How I Became an Atheist
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- Опубликовано: 29 сен 2024
- Here is the story of my deconversion from Christianity. I am incredibly thankful that you are willing to take the time to watch this video, and I truly hope you come away with something beneficial afterwards. I've listed a few resources below with the idea that they are a stepping stone to the greater depth of information that is out there. Find something that stands out to you and run with it! I can assure you that these are only scratching the surface:
God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything (book): www.amazon.com/...
Broad Talk by Christopher Hitchens: • Video
Matt Dillahunty and Where Do Atheists Get Their Morals?: • Where do atheists get ...
Matt Dillahunty and the Immorality of the Bible: • Christian can't reconc...
Matt Dillahunty and The Superiority of Secular Morality (short version): • The Superiority of Sec...
Large Resource Concerning Christian Arguments and Objections: wiki.ironchario...
Sam Harris Criticizing Christian Morality: vimeo.com/10006...
Best of Rational Wiki (a valuable resource): rationalwiki.or...
Richard Carrier in The Top Four Reasons I Am Not a Christian: infidels.org/li...
Why I Am Not A Christian by Bertrand Rusell: www.users.drew....
AaronRa in Theism is Not Rational: • Theism is Not Rational
Someone's Experience of Leaving Their Religion: www.patheos.com...
15 Things to Never Say to Atheists: • 15 things to NEVER say...
Collection of Essays: www.losingmyrel...
James Randi and Squashing Paranormal Claims: • How to Squash a Parano...
Putting Faith in Its Place: • Video
Speaking in Tongues (A.K.A. Glossolalia): godlessmom.com/...
Blog About Quoting the Bible: apastasea.blogs...
Slavery in the Bible: www.evilbible.c...
Evolutionary Tree of Religion: i.imgur.com/jaU...
Website For Ex-Christians: new.exchristian...
Some Food for Thought About Evidence: • 2.6 Atheism: Evidence (A)
Neil deGrasse Tyson on ID: • Neil Degrasse Tyson - ...
Bill Nye in Creationism is Not Appropriate for Children: • Bill Nye: Creationism ...
How Evolution Works: • How Evolution works
Evolution FAQ: evolutionfaq.com/
Blogger That I Related To: respectfulathei...
Dear Believer, Why Do You Believe?: • Dear Believer Why Do Y...
Stephen Fry in How Can I Be Happy (Humanism): • How can I be happy? | ...
I'm a seminary trained pastor. I've been working in ministry for 4.5 years and I became an atheist 4 months ago. The transition for me was rather sudden when I realized that we just make up theology and it becomes orthodox. I'd been a universalist for a long time, as well as a practical deist. So when I asked the facetious question, "do Catholics and baptists worship the same God?" It all came crashing down. Good luck man. It's scary, but I think we're better off.
I sometimes feel like the odds of someone growing up in religion and then waking up later in life are very low. It's nice to see posts like yours, thank you for reminding me that people aren't as prone to blindness as I sometimes think.
I feel for you, BajoJohn. It happened to me too. Not with me being in the seminary, but I was really deeply religious. My best friend growing up became a Christian Musician (I will not say who), and I am a beloved listener forever of Steve Taylor, if you know who that is. Anyway, yeah, I woke up when I played the game of the Domino Effect or what I call it. Watch: no tooth fair ... right? No, easter bunny, no santa, then ... what's next? I started thinking about comparing the qualities of all of those mythological entities versus Jesus. Wow, exact match. Show me a picture: no; show me direct evidence: no; are they existent: no; where they live: elsewhere; can they hear me: people say / NO; do they watch over me: said they do / NO; etc. I walked through that list on a sheet of paper, and it was obvious. Just mythology, once I realized what mythology is. So, good you realized it before Life passed you by. Use that loss and change in your Life to help others; that's what I have done. And, if you want to chat, email me. I'm a friend who has walked your path too.
I'm glad I was a very inquisitive child. I was always videos on natgeo and whatnot when I was 8-10. I became atheist when I was 10 and I'm now 14. Really I was skeptical about Christianity and never put 100 percent faith in it because of my love of science and skepticness, but it was at 10 years old when I thought, "what do I see when I die." It hit me like the bomb on Hiroshima. Right now I consider myself an agnostic deist but I don't care of people call me atheist. Although my family doesn't know yet and they're Christian. I plan on telling them when I got my own place but man I can relate to you a lot. It's thag one question that makes you wake up although I was never fully asleep.
Join the clergy project
Catholics worship Mary
Although I was never Christian (I was born into Jewish faith), I can say I am very happy for you. As a teenager I too did a lot of searching for answers and broke free of the hold of religion and have been very happy ever since.
Its a beautiful world out there, full of knowledge and love and god and in particular religion has done nothing but hold as back as a species for a very long time. All I can say is, I hope more people have their eyes opened like you so we can finally be free of all religion.
