Atheist and agnostics can you relate to this?

Question

Many times people ask me "why dont you believe"
Aside from the bible and everything else the bottom line is I just dont feel it. I have prayed and felt nothing. I just dont feel that "holy spirit thing"
Does that make any sense? And have you ever told someone that and they look at you like you have lost your damn mind?
Why is it hard for people to comprehend that some just dont feel it? If all the knowledge was ripped away..all science ect...I still wouldnt feel it.
So what about others...do you "feel" anything that could possibly relate to a higher presence?

Ahh yes I have had a bummer day so my questions reflect a bummer tone..

Answer 1

I never felt it either. I used to pray every night when I was little. I felt absolutely nothing. I don't understand people like the woman I work with who says, "well last night I had a little conversation with god and blah blah blah." It makes me want to call a psych ward or something for her. But whenever I say I just don't believe in god, people act like I should be burned at the stake.

Answer 2

It is a rather amazing psychological phenomenon. Normal, everyday, seemingly rational people start talking about religion and all common sense and logic head for the nearest exits.

"I find every sect, as far as reason will help them, make use of it gladly; and where it fails them, they cry out, it is a matter of faith, and above reason."
— John Locke (1632-1704)

I've come to the conclusion that there are two distinct personality types in the world: the believer whose currency is faith and the scientist whose currency is reason and proof.

"There is something feeble and a little contemptible about a man who cannot face the perils of life without the help of comfortable myths. Almost inevitably some part of him is aware that they are myths and that he believes them only because they are comforting. But he dares not face this thought! Moreover, since he is aware, however dimly, that his opinions are not rational, he becomes furious when they are disputed."
— Bertrand Russell

The closest analogy I can think of to describe the huge void between the two is the story of the Emperor Has No Clothes*. It is the perfect metaphor for religious belief. The story describes a situation wherein the “overwhelming majority of observers willingly share in a collective ignorance of an obvious fact, despite individually recognizing the absurdity." The story involves an emperor who is conned into thinking his brand new suit is made from the finest fabric in the land - but to those lacking faith and intelligence to "see" it, it would appear invisible. The real truth is there is no suit. Not wanting to appear stupid the Emperor and all of his subjects buy into this collective delusion.

Atheists are like the little boy in the story telling the crowd and the Emperor that they've been conned. They stare at us in DISBELIEF - just as you described. It is inconceivable to them that their entire worldview has been based on a lie. They will therefore do whatever it takes to prop it up.

"Religion is but a desperate attempt to find an escape from the truly dreadful situation in which we find ourselves. Here we are in this wholly fantastic universe with scarcely a clue as to whether our existence has any real significance. No wonder then that many people feel the need for some belief that gives them a sense of security, and no wonder that they become very angry with people like me who say that this is illusory."
— Fred Hoyle

"Their belief in Jesus gives them an indefatigably sympathetic confidant, assuages their fear of death and bereavement, wards off existential angst, assures cosmic purpose, and aligns them with the good guys. So handsome are the psychological pay-offs of belief that many, perhaps most, devout orthodox Christians are impervious to all countervailing logic and evidence. Their will to believe vanquishes every disquieting fact, every contrary line of reasoning, no matter how compelling to an impartial eye. Psychologists have a frightening arsenal of terms for the mental habits designed to preserve cherished beliefs: dissociation, absolutist thinking, dichotomization, object permanence, nominal realism, phenomenalistic causality and worse."
— Gary Sloan

All superstition is much the same whether it be that of astrology, dreams, omen, retributive judgment, or the like, in all of which the deluded believers observe events which are fulfilled, but neglect and pass over their failure, though it be much more common.
— Francis Bacon, Novum Organum

Answer 3

We were raised agnostic (bless my mother for this) which I think is the greatest thing that could have happened...it left me with an open mind.

I've studied a great deal about religion and why people feel they have to have it; I've also discovered that it's about having faith...not about having religion.

