Hi every body,
I've been an Atheist for the past 30 Years and I was comfortable with that and never sought acknowledgment for my beliefs. I figured, I am what I am and my beliefs are private. However, recently, I've come to question my sanity! Am I crazy or is the rest of the world crazy to believe in an imaginary God? If so, what chance do I have against all these crazy people who believe in all sorts of mambo-jumbo rituals?
Before I became an Atheist, I was a Christian and before that, I was a Muslim. I find religion to be obscene with a touch of duplicity and our belief in an imaginary God, Well, Imaginary.
Have I lost it all together? If so, How go I get back to being a sheep again and oblivious to what's real and what its not, just to feel good about myself and have a purpose again? Be it a false one.
The way it stands, I don't believe in anything super natural or magical. I laugh at the notion of miracles.
Is there something wrong with me? People tell me that I am a philosopher who will forever be depressed and lost in thought! Is this what I am looking forward to for the rest of my remaining life? If so, why should I continue to suffer in this insane world?
I can prove God is a lie through logic alone, but how will that make the world a better place?
I am not a troll. Just want some answers from fellow atheists whom I am sure had to tackle these questions on their own at some point.
They're not crazy. Just self-centered.
You're not crazy, you just got a little saner than most people.
There are less and less of those whacko's everyday. Keep up the fight. Education will win in the end.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"Hi every body,
I've been an Atheist for the past 30 Years and I was comfortable with that and never sought acknowledgment for my beliefs. I figured, I am what I am and my beliefs are private. However, recently, I've come to question my sanity! Am I crazy or is the rest of the world crazy to believe in an imaginary God? If so, what chance do I have against all these crazy people who believe in all sorts of mambo-jumbo rituals?
Before I became an Atheist, I was a Christian and before that, I was a Muslim. I find religion to be obscene with a touch of duplicity and our belief in an imaginary God, Well, Imaginary.
Have I lost it all together? If so, How go I get back to being a sheep again and oblivious to what's real and what its not, just to feel good about myself and have a purpose again? Be it a false one.
The way it stands, I don't believe in anything super natural or magical. I laugh at the notion of miracles.
Is there something wrong with me? People tell me that I am a philosopher who will forever be depressed and lost in thought! Is this what I am looking forward to for the rest of my remaining life? If so, why should I continue to suffer in this insane world?
I can prove God is a lie through logic alone, but how will that make the world a better place?
I am not a troll. Just want some answers from fellow atheists whom I am sure had to tackle these questions on their own at some point.
Life is not always easy, but reality is what we have to cope with. I'm not sure how that will make the world a better place but facing reality works better than living a fantasy and annoying other people with that.
Gerard
Of course you are crazy, putting up with theist and their superstitious nonsense would make anyone crazy. :twisted: Solitary
If you think you're crazy then you can't be crazy.
Quote from: "aitm"There are less and less of those whacko's everyday. Keep up the fight. Education will win in the end.
True that
Don't worry, you got it at the right end of the stick.
You didn't come off as a troll. No worries. :)
And like jp said:
Quote from: "josephpalazzo"You're not crazy, you just got a little saner than most people.
You aren't crazy, just ahead of the curve.
QuoteHow go I get back to being a sheep again
1: Why would you want to go back to being a sheep? You can make your own purpose, because you own your life, not an imaginary friend.
2: You can't go back anyway. once you take the red pill, you officially left the matrix.... or was it the blue pill... I can't remember.
Welcome :-D
I hope you find this forum a great place to talk to those who have had similar experiences. And no, you aren't crazy.
Thanks many much you guys for your words of encouragement.
Now only if I can find a way to post on other threads besides the intro. Anyone know how I can do that? Read the sticky notes and the rules but I couldn't find out how to be able to post in other places. :roll:
You should be able to post in existing topics, but not create them, unless the forum is bugged. At any rate you can post everywhere once you make 10 posts. So at worst, just start responding to introduction topics of various people or something :P
And welcome aboard. If you're depressed, there's probably a reason for it. "Finding" (or faking) religion probably won't solve that. If it does, most likely the reason for your depression is just loneliness or lack of community, which means you should really start looking for friends. If reality depresses you, stop surrounding yourself with negative people but go out and improve the world. Seeing everyone around you smile is a great way to get rid of depression. And it's easy to just go out and do nice things for people.
