Hi everyone :)

[ConfusedSkeptic]

Hi all,

I've posted a couple of times before, but I didn't introduce myself. So, here goes. I'm a Lebanese guy, and I'm 23 years old. I'm a senior in Computer Science, and I'll graduate next month (can't wait!). I'm a friendly person who's looking to improve in many ways. I like sports, visiting new places and hanging out with family and friends.

As some of you might know (those who read my posts), I've had a rough religious experience. I've been confused for some time now (hence the name), and I'd like to share my thoughts with an atheist audience. That's why I'm here.

I should'v written this sooner, but late is better than never.

I'm looking forward to chatting with you all.

[Mike Cl]

Welcome, confused.  Stay longer this time.

[aitm]

emoclew

[Desdinova]

Welcome aboard! 

[Munch]

Did you say your a senior in Computer Science? :O

[Solomon Zorn]

Welcome! I have read a few of your posts.

Confusion is only human. All your life you've been told to believe in things, that even a child should know are fantasy (seen any flying horses lately?). I am much the same, my friend. The fear of God isn't easy to dispel, after a lifetime of worrying about how to please a being that can read your thoughts, and knows your every motive for every little thing you do. You need to let go of the supernatural. Confront superstition in your own mind, and shine a fearlessly rational light on it. You are on the cusp  of escaping your delusions, don't let them overwhelm you again.

But you say you want to sin. Now I assume you aren't talking about theft or some other truly objectionable behavior, but probably some pursuit of pleasure, like sex or drinking. Don't underestimate the value of your own happiness, and don't feel guilty for wanting basic human liberty.

Personally, I find myself to be much more responsive to others on the basis of equality, now, then when I allowed god-goggles to distort my view of them. I find myself able to love myself as well, without guilt, and that inner-peace makes it easier to love other people as myself. I think that I act more benevolently now, than when I was a believer. But that's just my own experience. I could just as easily be a total asshole, I suppose, if that's the kind of person I wanted to be.

You'll figure it out. And you'll be the better person for having found your way out of the nonsense.

[Solitary]

That should be God goggles equipped with blinders.  Solitary

[ConfusedSkeptic]

Thanks all for the nice comments.

Solomon Zorn:

Well, the "sin" that I couldn't let go of was masturbation. I felt so guilty for doing it, and I was disgusted with myself.

I also felt guilty for taking credit for my own success. I thought: Why should I give God the credit when I did the hard work? If I prayed all day long, I wouldn't succeed if I didn't work. I felt that God was an unnecessary addition to the equation. All successful people have one thing in common: hard work. They are all successful irrespective of their beliefs. This worsened my situation because I knew that anyone who holds this belief qualifies as an infidel.

Moreover, I felt that the outside world was the enemy. Full of sin and deception. I only felt comfort when I was in my own bubble. However, when I became an atheist (sort of), I was more open and excited to experience new things.

Anyways, the bottom line is: Being a devout believer is NOT an easy task. I'm making life decisions in accordance with my religion. So, I don't want to waste my life missing out on many experiences in the hopes of getting a reward when I die. I have to be certain that my religion is true.

[stromboli]

Welcome.

[Munch]

CP, anything that tries to make you feel guilty for what is an act of nature is something to distance yourself from.

[Desdinova]

Nothing wrong with choking the old chicken.  Relieves stress and keeps you from going nuts.  Don't let superstitious nonsense try to tell you otherwise.

[stromboli]

Nothing wrong with choking the old chicken.  Relieves stress and keeps you from going nuts.  Don't let superstitious nonsense try to tell you otherwise.

Lotion. Word to the wise.

[Mike Cl]

Nothing wrong with choking the old chicken.  Relieves stress and keeps you from going nuts.  Don't let superstitious nonsense try to tell you otherwise.

Masterbation--95% of all people do it--the other 5% lie about it.

[Solomon Zorn]

Solomon Zorn:

Well, the "sin" that I couldn't let go of was masturbation. I felt so guilty for doing it, and I was disgusted with myself.

You are very open with us. You are not this revealing with the uncle, that you said you told about your doubts, are you?

Moreover, I felt that the outside world was the enemy. Full of sin and deception. I only felt comfort when I was in my own bubble. However, when I became an atheist (sort of), I was more open and excited to experience new things.

I can really identify with both of these sentiments.

Anyways, the bottom line is: Being a devout believer is NOT an easy task. I'm making life decisions in accordance with my religion. So, I don't want to waste my life missing out on many experiences in the hopes of getting a reward when I die. I have to be certain that my religion is true.

I don't know enough about the Koran, to give you the un-apologetics that I usually give to Christians. The only Muslim I've known, was a friend and neighbor, who was formerly a soldier in the Iraqi army. He never talked to me about religion, although I think he knew I was an atheist.

My poetry wouldn't help you much either, but here's something more sublime than poetry, for your consideration:

http://www.htwins.net/scale2/

It's just too vast, varied, and intricate to be planned or controlled.

[antediluvian]

OP, you say you want to improve:

Be smart, be quiet,
Get a strong education.
Propagate smart quiet atheists.

Haven't I told  you that already?