Who has changed their minds about religion on this forum?

[Anonymous]

Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Larry Sanger (founder of Wikipedia) embraces Christianity.

https://larrysanger.org/2025/02/how-a-skeptical-philosopher-becomes-a-christian/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIZbqhleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHTfnFT6sVHFqCr23l4ypJ1YM3rtDXeIN8-dg8E_c_444pW4IZ_PLBqUSQA_aem_KkhDMlE-a3APyZhWQrTwbw

That's interesting -- doesn't make Christianity true, though

What would make Christianity true?

It being true is what would make it true.

Evidence that it is true is what we would use to make that determination. But there isn't any, so there is little reason to believe it, if any.

-DP

I've asked this question before, but I'm a masochist so here I go again: What evidence would convince you?

Don't be obscure. No interpreting burning bushes and smoke signals. Have a meteorite crash down to earth with the ten commandments written in some indestructible alloy or element with clear writing that can be understood. Probably in English or Mandarin (or both) since they are the most spoken languages.

Separately, there is more evidence for the existence of Muhammed or Buddha than for Jesus. If you were defending those religions, you would at least have stronger standing than being a christian.

Even the most strident atheists (Bart Ehrman, for example) believe that Jesus was a real person. The question is did he do any of the things attributed to him. To answer that, I would direct you to the book The Resurrection of the Son of God, by N.T. Wright, whose main thesis is that there's no historically possible alternate explanation for the birth of the Christian church than the resurrection of Jesus Christ, in space and time.

They believe that it's very likely that he lived.

So what? Even if a historical Jesus existed, that does not prove he was the son of god (which is also a whole other nonsensical can of worms).

+1. PP should read the book : Heretic: Jesus Christ and the other sons of god. Fascinating to see how many people were doing the things only Jesus became revered for and eventually became known as the son of god. It’s like he had the best marketing company ever lol.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I’m not sure if you’ve posted before but I’m an atheist and sincerely believe the world would be a better place if every Christian was like you. And I wish I had met Christians like you instead of the evangelical ones that have caused my family so much harm

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I’m not sure if you’ve posted before but I’m an atheist and sincerely believe the world would be a better place if every Christian was like you. And I wish I had met Christians like you instead of the evangelical ones that have caused my family so much harm

PP to whom you responded

I am so sorry to hear that. It is truly terrible that religion causes some people a great deal of harm.

I hope you meet more religious folks who are simply loving presences in your life and not judging or imposing their views on you.

I have evangelical family members and strongly disagree with their politics and interpretations of some scriptures .However, I know they mean well and are misguided. Or maybe I am misguided but whichever is the case: I ask them not to talk about politics in family conversations. I try to find common ground and avoid the landmines .

I know many atheists are highly Moral and principled and lead full lives. I think I am just wired to be religious as it is something that I feel deeply within me. But I don’t think one needs to be religious to be a good person and often it causes many unnecessary conflicts. But feelings of deep peace and unconditional love feel authentic in my religious experiences. Probably other people may feel
Similarly through non religious experiences of hiking in nature, volunteering to help others and making time to appreciate beauty in its many forms.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I’m not sure if you’ve posted before but I’m an atheist and sincerely believe the world would be a better place if every Christian was like you. And I wish I had met Christians like you instead of the evangelical ones that have caused my family so much harm

PP to whom you responded

I am so sorry to hear that. It is truly terrible that religion causes some people a great deal of harm.

I hope you meet more religious folks who are simply loving presences in your life and not judging or imposing their views on you.

I have evangelical family members and strongly disagree with their politics and interpretations of some scriptures .However, I know they mean well and are misguided. Or maybe I am misguided but whichever is the case: I ask them not to talk about politics in family conversations. I try to find common ground and avoid the landmines .

I know many atheists are highly Moral and principled and lead full lives. I think I am just wired to be religious as it is something that I feel deeply within me. But I don’t think one needs to be religious to be a good person and often it causes many unnecessary conflicts. But feelings of deep peace and unconditional love feel authentic in my religious experiences. Probably other people may feel
Similarly through non religious experiences of hiking in nature, volunteering to help others and making time to appreciate beauty in its many forms.

