I'm coming to terms with the possibility that I'm an atheist....

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Probably -- This makes it easier to continue believing, despite doubts or evidence to the contrary

What evidence to the contrary ?

The evidence is that no one has been able to prove the existence of God, or any other gods.

Actually, God came down Himself as Jesus Christ and proved not only that He existed but that He loved us, and then died for us.

Sorry, that's not proof. That's a story you read from an ancient book that written by men. There's no proof that Jesus was a God. If reading stories from a book proves the existence of something, then we can perform similar proofs on unicorns and mermaids.

First of all, Jesus is not a God. Jesus is the one and only God. And yes, there is historical evidence beyond the Bible that supports this.

No, there aren't. There are QUESTIONABLE accounts - about three, I believe, that are isolated accounts.

Let's reframe this. If some person today were to walk on water and turn water into wine and raise people from the dead, don't you think that there would be MANY accounts?

Where are the others who witnessed these miracles? Surely you don't expect only four men to have captured such miracles?

Stop fooling yourself into thinking these stories are real.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Probably -- This makes it easier to continue believing, despite doubts or evidence to the contrary

What evidence to the contrary ?

The evidence is that no one has been able to prove the existence of God, or any other gods.

Actually, God came down Himself as Jesus Christ and proved not only that He existed but that He loved us, and then died for us.

Sorry, that's not proof. That's a story you read from an ancient book that written by men. There's no proof that Jesus was a God. If reading stories from a book proves the existence of something, then we can perform similar proofs on unicorns and mermaids.

First of all, Jesus is not a God. Jesus is the one and only God. And yes, there is historical evidence beyond the Bible that supports this.

No, there aren't. There are QUESTIONABLE accounts - about three, I believe, that are isolated accounts.

Let's reframe this. If some person today were to walk on water and turn water into wine and raise people from the dead, don't you think that there would be MANY accounts?

Where are the others who witnessed these miracles? Surely you don't expect only four men to have captured such miracles?

Stop fooling yourself into thinking these stories are real.

Iff pp questions the stories it means questioning all the people who told the stories and made assurances that they were factual. It means pp admitting being fooled and unwitting passing the stories on to others. These things would be hard to face up to - embarrassing. It's easier to brush off what's logical and keep on believing, especially when so many others believe -- or imply that they do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Probably -- This makes it easier to continue believing, despite doubts or evidence to the contrary

What evidence to the contrary ?

The evidence is that no one has been able to prove the existence of God, or any other gods.

Actually, God came down Himself as Jesus Christ and proved not only that He existed but that He loved us, and then died for us.

Sorry, that's not proof. That's a story you read from an ancient book that written by men. There's no proof that Jesus was a God. If reading stories from a book proves the existence of something, then we can perform similar proofs on unicorns and mermaids.

First of all, Jesus is not a God. Jesus is the one and only God. And yes, there is historical evidence beyond the Bible that supports this.

No, there aren't. There are QUESTIONABLE accounts - about three, I believe, that are isolated accounts.

Let's reframe this. If some person today were to walk on water and turn water into wine and raise people from the dead, don't you think that there would be MANY accounts?

Where are the others who witnessed these miracles? Surely you don't expect only four men to have captured such miracles?

Stop fooling yourself into thinking these stories are real.

Well, sure, today it would be on Twitter and CNN. But, as you may or may not be aware, means of communication 2,000 years ago was a little primative as compared to today.

Wow, you are really angry about this aren't you? Why does it scare you so much?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Probably -- This makes it easier to continue believing, despite doubts or evidence to the contrary

What evidence to the contrary ?

The evidence is that no one has been able to prove the existence of God, or any other gods.

Actually, God came down Himself as Jesus Christ and proved not only that He existed but that He loved us, and then died for us.

Sorry, that's not proof. That's a story you read from an ancient book that written by men. There's no proof that Jesus was a God. If reading stories from a book proves the existence of something, then we can perform similar proofs on unicorns and mermaids.

First of all, Jesus is not a God. Jesus is the one and only God. And yes, there is historical evidence beyond the Bible that supports this.

No, there aren't. There are QUESTIONABLE accounts - about three, I believe, that are isolated accounts.

Let's reframe this. If some person today were to walk on water and turn water into wine and raise people from the dead, don't you think that there would be MANY accounts?