Wow man, I have so much love for you. I de-converted almost 9 years ago. I also found it to be the most freeing experience. It was quite difficult as my entire identity and most of my behaviors and relationships were tied up in Christianity. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you well in your path to a new life. You speak very well, and are a great ambassador of atheism/gnosticism.
Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt, and threw it away. Bravo, you're a brave young man, and way ahead of me when I was your age!
Congrats to becoming a more rational human being. Welcome, fellow atheist!
Ahh! There is no such thing as an atheist. The Scriptures are so very clear on that.
@@christophergibson7155 so becasue a book you like says something everyone else HAS to beleive it - you sound like a facist
I just bought the book God is not great on audible.
Thanks so much for yr video 🙏🏼
I appreciate you 💛
Congrats dude. It takes a bit of courage to defend your beliefs when you are in the minority. If you haven't heard of him already, Robert Ingersoll is probably my favorite anti theist author besides Harris. Check him out if you want something old school.
I hadn't heard of Robert Ingersoll, so thanks for letting me know about him. I enjoy reading works from that time period. If you have him up on your list by Harris, I'm sure he'll be a good read.
Enjoyed very much of this video and even record some of your comments so I will use it next time when I have to debate with my family. English is my second language so I always have trouble explaining myself. I will recommend this video to my nieces and nephews since they seem to be struggling with their faith but afraid to face their parents. $40,000 and 4 years huh ? Imagine how many lap dances you could've had with that ?
Congratulations Thanks for being brave and honest with the people. Hopefully this will inspire others to do the same.
deconversion is both the most terrifying and enlightening process I have ever experienced. I see it was similar for you
Enlightening? You mean Deceiving.
Aye bro, you said that you did not feel the spirit be moved in worship. But in the end, when you were gather you felt something, and you know it. And you can not denied it because you had a attachment in some of the people in church, and the people moved you in a way, if you know the true meaning of "coming to the kingdom", and what the body of christ meant, you know it was from God. But if you decide to take this route,Amen bro, we will see in the end, I wish you the best of luck, and enjoy your life, live it up to fullest like Kanye West, if you believe as I call it as blind faith. Thank you for your reconversion story...
-Much Love kev-
This is exactly how I feel but I'm to afraid to tell my family that I am a atheist instead of a Christian
It depends on your parents. How religious are they? Id suggest just not telling them until you've thought it through.
Assuming youre still living with them.
I truly admire this level of honesty, and I hope I'll get there one day. Honest, smart, and cute too, hmm. Nice.
A video of almost all questions, great.
You are awesome, thanks for sharing!
My question is this. There must be a reason why you embraced Christianity to begin with. What were you seeking? Now what has changed that you no longer need to seek whatever it was that you sought?
Welcome to the real world. Now that you are no longer constrained by the beliefs of desert jews from 2000 years ago, you can see the universe in all its glory.
As for catching up on knowledge (12:22), I suggest having a look at the channel "scishow". It's the best science channel I know, with easily understandable and concise videos.
Thank you for the recommendation, I will be sure to check it out! Kurzgesagt was one of the first channels that sparked a new passion inside me, so I am excited to go through another resource :)
Throw Away You should also check out www.waitbutwhy.com if you haven't found it already
Good for you. Welcome back to true humanity.
Fair question(s). Christianity & atheism are not the only two Worldviews/ beliefs, so did you explore any others, such as Deism.
Have you taken an honest look at Atheism’s strengthens & weaknesses?
-or is “problems with Christianity” your primary reason?
Would you agree that it’s reasonable to say that Worldviews / beliefs are not a two sided coin, (either or), but something closer to dice (1 of many)? So did you explore other sides?
Thank for open your eyes
Hi Erik, nice to have intentionally looking for videos of christians leaving christianity to finally found something as genuine and earnest as your story.
I'm curious, however, since you studied in a Bible College and obviously had many many Christian family / friends around you. How difficult was it for you to seek friends outside of these christian community? Because I understand how it may be when your friends are persuading you to return to Christianity and repent so to speak. Please share your experience on how you did so (it can be just commenting, not necessarily in a video)
Thanks. Peace be with you.
Amy
Hard to make a video like this. Welcome to atheism!!!! Of course there was nothing. God doesn't talk back in prayer anyway. He is not an entity but a fictional character. Yes, this is a hard transition, you have to be brave in most cases. I was brave enough to kill off god and give up heaven. I am happy now and seek inspiration from secular sources when I need it. It feels natural to me now, and there are no more fairy tales.
I also recently escaped from mental slavery! It wasn't all bright and beautiful but in the end, I have more peace, authenticity and joy in my heart.
Axel Ntwari Good for you! Keep your mind open but skeptical. Question and demand proof. Good luck.
Yes, thank you *****, I sure will do.
Same dude
I approve this message. Welcome to reality.
Jesus! Shouldn't you be sitting and do nothing instead of agreeing with an atheist?!
