Losing My Religion
Sent in by Brandine
It's amazing how a little time and a lot of information can completely change your point of view. I never was really touchy about my religion. That's not to say I didn't get offended when someone said something I considered blasphemy, but I wasn't the one who was going to get up in their face about it. I pretty much accepted that everyone had their own road to walk.
My sister, Layla, posted a testimony on this site a couple of weeks ago so I won't go into too many of the same details. Suffice it to say, we grew up in the rural south, bible belt where religion isn't so much of a choice or epiphany as it is just a way of life. Even our crackheads are somewhat practicing Christians. It wasn't until I was a teenager that I started questioning my faith. I can pretty much pinpoint the high water marks.
I never really gave much thought to my spirituality until I was about sixteen. Until that point, I knew I was saved, and that was good enough for me. Then I moved in with some relatives who were deeply into fundamental Christianity. Doomsday doesn't even begin to describe these people. Everyone and everything had an agenda, and oddly enough they were all negative towards our "faith". According to them, the world was supposed to have been over like three times by now, but here we are still trucking.
I pretty much fell for the hype for a while, and I went through an extremely religious phase. One of the major problems I faced was the bible - the "Holiest of Holy texts". No matter how hard I tried to read and feel connected to it, it just bored the shit out of me. It didn't feel like it applied to me at all. I decided that the bible is overly complicated in that the basic message is "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Why couldn't I just do that? In my mind, that covered about 95% of my bases. Stick a fork in me, I'm done.
It's at this point in my life that I feel Christianity began to reveal it's true nature. I still considered myself a Christian, albeit a liberal one. However, once I found one fault in the bible all the others seemed so obvious. The bible, though, wasn't the final nail in my Christian coffin. More than anything, just watching the Christians around me showed me it's hypocrisy.
One year on my birthday, my Aunt gave me a bible with my name engraved in the cover. Although I found the book handsome, I was puzzled by it's inscription. Inside the cover, she'd written "When all else fails, seek here". Now this was not the first time I'd heard this quote, but it was the first time I'd pondered it's meaning. Firstly, I thought, if I'm having a problem isn't my bible supposed to be the answer for everything? Wasn't I supposed to seek there first? And secondly, I'd never seen my Aunt read the bible my whole life. In fact, I'd only ever seen her read gossip mags while sipping cocktails. No, no, this was all wrong.
My cousin, with whom until recently at this time I was close with, became a bible thumping tyrant. She actually went through my bible when I wasn't around once (the handsome, personalized one I spoke of before) and underlined in red ink a few "appropriate" passages for me. To be sure I knew who'd sent these blessed messages, she'd initialed near the verses she'd underlined. I thought I was going to be sick at how sanctimonious she was.
With every cigarette I smoked or cocktail I ingested, I could sense her accusatory stare and cold shoulder. I once challenged her on a few of her beliefs, and I was countered with the accusation that I was being defensive because I felt convicted around her. How is a person to respond to that statement? She was basically telling me that I was lashing out at her because she mirrored my inadequacies with god. I stopped talking to her about religion after that. Some people don't want to be informed.
Shortly after, a family friend was to be baptized at a local church. My other cousin begged me to go so she wouldn't have to go by herself. I'd never been to this church before, but these particular family members I've spoke of had. I was not surprised to find the preacher of this church was all fire and brimstone. I'd been around these snake healers my whole life, so I didn't think too much of it. Within the first ten minutes, though, the preacher ranted on about how Muslims, Islams, Buddhists, Catholics, and etc. were all going to HELL. I was immediately offended in a profound way. I realized these people didn't even know their own beliefs. It was appalling. They were just a few steps away from the Salem witch trials.
This preacher scowled and hissed as he looked around the room. I was one of only four non-members of this small church. He went on to preach about our nations youth (very convenient considering the only four non-members were all young people), and I found him more and more seething in mine and my cousins direction. Each time he would look towards us, she would cower her glance to the floor. I, on the other hand, had decided I would not be intimidated by this obviously godless man. I imagine this is what drew his attention to me because when he finished his sermon and stood in the water getting ready to baptize our family friend he stopped. He said, "Sometimes God calls upon our hearts, and we must obey God".
