Why is it so hard for people to accept atheism?

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Jared Alesi's picture
You could always host your

You could always host your own. At least, that's what I was planning on doing.

arakish's picture
Why is it so hard for people

Why is it so hard for people to accept atheism?

In one statement: Atheism has always been negatively connected to "godless heathens" and thus we must all be Satanists.

And then we prove we are not and have some damned good questions, it is a complete shock. Thus hard to accept.

rmfr

turning_left's picture
The strongly religious

The strongly religious communities I grew up in simply couldn't fathom that someone could actually think God doesn't exist.

The apparent possible reasons for this: 1) This person must not want to be held accountable for their actions, so they ignore the existence of God. 2) They are just going through the motions and unaware, but if they were presented with the truth of God's existence, they would accept it. 3) They are simply evil and hate God and goodness.

Tin-Man's picture
Hey there, Stone. Glad you

Hey there, Stone. Glad you came back. And thanks for sharing. My curiosity was about to kick in to overdrive. lol

I hate that you have been having trouble with depression, but there are a few folks on here who can tell you they had similar problems upon finally realizing their entire belief system was a sham. So just know that can be a natural reaction, and that you are not alone. Plus, it does eventually get better. Matter of fact, you could start your own thread in the Hub area explaining your situation, and I have no doubt you will get plenty of support and good advice. Chin up, little lady. You broke free. Most people aren't that fortunate. Now it is just a matter of re-orienting yourself. And you are in the right place to get help with that.

arakish's picture
Stone Jade,

Stone Jade,

Wished I could help on the depression. My depression is from a far different source than losing my religiosity. Mine is from losing my family and dealing with a second, more harsh, round of CPTSD (Complex PTSD). Thus, I not only have depression, I have a whole slew of mental problems to deal with. And, I have adult ADHD for the "cherry on top."

However, the greatest piece of help I can offer: Research the problem thoroughly. When I went back to college, I did a research paper titled, "Soul Shatter: The Hidden Effects of Severe Psychological Trauma." Believe me, it helped tremendously to do all that research into PTSD and CPTSD. My doctors had actually misdiagnosed me as having Major Depressive Disorder. Only problem with that as I found out, PTSD can have the combined effects of Major Depressive Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Substance Abuse Disorder, Schizophrenic Disassociative Disorder (reliving the nightmare in an awakened state), Bipolar Disorder, and a couple of others I cannot remember off the top of my head. PTSD may not include ALL of those other disorders, but it usually almost always includes at least three of them. I know it included three for me, sometimes four (the awakened nightmares).

Anyway, As I did that research, I became more knowledgeable about my actual condition. The more knowledge I gained, the more capable I became in dealing with it. However, one major problem with PTSD is that it is a condition that can last a lifetime. And I am fairly certain it shall for me. Although I can handle it better, I still suffer. Hell, after two near death accidents (one in the Navy, one that killed my family and almost got me), is it any wonder anyone can truly "get over it"?

And that is one statement that will set me off quicker than any other: "It happened. It's in the Past. Get over it."

And I am ashamed to admit that when one Absolutist said that to me a few years after my family's death, I beat the ever-living shit out of him. I completely lost all control. If it had not been for the others, I am fairly certain I would have beaten him to death. On another board, I guess this is the one thing I truly regret. Simply because I was never able to make amends for what I had done. And, as said, being ashamed for having lost all control.

rmfr

Sushisnake's picture
Faith is the cultural

Faith is the cultural backdrop from the minute you're born. The church on the corner, the Christmas carols in the supermarket in December and the Easter eggs after that. The religious symbols vary from culture to culture, but mass belief in a supernatural higher power doesn't- it's a constant. So is belief in Absolute Good/Evil. Even if we put our children in secular public schools, as most of us do, that church is still on the corner and those Christmas carols/Easter eggs are still in the supermarket. It doesn't surprise me at all that most grow up believing in a higher power and continue to do so all their lives, I'm more surprised anyone ever stops believing!

In a cultural climate where faith is so deeply ingrained it's as natural as breathing, it would be astounding if atheists were accepted.

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