Anonymous Vigilante ~ Yep, that's what he's known for doing !! (*_~)
Anonymous Vigilante ahahah u made my day
yoyoyo nonono Glad I did.
SUGAR XYLER Yup.
I can totally relate to this guy, that's why I searched for these kind of videos.
+ezyccn30
search for all kind of videos man
ezyccn30 I've been watching these types of videos for about 2-3 weeks
This video had me balling my eyes out. I was once in the same place you were. So happy to be an atheist now. I lost a few Christian "friends" over this. Turns out they weren't my friends. Nor do they care about my soul burning enough to try to "save" me from a very fake place. Thank you for making this video. We need more atheists.
I think we need more
Critical thinkers, in turn there would probably be more Atheists.
@@belzweis9568
I agree. Atheism is on the rise, but it's just not moving fast enough. I'm only 38 years old but at the rate we're growing I don't think I'll live long enough to see the first *openly* atheist president.
However, I do try to keep optimistic. Also, even if I don't live long enough to witness the first atheist president. I think, *I would hope anyway*, that maybe 30 years after I'm gone, the people who are alive will not only get to witness the first secular humanist president, but hopefully by then. The country wont be so goddamn divided like it is ffs.
@@defaultdan9715 there is always going to be division in this country, religion or no religion
Personally I wouldn’t cut a friend out if they stop believing
If every theist watched your video with an open mind[ if only!] then there would be no theists.
Great video my fellow atheist.
***** What a nasty and horrible reply. The sort of coment that can make a man ashamed of his species sometimes.
+john hammond the argument simplifies to the origin of everything. Science's attempts to prove there isn't a God through the Big Bang theory,Christians will reply how is there anything at all without a God, which atheists will reply questioning how Was God created? The argument truly can't be answered by man. I personally choose to be a Christian while I still question parts of the bible(Old Testament) and others due to the high probability that it was revised at one point to rationalize some man's own personal desires. Which is why I focus on the teachings of Jesus exclusively. I don't agree with atheism but I still love all of my fellow man as I would a brother,unlike blind faith Christians who give off the bad reputations of Christians and act in ignorance to others.
+Heydan well said.For me something caused the big bang
Ricky2901
Why does there have to be a cause as in a causer, a creator? We simply don' know.
I don't see how that proves a God?
Heydan
Missed your coment till now sir.The bit where you said _I still love all of my fellow man as I would a brother_ is something we can agree 100% on.
A lot of religions appeal is down to fear. Fear of death. Fear of nothingness. Not unlike a child's fear of the dark. People want an eternity of bliss. It's rather an egocentric idea when you think about it.
Leroy Lang ~ I wouldn't call sitting in church for eternity bliss !
Neither would I. By eternity of bliss I mean an eternity after you die.
Jesus is a cuddly teddy bear you can hug.
It's amazing that those who have a thorough knowledge of the bible are the most compelling "Deconverts". I also was a bible student with lots of bible committed to memory, and all I needed to become an atheist was the bible itself and a little time to think critically about what I was actually reading without all the noise of church culture. And don't worry about wasted time I'm. 34! And only converted last year! I feel like so many of my peers are so far ahead! Like you! But you're so young! Some people die this way! we got our lives back--lets make it count! For all the RIGHT reasons this time. For the truth. keep making videos and wake the people up. There is hope for everybody if there was hope for us
Well say, you got your life back. I feel for my friends that are still stuck in their self induced delusional state of mind believing in a cult. The cult of fear & guilt and self worthlessness.
I have recently released that the book was complete nonsense because it had absolutely no evidence to support its clams and was the equivalent of believeing in a fary tale book I am forever happy I got out of it early I feel so much happier now that I'm out of it I hope all religion dies some day.
please be respectful of other persons beliefs and I am proud to be a christian if you were a biblical scholar then you would still be a christian because there are things in the bible that cannot be discovered by the common eye like how the number 7 is used over 500 times in the bible and how the first verse talks about time matter and space the basic composition of the universe but how would the author know that if the book was written over 30000 years ago when the basic composition of the universe has been comfirmed in the 20th century the other must then be a being of higher power
Jonathan White with what evidence do you have to support this?
+Chad Hansen I'm guess the "evidence" is his faith. The bible has been proven wrong many times in the Genesis account of creation. The age of the earth is much older than the bible says it is (6,000 years). How can you have three earth days before the creation of a sun or moon? How come the bible never mentions dinosaurs? Women don't come from men -- it's kind of the opposite, so how is it scientific for a grown ass woman to come from a rib? You claiming the bible is scientific in any way is crazy. Please realize that. Virgins don't have babies, dead people don't come back to life, the story of Noah's ark is mathematically and biologically impossible down to the math and dimensions given in the bible to build the ark itself--wake up
I've spent years asking myself these same questions and even tougher ones. Congrats to you for waking up. And even more for having the courage to post this, knowing so many people in your life will possibly condemn you. Much love and respect. :) you also went about this in a calm and logical way. Learned much.