Cold rushed through my body. I knew that with just my stare I'd challenged this preacher in some way. He wasn't going to let me go without first making an example of me. Sure enough he informed the congregation that god spoke to him about the girl in the black shirt (yep, that's me). The preacher called me up to the front of the church. I would like to say that if this had happened to me now in my life I would have given him the finger and walked out (which is why I don't go to church), but at this point I was stunned. I sauntered forward only to be bombarded with him telling his minions to lay their hands on me. It was obvious to me, even at the time, I was supposed to speak in tongues and receive the spirit. I just stood there, though, dumbfounded and stewing. He gave a speech that was supposed to be from god to me. He then baptized the family friend and let church out.
I got outside as fast as I could and took a deep breath. I couldn't understand why this so called man of god had embarrassed me in front of a congregation of strangers. I knew I'd stared him down, but it's not like I stopped the sermon and challenged him. I began to get angry. If he really thought I needed god's help then surely he would know to take me aside and speak to me alone. Why was it so important everyone else hear too? He'd won. I tried to talk to my family about it. "Didn't you think that was inappropriate?", I said. Apparently not, because they all sat silent.
I think that's what did it. Ironic, one man's desperate attempt to bring a perceived nonbeliever to god, and all he managed to do was to turn a believer into a nonbeliever. I decided from that point on that if the Christian god is so petty and vindictive to send people to hell for not worshiping him and his son, then that was not a god I wanted to worship. From that point on, my beliefs have only been confirmed through things ranging from day to day encounters to internet websites (see: Godtube.com : A Letter from Hell - LOL).
The silver lining of this whole story is that once I realized I didn't believe in Christianity anymore, I felt as if a huge weight was lifted from me. I spent so many years being scared of god. I was scared of burning in hell for eternity. I was so scared if I sinned before I was able to repent and I got into a car crash, I would be sent to hell. I was scared of god. That's so fucked up. I still believe in god. I choose, however, to believe him as NOT a petty and vengeful god. I realize that god may not exist, but I don't fear reprisal for that thought.
As for my happily ever afters, I simply believe there is not one true road to god. I do not think Christianity is false in it's entirety. I find a little bit of truth in almost all religions. However, I personally think we would all be better off not trying to please an ambiguous god. Our time on this Earth is much better served serving our fellow man. If god can't understand that, then fuck him.
It's amazing how a little time and a lot of information can completely change your point of view. I never was really touchy about my religion. That's not to say I didn't get offended when someone said something I considered blasphemy, but I wasn't the one who was going to get up in their face about it. I pretty much accepted that everyone had their own road to walk.
My sister, Layla, posted a testimony on this site a couple of weeks ago so I won't go into too many of the same details. Suffice it to say, we grew up in the rural south, bible belt where religion isn't so much of a choice or epiphany as it is just a way of life. Even our crackheads are somewhat practicing Christians. It wasn't until I was a teenager that I started questioning my faith. I can pretty much pinpoint the high water marks.
I never really gave much thought to my spirituality until I was about sixteen. Until that point, I knew I was saved, and that was good enough for me. Then I moved in with some relatives who were deeply into fundamental Christianity. Doomsday doesn't even begin to describe these people. Everyone and everything had an agenda, and oddly enough they were all negative towards our "faith". According to them, the world was supposed to have been over like three times by now, but here we are still trucking.
I pretty much fell for the hype for a while, and I went through an extremely religious phase. One of the major problems I faced was the bible - the "Holiest of Holy texts". No matter how hard I tried to read and feel connected to it, it just bored the shit out of me. It didn't feel like it applied to me at all. I decided that the bible is overly complicated in that the basic message is "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Why couldn't I just do that? In my mind, that covered about 95% of my bases. Stick a fork in me, I'm done.
