I've been an atheist for about a year, after deconverting from Islam. It's still a secret as I'm not ready to tell my family so I still have to wear the headscarf and dress 'modestly'. I have some close friends who know and they support me, but recently I've been feeling like it's harder to connect with other people because they're not seeing me for who I am. It makes me feel more and more isolated.
Coming to places like this and seeing people who feel the same way is so cathartic. I feel like I was indoctrinated from a really young age into strict and devout Islam and trying to challenge that is messing with my head and making me doubt myself - even made me wonder at points whether I have a 'right' to being rational. My whole life I've had to leave the 'thinking' for ethics and morality to people who had studied the holy book.
I just want to say it out loud. God doesn't exist. Religious prophets were lying. The Qu'ran was written by people. I believe in evolution. Mental health problems are not caused by disbelief in God. LGBT people exist and deserve the same rights as non-LGBT people. Nobody is perfect and they should not have to feel guilt/fear hell for that.
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Well said and welcome Kate. Enjoy your time here.
Hi Kate, welcome to our lot. I know that a lot of members have been through the same as you...I was never indoctrinated (or it just didnt take) so I can empathise but not fully comprehend what it is you are experiencing. But you do have my unqualified support.
Dive in, keep safe.
Welcome to the forum!
Thank you everyone!
Howdy, Kate. A warm welcome to you. Glad you found us. You definitely picked the right place to vent and share your opinions. Lots of good folks here. Kick back, relax, and make yourself at home.
Welcome to AR Kate!
What country do you live in?
Beware of who you tell about being an Atheist.
Yep! You found the right place to chat! See you in the forums.
You are in the right place Kate. Easy peasy lemon cheesy!
Hello Kate, welcome to this little corner of the world.
Reading the comments and participating in discussions has helped me a lot, and helped me sort out my internal thoughts. I hope this site helps you too.
No one owns morality, no one can dictate morality. It comes from each individual, and as long as they do no harm to others and strive for well being for all, they are being very moral.
Hey Kate!
You can say it loud and proud here!
Welcome
Hi Kate :) I completely understand the confusion on where you have the "right" to be rational. When I came out, I tried to explain my reasons to my parents. I challenged them on inconsistencies within Christianity, and I'll never forget the answer. "That's not important. Some things you just shouldn't think about." That's the mindset I grew up with. Shining the light of reason on religion, when that's precisely what you've been discouraged from or even threatened not to do, is a huge step, and hard. Also because unlearning to use the convoluted religious "logic" feels like losing a part of your identity. I'm happy you've found this place, because you won't have to go through this on your own. Go you! :))
P.S. For myself I've noticed that the more I dare to be rational about religion, the more anti-theist I become. Seen from the outside, religion seems like a joke - only it's not funny at all, because most people actually *believe it* - and that makes me feel isolated, helpless and angry. If you notice that too, you might wanna be careful about that - it might show when you definitely, definitely don't want it to.