Faith isn't only about "God"; it's faith in yourself and faith that you're here to help those people around you and faith that people around you are here to help you...its faith that "something more" has got your back.

Nobody every really tells you what that "holy spirit thing" is anyway -- they just tell you it's *God* and you're supposed to figure it out; how can you when you don't know what the hell you're looking for? Maybe you've had it and didn't know.

For me, the "divine presence" of my guides manifests in subtle ways...some days when I'm sad it's the little things...like finding a parking spot close to the door; people just seem to flow out of your way...maybe you "just happen" to meet a person who says just the right thing to make your day better...things that you need just make themselves available.

Other days...I get yelled at.

Basically it shows up however it needs in order for you to get the message....that's my opinion...and just because you "get the message" doesn't dictate that you have to *have* to have religion...it just means you're likely to have more faith.

And puh-leeze, are you kidding me?? I talk to dead people and I walk around with at least two Angels and a Demon strapped to my a** -- more or less depending...people look at me like I lost my damn mind every day; but that's their problem if they can't take the time to understand what I've experienced has defined my beliefs...not their beliefs.

Answer 4

Did you ask Jesus to come into your heart? The only way to God is through Jesus. For me I do feel it. I guess that's why I find it hard to understand. It's something I know with every fiber of my being. Like a hole I once had and couldn't fill is finally full, like I am complete. I can't explain it, it makes me smile for no reason, it makes me want to scream inside (in a good way). I feel like I'm flying. I guess you'll read this and go "my goodness, she is crazy", you haven't felt it so you can't understand what I am talking about either. There are no words to explain it, it's just like suddenly everything makes sense, everything has a purpose, you feel this incredible love. I know it sounds like I have my head in the clouds, but honestly, that is how it feels. Like you will always be safe, no mater what, you will always be loved and protected .

Answer 5

I relate. It can be annoying at times.

I'm not a highly emotional person, but my personal disbelief is based on reason. I think that most people who ask me why I don't believe regret asking the question. I generally go into great detail about my problems with the whole Invisible Friend Principle.

Anyway, I hope your night goes better than your day did. Here's to a better tomorrow!

-SD-

Answer 6

It can be proven neither by science nor logic. That leaves personal experiences, which can be dangerous to interpret. Still, if you do not even have personal experiences, there's NO reason to believe.

This is why believers should be very patient and very compassionate with non-believers. Every one of us, including the believers, uses logic and science in day-to-day life. It is when we reach this "spiritual" side of things that it all gets hazy. If there truly is something to be experienced, then believers need to understand that the rest of us simply have not felt it.

Answer 7

I never felt it either--and not for lack of trying! It just never came.
I think the reason that it's so hard to comprehend is because having a good relationship with God is a source of happiness for most religious folks. For someone to admit that they don't feel anything...well, they must be really lost!

Answer 8

Sorry about your day (see, atheists are compassionate too - stop stereotyping). Yes, I based my decision on atheism on gut instinct, and science conveniently backs it up. I feel no holy spirit, and I see no evidence for anything remotely god-like.

Perhaps the reason Christians get so worked up about feeling the holy spirit - somebody sent me a personal e-mail based on one of my "disbelieving" answers - is because they're in denial over the fact they don't feel it either.

Answer 9

No Queen, I don't feel "it". I believe that something "may be" there thus I am an agnostic but I don't feel anything, just the recesses of my mind and no one or thing is welcome there, that's for me only so I don't want to feel "it". I believe that that "feeling" is a self-induced sense caused by the belief in whatever be it a god, a good friend, love of a child or love for turnips.

Edit: as evidenced by your Q, I sometimes think non-believers are as spirtitual as believers because we are searching in our own ways but within ourselves

Answer 10

You're assuming that anyone who isn't Christian is an atheist or agnostic, which isn't the case.

If you don't believe in the whole Holy Spirit thing... Okay. But no one has ever asked me why I do or don't believe in any particular god, unless I bring it up first. So if you find it hard to explain why you "just don't feel it", don't bring it up.