Where are the others who witnessed these miracles? Surely you don't expect only four men to have captured such miracles?

Stop fooling yourself into thinking these stories are real.

Well, sure, today it would be on Twitter and CNN. But, as you may or may not be aware, means of communication 2,000 years ago was a little primative as compared to today.

Wow, you are really angry about this aren't you? Why does it scare you so much?

Not pp, but the thought of the Jesus stories being real don't scare me -- they are obviously myths and ancient stories forced on people as fact by the strength of the Roman Catholic church for centuries. What scares me is that modern 21 century people are still encouraged to believe them and that it still works with some people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Probably -- This makes it easier to continue believing, despite doubts or evidence to the contrary

What evidence to the contrary ?

The evidence is that no one has been able to prove the existence of God, or any other gods.

Actually, God came down Himself as Jesus Christ and proved not only that He existed but that He loved us, and then died for us.

Sorry, that's not proof. That's a story you read from an ancient book that written by men. There's no proof that Jesus was a God. If reading stories from a book proves the existence of something, then we can perform similar proofs on unicorns and mermaids.

First of all, Jesus is not a God. Jesus is the one and only God. And yes, there is historical evidence beyond the Bible that supports this.

No, there aren't. There are QUESTIONABLE accounts - about three, I believe, that are isolated accounts.

Let's reframe this. If some person today were to walk on water and turn water into wine and raise people from the dead, don't you think that there would be MANY accounts?

Where are the others who witnessed these miracles? Surely you don't expect only four men to have captured such miracles?

Stop fooling yourself into thinking these stories are real.

Well, sure, today it would be on Twitter and CNN. But, as you may or may not be aware, means of communication 2,000 years ago was a little primative as compared to today.

Wow, you are really angry about this aren't you? Why does it scare you so much?

Twitter, maybe, but such outlandish stories would never make the cut at CNN. And even on twitter, such stories would not go "viral" except perhaps as an indication of how wacky and out-of-touch some people can be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Probably -- This makes it easier to continue believing, despite doubts or evidence to the contrary

What evidence to the contrary ?

The evidence is that no one has been able to prove the existence of God, or any other gods.

Actually, God came down Himself as Jesus Christ and proved not only that He existed but that He loved us, and then died for us.

Sorry, that's not proof. That's a story you read from an ancient book that written by men. There's no proof that Jesus was a God. If reading stories from a book proves the existence of something, then we can perform similar proofs on unicorns and mermaids.

First of all, Jesus is not a God. Jesus is the one and only God. And yes, there is historical evidence beyond the Bible that supports this.

No, there aren't. There are QUESTIONABLE accounts - about three, I believe, that are isolated accounts.

Let's reframe this. If some person today were to walk on water and turn water into wine and raise people from the dead, don't you think that there would be MANY accounts?

Where are the others who witnessed these miracles? Surely you don't expect only four men to have captured such miracles?

Stop fooling yourself into thinking these stories are real.

Well, sure, today it would be on Twitter and CNN. But, as you may or may not be aware, means of communication 2,000 years ago was a little primative as compared to today.

Wow, you are really angry about this aren't you? Why does it scare you so much?

I'm far from scared, bible thumper.

I've had 12 years of Catholic education (aka brainwashing). Even then, as we were forced to attend mass and chant in unison, most of us simply went through the motions. If you really STOP and think about your actions in church and what you say again and again b/c it's all so ritualistic, you'll see it amounts to nothing.

If anything, YOU should be scared for not having the ability to think for yourself.

Before Twitter and other such nonsense, there was word of mouth. from oral to written communication, genius

Now, having said that, if Jesus WERE the real deal, you'd still find different accounts of his miracles. Look at all of the primary accounts related to Greek theatre! And the masses were ALSO illiterate. Their brainwashing occurred through tragedies and traveling troupes - carrying the stories to the people.

So there's no comparison.

If Jesus were truly "not of this world," we'd have multiple accounts.

But sadly, your brain is hardwired to "believe."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Probably -- This makes it easier to continue believing, despite doubts or evidence to the contrary

What evidence to the contrary ?

The evidence is that no one has been able to prove the existence of God, or any other gods.

Actually, God came down Himself as Jesus Christ and proved not only that He existed but that He loved us, and then died for us.

