I know rationally that I no longer want to follow that particular path, and I know rationally that I have nothing to fear, but sometimes indoctrination overcomes knowledge.
How do you get past the fear so that you can move on to a path that's more suited for you?
2007-08-25 07:19:15 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's tough. It's taken me years and still I'm not totally over it.
One of the things I did is realize that if Jesus did exist, then he was actually a pretty good guy.
Also, there are actually some good Christians out there. Finding those folks, and realizing that a belief in God doesn't have to mess you up psychologically, was an important step for me.
I'm an atheist now, but I'm still inspired by Christians who actually live their faith.
2007-08-25 07:24:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Very simple... examine the reasons why people invent gods.
Fear and ignorance.
What are people afraid of? The unknown (mainly dying, since most other unknowns can be examined.) What are people ignorant of? Ultimate origins. How did it all begin.
Now, just answer the questions rationally. What will happen to me when I die? Absolutely nothing. I will go to "sleep", never dream, and never awaken. Once dead, I'll feel nothing, experience nothing, and be none the wiser to it.
How did it all begin? We may never know. We may get close to understanding certain origins, but to understand why there is "existence" as opposed to "non-existence" is a pointless question. Even if people had the answer, it wouldn't change what they do, or how they live.
"Why are we here" is entirely up to us. No god needed to answer that one.
So, once you look at the things that gods were invented to explain, it's easy to see why we don't need them.
2007-08-25 08:24:03 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
To overcome fear we must experience what it is that we fear, and see for ourselves if it truly is to be feared. In the case of the 'wrath of the Christian God', the simplest way to know is to experience that 'wrath'. This may not be what one might expect, however, and one must pay CLOSE attention to what is happening to see the ways God applies the 'punishment'.
Dive in, head first! Why fear the unknown? How do you know God will judge you like you expect?
2007-08-25 07:34:42 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its not an easy process. For me, I was much younger when I discovered that the christian god was a myth, and I had thought it many times but had never said it. Finally, I worked up the guts to say out loud, "Either god doesn't exist, or he doesn't care about me!" Then I jumped under my covers and hid for 20 minutes.
But after those 20 minutes, I realized that god wasn't coming after me ... he hadn't struck me down with lightning ... in fact, NOTHING happened. That was a big part of my moving on.
Just work up the courage to say it. Once you pass that barrier, things will get alot easier.
2007-08-25 07:38:25 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, I never "conditioned" myself to fear anyone or anything in the manner so many others presume is meant by "fear of God". But whatever path you choose, make sure it's the one you want to be on, and that the journey's end is worth it.
2007-08-25 07:25:34 · answer #5 · answered by RIFF 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Unless you are wicked, you have nothing to fear from God. Are you turning wicked? And this indoctrination overcomes knowledge thing what is that?
2007-08-25 09:25:52 · answer #6 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I’m not sure but perhaps that was why it was necessary for me to go through so many years of uncertainty. So much harm is done to so many children by the garbage taught in some churches.
Fear is like a wall that separates the soul from God. It has to go.
Ask God to show you who He really is. Ask Him to show you how to overcome the wring teachings.
2007-08-25 07:32:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The fear( reverance) of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,....you don't have to worry about the wrath of God if you are in him,....for he will nestle you like a hen does her baby chicks.......he loves you....don't let negativety still your joy. For the lord seeks out a humble spirit and a contrite heart. Seek the kingdom and all things will unfold for you.
2007-08-25 07:30:19 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It is hard to let go off a lifetime of guilt and conditioning.
It was hard, BUT when I found the path I was meant for, it just sort drifted away. I know in my heart of hearts I am where I should be.
2007-08-25 07:26:26 · answer #9 · answered by ~Heathen Princess~ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The fear is actually a flashback, from a PTSD point of view. If you were programmed with fear prepuberty, that memory is stuck to your core. It's truly a negative a memory as those children who remember other abuse.
Being aware of it is half the battle though.
2007-08-25 07:25:49 · answer #10 · answered by American Spirit 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