If there was scientific evidence that compels belief in Judeo- Christian God or at least justifies belief, would you accept a relationship with God through Christ?
Jesus loves you, Hannie!
I watched this video about 4 months ago. Helped me come to terms with my questions and let go of my faith.
Thank you.
Hats off to you my friend. Hats off to you.
I like this guy's humility, it's easy to be a new young atheist and be an angry asswipe about it, but this guy was just so real about his experience.
Morality. I was thinking about that yesterday. When slavery was being abolished who fought to keep them? The bible belt. When women asked for voting rights, who fought against it? The Bible belt. Many other moral advancements were opposed by religion. When the moral change reached a critical mass, religions instituted it into their dogma. And then they claim to be the basis of morality!
"Moral advancement" implies an Objective Moral standard. There isn't one on any atheistic worldview. Only Christianity offers a coherent rational justification for Morals. Christians like Wilberforce abolished slavery, because our Scriptures teach us to.
@@lizzard13666 hate to burst your bubble but "that which promotes the thriving of one's species" is an objective moral standard.
@@ecocentrichomestead6783 No, that's speciesism. And you subjectively decided to favour your own species over another. Why OUGHT you to do so?
@@lizzard13666
1.) In life, we all fight for existence.
Something has to die for us to live.
The purpose of life is to perpetuate Life. It does so through reproduction.
Hence, the protection of one's species is paramount.
2.) For a species to exist, it is a must that most members are opposed to things that reduce the chances of species survival.
That's just natural selection.
Wither you think humans should exist, or not, is irrelevant. Because, if humans didn't exist, we wouldn't be here to have an opinion.
@@ecocentrichomestead6783 My guy, have you heard of the "ought"/"is" fallacy? David Hume made the point that you cannot get an ought from an is. Your first point begins and ends with "is". That tells us nothing about what we OUGHT to do, simply because something IS the case.
I can't tell you how much your story hit so close to home with me. I was a zealous Jehovah's Witness until five years ago...when I started college. Thinking critically is definitely the remedy to the mental darkness fostered by religions. It still baffles me when I think about how much of my life was dedicated to literary talking to some imaginary celestial being, getting all worked up about futile things. Lately I've been listening to Sam Harris books, and after listening to a Letter To A Christian Nation I just stood there for a moment. How was this not evident all these years? Discovering reality, is truly liberating.
Thank you, thank you, thank you:)
You saved yourself, good for you!
Thank you for this young man. I'm a 60 yrs old black man raised in the mind killing baptist church and I just reached sanity and became an athiest a year ago. I can breath and think for the first time. This way of living and loving feels right and I am at peace with the Universe. Godspeed (so to speak).
athiest?
"This Simple image of a bunch of grown folks, crying...talking to nothing"😂😂
I hope you're doing well. It took too many years for me to transition from a devout Catholic to Atheist. One of my biggest surprises was the peace I felt when I stopped struggling at trying to rationalize religious thinking when it didn't make sense. The moment I accepted for myself to be atheist, and to live as a mortal being, my outlook on life changed for the better. I feared I would lose purpose. Instead, the opposite happened. Everything makes sense, now. Science is fun. I treasure my life. I have purpose because I can make a difference. I give blood, donate to charities, help people within my means. And I have a little fun along the way. When I die, I'll be gone forever. I'm grateful to be free.
Same dude good for you it didn't take me long to get out of christanity. I just thought about the Bible logicy for onece and Nothing made sence then I relised that it was complete nonsense and it was a fary tale because it had absolutely nothing to back up its claim until. humanity realises we are alone in this solar system we will stumble to move on as a speshies and injoy your life because when we die that's it.
@Arrow Dynamics Inc. The God depicted in the Bible probably shouldn't be taken literally but, I think you can put, God , reality , infinitey, what ever you want to call it is the basket we live in a infinite universe anything is possible we don't know shit about the universe but we are the universe
Christian logic: u can't disprove it therefore it's true
+Beck Wilson Love you can prove that and that is part of Christian logic which most have seen in our lives to some degree
So you do some good deed and that proves there is a good. If you need a book to tell you to be good then you have some serious issues. Millions of non-believers do great things for humanity, and have no belief in god. Many have quit destructive habits on their own merit, and have no need of a god. Just because it helps some does not mean that there is a god.
Fernando Alarcon Ask yourself what caused the big bang.Nothing or something? For me there was something
***** But theres some things a human brain cant grasp .Science only knows so much but not everything and is constantly finding things out.For me God is omnipresence and science will never put a logic/theory on this.The original creator for me was God of all things.Nothing then something=God the creator
Allah/Krishna are all the same thing all lead to the same path=God Similarly occams razor is just a principle put forward by man.Hence God is above man as he was the originator of all things even the concept of mind/thought which you are speaking to me from now .