Sorry, that's not proof. That's a story you read from an ancient book that written by men. There's no proof that Jesus was a God. If reading stories from a book proves the existence of something, then we can perform similar proofs on unicorns and mermaids.

First of all, Jesus is not a God. Jesus is the one and only God. And yes, there is historical evidence beyond the Bible that supports this.

No, there aren't. There are QUESTIONABLE accounts - about three, I believe, that are isolated accounts.

Let's reframe this. If some person today were to walk on water and turn water into wine and raise people from the dead, don't you think that there would be MANY accounts?

Where are the others who witnessed these miracles? Surely you don't expect only four men to have captured such miracles?

Stop fooling yourself into thinking these stories are real.

Well, sure, today it would be on Twitter and CNN. But, as you may or may not be aware, means of communication 2,000 years ago was a little primative as compared to today.

Wow, you are really angry about this aren't you? Why does it scare you so much?

I'm far from scared, bible thumper.

I've had 12 years of Catholic education (aka brainwashing). Even then, as we were forced to attend mass and chant in unison, most of us simply went through the motions. If you really STOP and think about your actions in church and what you say again and again b/c it's all so ritualistic, you'll see it amounts to nothing.

If anything, YOU should be scared for not having the ability to think for yourself.

Before Twitter and other such nonsense, there was word of mouth. from oral to written communication, genius

Now, having said that, if Jesus WERE the real deal, you'd still find different accounts of his miracles. Look at all of the primary accounts related to Greek theatre! And the masses were ALSO illiterate. Their brainwashing occurred through tragedies and traveling troupes - carrying the stories to the people.

So there's no comparison.

If Jesus were truly "not of this world," we'd have multiple accounts.

But sadly, your brain is hardwired to "believe."

I think we can all tell that your 12 years of Catholic education ruined your relationship with God. Sadly, that does happen, as the Catholic church -- like all churches -- is man made and thus has human flaws. But I do think the level of anger that you display here is indication that you are still struggling with this. And fortunately, God will never give up on you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Probably -- This makes it easier to continue believing, despite doubts or evidence to the contrary

What evidence to the contrary ?

The evidence is that no one has been able to prove the existence of God, or any other gods.

Actually, God came down Himself as Jesus Christ and proved not only that He existed but that He loved us, and then died for us.

Sorry, that's not proof. That's a story you read from an ancient book that written by men. There's no proof that Jesus was a God. If reading stories from a book proves the existence of something, then we can perform similar proofs on unicorns and mermaids.

First of all, Jesus is not a God. Jesus is the one and only God. And yes, there is historical evidence beyond the Bible that supports this.

No, there aren't. There are QUESTIONABLE accounts - about three, I believe, that are isolated accounts.

Let's reframe this. If some person today were to walk on water and turn water into wine and raise people from the dead, don't you think that there would be MANY accounts?

Where are the others who witnessed these miracles? Surely you don't expect only four men to have captured such miracles?

Stop fooling yourself into thinking these stories are real.

Well, sure, today it would be on Twitter and CNN. But, as you may or may not be aware, means of communication 2,000 years ago was a little primative as compared to today.

Wow, you are really angry about this aren't you? Why does it scare you so much?

I'm far from scared, bible thumper.

I've had 12 years of Catholic education (aka brainwashing). Even then, as we were forced to attend mass and chant in unison, most of us simply went through the motions. If you really STOP and think about your actions in church and what you say again and again b/c it's all so ritualistic, you'll see it amounts to nothing.

If anything, YOU should be scared for not having the ability to think for yourself.

Before Twitter and other such nonsense, there was word of mouth. from oral to written communication, genius

Now, having said that, if Jesus WERE the real deal, you'd still find different accounts of his miracles. Look at all of the primary accounts related to Greek theatre! And the masses were ALSO illiterate. Their brainwashing occurred through tragedies and traveling troupes - carrying the stories to the people.

So there's no comparison.

If Jesus were truly "not of this world," we'd have multiple accounts.

But sadly, your brain is hardwired to "believe."

I think we can all tell that your 12 years of Catholic education ruined your relationship with God. Sadly, that does happen, as the Catholic church -- like all churches -- is man made and thus has human flaws. But I do think the level of anger that you display here is indication that you are still struggling with this. And fortunately, God will never give up on you.