I think you hit on something regarding "being wired" to be religious, or not. I suspect it's always been that way, then at some point, it became required to be religious. Almost everyone was taught to be religious. For some people it took effect and for others it didn't. For some, religion seemed natural, but for others, either from the beginning, or sometime later, it just didn't make any sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I’m not sure if you’ve posted before but I’m an atheist and sincerely believe the world would be a better place if every Christian was like you. And I wish I had met Christians like you instead of the evangelical ones that have caused my family so much harm

PP to whom you responded

I am so sorry to hear that. It is truly terrible that religion causes some people a great deal of harm.

I hope you meet more religious folks who are simply loving presences in your life and not judging or imposing their views on you.

I have evangelical family members and strongly disagree with their politics and interpretations of some scriptures .However, I know they mean well and are misguided. Or maybe I am misguided but whichever is the case: I ask them not to talk about politics in family conversations. I try to find common ground and avoid the landmines .

I know many atheists are highly Moral and principled and lead full lives. I think I am just wired to be religious as it is something that I feel deeply within me. But I don’t think one needs to be religious to be a good person and often it causes many unnecessary conflicts. But feelings of deep peace and unconditional love feel authentic in my religious experiences. Probably other people may feel
Similarly through non religious experiences of hiking in nature, volunteering to help others and making time to appreciate beauty in its many forms.

Yeah we don’t see any “unconditional”’ anything coming from the Christians we know lol. Entire lifetimes of love and what I thought were deep bonds are thrown away if one of your kids turns out to be gay for example. Renders all the love I have shown completely meaningless as the while relationship was conditional the while time and I was a fool for not seeing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I’m not sure if you’ve posted before but I’m an atheist and sincerely believe the world would be a better place if every Christian was like you. And I wish I had met Christians like you instead of the evangelical ones that have caused my family so much harm

PP to whom you responded

I am so sorry to hear that. It is truly terrible that religion causes some people a great deal of harm.

I hope you meet more religious folks who are simply loving presences in your life and not judging or imposing their views on you.

I have evangelical family members and strongly disagree with their politics and interpretations of some scriptures .However, I know they mean well and are misguided. Or maybe I am misguided but whichever is the case: I ask them not to talk about politics in family conversations. I try to find common ground and avoid the landmines .

I know many atheists are highly Moral and principled and lead full lives. I think I am just wired to be religious as it is something that I feel deeply within me. But I don’t think one needs to be religious to be a good person and often it causes many unnecessary conflicts. But feelings of deep peace and unconditional love feel authentic in my religious experiences. Probably other people may feel
Similarly through non religious experiences of hiking in nature, volunteering to help others and making time to appreciate beauty in its many forms.

Yeah we don’t see any “unconditional”’ anything coming from the Christians we know lol. Entire lifetimes of love and what I thought were deep bonds are thrown away if one of your kids turns out to be gay for example. Renders all the love I have shown completely meaningless as the while relationship was conditional the while time and I was a fool for not seeing

You were not a fool. They are the fools.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I’m not sure if you’ve posted before but I’m an atheist and sincerely believe the world would be a better place if every Christian was like you. And I wish I had met Christians like you instead of the evangelical ones that have caused my family so much harm

PP to whom you responded

I am so sorry to hear that. It is truly terrible that religion causes some people a great deal of harm.

I hope you meet more religious folks who are simply loving presences in your life and not judging or imposing their views on you.

I have evangelical family members and strongly disagree with their politics and interpretations of some scriptures .However, I know they mean well and are misguided. Or maybe I am misguided but whichever is the case: I ask them not to talk about politics in family conversations. I try to find common ground and avoid the landmines .

I know many atheists are highly Moral and principled and lead full lives. I think I am just wired to be religious as it is something that I feel deeply within me. But I don’t think one needs to be religious to be a good person and often it causes many unnecessary conflicts. But feelings of deep peace and unconditional love feel authentic in my religious experiences. Probably other people may feel
Similarly through non religious experiences of hiking in nature, volunteering to help others and making time to appreciate beauty in its many forms.

Yeah we don’t see any “unconditional”’ anything coming from the Christians we know lol. Entire lifetimes of love and what I thought were deep bonds are thrown away if one of your kids turns out to be gay for example. Renders all the love I have shown completely meaningless as the whole relationship was conditional the whole time and I was a fool for not seeing

They don't know that the kid can't help being gay and they think it's sinful. They are wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I’m not sure if you’ve posted before but I’m an atheist and sincerely believe the world would be a better place if every Christian was like you. And I wish I had met Christians like you instead of the evangelical ones that have caused my family so much harm

PP to whom you responded

I am so sorry to hear that. It is truly terrible that religion causes some people a great deal of harm.

