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Does anyone have advice for a person that's been an atheist less than 3 months? I would appreciatte any tips of any kind.

freedom41 9 May 2
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61 comments (26 - 50)

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Keep going!

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Don't burn bridges unless you absolutely have to. Most people, religious or not, ultimately don't care what you believe as as you're being who you are. From my experience.

If you said they do not care, then why there are so many hatred to the GLBT community? This is just one example.

@TuyTran888

To answer your question. Fear. The fear that what they have been taught and what they have done in the name of their religion is wrong and they will have to be responsible. It is easier to go with the flow than to resist it than to look within yourself and see the ugliness it perpetuated.

3

I like a relaxed approach. Being a basically a kind person, I try to be as considerate as possible, tho it's difficult to balance that and honesty..
Still, keep your own council, do what is best for you!

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Keep reinforcing your sense of community and morality any way you can. This place seems full of fine ways to do that, also a few podcasts I love for the skeptic: Penn’s Sunday school (or watch live on YouTube 3p EST Sunday to really feel apart of a congregation of heathens) the ardent atheist and the drunken Taoist are great shows. So are Tangentially Speaking and maybe the Duncan Trussell Family Hour to feed your hippie/mystic side if you have one. Look for regional groups closer to you. Artists, musicians, comedians, actors, authors and creative intellectuals of any sort in your nearest university town probably have some godless communities set up already if you can find them.

3

Just stay rooted in reality. Don't worry about what anyone else has to say.
They are not living your life. You've embraced logic and reason over delusion and lies.
Good for you!

I wish I saw the light earlier in life. Like shortly after I moved out of my parents house.

@freedom41 None of that matters now. The past is the past. You're here now, living a rational life. Just focus on living your life with reason and logic. Congratulations on returning to your default position! 😉

3

Check out the comedy of Dave Allen on Youtube.com

If you miss the social aspects of being a part of a religion, you may want to check out meetup.com to find a local group that does activities and that you are interested in.

People on this site recommend a lot of books.. most of them are good recommendations. You may want to get a library crd if you dont' have one.

3

Before you approach a burning bush, make sure you're in a state where it's legal.

That said, remember that everything takes time. Be patient with yourself, tolerant toward others, and resolute in your search.

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Don’t discount spirituality. And I don’t mean like woo woo claims of supernatural universes or mysticism. I mean enjoying those feelings of connection with people, the universe as a whole, and ideas. The contents of your mind still matter very much to this life. Consciousness is still very much a mystery to us, so spend some time thinking about it.

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Don't listen to those saying "You will go to hell / god will punish you / I will pry for you..." Is all bulls..t.
Walk away from these ignorant people...and if they insist threaten them with harassment.

I haven't had happen to me yet, but I will keep in mind.

3

Check these guys out,

Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchen.... On Youtube it help you understand better.
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Just like the universe, everything starts somewhere....

3

Never pet a burning dog.

sound advice... does it go WOOF! when it burns?

3

Same advice I would give anybody any where any time: read good books.

he said good books not THE good book.

I wish I had thought of that! ?

3

What sort of tips are you looking for my friend? watch the film, Paul. that is a very good film and very appropriate for you I k.

How to resist the urge to go back to the bs of religion. How to tell fam and friends of my new belief system without any hateful comments coming from them. How to deal with differences between us and the fools.

@freedom41 I wouldn't say anything unless asked myself. now, your enlightened how could you possibly go back to fairytales. if your friends and family think more of these fairytales and your right to your beliefs then you need to move on mate. I have religious acquaintances but there are no problems as it never gets mentioned at all. I'm proud of who I am. I own it and would only lie if my beliefs would affect my well being. we are the groundbreakers for future generations to follow. it's not always going to be easy but life isn't anyway. people will talk and hate on you whoever you are. don't worry about it, my friend. fuck their hateful comments.

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I’m really not sure what to say. I can’t think of any tip I would give an atheist over any other person. Is there things you are having trouble with?

Just brief times of thinking about going back to bs religion. Due to growing up with it for most of my life.

@freedom41 try to find more atheist and talk to them, connect with them more then you would not go back to the bs life.

@TuyTran888 thank you very much

@freedom41 knowing who has your best interest, where you get your support for your decision is where you must explore more. Don't hold a grudge to your past. Just respect and try to move on. The concept of sin is just that a concept that is not based in reality.

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Don't believe in a deity. Really. Have you seen evidence of a 'God?' Not me. Just historical fantasy bullshit.

N7EIE Level 6 May 2, 2018
3

Try to know that knowledge is the most important thing in life as an intelligence being. Focus on knowledge instead of believe, you will make fewer mistakes that way.

I will keep that in mind. Thank you.

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Realize you've stepped outside a restrictive paradigm to where your mind is your friend now - not an enemy.

Thank you for the tip.

2

There is a high about the realization that theres no one there, a lot of freedom of not being under the gun. I recommend approaching your new found knowledge with the same caution you would any unknown situation, go slow, watch for potholes, seek meaningfull advice. And try to do what seems right for you. There are plenty of good people that will be willing and able to help and also plenty willing and able to knock you down. Good luck to you and the rest of your life.

Thank you for those kind words.

2

Be yourself sweetheart, you have one go round on this planet hold on for dear life and enjoy the ride. No one is ever going to judge you...you are free xxx

I feel quite liberated since I became an atheist. I few regrets in life. One not becoming an atheist earlier in life. Like shortly after I moved out the house (age19).

2

You are doing the right thing coming here. You can be haunted by religious teachings for years, e.g. fear of burning in hell, friends and family that are still believers distancing themselves from you (sometimes to punish you for not seeing the world as they do, sometimes because of your courage in leaving the "flock" they want to but they are habituated and filled with fear and guilt.) As time goes by it becomes clearer and clearer that the hold religion had on you was for reasons of manipulation and control. Most of us have been there and it takes courage to take that first step in freeing yourself from the chains of religious belief.

Thank you that was very enlightning.

I think I would be better off to distance myself from family members. I have an uncle and cousin who are pastors. So, that tells my family is very religious. I'm considering making the big annoucement on Facebook and see where it goes. Probably will chicken out.

2

It depends on your social, familial and professional status. I might not want to mention this at your workplace, because you might find yourself given an impossible task and then fired for incompetence. It happens all the time. Enjoy the deep look at the natural world without fantasies and you will find more beauty there than you ever dreamed of. Chanel your new found freedom towards kindness. Don't challenge your friends and families religious beliefs or try to convert anyone, but lead by example. Find like minded atheists for support and a social life and you will be happier than ever. Congratulations on finding your way out of the grip of religion.

thank you. I only wish I got away from the bs earlier in life. I think would have been a happier if I did.

2

Don't forget to feed the Richard Dawkin once in a while and do your prayers to the great spaghetti monster twice a week 😛

2

So you took the red pill? (just don't take the blue pill anymore... stick to red). (hope you get the reference.)

If you don't get the reference above: Welcome Brother to the world of the enlighten where mysterious is disappointing but knowledge empowering.

(I'm keeping it light hearted because I have nothing to add to what has already been said)

2

Live your life. You are free, now

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