How could you possibly know what "we call all tell?" I don't know about anger in that post, but I do see sanctimony in yours - and a cheap attempt to discredit pp.'s experience by generalizing. Can "we all tell" that? No. Some people probably see what you said as a wonderful example of Christian love and spreading the good news of Jesus.

Besides, anger is not always or only a sign of "struggling" with something, it can result from realizing you've been duped and being rightfully angry at the people who duped you. You might feel that way about Christianity some day,

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Probably -- This makes it easier to continue believing, despite doubts or evidence to the contrary

What evidence to the contrary ?

The evidence is that no one has been able to prove the existence of God, or any other gods.

Actually, God came down Himself as Jesus Christ and proved not only that He existed but that He loved us, and then died for us.

Sorry, that's not proof. That's a story you read from an ancient book that written by men. There's no proof that Jesus was a God. If reading stories from a book proves the existence of something, then we can perform similar proofs on unicorns and mermaids.

First of all, Jesus is not a God. Jesus is the one and only God. And yes, there is historical evidence beyond the Bible that supports this.

No, there aren't. There are QUESTIONABLE accounts - about three, I believe, that are isolated accounts.

Let's reframe this. If some person today were to walk on water and turn water into wine and raise people from the dead, don't you think that there would be MANY accounts?

Where are the others who witnessed these miracles? Surely you don't expect only four men to have captured such miracles?

Stop fooling yourself into thinking these stories are real.

Well, sure, today it would be on Twitter and CNN. But, as you may or may not be aware, means of communication 2,000 years ago was a little primative as compared to today.

Wow, you are really angry about this aren't you? Why does it scare you so much?

I'm far from scared, bible thumper.

I've had 12 years of Catholic education (aka brainwashing). Even then, as we were forced to attend mass and chant in unison, most of us simply went through the motions. If you really STOP and think about your actions in church and what you say again and again b/c it's all so ritualistic, you'll see it amounts to nothing.

If anything, YOU should be scared for not having the ability to think for yourself.

Before Twitter and other such nonsense, there was word of mouth. from oral to written communication, genius

Now, having said that, if Jesus WERE the real deal, you'd still find different accounts of his miracles. Look at all of the primary accounts related to Greek theatre! And the masses were ALSO illiterate. Their brainwashing occurred through tragedies and traveling troupes - carrying the stories to the people.

So there's no comparison.

If Jesus were truly "not of this world," we'd have multiple accounts.

But sadly, your brain is hardwired to "believe."

I think we can all tell that your 12 years of Catholic education ruined your relationship with God. Sadly, that does happen, as the Catholic church -- like all churches -- is man made and thus has human flaws. But I do think the level of anger that you display here is indication that you are still struggling with this. And fortunately, God will never give up on you.

NP. I agree that pp is still carrying a ton of resentment about the church. Who knows why. I'd suggest talking to someone about it.

[Anonymous]

I'm far from scared, bible thumper.

I've had 12 years of Catholic education (aka brainwashing). Even then, as we were forced to attend mass and chant in unison, most of us simply went through the motions. If you really STOP and think about your actions in church and what you say again and again b/c it's all so ritualistic, you'll see it amounts to nothing.

If anything, YOU should be scared for not having the ability to think for yourself.

Before Twitter and other such nonsense, there was word of mouth. from oral to written communication, genius

Now, having said that, if Jesus WERE the real deal, you'd still find different accounts of his miracles. Look at all of the primary accounts related to Greek theatre! And the masses were ALSO illiterate. Their brainwashing occurred through tragedies and traveling troupes - carrying the stories to the people.

So there's no comparison.

If Jesus were truly "not of this world," we'd have multiple accounts.

But sadly, your brain is hardwired to "believe."

I think we can all tell that your 12 years of Catholic education ruined your relationship with God. Sadly, that does happen, as the Catholic church -- like all churches -- is man made and thus has human flaws. But I do think the level of anger that you display here is indication that you are still struggling with this. And fortunately, God will never give up on you.

Nothing ruined my relationship with God. It was never there to begin with. I went through the motions b/c this was how I was raised. There's no time to reflect when you're a kid. You just follow along b/c it's what you know.