It's at this point in my life that I feel Christianity began to reveal it's true nature. I still considered myself a Christian, albeit a liberal one. However, once I found one fault in the bible all the others seemed so obvious. The bible, though, wasn't the final nail in my Christian coffin. More than anything, just watching the Christians around me showed me it's hypocrisy.
One year on my birthday, my Aunt gave me a bible with my name engraved in the cover. Although I found the book handsome, I was puzzled by it's inscription. Inside the cover, she'd written "When all else fails, seek here". Now this was not the first time I'd heard this quote, but it was the first time I'd pondered it's meaning. Firstly, I thought, if I'm having a problem isn't my bible supposed to be the answer for everything? Wasn't I supposed to seek there first? And secondly, I'd never seen my Aunt read the bible my whole life. In fact, I'd only ever seen her read gossip mags while sipping cocktails. No, no, this was all wrong.
My cousin, with whom until recently at this time I was close with, became a bible thumping tyrant. She actually went through my bible when I wasn't around once (the handsome, personalized one I spoke of before) and underlined in red ink a few "appropriate" passages for me. To be sure I knew who'd sent these blessed messages, she'd initialed near the verses she'd underlined. I thought I was going to be sick at how sanctimonious she was.
With every cigarette I smoked or cocktail I ingested, I could sense her accusatory stare and cold shoulder. I once challenged her on a few of her beliefs, and I was countered with the accusation that I was being defensive because I felt convicted around her. How is a person to respond to that statement? She was basically telling me that I was lashing out at her because she mirrored my inadequacies with god. I stopped talking to her about religion after that. Some people don't want to be informed.
Shortly after, a family friend was to be baptized at a local church. My other cousin begged me to go so she wouldn't have to go by herself. I'd never been to this church before, but these particular family members I've spoke of had. I was not surprised to find the preacher of this church was all fire and brimstone. I'd been around these snake healers my whole life, so I didn't think too much of it. Within the first ten minutes, though, the preacher ranted on about how Muslims, Islams, Buddhists, Catholics, and etc. were all going to HELL. I was immediately offended in a profound way. I realized these people didn't even know their own beliefs. It was appalling. They were just a few steps away from the Salem witch trials.
This preacher scowled and hissed as he looked around the room. I was one of only four non-members of this small church. He went on to preach about our nations youth (very convenient considering the only four non-members were all young people), and I found him more and more seething in mine and my cousins direction. Each time he would look towards us, she would cower her glance to the floor. I, on the other hand, had decided I would not be intimidated by this obviously godless man. I imagine this is what drew his attention to me because when he finished his sermon and stood in the water getting ready to baptize our family friend he stopped. He said, "Sometimes God calls upon our hearts, and we must obey God".
Cold rushed through my body. I knew that with just my stare I'd challenged this preacher in some way. He wasn't going to let me go without first making an example of me. Sure enough he informed the congregation that god spoke to him about the girl in the black shirt (yep, that's me). The preacher called me up to the front of the church. I would like to say that if this had happened to me now in my life I would have given him the finger and walked out (which is why I don't go to church), but at this point I was stunned. I sauntered forward only to be bombarded with him telling his minions to lay their hands on me. It was obvious to me, even at the time, I was supposed to speak in tongues and receive the spirit. I just stood there, though, dumbfounded and stewing. He gave a speech that was supposed to be from god to me. He then baptized the family friend and let church out.
I got outside as fast as I could and took a deep breath. I couldn't understand why this so called man of god had embarrassed me in front of a congregation of strangers. I knew I'd stared him down, but it's not like I stopped the sermon and challenged him. I began to get angry. If he really thought I needed god's help then surely he would know to take me aside and speak to me alone. Why was it so important everyone else hear too? He'd won. I tried to talk to my family about it. "Didn't you think that was inappropriate?", I said. Apparently not, because they all sat silent.