For me the universe cant be the uncaused cause after a certain one of event Ive witnessed in life when young.I intrinsically know there must be something else beyond which our minds are part of something greater
My father was a pastor so we learned the ends and outs of the bible. We learned about many scholars who wrote on many subjects having to do with God. But those questions as well as many others are why I lost my faith. Holocaust, slavery, children being raped...etc. These are questions that boggle my mind when I think about who God is supposed to be. How can God hear my prayers when there is a child someone being abused by their parent. Baby Brianna (look her up) was raped, beaten and thrown up in the air hitting the ceiling and then dropping to the floor several times. If God couldn't hear her cry or could hear it and ignored it then why would he hear yours. Hard questions but that is what brought me to this point. Thank you for this video... thank you.
Yasmina Green because its a test
It's a test of what and for what? That is one of those answers you give when you don't know the answer. A test of what for what? And what about that 6 month old baby that was crying out in pain because her father was throwing her against the ceiling and raping her to death? (True story) Was she being tested. Or the people who had to watch their children die during the Holocaust? Or the babies and children dying right now in African and the Middle East because of war. Are they being tested too. For what and why? No, if God can see into my heart, could see the future and he truly loved me he would have helped me. He would have seen my struggle and confusion. I don't believe in God anymore and if there is one I have no clue who/where he is. Bad things happen because of free will but if I was God and knew even one child would suffer I'd say forget it.
Yasmina Green to test your faith
You're a big ole troll, aren't you? Ugh... *rolling eyes*
Yasmina Green no
Christians shouldn't have to try so hard to keep their faith, homeschooling, religious summer schools, bible college, witnessing, born againing, but then anxiously looking round in church to see if everyone else is believing .
You can tell he transferred to Atheist as soon as he starts moving his eyes around, processing what he's saying, meaning he uses his logical, free thinking brain :) as an Atheist myself I notice these things.
Well said brother! Your statement about having an epiphany one month before you graduated from bible college reminded me of my own experience. I was already a pastor in 1995 when I reenrolled in bible college. I was sitting in a Romans class as the professor was explaining the biblical view of faith. Out of nowhere a thought turned on in my mind like a frickin spotlight. “Do I really believe in this?” As I was sitting there it felt like the blood drained out of my body. That thought created a crack in my faith that eventually led me to be an atheist.
Good for you, throw away!! You remind me a little of my oldest son who is also a very bright and intelligent young man. He was raised with his 4 other siblings as Christians. I was a fundamentalist for over 30 years, and very active in the church. When my oldest son declared he was an unbeliever at the age of 21, I felt heart broken, so I started a journey to find the gaping holes and flaws in his atheist argument. That was nearly 8 years ago. (Folks can read the story here: lifeafter40.net/2014/04/20/my-son-told-me-hes-an-atheist/) but I wanted to say, I was later grateful for his courage to share his change of heart. I commend you for your courage as well!
You have my support and respect.
I spent fifty years as a Christian. I left faith behind and my life has never been better.
Best wishes to you
Welcome to the Humanist club :) we're glad to have you!
How to be an atheist:
1. Don't believe in God
2. ...?
3. Profit
This video is so well done and it took a lot of courage. Kudos to you for becoming the real you.
I have recently converted after being a christian for 40 years. It is extremely freeing to remove the rose colored glasses and the lies exposed.
You are young and have your whole life ahead of you......live free my friend.
Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience. I hope others will see this thoughtful message and have their eyes opened as well!
You made the right choice.
I too love me some Christopher Hitchens. Hat's off to you. I am struggling with these issues and terrified. I also am geographically located in a place where becoming an atheist, at least publicly... can affect your ability to be socially accepted as well as get a job. in the last year, I have met only one person who admitted she was an atheist, and a couple of weeks ago, she moved out of state. it's an isolated, lonely place to be. Thanks for the links. 😊
First off... great video. I was raised in a secular Jewish home. We were about 99% religion-free. Outside of lighting Chanukah candles, it just didn't come up. So when I watch videos like yours, it's impossible for me to fully comprehend growing up in that kind of environment. I just wanted to say that I'm impressed that you were able to think for yourself and break out of what was, so far as I can tell, essentially a brain-washing. It's really an accomplishment.
Thanks for your video! And I am happy for you!
At age 17 I was recruited by the Mormon cult. I've been happlily out for years and an atheist. Mormons were nothing but nice. It wasn't anger, but doctrinal contradictions that made me realize that religion is fiction.
No prayers answered when prayer matters most. But. Many christians rejoice over finding a lost sock. I took the bible seriously too. But...after wasted years of God being a no show. I threw the bible away. I'm a bit saddened that there really isn't any hope in my situation. I suffer with too many illnesses. If there is a God...he sure doesn't care much about us.