Good advice! =D> It's also a good idea to keep busy with something you like to do. Solitary
I am not depressed. On the contrary, since I've accepted that I am an atheist, I've been very happy and content with life. However, at times, I find the world to be occupied (infested really!) with insane people and wonder if it's me who is insane! But then, the next day, I realize that if everyone thought like me, I would be living in true heaven.
No worries though. I do my meditation thingy and recharge and all is well after an hour or so of breathing exercises and deep meditation.
There is definitely a bug somewhere in the code. I can't reply to any posts on any thread. it says, Well, That I can't do anything!
You was a Muslim , Christian and now you're an Atheist.
Can you tell your story ?
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"Am I crazy?
Yes.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"Am I crazy or is the rest of the world crazy to believe in an imaginary God?
Yes. And Yes.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"If so, what chance do I have against all these crazy people who believe in all sorts of mambo-jumbo rituals?
None.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"Have I lost it all together?
Yes.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"If so, How go I get back to being a sheep again and oblivious to what's real and what its not, just to feel good about myself and have a purpose again?
Being a sheep won't make you happy. Because you were one, you weren't happy and now you're not one.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"Is there something wrong with me?
Yes.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"Is this what I am looking forward to for the rest of my remaining life?
Only if you keep thinking about it.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"If so, why should I continue to suffer in this insane world?
There's other stuff. Fly a kite or something. Learn to knit.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"I can prove God is a lie through logic alone, but how will that make the world a better place?
It won't. Gods don't kill people, people kill people.
Welcome on board :)
Imagine my surprise to get this reply from a fucking DOG called Jason78!
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"Hi every body,
I've been an Atheist for the past 30 Years and I was comfortable with that and never sought acknowledgment for my beliefs. I figured, I am what I am and my beliefs are private. However, recently, I've come to question my sanity! Am I crazy or is the rest of the world crazy to believe in an imaginary God? If so, what chance do I have against all these crazy people who believe in all sorts of mambo-jumbo rituals?
Before I became an Atheist, I was a Christian and before that, I was a Muslim. I find religion to be obscene with a touch of duplicity and our belief in an imaginary God, Well, Imaginary.
Have I lost it all together? If so, How go I get back to being a sheep again and oblivious to what's real and what its not, just to feel good about myself and have a purpose again? Be it a false one.
The way it stands, I don't believe in anything super natural or magical. I laugh at the notion of miracles.
Is there something wrong with me? People tell me that I am a philosopher who will forever be depressed and lost in thought! Is this what I am looking forward to for the rest of my remaining life? If so, why should I continue to suffer in this insane world?
I can prove God is a lie through logic alone, but how will that make the world a better place?
I am not a troll. Just want some answers from fellow atheists whom I am sure had to tackle these questions on their own at some point.
You are suffering what I call the loneliness of uncommon sense. The fact is that most people cannot and will not think for themselves. They are TOO lazy to become educated. Sure they go to school, even get degrees, but they absolutely will not accept education. It is not a war you can win. You can't change the minds of fools and morons. Unfortunately the morons outnumber the rest of us nearly 1 million to 1. If christianity actually failed, something stupid would take its place. You see most people are weak and lazy. Pop culture dominates their pathetic lives. It's why the tea party emerged, why conservatism exist, why religion is here.
You are not alone, but you are rare. Unfortunately since you have "woken up" you can't go back unless you actually become brain damaged. So just accept it and move on.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"I am not a troll.
You don't say? #-o
I've fought with ongoing depression since I was a boy. I'm 53 now and still have my spats with it and to be honest I'm sometimes envious of people who 'find solace' in religion, but it's false solace thinking the magic spook is going to solve problems, but the problems are still there, but compounded with magical thinking. To bad god sucks at inspiring me to use proper grammar.. :-k
Whut? You don't beeelieve in witches? Whut? :shock:
lol seriously - you sound pretty sane to me. However, you might not want me to be your gauge.
keep up the good fight - the one for sanity and logic!
oh - and welcome!