I think that's what did it. Ironic, one man's desperate attempt to bring a perceived nonbeliever to god, and all he managed to do was to turn a believer into a nonbeliever. I decided from that point on that if the Christian god is so petty and vindictive to send people to hell for not worshiping him and his son, then that was not a god I wanted to worship. From that point on, my beliefs have only been confirmed through things ranging from day to day encounters to internet websites (see: Godtube.com : A Letter from Hell - LOL).
The silver lining of this whole story is that once I realized I didn't believe in Christianity anymore, I felt as if a huge weight was lifted from me. I spent so many years being scared of god. I was scared of burning in hell for eternity. I was so scared if I sinned before I was able to repent and I got into a car crash, I would be sent to hell. I was scared of god. That's so fucked up. I still believe in god. I choose, however, to believe him as NOT a petty and vengeful god. I realize that god may not exist, but I don't fear reprisal for that thought.
As for my happily ever afters, I simply believe there is not one true road to god. I do not think Christianity is false in it's entirety. I find a little bit of truth in almost all religions. However, I personally think we would all be better off not trying to please an ambiguous god. Our time on this Earth is much better served serving our fellow man. If god can't understand that, then fuck him.
Comments
I left christianity and found DEISM. All christians, should read "Age of Reason" written by Thomas Paine.
A real eye-opener.It changed my life.
You definitely made a step in the right direction. Realizing that organized religion is bullshit will give you the freedom to move on and search for the truth.
In addition to an emotional fallout that I had with the church, my conversion to atheism in 1979/1980 was precipitated by intellectual pursuits that included Carl Sagan's "Cosmos". Carl Sagan never once directly attacked religion, but he demonstrated in Cosmos that we live in a big beautiful universe that can best be understood by science and that who we are was not determined a deity but by nature.
I encourage you to do more investigations into the world in terms of intellectual pursuits: history, science, art, philosophy, literature, psychology, and the critical study of religions are all important in understanding who we are and whether or not there is a god.
Good luck!
LMAO
You're articulate, thoughtful, judging from your post you seem intelligent.
Oh God loves you alright, but you don't need to take that kind of crap. Ever.
Best to you, Brandine
Great post. I think your conclusion is the best part of your message.
I also believe that all serious religions contain pointers to the truth for the seeker. That means, though, that it's up to the individual to separate the gems from the crap. The Christian bible has one, and only one, passage that I would recommend to anyone: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. (No, I'm not going to quote it here. Clue: www.biblegateway.com) Ironically, while I recommend the passage for its face value, the very center of that passage contains a statement that invalidates the very root of Christianity.
I too was embarrassed in church at least twice. First, a member of the congregation said he was concerned about my worldy lifestyle, even thought we barely knew each other. He and others forced me to be prayed over, and have hands laid on me by the elders after the service. Three years later during a church service the preacher pointed at me and asked me if I wanted to be prayed for, right in front of everybody. I was only visiting this church and never joined. These people must have forgotten to take their medication. I to am not an atheist, but a pantheist. I have the utmost respect for atheists, and am truly disgusted with Christi-insanity.
By the way, an excellent book Id recommend for you and PekingJohn is Carl Sagans "Demon Haunted World". It is brilliantly written and very convincing about the problems with religon and illogical beliefs in general. Have fun.
While we are discussing dogma, can you give me the address for your God, I have a few questions myself.
Well, that's a pretty broad statement, however, I think we can safely infer that you at a minimum have singled me out as a non-logical thinker.
Please indulge me for a second, so we can reflect most studiously on your message thus far.
-----------------------------
Samantha: "I know exactly what you mean about having a weight lifted off you. I also spent most of my life being afraid of God."
At this point, it is not yet established that you "deny" the existence of a God that you believed at one time existed; only that you are no longer "afraid" of the God you "accepted" as "real".
Samantha: "Once I got a feeling for what unconditional love actually means, Christianity just fell apart for me, and now I'm living better than I ever did."
At this juncture, you suggest that Christianity as a religion; fell apart for you.
"Religions" are based on the concept of god(s). The Christian religion, in particular suggests that it's claim to the "True God", is based on the Divine Scripture of their Holy Bible.
