I think that it is particularly hard for someone like you, living in the US. From my position here in Australia, we realise that the world is very much more than we are. We get a large variety of world commentary so we are familiar with a huge diversity of beliefs and further, a good many people in Australia are aware that there are a lot of different countries and cultures out there that are very different from us.
It seems to me that the US is a particularly insular country with an almost endless obsession with its own people, politics and culture. Evangelicals are strong in the US, particularly in the south. I mix with evangelical people regularly here in Australia as I’m doing a Masters of Theology degree, and even they regard US evangelicals as ‘bat shit crazy’ to quote one. Here you can be a person of no faith and nobody really cares.
I am not a person of faith, although I was brought up in both the Protestant and later the Catholic tradition. I have evangelical friends.
One thing I have noticed about all people is that it is virtually impossible for people to doubt that their thoughts and feelings are not valid. Everyone believes that their ideas are true and rational. They recognise that people are often wrong or mistaken about things and that people can hold false beliefs, but not them. This is true in religion and politics.
For me, it was the fact that religious affiliation is geographically determined that made me doubt. Meeting people whose religious beliefs were different than mine yet held with equal conviction that mine were held. I knew that they were wrong just as much as they knew that I was wrong. Where do you go from this point?
I read this and I feel less alone on being atheist. I was indoctrinated as a child to believe in a god. It’s sad that parents force their beliefs onto their children. It baffles me that humans go to church. There is no purpose going to church, it’s better to see how you can be useful in this world. Not everyone has the means to help other humans, but going to church does absolutely NOTHING. That’s just my thought process. Christians are the ultimate deceived humans. Christians can’t accept different perspectives. I hope America can get rid of christianity views!
I'm Christian. I think your story is interesting. I found your page and I follow because I do enjoy some of your content. There was a point in my life where I doubted and even hated God but for me I couldn't come to the same conclusion as you. I agree with most of your opinions on religion and I think the hate you get is extremely hypocritical to what the Christian faith is supposed to be. No hate like Christian love is probably one of the truest statements I've ever heard. God bless you (and i mean that sincerely) and i hope you have a safe and thoughtful rest of your journey
To add another comment if I may.
I think that it is particularly hard for someone like you, living in the US. From my position here in Australia, we realise that the world is very much more than we are. We get a large variety of world commentary so we are familiar with a huge diversity of beliefs and further, a good many people in Australia are aware that there are a lot of different countries and cultures out there that are very different from us.
It seems to me that the US is a particularly insular country with an almost endless obsession with its own people, politics and culture. Evangelicals are strong in the US, particularly in the south. I mix with evangelical people regularly here in Australia as I’m doing a Masters of Theology degree, and even they regard US evangelicals as ‘bat shit crazy’ to quote one. Here you can be a person of no faith and nobody really cares.
Anyway, just a thought.
You make some great points, Tony!
I am not a person of faith, although I was brought up in both the Protestant and later the Catholic tradition. I have evangelical friends.
One thing I have noticed about all people is that it is virtually impossible for people to doubt that their thoughts and feelings are not valid. Everyone believes that their ideas are true and rational. They recognise that people are often wrong or mistaken about things and that people can hold false beliefs, but not them. This is true in religion and politics.
For me, it was the fact that religious affiliation is geographically determined that made me doubt. Meeting people whose religious beliefs were different than mine yet held with equal conviction that mine were held. I knew that they were wrong just as much as they knew that I was wrong. Where do you go from this point?
I read this and I feel less alone on being atheist. I was indoctrinated as a child to believe in a god. It’s sad that parents force their beliefs onto their children. It baffles me that humans go to church. There is no purpose going to church, it’s better to see how you can be useful in this world. Not everyone has the means to help other humans, but going to church does absolutely NOTHING. That’s just my thought process. Christians are the ultimate deceived humans. Christians can’t accept different perspectives. I hope America can get rid of christianity views!
I'm Christian. I think your story is interesting. I found your page and I follow because I do enjoy some of your content. There was a point in my life where I doubted and even hated God but for me I couldn't come to the same conclusion as you. I agree with most of your opinions on religion and I think the hate you get is extremely hypocritical to what the Christian faith is supposed to be. No hate like Christian love is probably one of the truest statements I've ever heard. God bless you (and i mean that sincerely) and i hope you have a safe and thoughtful rest of your journey