This question is for my fellow atheists - What has your life experiences been like being an atheist?

Question

I have enjoyed reading all of your comments - How many of you have had this experience? (said to me by a "christian") You must have had somthing terrible happen in your life...that's why your angry with "god" and for now "think" you are an "atheist". Sigh....rolling my eyes - they just don't get it - do they?

Answer 1

I'm quite content...However, I have to deal with the narrow-minded people around me (whether it'd be fellow agonistics or Bible bashers.)

It’s also hard to help people understand that I have my own Morals, and rules to live by, even though I do not follow the Bible or any religion. Why is it so hard to believe that a person alone can build their own views on what’s right, and what is blasphemous?

In other words, people assume that simply because I am atheist/agnostic that I hate the idea of a god, a religion, or ‘faith’. They suggest that although I am sure of myself, I’m “missing” something ...that because I do not have “faith” I am incomplete! Theyre so wrong.

I believe what I do 100%, I couldn’t be more complete. I focus on developing myself as a person and being kind to others and loving my family. I can do this without a book.

Answer 2

Well, I've only recently "come out" as an atheist, but really, I think I have been one for some time. My life experiences relating specifically to atheism is that I know I have to smile politely and not say too much when the dear little old lady on the bus says "Jesus loves you" or "God bless you." She means well.

Also, since I joined the Ethical Society, I have come to realize that ethics can be expressed in ways that have nothing to do with God or whatever. I was a philosophy major back in college, specializing in ethics, but at that time, I saw it as an academic exercise.

Certainly it was relevant in various professional questions (professional ethics is a class in law school, for example), but I guess I assumed most people were taking their moral values from their religion, and atheists were mostly rebels from what was imposed as a child. Now it's been long enough that there are enough second and third generation atheists (who are not communists; that's different) that they learned ethics without regard to religion.

The Ethical Society is over 100 years old, as I recall. But I never even heard of them until this year.

Answer 3

I live in Seattle Wa, so luckily i have not had much problem at all. We are a fairly open minded City. I do get a sad look from my Mother whenever i mention anything to do with my beliefs. I never told my Dad that i felt this way while he was alive. It would have caused way too many arguments. For the most part i keep it to myself unless i am asked. Life has its ups and downs but i persist.

Answer 4

My life as an atheist has been much better and much more fulfilling than my life as a person struggling to believe ever could have been. When I admitted to myself that I didn't believe, everything else began to fit into place.

I learned that I was responsible and had to take responsibility for how I wanted my life to turn out.

Answer 5

took me a while to get used to it (atheism), but things are cool.

I've never had a bad experience that made me turn atheist. My "conversion" to atheism was the bad experience. I did not want to be an atheist, but religion just didn't make sense. I was still a child, though. Now, it's a different story.

Answer 6

My life is much more exciting. I mean I don't feel as insecure as I did as a Christian. Not to mention I am far more educated than I would have ever been if I stayed delusional.

Answer 7

Fine. People may not understand me, but it makes life more interesting if everyone isn't on the same page.

Answer 8

Fun, interesting and educational!

It sure rattles some of the believers here in Mississippi. Their first reaction is to freeze in fear. Then they ask "But, but how? You're so nice to everyone!"

Answer 9

It's been great! I'm fully responsible for for my well-being..no gods to blame for any set-backs, no shackles, and no religious drug that lulls my senses to do fine!

Answer 10

Good