I hope you meet more religious folks who are simply loving presences in your life and not judging or imposing their views on you.

I have evangelical family members and strongly disagree with their politics and interpretations of some scriptures .However, I know they mean well and are misguided. Or maybe I am misguided but whichever is the case: I ask them not to talk about politics in family conversations. I try to find common ground and avoid the landmines .

I know many atheists are highly Moral and principled and lead full lives. I think I am just wired to be religious as it is something that I feel deeply within me. But I don’t think one needs to be religious to be a good person and often it causes many unnecessary conflicts. But feelings of deep peace and unconditional love feel authentic in my religious experiences. Probably other people may feel
Similarly through non religious experiences of hiking in nature, volunteering to help others and making time to appreciate beauty in its many forms.

Yeah we don’t see any “unconditional”’ anything coming from the Christians we know lol. Entire lifetimes of love and what I thought were deep bonds are thrown away if one of your kids turns out to be gay for example. Renders all the love I have shown completely meaningless as the while relationship was conditional the while time and I was a fool for not seeing

You were not a fool. They are the fools.

Thank you. This has been excruciating because it involves a close family member and your post brought tears to my eyes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I’m not sure if you’ve posted before but I’m an atheist and sincerely believe the world would be a better place if every Christian was like you. And I wish I had met Christians like you instead of the evangelical ones that have caused my family so much harm

PP to whom you responded

I am so sorry to hear that. It is truly terrible that religion causes some people a great deal of harm.

I hope you meet more religious folks who are simply loving presences in your life and not judging or imposing their views on you.

I have evangelical family members and strongly disagree with their politics and interpretations of some scriptures .However, I know they mean well and are misguided. Or maybe I am misguided but whichever is the case: I ask them not to talk about politics in family conversations. I try to find common ground and avoid the landmines .

I know many atheists are highly Moral and principled and lead full lives. I think I am just wired to be religious as it is something that I feel deeply within me. But I don’t think one needs to be religious to be a good person and often it causes many unnecessary conflicts. But feelings of deep peace and unconditional love feel authentic in my religious experiences. Probably other people may feel
Similarly through non religious experiences of hiking in nature, volunteering to help others and making time to appreciate beauty in its many forms.

Yeah we don’t see any “unconditional”’ anything coming from the Christians we know lol. Entire lifetimes of love and what I thought were deep bonds are thrown away if one of your kids turns out to be gay for example. Renders all the love I have shown completely meaningless as the whole relationship was conditional the whole time and I was a fool for not seeing

They don't know that the kid can't help being gay and they think it's sinful. They are wrong.

Thank you. It’s a little bit of solace to hear. Especially coming from Christians because although I’m no longer a believer it comforts me to know that not all Christians are this horrific and that they also agree that what they are doing is nothing like what the person they claim to worship and follow would ever want .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I’m not sure if you’ve posted before but I’m an atheist and sincerely believe the world would be a better place if every Christian was like you. And I wish I had met Christians like you instead of the evangelical ones that have caused my family so much harm

PP to whom you responded

I am so sorry to hear that. It is truly terrible that religion causes some people a great deal of harm.

I hope you meet more religious folks who are simply loving presences in your life and not judging or imposing their views on you.

I have evangelical family members and strongly disagree with their politics and interpretations of some scriptures .However, I know they mean well and are misguided. Or maybe I am misguided but whichever is the case: I ask them not to talk about politics in family conversations. I try to find common ground and avoid the landmines .

I know many atheists are highly Moral and principled and lead full lives. I think I am just wired to be religious as it is something that I feel deeply within me. But I don’t think one needs to be religious to be a good person and often it causes many unnecessary conflicts. But feelings of deep peace and unconditional love feel authentic in my religious experiences. Probably other people may feel
Similarly through non religious experiences of hiking in nature, volunteering to help others and making time to appreciate beauty in its many forms.

Yeah we don’t see any “unconditional”’ anything coming from the Christians we know lol. Entire lifetimes of love and what I thought were deep bonds are thrown away if one of your kids turns out to be gay for example. Renders all the love I have shown completely meaningless as the while relationship was conditional the while time and I was a fool for not seeing

It is so profoundly iwrong to demonize children and their families for being gay.