Great stuff Erik. How do you refrain from questioning people about their faith? From time to time I feel the need to talk to people about why they believe in their religion but I don't want to impose
As a former Christian and a secular humanist myself, you have made 2 good decisions...trying to make the world a better place without the need of imaginary beings. All the good without the god, because we have to take care of each other like we have been doing since the beginning of time, which is how we survived as a species during our evolution.
Oh shit - Bible College - no wonder. Once you actually READ the biblical texts you start to realized the logical traps contained within. Once you go down that rabbit hole it's all over.
Hi Eric,
My name is Katherine. I loved this video. You spoke of your experience upon waking up, that it was very much exactly as the poem said...and in that moment I felt the same. I looked around at my bedroom walls, and I felt peace..
I knew who I was.
...I was born and raised in a Catholic family. I went to sunday school, and I was in the choir..but somewhere along the way it became a question to me why the same people who look me in the eye, smile, and confront my being with the passion to know what I thought or felt..could say they are not deserving of love or abundance..
Now, it might just be me, but it is the kind gestures done in their instructional way that tell me whether someone is a lovely person or not. I question why the same people who are kind and sincere are always saying how undeserving they are... Speaking about how they are sinners and always will be...I cringe at that statement..
..I actually loved horoscopes growing up though. I studied them, and ended up running my own business where I would do tarot readings, and reiki healing...
My question become "what is really real?"... If we live in a reality that changes based on our belief (take the law of attraction for that matter) than what is it that is really real or not?
All I know for sure is it all warps my brain into loops of crazy neverending "illusion"..and I just wish to "live".. I feel safe not believing in a God, or in all the spiritual stuff..Today I thought about doing my laundry and cleaning as it was something I wanted to do, not on behalf of something energetic or "of a higher power calling me to it".. and then I thought about the days to come, and my brain these coming days will be clear, and actively pressing for my future as it is here on Earth...feeling absolutely safe as nothing questionable will be involved...only the will to succeed..no questions.
Welcome! I had a similar experience including going to a Christian university, including the same feeling in a Bible study. But most surprising, the same POEM! I've been looking for it for over a decade, so thanks!
I had promised God that I would always believe, even if there was a mathematical proof that there was no god. After it happened I realized that I had actually been an atheist for 8 months but wasn't ready to admit it. My solemn promise had been made to an empty room. People have asked me if, when I realized that I was an atheist, was I stressed or sad. I was morally disoriented for a few weeks, but the overwhelming feeling was relief, peace. Finally I could go about my life mission of contributing to the world without worrying that I was in trouble because I hadn't spent enough time "in the Word."
Glad to hear about your decision. Life is more enjoyable without religiously induced fear, guilt, and oppression.
Respects bro, welcome to the club. We're usually fans of bacon and beer, but hey to each their own.
A little late getting to your video, but welcome friend. You are not alone. Life becomes much more interesting when we discover that all of the answers are not known. Good luck on your journey.
This is quite an act of courage, I wish more former theists would take these measures to articulate their feelings- understanding the process in which the mind goes through could possibly be liberating to a moderate theist.
I'm also a former Christian. I used to have the same thoughts as you share in this video. If God is so loving, merciful, kind, good and benign, why does he allow so much violence, so much unhappiness, misery and suffering in the world? And not all of it is human fault. People die because of natural disasters. People starve to death because of bad weather and bad harvest. How can God just look at it and do nothing to help? Christians answered that we don't understand the full plan of God. He has hidden some answers from us and that we should just walk by faith even without knowing all the answers. God is a mysterious being thay said to me and it's impossible to understand him. But I kept on thinking about this problem and came to a paradoxical conclusion. In Matthew 25 Jesus is basically telling us that if we didn’t help someone who needed our help, ignored his misery and suffering, we in fact deserve hell. But if we apply the same principle to Jesus himself, he by his own standards, deserves hell as well!!! He doesn’t help people who need help. He just ignores them. By his own words he is to go to hell instead of sending us there! But of course it’s all a myth which shoots itself in the foot
The 'problem of evil' doesn't disprove God
@@think-islam-channel I agree it doesn;t, but it shows us what character he might have. If he exists he is indifferent to human suffering, he is aloof and doesn't want to help.
@@vadimdopop4061
That is a false conclusion.
With anything that we observe, there are several possible explanations.
You have just chosen the conclusion that suits your prejudice.
The culture of Christianity is what you might be mournful about
Congratulations on your cognitive & spiritual emancipations.
Hello :)
First off I am a Christian, please don't hold that against me. It's just my choice to believe. Secondly I am not a philosopher, knower of theologies, nor am I wise, learned or anything else on Christianity, as you seem to be. I have never been to a bible school but I am very firm in my belief. Some could argue that, that is due to my up bringing but it would be pointless to argue back as there is no way to prove one way or another. I just believe that God loves the person not the theology.
How are you? And no I am not asking that because I want to see if you are tormented by your decision to discontinue believing. I am asking because you said you would like to talk and the best way to initiate is to ask how a person is doing. It's a beautiful open ended question that can lead down any road or simply be cut short in its beauty by a simple "okay" or "fine". I'll let you chose how you would like to respond. Then I shall choose whether I will let you get away with it.
