The Atheist - Agnostic - Non religious thread

Well I've also been an atheist all of my life.  I've never once believed in God or had any religious views.  My father is staunchly atheist (very much like myself) and my mother is too (I think; she never really discusses it.  I think she's more agnostic if anything).

Neither of them (or my elder brother's) forced anything on me.  I just have always thought the idea of God is complete rubbish.  I guess it may partly be due to my interest in Dinosaurs when I was about 8 or so as well but even then, I do not think I had any views.

Having said this, I did find an old school book of mine earlier this year from when I was about 6 or 7 (perhaps younger) and in it, I do mention God.  Very odd!  At that age it must have been mentioned at school.  I do remember once at school one of the teachers asking what was special about that day.  Nobody knew except me.  It was Epiphany.  I think I had read it in a diary the day before.


Edited by James - June 04 2009 at 05:09

I'm just glad you've gotten out of that cycle, Dean.  I'm not remotely religious, as you are aware but I can say that you do not find religion, religion finds you.  You have to choose one and stick with it (or rather, it finds you and you stick with it, unless you completely lose faith, of course).

Of course, that also means non-beliefs, such as atheism and agnosticism.

Moving through different religions won't really help you.

Dean, was that the Children of God?  I'm just curious.


Edited by James - June 04 2009 at 05:56

Oh right.  I know some musicians joined The Children of God in the 1970s, so I thought it may have been that.

I also met a former Hare Krishna earlier this year.  He's still a Christian though.  Turns out he went to school with me.  Small world!

Parents and us kids went to a Methodist church when we were growing up.  Had an aunt that was in the Worldwide Church Of God, which I followed for a while.  Great place for free literature and I did their bible study course.  They had a fairly logical approach to religion, if you can believe that.  Didn't have churches and have a lot of beliefs contrary to mainstream Christianity and are considered a cult by some.  Never joined though.  They kind of lurched to the right as I was lurching to left.  I guess I'll have to consider myself agnostic at this point.  Still struggling the the question, if God created everything didn't something have to create God?  And then why does anything exist anyway in the first place?


Edited by Slartibartfast - June 04 2009 at 10:07

Deathrabbit wrote: Yeah, the whole human domino rally concept of time, doesn't jive well with the creation of the universe, no matter what religion (or lack thereof.) At some point, either something had to poof in from nothing, or something was always there. Either possibility will cook your noodle if you think about it too hard.

If you've read enough of my posts you've probably already surmised that my noodle has already been cooking waaay too long.

Although my four grandparents were practising catholics, my father was always  atheist and my mother more or less agnostic (although she went through the catholic rites to please her parents).

I am open minded, so while I do believe in "god" (I like higher power or grand architect of the universe  better) I fully admit that may be a current explaination. For example, what was before the big bang?
Nothing? Then it exploded? Was there already a universe "seedling" but WHY/HOW did the big bang happen? It just did? Even if the collapse of another universe occurred and the force tunneled through a wormhole, (which I heard once) what about THAT universe?

That's why I personally believe in a higher power. Why couldn't "god" have set things in motion...but it continues on from there without intervention. After all, god would not have to intervene, if everyhting is, indirectly, made due to him its perfect already. Animals and nature co-exist perfectly and we have the mental abilities to solve our own problems. So, god does not intervene in our world because there's no need.

All IMHO of course.
I do agree with Sean Trane that god would probably hate "religion". I do think it is used as an escape/comfort for people. Some I know for a fact use it to hide from their shortcomings, and I do feel it has been used for control. Besides, as my mom always said, church gets in the way of faith.

Finally, the Bible. Just a book. A bunch of nice stories, maybe they're methaporical but regardless they are just stories. I also believe Jesus was an enlightened man, one who probably preached love, be good to each other but was just a man. Not divine. His words have been corrupted/used over time.

^ That's why Deism seems like a good fit for my beliefs.
That famous question, "How can God love us if he allows so much death and cruelty?"

Well that's God as it is traditionally thought of. "God" may have put everything in motion...a jump start (the Big Bang???) and from that point it's on its own. WE control our world not god

Snow Dog wrote: Atavachron wrote: whatever happened to personal spirituality? Its a load of bollocks.

James wrote: JJLehto wrote: I am open minded, so while I do believe in "god" (I like higher power or grand architect of the universe  better) I fully admit that may be a current explaination. For example, what was before the big bang? Nothing? Then it exploded? Was there already a universe "seedling" but WHY/HOW did the big bang happen? It just did? Even if the collapse of another universe occurred and the force tunneled through a wormhole, (which I heard once) what about THAT universe? That's why I personally believe in a higher power. Why couldn't "god" have set things in motion...but it continues on from there without intervention. After all, god would not have to intervene, if everyhting is, indirectly, made due to him its perfect already. Animals and nature co-exist perfectly and we have the mental abilities to solve our own problems. So, god does not intervene in our world because there's no need. All IMHO of course. I do agree with Sean Trane that god would probably hate "religion". I do think it is used as an escape/comfort for people. Some I know for a fact use it to hide from their shortcomings, and I do feel it has been used for control. Besides, as my mom always said, church gets in the way of faith. Finally, the Bible. Just a book. A bunch of nice stories, maybe they're methaporical but regardless they are just stories. I also believe Jesus was an enlightened man, one who probably preached love, be good to each other but was just a man. Not divine. His words have been corrupted/used over time. But who created this God you speak of?

God created God naturally!

Seriously, I say god to make is understandable but I do not think its a big dude in the sky with a long white beard sitting on a chair of clouds. If so I hope he hangs out with Allah, Buddha, and Vishnu playing poker. Watch out for Vishnu though....he has a lot of arms.