Quote from: "Savior2006"Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"I am not a troll.
You don't say? #-o
Do you think I am a troll? And if so, to what purpose?
Quote from: "AllPurposeAtheist"I've fought with ongoing depression since I was a boy. I'm 53 now and still have my spats with it and to be honest I'm sometimes envious of people who 'find solace' in religion, but it's false solace thinking the magic spook is going to solve problems, but the problems are still there, but compounded with magical thinking. To bad god sucks at inspiring me to use proper grammar.. :-k
You and I are exactly the same age. I don't suffer from depression but I do get depressed once in a while specially when I'm out numbered by the religious idiots around me and wonder if they are right.
But, the next day, I see them as the stupid sheeple that they are and all goes back to normal.
I have a sister-in-law who suffers from depression and she is on 15 mg ciprelex a day and after 6 month I can see a remarkable difference in her.
I wish you well my friend.
Quote from: "viocjit"You was a Muslim , Christian and now you're an Atheist.
Can you tell your story ?
Yes. I was born in Iran (not by choice you understand), a Muslim nation as you know. But I never could process the logic behind the theocracy. I kept asking questions and making fun of the answers since childhood. One day, I got beaten up pretty bad and my father decided to ship me off to England when I was 12.
Some of the things I would question where; If you cut a man's hand for stealing, are you not condemning him to a life of crime since he has no hands and can no longer work? If Mohammad became literate after God came to him in Harah cave, why didn't he write the Qur'an himself? Why in Arabic and not in all languages? Why can't I eat bacon? I love bacon. Why did God create the pig if we were not allowed to eat it?
When I went to England, I was bombarded by Christianity. At first, I thought this religion sounds good. Jesus is all about love and love thou neighbor. Later when I read the bible, I noticed it not much different that the Qur'an. As a matter of fact, I found more similarity than differences. So I decided to read the Torah. Wow, This is almost the same as the Qur'an and the bible I thought. Then after many years of thought, I came to the conclusion that Islam and Christianity were direct derivatives of the Jewish faith.
It suddenly occurred to me that these religions are man-made with tweaks that suited the particular parties.
At the age of 27, I became an atheist. Not easily I mind you. I became depressed and suesidle for a few months. I saw no point of living among the assholes of this world and they outnumbered me 10 to 1 at least.
After seeing a psychiatrist for a few month, a Jewish doctor of all, told me that my depression is not biological. That I was in odds with myself and that I should be comfortable with who I was and there was no medication to help me.
Believe it or not, the very next day, I woke up a new man! never suffered from depression again.
I am 53 now and very active and love life. I Know I only have this one life to live and I take full advantage of it. I try to surround myself with atheists and agnostics and don't get into religious discussions since there is no point as I've made-up my mind that I forever will be an atheist. Not easy at times.
I am an Electrical Engineer by training and love science. I just hope that before I die, science can prove me right or wrong.
Well, enough Blah Blah on my part.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"Quote from: "viocjit"You was a Muslim , Christian and now you're an Atheist.
Can you tell your story ?
Yes. I was born in Iran (not by choice you understand), a Muslim nation as you know. But I never could process the logic behind the theocracy. I kept asking questions and making fun of the answers since childhood. One day, I got beaten up pretty bad and my father decided to ship me off to England when I was 12.
Some of the things I would question where; If you cut a man's hand for stealing, are you not condemning him to a life of crime since he has no hands and can no longer work? If Mohammad became literate after God came to him in Harah cave, why didn't he write the Qur'an himself? Why in Arabic and not in all languages? Why can't I eat bacon? I love bacon. Why did God create the pig if we were not allowed to eat it?