Perhaps you would be more interested in answering this question though: How has your decision to become an atheist changed your plan for your life? Have any of your goals changed? Perhaps these are too intimate of questions for a first correspondence, but what the heck you might not even respond to me.
That is all for now. I hope you are having a great day!
B
Pearl Wanda man get out of this shit
I did
GET TF OUT
HI, THIS IS A GREAT VIDEO, IT HELPS A LOT. KEEP MAKING THIS TYPE OF VIDEO. I AM SPANISH AND I WAS A CHRISTIAN FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS, AND NOW I AM AN ATHEIST.
I completely understand what you have gone through. Be strong! ☺
Jesus loves you, Meg!
"Hitchen's Razor" - love it. All you people who have asked questions honestly and figured it out are incredibly brave and awesome. Especially younger folks in their teens and early 20's. That time of life is hard enough as it is, but to get to the bottom of these ideas is fantastic. Gives me hope for humanity.
Thank you for sharing. You look like your free. Very happy for you. Hope you catch up quickly and live the life you want! All the best!
I completely agree with you and happy for you. Be well and welcome to the club. Thinking is a good thing.
Your surreal moment at 1:38 is virtually identical to mine. I recollect wondering how a bunch of grown adults could act so much like immature children. I was around 10 when that happened had I had to hide my contempt for religion until I was able to leave home and start my own life at 17. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, it's very much appreciated!
Dale Johnston Broo I was 10 when I woke up too! I'm only 14 now and planning on doing what you did.
You have my respect, brother. Well done! Congratulations!
I wish I could have enough faith to be an atheist.
as a ex muslim its hard being a atheist a just want peace and its like i just cant man it's like everyday its a debate lol its annoying😮💨☹
First congrats on Ur freedom mate from that desert cult second avoid talking to religious fanatics .it's just a waste of time n energy .
I had much the same experience did. I am glad you shared your story thank you.
Thank you for making this video. I was born into a secular family where religion wasn’t discussed, so to me Christianity looks no different to any other cult that indoctrinates the young. It’s great hear how a newly ex-Christian approaches the issue with their still-brainwashed brethren. I wish you all the best with your life ahead. Freedom of choice and thought is exciting and fun! And secular humanism is a wonderful moral barometer (if you’re looking for one). Much love, from a random.
the very questions that i am going thru in my way of confusion is......
1. back in those days there was lesser science to even challenge a miracle......people probably were less aware of complete world picture let alone whats in the sky.
2. Religon has been and still is the strongest means of controlling population.
3. every body consider themselves lucky to be born in their specific country, religion and even family.
4. we are all taught in our religion how some of your fellow religion mates and all other religion mates are only destined for hell no matter how good they are or how much we are similar to them.
5. every religion somewhere demands you to take a leap of faith or discourages too much questioning. If that is normal then either all religions are true or they are all not.
6. its impossible that every one in todays world is right but its quite possible that every one is wrong.
7. when things happen as we wish our prayers are being heard and it onlystrengthens our faith, if not then we are lacking in our faith. if that is the case then we have an explanation for whatever happens you stay in your faith.....how a muslim would know if jesus is right how a christian would know jews are right or hindu gods are right or vice versa
Courage is contageous. It takes great courage to open up both to yourself and to the world.
Congrats man. I hope you make more videos.
Thanks for sharing this. I, too started my journey with a lot of questions.
I have been an atheist my entire life, but I am looking up videos like this because I have some close friends who I want to discuss these questions with in a way that upsets them as little as possible. I would just like to say that you articulated this message so well! I found it really touching, and insightful into the dynamics of religious people's relationships.
Well done bud... Happy for you... ;-)
when a Christian says "it's real because the bible says so" or "i just belief" im like fuck me
hahahaha😄 so do I
To me when I deconverted I went thru what was like a death and the 4 stages of grief. I am a Nones nones according to the designation of the pew research on religion in the USA
I've been watching a lot of deconversion videos, and I've noticed how much more authentic sounding people are when they've come to this realization. Thank you for taking the time to make this video. Best of luck for your future in the real world. :-)
congrats to you man. BTW I became an atheist probably at the same time as you did.
I hope you do receive Jesus as Lord one day.
READ THIS WHOLE THING:
PRAY FOR ISRAEL. PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST DIED FOR YOUR SINS AND ROSE AGAIN FROM THE DEAD. WOULD YOU LIKE TO TAKE YOUR PLACE IN HIS HOUSEHOLD? THEN PLEASE REPENT OF ALL YOUR SINS TODAY AND SURRENDER YOUR ENTIRE LIFE TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. NOBODY IS OUT OF THE CANDIDACY FOR BECOMING A CHRISTIAN.
any way thumbs up to the uploader of this video for coming out.....