I am sorry this was your experience. My church even has support groups for parents of GLBTQ+ youth to support them in loving their children the way they are.

I can understand why people become atheists with the lack of love, compassion, and care shown by so many Christians.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I’m not sure if you’ve posted before but I’m an atheist and sincerely believe the world would be a better place if every Christian was like you. And I wish I had met Christians like you instead of the evangelical ones that have caused my family so much harm

PP to whom you responded

I am so sorry to hear that. It is truly terrible that religion causes some people a great deal of harm.

I hope you meet more religious folks who are simply loving presences in your life and not judging or imposing their views on you.

I have evangelical family members and strongly disagree with their politics and interpretations of some scriptures .However, I know they mean well and are misguided. Or maybe I am misguided but whichever is the case: I ask them not to talk about politics in family conversations. I try to find common ground and avoid the landmines .

I know many atheists are highly Moral and principled and lead full lives. I think I am just wired to be religious as it is something that I feel deeply within me. But I don’t think one needs to be religious to be a good person and often it causes many unnecessary conflicts. But feelings of deep peace and unconditional love feel authentic in my religious experiences. Probably other people may feel
Similarly through non religious experiences of hiking in nature, volunteering to help others and making time to appreciate beauty in its many forms.

Yeah we don’t see any “unconditional”’ anything coming from the Christians we know lol. Entire lifetimes of love and what I thought were deep bonds are thrown away if one of your kids turns out to be gay for example. Renders all the love I have shown completely meaningless as the whole relationship was conditional the whole time and I was a fool for not seeing

They don't know that the kid can't help being gay and they think it's sinful. They are wrong.

Thank you. It’s a little bit of solace to hear. Especially coming from Christians because although I’m no longer a believer it comforts me to know that not all Christians are this horrific and that they also agree that what they are doing is nothing like what the person they claim to worship and follow would ever want .

You're welcome. I'm no longer a believer, either, I'm an atheist, former Catholic, and am also the poster who brought tears to your eyes above.

Also, I don't think you were a fool for not seeing that their relationship was conditional. That's often the way it is when people are religious fundamentalists. And you're right - not all Christians are as horrific as your fundamentalist family members.

I'm acquainted with fundamentalists who have a gay family member. While they don't approve of the homosexuality, they still show love to the person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I’m not sure if you’ve posted before but I’m an atheist and sincerely believe the world would be a better place if every Christian was like you. And I wish I had met Christians like you instead of the evangelical ones that have caused my family so much harm

PP to whom you responded

I am so sorry to hear that. It is truly terrible that religion causes some people a great deal of harm.

I hope you meet more religious folks who are simply loving presences in your life and not judging or imposing their views on you.

I have evangelical family members and strongly disagree with their politics and interpretations of some scriptures .However, I know they mean well and are misguided. Or maybe I am misguided but whichever is the case: I ask them not to talk about politics in family conversations. I try to find common ground and avoid the landmines .

I know many atheists are highly Moral and principled and lead full lives. I think I am just wired to be religious as it is something that I feel deeply within me. But I don’t think one needs to be religious to be a good person and often it causes many unnecessary conflicts. But feelings of deep peace and unconditional love feel authentic in my religious experiences. Probably other people may feel
Similarly through non religious experiences of hiking in nature, volunteering to help others and making time to appreciate beauty in its many forms.

Yeah we don’t see any “unconditional”’ anything coming from the Christians we know lol. Entire lifetimes of love and what I thought were deep bonds are thrown away if one of your kids turns out to be gay for example. Renders all the love I have shown completely meaningless as the while relationship was conditional the while time and I was a fool for not seeing

It is so profoundly iwrong to demonize children and their families for being gay.


I am sorry this was your experience. My church even has support groups for parents of GLBTQ+ youth to support them in loving their children the way they are.

I can understand why people become atheists with the lack of love, compassion, and care shown by so many Christians.

FYI - I did not become an atheist because of the lack of love, etc., shown by Christians. I became an atheist because it became obvious that God is a human-made phenomenon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I’m not sure if you’ve posted before but I’m an atheist and sincerely believe the world would be a better place if every Christian was like you. And I wish I had met Christians like you instead of the evangelical ones that have caused my family so much harm

PP to whom you responded

I am so sorry to hear that. It is truly terrible that religion causes some people a great deal of harm.

I hope you meet more religious folks who are simply loving presences in your life and not judging or imposing their views on you.

