Hi everyone, I am Andromeda and I'm new to the atheist community. I used to be a Christian, and I was never allowed to question the Bible or learn about science even though it interested me. When I was little, I had a book about evolution. When my dad caught me reading it, and I was in awe, he punished and lectured me on creationism. For a while I have questioned the faith I had, however I've come to realize that it is illogical. I am atheist and until there is evidence of his (or her) existence, I will not believe. The problem I face is I am living in a religious neighborhood with a religious family. I want to come out and speak my nonreligious mindset to educate people, but I am afraid of how my parents will react if I decide to tell them. Keeping secrets like this only makes me distance from them and although I love them, I don't want to risk being kicked out, lectured, or have my logical ideas be ridiculed. If anyone can give me advice, I'd greatly appreciate it.
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Greetings and welcome Andromeda .....
First things first.... where are you ?. (Dont post anything too specific...remember...caution !).......
Im assuming you are american and in a "bible belt state"...
But that is just my impression.....
How old are you ?...... are you financially dependant on your parents ?
What ,in particular ,turned you off christianity?
Thank you for replying! I'm nearly an adult and I do live with my parents. I do not live too close to the Bible belt, however I am surrounded by religious folk.
Welcome, Andromeda!
The Debate room is just that. The Hub is a 'safe zone'. We all look forward to your participation with us.
Get a copy of Greta Christina's book "Coming Out Atheist". It will help with what you are currently going thru.
Hello there! Welcome to AR. I've only become an atheist comparitively recently (about five months ago) so I understand what your going through. Being 16 amplifies it just a bit. Add being in Arkansas, and......
But enough about me. I would like to know the same thing as watchman. Have fun on the forums!
Thank you for commenting! I have always questioned Christianity however I was lectured on creationism and how god loves me. Something traumatic happened and science opened up in front of my eyes. It is unlikely a deity exists and ever since I have been introduced to science by an atheist friend of mine, I have understood so much more. I had never been able to reach my full potential and this "hiding in the closet" still keeps me from some other opportunities.
(Puts on tophat) I don't know why I always think a person will be from the Bible belt. Perhaps it's because looking at religion is the best way to break free of it. Or perhaps I should stop assuming. Why am I talking to myself? (Puts on fake monacle) Perhaps I've finally gone mad (actually I think I've been insane for a while now) Or perhaps it's because I'm the only one whom I feel the company of is satisfactory.....( sips "vintage" grape juice from a wine glass, because I'm 16 and can't have wine)
Hmm, why is everyone staring at me with their eyebrows raised?
........
.......
What, I had to play the part!
Haha hey, play the part. It's part of who you are anyway, so why not? :) Anyway, no I'm not from the Bible belt however I am from a small country town where religion is kind of a "requirement" for living there.
All you can do is twofold.
1) While living in your parent's house you must live by their rules.
2) Be true to yourself. Both are hard to do but necessary.
Also there is no need to "recruit" or tell people about atheism. We don't need recruits. We aren't a religion.People must come to that conclusion by their own volition just as you did.
I came to atheism gradually, realizing that I have always been an atheist. I started out fighting everything religious, which did me no good at all. I eventually just became comfortable with having no beliefs and went about my life in a normal matter. I didn't let people force me into a religious exercise or acknowledgement, but I didn't pick fights to prove my point either.
Thank you for the advice. I'm fine with being more humble about not believing, however my sister has been lectured often from my religious father. This bothers me because she asks how it's possible and our father doesn't answer the questions about creationism. I don't want my sister to drop out of her intelligent potential when I had to do the same because I was afraid. I am not planning on talking about atheism all the time nor am I going to bash all religious people because I understand that some people need religion to cope with death or trauma. I just don't want my sister to stop herself from asking questions when I know she is very intelligent and I don't want to see her miss out on things she could be great at otherwise. She's extremely smart for her age, especially at math, better than I ever was. No. I don't like religion but I want to teach people to ask questions instead of say "god did it" when there is a scientific explanation.
Atheism is probably the most frustrating position to ascribe to because it's like taking an oath of secrecy. You have a million things to say but saying them comes at a real-world cost. Best to understand that because you've lost the mantle of purpose (religion), know that your life is now that much less important to people who believe. Your parents will inwardly dismiss you to a certain extent as an outsider and that could have behavioral problems they cannot help showing. Believers are weak and need the strength of numbers. You've rejected that and thereby rejected your parents, wounding them unwittingly, and they will be hurt if you go public. When you are free from their governance do and go as you please. Being "almost an adult" tells me you have lot's of time and little patience to get to it. Relax and stay classy. That's all you need.
Welcome to the site.
I' plan on going off to college in a year.
Hey, Andromeda! I agree with you - people need to have a chance to live up to their potential. Enlightenment is a good thing. I think, knowledge should be spread. Perhaps this page is doing better, not advertising itself everywhere over much, but to make a "don't tell anyone about science and secularism" sounds strange to me. Atheism isn't a secret cult, after all, even though at times it needs to be kept private, alas!
You can speak to your sister or friends quite unostentatiously, and either help each other to leave religion quietly,and/ or begin necessary debates - unless you are in bodily danger, then youneed to be very careful, or even get yourself to saftey.. All the best to you! The world is amazing as it is - and through science even more so ..