When I went to England, I was bombarded by Christianity. At first, I thought this religion sounds good. Jesus is all about love and love thou neighbor. Later when I read the bible, I noticed it not much different that the Qur'an. As a matter of fact, I found more similarity than differences. So I decided to read the Torah. Wow, This is almost the same as the Qur'an and the bible I thought. Then after many years of thought, I came to the conclusion that Islam and Christianity were direct derivatives of the Jewish faith.
It suddenly occurred to me that these religions are man-made with tweaks that suited the particular parties.
At the age of 27, I became an atheist. Not easily I mind you. I became depressed and suesidle for a few months. I saw no point of living among the assholes of this world and they outnumbered me 10 to 1 at least.
After seeing a psychiatrist for a few month, a Jewish doctor of all, told me that my depression is not biological. That I was in odds with myself and that I should be comfortable with who I was and there was no medication to help me.
Believe it or not, the very next day, I woke up a new man! never suffered from depression again.
I am 53 now and very active and love life. I Know I only have this one life to live and I take full advantage of it. I try to surround myself with atheists and agnostics and don't get into religious discussions since there is no point as I've made-up my mind that I forever will be an atheist. Not easy at times.
I am an Electrical Engineer by training and love science. I just hope that before I die, science can prove me right or wrong.
Well, enough Blah Blah on my part.
Wow - going from Muslim to christian? That must have been...........well........... complicated. Or was it not that difficult a shift? Interesting.
Mai Mariarti I can say that I liked read you.
QuoteWow - going from Muslim to christian? That must have been...........well........... complicated. Or was it not that difficult a shift? Interesting.
Well, at first I was afraid because converting from Islam to any other religion is punishable by death. (what a surprise there?)
But it was the brainwashing that took the longest to overcome. So many years of being told that infidels are inferior and that God would punish me if I strayed. I was waiting for a disaster at any moment (being struck by lighting, getting killed by fanatics, etc...) but that is the most distressing part of brainwashing. All religions are a form of terrorism. I was programmed and re-programming took a few years.
The odd part about it is, I am glad I went through these experiences, and did learn a lot about my own short comings and what these cults do to people. I feel privileged to have had such a terrible experience. Now that's odd! but it made me and my beliefs stronger. I know it sounds like a cliche, but I can't help that.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"QuoteWow - going from Muslim to christian? That must have been...........well........... complicated. Or was it not that difficult a shift? Interesting.
Well, at first I was afraid because converting from Islam to any other religion is punishable by death. (what a surprise there?)
But it was the brainwashing that took the longest to overcome. So many years of being told that infidels are inferior and that God would punish me if I strayed. I was waiting for a disaster at any moment (being struck by lighting, getting killed by fanatics, etc...) but that is the most distressing part of brainwashing. All religions are a form of terrorism. I was programmed and re-programming took a few years.
The odd part about it is, I am glad I went through these experiences, and did learn a lot about my own short comings and what these cults do to people. I feel privileged to have had such a terrible experience. Now that's odd! but it made me and my beliefs stronger. I know it sounds like a cliche, but I can't help that.
If I may ask - what belief(s) are stronger?
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"Hi every body,
I've been an Atheist for the past 30 Years and I was comfortable with that and never sought acknowledgment for my beliefs. I figured, I am what I am and my beliefs are private. However, recently, I've come to question my sanity! Am I crazy or is the rest of the world crazy to believe in an imaginary God? If so, what chance do I have against all these crazy people who believe in all sorts of mambo-jumbo rituals?
Before I became an Atheist, I was a Christian and before that, I was a Muslim. I find religion to be obscene with a touch of duplicity and our belief in an imaginary God, Well, Imaginary.
Have I lost it all together? If so, How go I get back to being a sheep again and oblivious to what's real and what its not, just to feel good about myself and have a purpose again? Be it a false one.
The way it stands, I don't believe in anything super natural or magical. I laugh at the notion of miracles.
Is there something wrong with me? People tell me that I am a philosopher who will forever be depressed and lost in thought! Is this what I am looking forward to for the rest of my remaining life? If so, why should I continue to suffer in this insane world?
I can prove God is a lie through logic alone, but how will that make the world a better place?