Therefore, the scripture, is "meant" to be scriptural, and in reference to a supreme God's "direct" statements - that would be "any" reference.
Thus, "any" reference to scripture, would be to support the legitimacy of divine authorship... or... to suggest perhaps, that you, want to "borrow" scripture from the bible; and "interpret" it in a way that has "meaning" and "value" for you.
Samantha: "I also believe that all serious religions contain pointers to the truth for the seeker. That means, though, that it's up to the individual to separate the gems from the crap.
So, at this point, you appear to be choosing the option of "religious appraiser" and dogmatic interpreter.
You cite the Christian Bible as holding a valuable passage(s), and therefore, "appraise" and give the seal of "seriousness" to Christianity, as opposed to other religions that aren't "serious" - however, we are to interpret that.
While "appraising" Christianity as a serious religion, you then build your case, that only "serious" religions contain pointers to truth, even as you pull these "pointers" out Christianity's dogmatic bible. Therefore, you have opted to become one who can properly "interpret" dogma, such that it points to the "truth" for you as a "seeker", and one who is capable of "logically" filtering the gems from the crap.
Samantha: "The Christian bible has one, and only one, passage that I would recommend to anyone: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. (No, I'm not going to quote it here. Clue: www.biblegateway.com)"
Now, you asswert yourself as a "seeker", capable of properly "interpreting" the bible, as part of the "serious" religion - Christianity.
The passages follow:
1 Corinthians 13:4 - Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1 Corinthians 13:5 - Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
1 Corinthians 13:6 - Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
1 Corinthians 13:7 - Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Samantha: "Ironically, while I recommend the passage for its face value,..."
At "face value", means, "literally".
Samantha: "...the very center of that passage contains a statement that invalidates the very root of Christianity."
Actually, the "believe all things", literally means, to "believe all things".
Since you have validated that passsage to be of "value", based on your "best estimate"; you don't mind if I make a few observations to tie this together.
1-You have determined yourself capable of interpreting Christianity and it's Holy Bible, and "personally" recommended the passage(s) you cited as "valuable".
2-The passage that suggests ""believe all things", logically allows for the following observations, with your highest logical "endorsement".
a. Everyone should "believe" a Christian, when they suggest Christianity is "valid". Of course, this "believe all things"... "ironically", seems to "validate" Christianity at its core, based on its bread and butter - blind faith, and allegiance to a "religious leader" who suggests they are able to "properly" and with great "logic", interpret "biblical" passages.
b. You, should believe "me", based on "your support" of the passage, when I say... "Samantha has a God".
Now, you have a few logical choices to make...
1-You can attempt to move away from the "face value" comment you have founded, but that suggests you have made a logical error in your communication.
2-You can attempt to creatively add, to the passages cited, by citing additional reference and context within the bible, but then, you would logically conflict with your "face value" statement, and your recommendation of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 only.
3-You can accept that passage to be only applicable to a "specific" set of people, i.g., those who can correctly interpret the passage, those who are worthy based on "your" personal assessment, etc. However, you would then logically conflict with your non-exclusive recommendation that these passages are "valuable", for "everyone".
4-You can accept the passage, to be exactly as you recommended, valuable, and meaningful for all, based on the literal "face value" alone. However, that would logically mean, you must "believe all things" presented to you. Let me list a few things to present to you;
--Samantha's posts hold valuable insight, and should be accepted literally.
--Samantha, believes Christianity is a truly serious religion.
--Samantha believes in a God.
--Samantha has the address for a God.
--Samantha accepts the book, The Demon-Haunted World, to be worthy of dogmatic worship.
Another option, is that you could suggest that you have communicated "poorly", in your post, and... that, your "message", left without additional context, is illogical if one refers to the biblical passage you cited.
However, it really doesn't matter which option you care to take, the fact of the matter is; I can logically accept any of the above, because they are supported by "your" statements and references.
