Hey all, first time post on here. It feels weird to finally accept the fact that I am an Athiest and not care about the existance of a God or not. Weird in that I actually feel like I belong, and not as the only one who feels the way I do as an "Ex-Muslim".
I have been brought up in a strict "shia" muslim household, and have seen all the good and bad (some ugly stuff too). In regards to that experience I can't completely be angry with myself over the fact that I lied to myself, but am glad that I am able to take some lessons away from all of it.
In the hopes of not boring everyone and spewing out a load of crap we are all aware of, I have summarised these into 4 semi-brief points:
No matter what, you will NEVER make everyone happy in life: From inter-faith dating, to attempting to learn more by asking the hard questions, I had found out the hard way that Religion can really decimate one's rationality in life.
Listen first, answer the question, wait for the response: The most important lesson I have learnt in dealing with peole hands down. Irrespective of how you feel towards someone or something, the least you can do is to entertain their thought process for one second. When all is said and done, you now have mutual trust and can learn to move forward. With this, you may also have all the arguments to kick someone's points in the balls, which is what ended up happening nearly all of the time when conversing with idiots.
Faith is something that may be hard to earn, but can be priceless in the long run: Wanting to belong, wanting to see positive change, or even wanting to better yourself are all things every human yearns for (as I even mentioned earlier, I am glad to finally belong). In learning of this, I have felt what is needed to allow someone to really committ to a long term plan, and hope I can build upon these lessons for setting up my own future, and finally
In a debate, no one may walk away with a changed perspective: This was the hardest lesson to learn, as I know that if I am to confess my actual hatred of Religion, and how it divides us as humans, my family will see me as the worst person to have ever existed. So what should I do? I don't know. For now, I bite the bullet and work towards expanding their mind to rational thinking.
If ever I have felt more at peace with knowing I can be myself, it is now. I was shunned by friends, people of my own sect of religion, my family at times, soley for the reason that I was not religious. So I ask myself, and you guys: "So fucking what?"
Great post. I hope I hear more from you. And I had posted a few days ago about Jews or Muslims who have become agnostic or atheist. I had lots of comments but interestingly enough no Muslims so I am happy to find you and hope you are safe and well. You have taken a huge step and you seem well prepared. Take it easy on expressing hatred toward religion as that will sure cause you a backlash. I have found that I very rarely get involved with religious conversations because most people are only interested in espousing their own beliefs and have no interest in any one else's ideas. I really liked reading your points. Good luck and welcome to this community
Welcome and it's "so fucking what" with me. When I "gave up the ghost" and opened my eyes for the first time I was scared shitless. It took a while to adjust. Once I did I, too, found freedom. I'm still pissed at myself that I took so long and wasted my life but things are as they were. whatever.
I have to listen and ignore people many times. Lots of my rides are religious people. They haven't tried to convert me, not yet, but I get lots of "bless you's" and "I'll pray for you" and stupid shit like that. I just let them ramble. My family is full of religious shit, too, including my wife who lives up in Lufkin. Can't shake that tree so I climbed out of it.
I am working on my "second life" now. It's an adventure. It's lonely at times but such is life. Good luck man, you made good points and, again, welcome!
It is disheartening when people we are close to can not respect our autonomy in thought & opinion. Rigid mindset does not serve us well. How are we to evolve if we are mired in doctrine & a mind closed to new ideas. I celebrate your courage to hold true to your independence as a human with a free mind. With the current administration controlling our nations direction, I hope you feel accepted & welcome here. We need you. We are here to support you as you transit from doctrine to a free thinking person. Questioning is not wrong. Seeking is not wrong either.
Welcome! I hope you find your happy place here!!
You are brave and think clearly. Best of luck from here on out into the future! Glad you are here!
There are a lot more of us out there than you may realize. Welcome. I've found the people on here are actually very good at listening and speaking. I enjoy the dialogue a lot.
Welcome! It gets easier over time, once those religious types in your life realize you haven't started worshipping Satan or sacrificing live chickens.
Welcome to the club. Glad to have you here. You have a good head on your shoulders. Congrats on breaking away and thanks for sharing your story.