I am not a troll. Just want some answers from fellow atheists whom I am sure had to tackle these questions on their own at some point.
You're not crazy.
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Explain to me again....why do you want to be ignorant? Do you think that will make you happier?
It's not crazy to believe what you were raised to believe and what everyone important to you takes for granted is true. It's pretty normal. I think we should feel compassion for them, because beliefs that are essentially nonsensical are most harmful to the believers themselves.
Although atheists tend to be slightly more intelligent on average than believers, there are plenty of believers smarter than the average atheist. Although intelligence can be a factor in figuring out the flaws of a religion, it is almost as useful in rationalizing continued belief.
The most important factor in not being a theist is luck: not being raised one, innate skepticism towards theism from a young age, the sometimes long slog pulling our of it...we were lucky to be in those circumstances or have those qualities. Theists are misguided, trapped in memes they don't even know are deceptions, that they don't even want to escape from.
LIke I said, compassion or pity seems more appropriate than contempt. My two cents.
QuoteIf I may ask - what belief(s) are stronger?
For starters, The fact that I am outnumbered gazillion to one, The insanity of the republican's way of reasoning, That I am mortal and nothing I can do changes that, That God is a figment of our imagination, That we can perish in an event as simple as an asteroid strike, That religion has held us back for hundreds of years and made us backwards, That majority of people that are on antidepressants, are depressed because of what goes on around the world that makes them so depressed and think that medication will help them when they don't really need it and will be fine if the world was a better place. That the Middle east would not be on fire if there were no "false righteousness" and arm dealers trying to cash in, on the small differences that exists between the religions.
These are just examples. I could write volumes, but what would be the point of that. Humans seem to have a need to experience it the hard way and won't just take someone's experience or word for it; that the street they are traveling on, is a dead end.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"QuoteIf I may ask - what belief(s) are stronger?
For starters, The fact that I am outnumbered gazillion to one, The insanity of the republican's way of reasoning, That I am mortal and nothing I can do changes that, That God is a figment of our imagination, That we can perish in an event as simple as an asteroid strike, That religion has held us back for hundreds of years and made us backwards, That majority of people that are on antidepressants, are depressed because of what goes on around the world that makes them so depressed and think that medication will help them when they don't really need it and will be fine if the world was a better place. That the Middle east would not be on fire if there were no "false righteousness" and arm dealers trying to cash in, on the small differences that exists between the religions.
These are just examples. I could write volumes, but what would be the point of that. Humans seem to have a need to experience it the hard way and won't just take someone's experience or word for it; that the street they are traveling on, is a dead end.
You're on the right path for intellectual freedom --- keep up the strong thinking. It's a pleasure to read your posts.
Somethings might come hard to swallow but day by day you will realize that self awareness and honesty are above and beyond bullshit and the mind control religion offers. You're doing good.
And Here - this forum - is a good place to share and ask questions. Good people here to talk to.
again
welcome!
Quote from: "Mister Agenda"It's not crazy to believe what you were raised to believe and what everyone important to you takes for granted is true. It's pretty normal. I think we should feel compassion for them, because beliefs that are essentially nonsensical are most harmful to the believers themselves.
Although atheists tend to be slightly more intelligent on average than believers, there are plenty of believers smarter than the average atheist. Although intelligence can be a factor in figuring out the flaws of a religion, it is almost as useful in rationalizing continued belief.
The most important factor in not being a theist is luck: not being raised one, innate skepticism towards theism from a young age, the sometimes long slog pulling our of it...we were lucky to be in those circumstances or have those qualities. Theists are misguided, trapped in memes they don't even know are deceptions, that they don't even want to escape from.
LIke I said, compassion or pity seems more appropriate than contempt. My two cents.
I agree and dis-agree at the same time. Like the documentary "religulous" pointed out, these beliefs do hurt others by propagating ignorance. My mother is a devoted Muslim regardless of my attempts (her own son) to try to enlighten her. But as my father said "You can't change stupid, no matter how hard you try". They must be willing to change and see the err of their ways first, and then, change their thinking their own way.