What I find "interesting", is that you cite logical flaws, that contradict the truth; while citing a passage that means, "everything" presented is "truth" - "believe all things".
Well, that's a pretty broad statement; however, I think we can safely infer that you at a minimum have singled me out as a non-logical thinker.
Please indulge me for a second, so we can reflect most studiously on your message.
-----------------------------
Samantha: "I know exactly what you mean about having a weight lifted off you. I also spent most of my life being afraid of God."
At this point, it is not yet established that you "deny" the existence of a God that you believed at one time existed; only that you are no longer "afraid" of the God you "accepted" as "real".
Samantha: "Once I got a feeling for what unconditional love actually means, Christianity just fell apart for me, and now I'm living better than I ever did."
At this juncture, you suggest that Christianity as a religion; fell apart for you.
"Religions" are based on the concept of god(s). The Christian religion, in particular suggests that it's claim to the "True God", is based on the Divine Scripture of their Holy Bible.
Therefore, the scripture, is "meant" to be scriptural, and in reference to a supreme God's "direct" statements - that would be "any" reference.
Thus, "any" reference to scripture, would be to support the legitimacy of divine authorship... or... to suggest perhaps, that you, want to "borrow" scripture from the bible; and "interpret" it in a way that has "meaning" and "value" for you.
Samantha: "I also believe that all serious religions contain pointers to the truth for the seeker. That means, though, that it's up to the individual to separate the gems from the crap.
So, at this point, you appear to be choosing the option of "religious appraiser" and dogmatic interpreter.
You cite the Christian Bible as holding a valuable passage(s), and therefore, "appraise" and give the seal of "seriousness" to Christianity, as opposed to other religions that aren't "serious" - however, we are to interpret that.
While "appraising" Christianity as a serious religion, you then build your case, that only "serious" religions contain pointers to truth, even as you pull these "pointers" out Christianity's dogmatic bible. Therefore, you have opted to become one who can properly "interpret" dogma, such that it points to the "truth" for you as a "seeker", and one who is capable of "logically" filtering the gems from the crap.
Samantha: "The Christian bible has one, and only one, passage that I would recommend to anyone: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. (No, I'm not going to quote it here. Clue: www.biblegateway.com)"
Now, you asswert yourself as a "seeker", capable of properly "interpreting" the bible, as part of the "serious" religion - Christianity.
The passages follow:
1 Corinthians 13:4 - Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1 Corinthians 13:5 - Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
1 Corinthians 13:6 - Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
1 Corinthians 13:7 - Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Samantha: "Ironically, while I recommend the passage for its face value,..."
At "face value", means, "literally".
Samantha: "...the very center of that passage contains a statement that invalidates the very root of Christianity."
Actually, the "believe all things", literally means, to "believe all things".
Since you have validated that passage to be of "value", based on your "best estimate"; you don't mind if I make a few observations to tie this together.
1-You have determined yourself capable of interpreting Christianity and it's Holy Bible, and "personally" recommended the passage(s) you cited as "valuable".
2-The passage that suggests ""believe all things", logically allows for the following observations, with your highest logical "endorsement".
a. Everyone should "believe" a Christian, when they suggest Christianity is "valid". Of course, this "believe all things"... "ironically", seems to "validate" Christianity at its core, based on its bread and butter - blind faith, and allegiance to a "religious leader" who suggests they are able to "properly" and with great "logic", interpret "biblical" passages.
b. You should believe "me", based on "your support" of the passage, when I say... "Samantha has a God".
Now, you have a few logical choices to make...
1-You can attempt to move away from the "face value" comment you have founded, but that suggests you have made a logical error in your communication.
2-You can attempt to creatively add, to the passages cited, by citing additional reference and context within the bible, but then, you would logically conflict with your "face value" statement, and your recommendation of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 only.
3-You can accept that passage to be only applicable to a "specific" set of people, i.g., those who can correctly interpret the passage, those who are worthy based on "your" personal assessment, etc. However, you would then logically conflict with your non-exclusive recommendation that these passages are "valuable", for "everyone".