I'm not angry. I'm actually feeling free to be rid of the "duty" to this god. My Sundays are free. My kids don't have to go through indoctrination. My tithing has ended, and all money goes toward a college education.

There is no struggle.

Don't analyze me, PP, b/c it makes you feel as though your religion does indeed serve a purpose.

It doesn't.

It's a man-made way to control the masses.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Probably -- This makes it easier to continue believing, despite doubts or evidence to the contrary

What evidence to the contrary ?

The evidence is that no one has been able to prove the existence of God, or any other gods.

Actually, God came down Himself as Jesus Christ and proved not only that He existed but that He loved us, and then died for us.

Sorry, that's not proof. That's a story you read from an ancient book that written by men. There's no proof that Jesus was a God. If reading stories from a book proves the existence of something, then we can perform similar proofs on unicorns and mermaids.

First of all, Jesus is not a God. Jesus is the one and only God. And yes, there is historical evidence beyond the Bible that supports this.

No, there aren't. There are QUESTIONABLE accounts - about three, I believe, that are isolated accounts.

Let's reframe this. If some person today were to walk on water and turn water into wine and raise people from the dead, don't you think that there would be MANY accounts?

Where are the others who witnessed these miracles? Surely you don't expect only four men to have captured such miracles?

Stop fooling yourself into thinking these stories are real.

Well, sure, today it would be on Twitter and CNN. But, as you may or may not be aware, means of communication 2,000 years ago was a little primative as compared to today.

Wow, you are really angry about this aren't you? Why does it scare you so much?

I'm far from scared, bible thumper.

I've had 12 years of Catholic education (aka brainwashing). Even then, as we were forced to attend mass and chant in unison, most of us simply went through the motions. If you really STOP and think about your actions in church and what you say again and again b/c it's all so ritualistic, you'll see it amounts to nothing.

If anything, YOU should be scared for not having the ability to think for yourself.

Before Twitter and other such nonsense, there was word of mouth. from oral to written communication, genius

Now, having said that, if Jesus WERE the real deal, you'd still find different accounts of his miracles. Look at all of the primary accounts related to Greek theatre! And the masses were ALSO illiterate. Their brainwashing occurred through tragedies and traveling troupes - carrying the stories to the people.

So there's no comparison.

If Jesus were truly "not of this world," we'd have multiple accounts.

But sadly, your brain is hardwired to "believe."

I think we can all tell that your 12 years of Catholic education ruined your relationship with God. Sadly, that does happen, as the Catholic church -- like all churches -- is man made and thus has human flaws. But I do think the level of anger that you display here is indication that you are still struggling with this. And fortunately, God will never give up on you.

NP. I agree that pp is still carrying a ton of resentment about the church. Who knows why. I'd suggest talking to someone about it.

I love the psychoanalysis 101.

Let's play "Let's analyze the atheist!"

ha!

And so now I need a therapist b/c I'm angry?

How is being free synonymous with anger? lol

[Anonymous]

I'm sure it's a tough journey, OP, but you'll come through it more peaceful and less fearful. I see life so much more clearly and it is so much more beautiful than I could've imagined when I believed in god. And as horrifying as life on earth can be, it feels better not to believe atrocities are god's will. That would be terrifying.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure it's a tough journey, OP, but you'll come through it more peaceful and less fearful. I see life so much more clearly and it is so much more beautiful than I could've imagined when I believed in god. And as horrifying as life on earth can be, it feels better not to believe atrocities are god's will. That would be terrifying.

Who believes that? That is certainly not Christian teaching.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm sure it's a tough journey, OP, but you'll come through it more peaceful and less fearful. I see life so much more clearly and it is so much more beautiful than I could've imagined when I believed in god. And as horrifying as life on earth can be, it feels better not to believe atrocities are god's will. That would be terrifying.

Who believes that? That is certainly not Christian teaching.

Whatever happens is "God's will" right? The good stuff, the bad stuff -- it's all from God - if you believe in him

[Anonymous]

Welcome! Over time I hope you find it liberating. No more need to contort your thinking - "this wonderful person got cancer at 36, but somehow it must be a good thing and God's plan, right?" Instead, you will be able to think what you should think, which is that nature can be cruel and sometimes terrible things happen to good people for no plan or real reason at all - just a twist of fate. I understand that you feel a loss, but there is peace too.