I miss him so much. I don't know why he had to die? He was my best companion. We used to shoot the shit on philosophy and religion for hours and I miss that very much.
I had a very educated, very enlightened agnostic father and an ignorant, superficial, superstitious, stupid and religious mother. Not a very good combination.
I asked my father on many occasions, what he saw in her, and never got a satisfactory response. Just that people always need something to keep them going
.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"I agree and dis-agree at the same time. Like the documentary "religulous" pointed out, these beliefs do hurt others by propagating ignorance. My mother is a devoted Muslim regardless of my attempts (her own son) to try to enlighten her. But as my father said "You can't change stupid, no matter how hard you try". They must be willing to change and see the err of their ways first, and then, change their thinking their own way.
I miss him so much. I don't know why he had to die? He was my best companion. We used to shoot the shit on philosophy and religion for hours and I miss that very much.
I had a very educated, very enlightened agnostic father and an ignorant, superficial, superstitious, stupid and religious mother. Not a very good combination.
I asked my father on many occasions, what he saw in her, and never got a satisfactory response. Just that people always need something to keep them going
.
We could spend all day long discussing the Pain and Horrors religion has perpetuated upon mankind. Yes - religion is very dangerous. It's like some crazycrap drug that waaay too many people took are are walking around all numb & starry eyed. Stupid stuff really.
QuoteWe could spend all day long discussing the Pain and Horrors religion has perpetuated upon mankind. Yes - religion is very dangerous. It's like some crazycrap drug that waaay too many people took are are walking around all numb & starry eyed. Stupid stuff really.
We could. But what would the point? We have evolved beyond that. If they want to live in the 14th century and have backwards views and call it "Conservative views", Their is not much any of us can do. And that was my point. People don't think they are doing anything wrong. A crazy person don't believe you if you tell them they are acting crazy.
What do you do when people don't even know they are veering from the path of truth, Not much. Actually, there is nothing you could do or say that will change their mind.
I wondered why I even seek and post on forums like this? is it that I have an ego to please? I don't think that's the case.
It's more like the cancer patients whom are looking for people who are infected with the same disease, and want to find solace in knowing that they are not alone. That there are others who are also inflicted with this disease.
QuoteExplain to me again....why do you want to be ignorant? Do you think that will make you happier?
Yes. Assuming one will not remember the past, I would rather be the stupid I was before 27.
Ignorance is really bliss if you don't remember the past.
But that's wishful thinking like the tooth ferry and the rest of the childish dreams and stories.
Since that isn't reality, I will have to suffer the consequences.
I once read that philosophers are all suffering from depression. I think it to be true. I don't like it anymore than you do, and tried to fight it, but lost.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"QuoteWe could spend all day long discussing the Pain and Horrors religion has perpetuated upon mankind. Yes - religion is very dangerous. It's like some crazycrap drug that waaay too many people took are are walking around all numb & starry eyed. Stupid stuff really.
We could. But what would the point? We have evolved beyond that. If they want to live in the 14th century and have backwards views and call it "Conservative views", Their is not much any of us can do. And that was my point. People don't think they are doing anything wrong. A crazy person don't believe you if you tell them they are acting crazy.
What do you do when people don't even know they are veering from the path of truth, Not much. Actually, there is nothing you could do or say that will change their mind.
I wondered why I even seek and post on forums like this? is it that I have an ego to please? I don't think that's the case.
It's more like the cancer patients whom are looking for people who are infected with the same disease, and want to find solace in knowing that they are not alone. That there are others who are also inflicted with this disease.
That's a good point and probably very true for me (at least) I won't speak for anyone else but Oh My Yes I have a huge ego. That AND I do live amongst believers[1] sooooo trying to keep my head screwed on straight? This place becomes my salvation. (had to use that word - my bad) LOL
I've had some prickly questions about religion most of my life - is it right or is it Wrong....... so Wrong you can actually validate HOW wrong historically. I've struggled and teetered on the edge of what's real and what's not. I spent Plenty of years giving the religious my time and attention to see what that might offer. So Now....... I listen and learn from the other side of that coin.