4-You can accept the passage, to be exactly as you recommended, valuable, and meaningful for all, based on the literal "face value" alone. However, that would logically mean, you must "believe all things" presented to you. Let me list a few things to present to you;
--Samantha's posts hold valuable insight, and should be accepted literally.
--Samantha, believes Christianity is a truly serious religion.
--Samantha believes in a God.
--Samantha has the address for a God.
--Samantha accepts the book, The Demon-Haunted World, to be worthy of dogmatic worship.
Another option is that you could suggest that you have communicated "poorly", in your post, and... that, your "message", left without additional context, is illogical if one refers to the biblical passage you cited.
However, it really doesn't matter which option you care to take, the fact of the matter is; I can logically accept any of the above, because they are supported by "your" statements and references.
What I find "interesting", is that you cite logical flaws that contradict some truth; while citing a passage that means, “everything” that could ever be presented must be accepted as truth – “believe all things”.
Samantha, perhaps we should just call it even – you didn’t specifically say, you had a God you worshipped or believe “exists”, yet, clearly there is “room for interpretation”, when referring to your authored post and citation. I for one don’t believe you actually meant to communicate the message you did, or leave it wide open for interpretation, so that others may come along and cite you as illogical.
I tend to think, many people make communication errors in writing, editing, speaking, listening, etc., all the time, albeit, that doesn’t “always” suggest the premise of their message is illogical – just unclear. Such examples, seem easy to find, without much effort at all – what do you think?
.....
I have been reading what other people have to say about it around the web, and... OMG!
"OMG!"..e.g.."oh my God!"
Before anyone starts frothing at the mouth, I offer this argument 'tongue-in-cheek'. But, believe it, or not, recently on another thread this same type of argument was actually used by a visiting Theist. Yes, it was their contention that because an Ex-christian regular used the term, "a snowball's chance in hell" - and because of the use of the word "hell" - that said poster was not truly "free" of Christianity. lol. Good one, huh?
Me thinks that she doth protest too much without knowing exactly what, or why.
My atheism is acting up again today. It must be the rain. My yard is flooding and my boat is in the shop.
What's a godless girl to do?
I should go get me one of them there "easy" button's. I hear they are magical. I could walk on water and rescue people. Super powers, activate!
I'll let you know how this turns out. Staples, here I come!
Melissa
Nice post and good to meet you. Glad to see that you know there
is a big difference between mindless obedience and mindful observations.
Welcome to Ex Blog!
Melissa
So, you choose nolo contendere. That's one way to keep under the radar :-) However, your online personality/profile is beginning to grow, under the name Samantha :-)
Let's start, with the fact that you contend that Christianity is "not" a true religion, "but", note that it is a "serious" religion with "truth" if one knows where to look.
Here's your signature as I logically infer.
--You by-the-way offer The Demon Haunted World as a dogmatic book for some, citing internet "rumor", in order to enter the possibility. Obviously, if one accepts such a book, as acceptable, because they believe it holds "gems", then, why can't one do the same with the "bible".
--You imply the Christian Bible is dogmatic, but then cite a passage from the Christian Bible as non-dogmatic, and a hidden "gem" of great worth. That's a logical conflict, but a good tactic to get people to accept that even "dogma" can be valuable if properly interpreted.
--You imply "believeth all things" is the anathema that "undoes" Christianity, but the clause "believeth all things", is precisely the "cornerstone" that has kept the Christian religion fertile for millennia. That's a logical conflict as well.
Such sentiment requires people to accept the value of; blind faith, blind acceptance, and blind allegiance to a religious leader.
On this thread...
http://exchristian.net/exchristian/2008/01/response-to-christians-regarding-my.html
You make the following comment to Jon;
Samantha: "Then there is your overwhelming feeling that there is something more than just existence. There is."
You posit there are multiple Realities, as "fact". That statement, supports Christian theology - Heaven, Hell, etc. And, it is illogical to make such a statement, unless you can somehow demonstrate your ability to "seperate your physical being, to include your mind", from this Universe, so that you can make that statement.