I have evangelical family members and strongly disagree with their politics and interpretations of some scriptures .However, I know they mean well and are misguided. Or maybe I am misguided but whichever is the case: I ask them not to talk about politics in family conversations. I try to find common ground and avoid the landmines .

I know many atheists are highly Moral and principled and lead full lives. I think I am just wired to be religious as it is something that I feel deeply within me. But I don’t think one needs to be religious to be a good person and often it causes many unnecessary conflicts. But feelings of deep peace and unconditional love feel authentic in my religious experiences. Probably other people may feel
Similarly through non religious experiences of hiking in nature, volunteering to help others and making time to appreciate beauty in its many forms.

Yeah we don’t see any “unconditional”’ anything coming from the Christians we know lol. Entire lifetimes of love and what I thought were deep bonds are thrown away if one of your kids turns out to be gay for example. Renders all the love I have shown completely meaningless as the while relationship was conditional the while time and I was a fool for not seeing

It is so profoundly iwrong to demonize children and their families for being gay.


I am sorry this was your experience. My church even has support groups for parents of GLBTQ+ youth to support them in loving their children the way they are.

I can understand why people become atheists with the lack of love, compassion, and care shown by so many Christians.

FYI - I did not become an atheist because of the lack of love, etc., shown by Christians. I became an atheist because it became obvious that God is a human-made phenomenon.

Amen!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Christian poster

I think I have more appreciation for atheistic and agnostic viewpoints since reading in this forum. Not from the overly reductionist and gross generalizations type of posts but from thoughtful atheists/ agnostics.

I feel like I have probably have more in common with some atheists and agnostics than more literally minded religious folks in terms of believing that:
(A) women’s reproductive rights represent basic human rights (these decisions should be between women and their doctors)
(B) the division between church and state needs to be legally protected to protect them both from corruption and exploiting religion for unholy purposes;
(C) GLBTQ + rights represent basic human rights (other peoples’ sexuality and gender affiliations is none of my business and they are people worthy of the same rights as the rest of us); and
(D) sensible gun laws are needed to reduce catastrophic mass gun shootings and accidental gun deaths.

I love God and love my church. However, living in peace requires commitment to protecting freedom of choice, shared human rights, respect for science and medicine, and democracy.

The Golden Rule is a transcendent moral code that I believe both religious people and agnostic/ atheists also believe in.

I do think that Christians need to do a better job of shining our lights in our dark world.
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another"
John 13:35.

… “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13

I’m not sure if you’ve posted before but I’m an atheist and sincerely believe the world would be a better place if every Christian was like you. And I wish I had met Christians like you instead of the evangelical ones that have caused my family so much harm

PP to whom you responded

I am so sorry to hear that. It is truly terrible that religion causes some people a great deal of harm.

I hope you meet more religious folks who are simply loving presences in your life and not judging or imposing their views on you.

I have evangelical family members and strongly disagree with their politics and interpretations of some scriptures .However, I know they mean well and are misguided. Or maybe I am misguided but whichever is the case: I ask them not to talk about politics in family conversations. I try to find common ground and avoid the landmines .

I know many atheists are highly Moral and principled and lead full lives. I think I am just wired to be religious as it is something that I feel deeply within me. But I don’t think one needs to be religious to be a good person and often it causes many unnecessary conflicts. But feelings of deep peace and unconditional love feel authentic in my religious experiences. Probably other people may feel
Similarly through non religious experiences of hiking in nature, volunteering to help others and making time to appreciate beauty in its many forms.

Yeah we don’t see any “unconditional”’ anything coming from the Christians we know lol. Entire lifetimes of love and what I thought were deep bonds are thrown away if one of your kids turns out to be gay for example. Renders all the love I have shown completely meaningless as the while relationship was conditional the while time and I was a fool for not seeing

It is so profoundly iwrong to demonize children and their families for being gay.


I am sorry this was your experience. My church even has support groups for parents of GLBTQ+ youth to support them in loving their children the way they are.

I can understand why people become atheists with the lack of love, compassion, and care shown by so many Christians.

FYI - I did not become an atheist because of the lack of love, etc., shown by Christians. I became an atheist because it became obvious that God is a human-made phenomenon.

Amen!

It was only after I became atheist that Christians who knew of my change in perspective showed me any lack of love. Some just wanted to bring me back to the fold, which is OK. Others disdained me and dropped me.