In my way of thinking it's ok to say " I know what I Think.............buuut....... I really don't know for sure." Sometimes I really care if the religious sort are stomping about pitching "Holy God" this or that. And sometimes I do not care. Kinda depends on how demanding they are, how hard a sell they're trying to make; are they So arrogant that they won't even come close to questioning things for themselves? Those things bother me. And I REALLY hate it when someone gets all full of themselves like I'm stupid if I Don't believe. That'll bring steam...
eh...... I'm rambling. lol Good to talk to you 'bout such things.
[1] but not Too bad
That's a good point and probably very true for me (at least) I won't speak for anyone else but Oh My Yes I have a huge ego.
Having an ego is so natural. Without it, there would be no point of living and what separates us from animals, well at least most non-mammals.
There is a price we pay for EVERYTHING we do. Even when you get out of bed, there is a risk that we could fall in the shower and break our neck or get hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk. But we take that risk because life would be pretty boring lying around in bed all day.
The price we pay by being an atheist, is ridicule and sometimes a sense of hopelessness like if we were put in a classroom full of deaf and mutes when we could hear and talk.
Being enlightened in an unenlightened world, is depressing at times and things don't make a lot of sense because the majority of people speak in the language of nonsense called religion.
But unfortunately, once you are enlightened, as someone here pointed out, there is no way to turn off the light until we die.
craziness doesn't exist. lol..
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"That's a good point and probably very true for me (at least) I won't speak for anyone else but Oh My Yes I have a huge ego.
Having an ego is so natural. Without it, there would be no point of living and what separates us from animals, well at least most non-mammals.
There is a price we pay for EVERYTHING we do. Even when you get out of bed, there is a risk that we could fall in the shower and break our neck or get hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk. But we take that risk because life would be pretty boring lying around in bed all day.
The price we pay by being an atheist, is ridicule and sometimes a sense of hopelessness like if we were put in a classroom full of deaf and mutes when we could hear and talk.
Being enlightened in an unenlightened world, is depressing at times and things don't make a lot of sense because the majority of people speak in the language of nonsense called religion.
But unfortunately, once you are enlightened, as someone here pointed out, there is no way to turn off the light until we die.
I don't think you understand what the term ego means. We all have aggressive traits as an example, but this does not make excessive aggressiveness healthy.
Quote from: "WitchSabrina"Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"I agree and dis-agree at the same time. Like the documentary "religulous" pointed out, these beliefs do hurt others by propagating ignorance. My mother is a devoted Muslim regardless of my attempts (her own son) to try to enlighten her. But as my father said "You can't change stupid, no matter how hard you try". They must be willing to change and see the err of their ways first, and then, change their thinking their own way.
I miss him so much. I don't know why he had to die? He was my best companion. We used to shoot the shit on philosophy and religion for hours and I miss that very much.
I had a very educated, very enlightened agnostic father and an ignorant, superficial, superstitious, stupid and religious mother. Not a very good combination.
I asked my father on many occasions, what he saw in her, and never got a satisfactory response. Just that people always need something to keep them going
.
We could spend all day long discussing the Pain and Horrors religion has perpetuated upon mankind. Yes - religion is very dangerous. It's like some crazycrap drug that waaay too many people took are are walking around all numb & starry eyed. Stupid stuff really.
I believe that humans are naturally cruel.
Quote from: "induz"Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"That's a good point and probably very true for me (at least) I won't speak for anyone else but Oh My Yes I have a huge ego.
Having an ego is so natural. Without it, there would be no point of living and what separates us from animals, well at least most non-mammals.
There is a price we pay for EVERYTHING we do. Even when you get out of bed, there is a risk that we could fall in the shower and break our neck or get hit by a car while walking on the sidewalk. But we take that risk because life would be pretty boring lying around in bed all day.
The price we pay by being an atheist, is ridicule and sometimes a sense of hopelessness like if we were put in a classroom full of deaf and mutes when we could hear and talk.
Being enlightened in an unenlightened world, is depressing at times and things don't make a lot of sense because the majority of people speak in the language of nonsense called religion.