Samantha: "I have had several spontaneous experiences such as contacting the recently dead, contacting the long-dead, remembering one of my past lives, and on and on. Physical existence is not all there is, but Christianity's take on it is far from reality."
So, there are multiple Realities, but Christianity just hasn't interpreted them correctly - although they traditionally hold Heaven and Hell up as examples, of that which is "beyond" this Physical Reality.
While you may be as you say; a non-Christian trying to figure things out after leaving the fold, I'd suggest your signature points towards the personality of a "troll".
While you "suggest" you are genuine, wanting to find out information; you have consistently held to making "solid" and "factual" statements, which all have hooks into traditional Christian theology.
If you are genuine, you are thoroughly "confused", yet "certain" of your views... if you aren't, and you are deliberately injecting Christian theology hooks, to influence people, then you're a "troll".
I don't know which is worse - troll or a sixth-sense know-it-all. In either case, if you continue to post as you have, you will likely continue to receive the same feedback as you have by regulars on this site... on multiple threads.
I agree, Samantha does not seem to want to "engage" in direct discussion, makes one wonder ;-)
My atheism kicked off something fierce today - I heard someone talking about "ass-Wednesday", and then I saw people walking around with big black stains on their foreheads :-)
What's a godless guy to do, when he stands around in awe of an ancient ritual, that should be replaced by today’s e-mail pop-up reminders?
Definitely let me know about Staples, I need one of those easy buttons too! Perhaps, if only to temporarily free myself of the roaming ass-heads once a year :-) Take care
Dave8
Dave8
A quick message to dave8:
What you are doing is called Thread Jacking. The urban dictionary defines this as:
Taking over a thread on a message board by taking a part of the original posted topic, twisting it around and "hijacking" the thread itself. What happens is that the original content contained in the post becomes moot and whatever the "Thread Jacker" has manipulated the content to be becomes the new content thereby "hijacking" the original intent of post. People now respond to the "thread jacker's" input and the that becomes the focus of the thread.
My problem with you so rudely jacking a thread has nothing to do with my own vanity in wanting the conversation to be all about me.
Yes, you sound very intelligent, in a completely pointless way, but more than anything you are boring, long-winded, and big-headed. Get over yourself buddy. If you want to vent, start a thread. If fact, I find your pompous nature so offensive that I will be referring to you henceforth as douchebag8.
Well, douchebag8, I'm sure I'll be hearing from you real soon considering you obviously have a lot of time on your hands and very little real life social interaction.
Once again, thanks for the support from the others. Most of you guys kick ass :)
"tongues" are in "cheeks"
ROFLMAO!!! Effing hilarious.
That yearly ritual sacrifice is like obtaining an insurance policy from the God All Mighty Ins. Co., only premiums are terribly high, and the unknown terms of the non-negotiable policy only pays out IF you are chosen to be protected at the time of any unfortunate event. Certain terms and unfair penalties may apply, see church for details.
Ash asses to the left and ass heads to the right, here we are stuck in the middle, again.
OH, and the easy button sucks! Apparently it's just a decoy.
It does absolutely nothing.
Don't waste your money.
Melissa
So, without further adieux, I enjoyed your anti-testimonial. I grew up in the south, and had many of the same type of experiences you have had. I remember, being given the Salem Witch trial type speech, except instead of getting Muslims, etc., going to hell diatribe from the preacher, it was a whole sermon on "Them Damn Mormons", going to Hell.
I was already a non-believer at the time, at least in anything Christian, which appears to be where you are at. So, while the preacher and congregation did what they believed would make the congregation grow stronger, it actually had a negative effect on the whole, and pushed people further and further away.
It's good see you are still seeking your philosophy and refining your beliefs. We should be involved in helping each other, as you say, instead of being afraid of the Christian version of a wrathful god. Helping someone out of fear is not really genuine.
So, good luck, in your future endeavors. Peace