Bible college!!! WtF is that?
Congrats on deconverting. Welcome to a world without god, the possiblities are endless.
This video is truly a positive contribution to society. I don't even know you and I'm proud of you. Subscribed. The book that turned me atheist was the bible. LOL
Perfectly said/done. ᵔᴥᵔ ★★★★★
Katalyzt
Hey, I just want to say congrats on your deconversion. I know it's difficult to become an atheist, and sometimes family members can be real assholes, and even excommunicate you. But it gets easier. I do have several questions:
1) I consider myself an agnostic atheist because I understand from a scientific viewpoint, nothing can be known or ever will be known about a deity that is completely un-observable, however, I also see no reason why to actually believe in any god either. Do you consider yourself an agnostic atheist of just an atheist?
2) I'm also an anti-theist. While theism had its merits 2,000 years ago, we have tons of evidence to prove scientific theories and yet people deny them to preserve faith. So not only only is there no logical argument for god, but religion itself often spreads hatred, bogotry, and ignorance. As a result, I see no real place for it in the modern day.
3) I really feel that since I became an atheist, I have become (for a lack of a better term) enlightened. I am open to both sides of arguments and form opinions more based on fact. Living a life knowing at any moment I could die, and there's nothing else gives me a reason to take in all of life's beauty. Understanding that I came from the atoms of a dying star lightyears away from here all of which formed from a ball of energy almost 14 billion years ago, and I am alive give life beauty and meaning to me. It sounds like you have experienced a similar enlightenment, and I know that many atheists I've talked to who were previously religious experienced this as well. Do you think that most religious people would be happier with this enlightenment, or not? My wife actually made a very good point that perhaps the more religious people cling to religion out of fear, and removing their safety blanket could cause panic rather than happiness. Either way, it's an interesting topic to discuss.
sorry friend you have it wrong, perhaps just watched the wrong things, you dont have the facts or the evidence, just your opinion
good for you
I had to listen to your entire video before responding. It was put together nicely in a coherent logical package. I believe at one time you were a Christian worshipping God. Now I suspect you worship logic instead. You may protest and say WHAT else CAN we honestly rely on besides logic and reason? I suspect you would accuse me by saying, "EVEN You dear Christian USE LOGIC in your day to day life!" I do not judge you. I refuse to demean you. You claim God did NOT answer your honest,sincere prayer when YOU needed Him most. You're probably RIGHT from a human standpoint. I KNOW this Divine mind of God and here's HOW God operates: He IS answering your prayer NOW as He is taking you on a journey to remove the "chaff" of your former intellectual faith to replace it with HIS REALITY. There were two men with two free Will's. One chose not to believe. The other saw and heard the manner of the Lord s execution. Many came to mock him and humiliate Jesus as he fought asphyxiation. But this second man who feared DEATH concluded one thing: This Jesus the Nazarene, did NOT fear death. Brought to an end to himself, he said, Lord, when you come into your kingdom,remember ME! 3 men died that day on Calvary. But one man died believing the words: "Truly I say to you, TODAY You will be with me in Paradise." We know Jesus believed in this Paradise. We also know that Jesus faith had the power to make others believe too. For this man was jesus' last convert. May man be more than a conglomeration of atoms and molecules. For his faith and dreams stay with him even to the last hours before death.
ALL: {I wrote this to another one (Seminary Pastor) who woke up; read the concept of DOMINO EFFECT .. okay? And, apply it for yourself. And, I do apologize for tell you that; forgive me. It will hurt a little ...}
I feel for you, BajoJohn. It happened to me too. Not with me being in the seminary, but I was really deeply religious. My best friend growing up became a Christian Musician (I will not say who), and I am a beloved listener forever of Steve Taylor, if you know who that is. Anyway, yeah, I woke up when I played the game of the Domino Effect or what I call it. Watch: no tooth fair ... right? No, easter bunny, no santa, then ... what's next? I started thinking about comparing the qualities of all of those mythological entities versus Jesus and then to God. Wow, exact match. Show me a picture: no; show me direct evidence: no; are they existent: supposedly / NOT PROVEABLE; where they live: elsewhere; can they hear me: people say / NO; do they watch over me: said they do / NO; do they have magic powers: supposedly / no; are they invisible: YES; do they para-normal capabilities: YES; etc. I walked through that list on a sheet of paper, and it was obvious. Just mythology, once I realized what mythology is. So, good you realized it before Life passed you by. Use that loss and change in your Life to help others; that's what I have done. And, if you want to chat, email me. I'm a friend who has walked your path too.
Welcome to the dark side. We have cookies :)
It looks like your public atheism is pretty new, but I do wonder how outing yourself as an apostate has affected your social relationships. I know that the desire to still fit into Christian communities and families is a big deal for many ex-Christians and a reason for them to delay expressing their change in views. That topic is probably worthy of it's own video though.
Peace and Freedom.