Greetings. Today is day one of my outward expression of agnostic atheism. In my few interactions thus far I have noticed an irrational frustration at those who do not accept my new stance and refuse to hear my reasons. I have not told my family as they are heavily religious. Has anyone else struggled with the frustration I am dealing with? And did anything help calm the rage? The last thing I want is to shed a bad light on what I believe and why I now believe it. Thanks.
0
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
8 comments
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.We should all allow others, and ourselves the right to be wrong...I find it helps relieve the fustration with others. And helps me focus on improving myself and not spend too much energy on what others may be feeling or doing, or thinking..what others feel, do, or think is really none of my business.
HankSherman
Level 8
Feb 6, 2019
0
I think everyone struggles with the frustration of other people not listening and having a closed mind.
Just tell them you're evidence based.
dare2dream
Level 7
Feb 6, 2019
2
No need to announce that you don’t believe....just keep cool and detached in the knowledge that you are now a rational, thinking being. If it comes up in any conversation, then you can say that after critical thought you have come to the conclusion that it is irrational to believe in something for which there is no evidence, and are now an atheist/agnostic (or whichever terminology you decide to use to describe yourself).
Marionville
Level 10
Feb 6, 2019
0
Not accepting the existence of gods is not a belief. It is a position. It isn't necessary to talk about your position to anyone unless they are directly attacking you with their beliefs. Relax and enjoy the freedom.
evidentialist
Level 8
Feb 6, 2019
0
Can you give some examples of the reactions you are getting? I have found, through trial and error, that sometimes it is better to keep my mouth shut, at least until I am really comfortable and sure of new knowledge, and only when I think it is important to take a stance.
sfvpool
Level 7
Feb 6, 2019
0
I don't recall exact words, more of a strait denial that reasons could exist at all. And it becomes troublesome when I realize that about a year ago I would have said something similar.
@Phayon If what they are arguing is that we couldn't exist without a God, then, if you haven't already, study up on evolution. My favorite book on the subject is, "The Blind Watchmaker", by Richard Dawkins.
If what they are arguing is that we can't have morality without religion, I suggest, if you haven't already, study the ethics of Western philosophy, starting with the Greeks. Both Plato and Aristotle had a conception of ethics that based it upon what will give you a fulfilling life -- an individualistic viewpoint. Most Western philosophers since them have accepted the ethical tenants of Christianity and think that we must sacrifice to others as the basis of our morality, but it is good to read their viewpoints. Ayn Rand, if you haven't read her, basis her ethics on individualism and is a direct contrast to most philosophers, and basis her morality on the nature of man.
In any case, it takes time to digest new ideas. I suggest to keep thinking about and studying all of these ideas until you are certain of what you believe, hopefully based only upon reason.
I guess my question is more of the personal than the inter-personal. I feel angry at the beliefs I was indoctrinated into. I don't like feeling this way as I cannot change the past. I feel angry that conversations did not go well. This is the only area that I am struggling to quell such emotions. Is it just that i'm so fresh to anti-belief? Have others experienced this and it faded over time?
Phayon
Level 5
Feb 6, 2019
0
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
Share this post
Related Groups More
Memes R Us
3036 members
Categories
Agnostic does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any content. Read full disclaimer.