But unfortunately, once you are enlightened, as someone here pointed out, there is no way to turn off the light until we die.
I don't think you understand what the term ego means. We all have aggressive traits as an example, but this does not make excessive aggressiveness healthy.
There's ego then there's aggression. They *might* somewhat overlap but they are not interchangeable.
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"QuoteExplain to me again....why do you want to be ignorant? Do you think that will make you happier?
Yes. Assuming one will not remember the past, I would rather be the stupid I was before 27.
Ignorance is really bliss if you don't remember the past.
But that's wishful thinking like the tooth ferry and the rest of the childish dreams and stories.
Since that isn't reality, I will have to suffer the consequences.
I once read that philosophers are all suffering from depression. I think it to be true. I don't like it anymore than you do, and tried to fight it, but lost.
Being ignorant again will only lead you into the same problems you had in the past.
It's time to look forward.
Also, I think you're misinformed that all philosophers are depressed and sad and think a world without religion/god is horrible. I feel
better after dropping the ignorance, frankly. My life has never felt happier. Why do you think you can't be happy with your new-found knowledge? Why do you think people need fairy tales to be happy?
I remember feeling that way when I stepped foot into a church with my family after deciding I was an atheist. I thought, WOW this stuff really does sound insane! When I was a christian it all seemed so reasonable- largely because everyone else believed it. I think if a certain thought process serves a functional purpose to a person...if it helps them get by, then it seems perfectly reasonable. It's possible to convince yourself of a lot of crazy sounding things if it helps you survive or cope in some way. I don't think most religious people are crazy per se (although some really make me wonder). They have just accepted something that doesn't make sense as a result of cultural pressures. When confronted with inconsistencies they just dismiss it, and remember to have "faith."
I didn't use the proper words. Instead of depressed, I should've used something like bewildered. I too am happier than I was when I was a theist. Having said that, I feel "bewildered" at times when I see 99% of the population believes in children's stories and mambo jumbo.
Also, crazy is another word that won't really apply to religious people. A better word would be, unreasonable. Some more unreasonable than others.
I used to argue with theists to try to make them understand, but gave up on that pretty quickly since they are "unreasonable".
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"I didn't use the proper words. Instead of depressed, I should've used something like bewildered. I too am happier than I was when I was a theist. Having said that, I feel "bewildered" at times when I see 99% of the population believes in children's stories and mambo jumbo.
Also, crazy is another word that won't really apply to religious people. A better word would be, unreasonable. Some more unreasonable than others.
I used to argue with theists to try to make them understand, but gave up on that pretty quickly since they are "unreasonable".
I generally see it as a Good sign when I disagree (or am bewildered) by the general public. Try to bear that in mind and give yourself a pat on the back.
Yes, there are times when it's good for the general public to agree - like texting while driving should be against the law, shooting people at random in your local walmart is Bad, throwing garbage out into the street - Bad, firing a person from their job because of their religion - bad........ etc
But
if the general population is worshiping an imaginary friend? Then looking at that differently speaks well of your ability to rise above blending in just for the sake of blending in.
cheers
You're doing fine.
When I died, I ended up in Hell!
I asked "Why am I here?"
God said; "Because you were an atheist and didn't believe in me".
You say you created me in your image, so how could I be wrong, I said. Maybe your design or the soul you gave me sucked? Who do I see to sue you for damages?
Then, suddenly and without notice, I was sent back to earth and was told; "You have a big mouth, Hell is too good for you. Go back and live with the other human idiots. you don't deserve hell!"
Quote from: "Mai Mariarti"When I died, I ended up in Hell!
I asked "Why am I here?"
God said; "Because you were an atheist and didn't believe in me".
You say you created me in your image, so how could I be wrong, I said. Maybe your design or the soul you gave me sucked? Who do I see to sue you for damages?
Then, suddenly and without notice, I was sent back to earth and was told; "You have a big mouth, Hell is too good for you. Go back and live with the other human idiots. you don't deserve hell!"
:rollin:
Nice!