know what happens to my body. However, how does the life actually end or does it not (which I strongly doubt) I don't care, because once again it's a pain in the neck.
Think of what you know for sure. That makes life a lot easier to live.
2007-05-25 12:27:19 · answer #3 · answered by grigam2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I went through the same thing, as have many others who were formerly people of faith. It's mostly a matter of habit, though. You're so used to being part of the religious lifestyle and speaking the religious lingo that stepping away from that can be very disconcerting. Once you meet other nontheists and realize that they are caring, giving people, too, you'll feel less isolated.
Have patience and seek out others. If there are no atheist or Humanist groups in your area, try a Unitarian Universalist congregation.
2007-05-23 14:11:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I wasn't depressed when I became an atheist. But it did take some getting used to. I grew up in a religious family in the bible belt where I didn't even know there was such a thing as an atheist. I understand what you mean, but you'll be alright soon, I promise.
2007-05-23 14:11:35 · answer #5 · answered by glitterkittyy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Accepting reality isn't always fun. But really, has your life changed all that much? The earth is still revolving, the sun and stars are still in place. The only thing that is different is that you can now sleep in on Sundays and not worry so much about what the Bible is telling you to do. You're still the same person.
2007-05-23 14:11:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am proud of being an atheist, because my mind is not conditioned and manipulated by stupid dogmas that might have been true 2000 years ago, but that are today very far from our lifestyle. And take a look at the new pope, and be happy of escaping the shame of having such a stupid incompetent as religious leader.
2007-05-25 11:16:26 · answer #7 · answered by elfo_folletto1973 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ignorance is bliss.
I am not depressed being an Atheist because I willing accept my viewpoint of the universe. I actually take a lot of joy knowing that I am in complete control of my actions and that rewards and consequences are because of my own choice and not some random diety
2007-05-23 14:12:33 · answer #8 · answered by John C 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Being a believer is soooo totally different from having proof. There is no proof -- that's what being a believer is all about. You find that divine voice that speaks to you and you go with it. You'll know the voice when you find it, because it will be in total harmony with all your moral and ethical standpoints -- it just gives you the strength to make your own decisions when you need it. Please don't feel that just because you don't have "proof" you can't continue to lead a life as a believer, but if you really don't believe just because you don't have proof, I can't tell you you're wrong. I don't have any proof.
2007-05-23 14:13:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
The truth will set you free...but sometimes that freedom comes at a price.
As for me, I'd rather feel a bit of sadness and know the truth, than be happy and believe a lie. It makes me a better, stronger person.
2007-05-23 14:10:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
When you were a believer and got depressed you could blame it on god. Now you have to deal with it yourself. It makes you a stronger person.
2007-05-23 14:36:53 · answer #11 · answered by bocasbeachbum 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