What's on your mind?

[RileyG]

Christ is risen!

 

[GodDoesListen55]

I hate that certain words or phrases still affect me the way that they do... I guess I should be doing more than I am when it comes to that part of my healing process.

 

[MehGuy]

I'm curious exactly what happened that led you to become an atheist, if you don't mind sharing.

Hmmm, the short version. I realized I had no actual evidence to justify my beliefs. That having strong emotions for something doesn't mean anything. Looking at the psychology of other religions and realizing how similar their experiences are. Finally accepting the theory of evolution and having a better understanding how even amazing beings like us can have a plausible natural explanation.

Other reasons too, but I don't feel like getting into them now.

 

[Niels]

Does Richard Dawkins really strike you as an angry guy? I do think when someone criticizes something that is near and dear to someone there is a tendency to see anger that can be misconceived.

I've read several of his books, and it's safe to say that at the very least he portrays himself as an angry guy. His books are an emotional appeal disguised as scientific. It's the emotional appeal that drives sales. People wouldn't pay much attention to him if he didn't seem so angry. Everybody has an opinion, but it doesn't make circular arguments less circular. Anger doesn't make somebody wrong, of course, but it doesn't make them right either.

The scientists and engineers I work with everyday have various faiths and religious backgrounds. Some profess belief in God. Some don't. Unlike Dawkins' books and religious debates, however, their studies are peer reviewed and evidence-based. If Dawkins cared about the cause, he would emphasize that science is open to people of all faiths. The idea that we must choose between the two, between the theological and the scientific, is strange and unfortunate. It's a field where people of all religious faiths can agree on something. The same can be said about STEM in general.

Science and faith are both near and dear to me. In his bluster he makes a mockery of both. To be charitable, he may be aware that his angry persona is his bread and butter. It's what garners attention and pays the bills. It's quite possible that he's not as angry as he lets on. Rather, like a character actor who benefits from remaining in character. That would be a rational choice if somewhat disingenuous. Also, I'm just using his body of work as a convenient example. I have no idea what's actually going on in his heart and mind. That's between him and God (or the universe if you prefer). He might otherwise be an okay guy in person.

Well in my case I do have to lay on the blame on theological concepts. These days I'm less angry about it. I do sometimes feel sadness that my psychological issues with Christianity weren't detected. I do think part of it is because the adults cared about their faith more than me, although I guess that probably biblical. Still.. I do get annoyed for instance when I talk about the damage the faith has done to me to my father, he usually just ignores me and says, "you should become a Christian again".

I mean.. Jesus does say to love him more than your family... but sorry I still can't help but feel a little hurt by it. Especially when one actually sees it in action.

There are people who set a good example and others who don't. Although we don't necessarily choose what happens to us, we do choose how we respond to it.

Well, I can say interacting with Christians on here cooled down my anger. Well, a lot of my psychological issues I had with Christianity transferred into a deep-seated hatred for feminist (not even joking). In some ways, I guess I still haven't dealt with the trauma I suffered even if I switched targets. It's complicated.

I think there's a common thread among extremists of all colors. Some call themselves Christians, some call themselves Feminists, some call themselves Atheists, some call themselves conservative or liberal etc. That's what I was getting at. Simply claiming these labels doesn't preclude destructive behavior or guarantee beneficial behavior. Insufferable people are insufferable. Or, rather, insufferable behaviors are insufferable behaviors. I like to think at least some can change for the better if they make an effort or seek help from qualified therapist.

 

[Niels]

I miss my cat so much. The home feels incredibly empty without him and it's been hard to get out of bed in the morning. I've been thinking about adopting another. The next step will be to fill out applications. After that, I suppose I will drive around to different addresses in order to visit them as all of them so far are in foster care. When I adopted my old cat, he was in a room with multiple cats at the SPCA and picked me as much as I picked him. Although I've found a few online that seem to have potential, I know that they'll never replace my old one. The new cat will be special in its own way.

 

[GodDoesListen55]

Sometimes I feel like I am just a shell of a person...

 

[Saucy]

Hope you all have a blessed Sunday!

 

[peaceful-forest]

I miss my cat so much. The home feels incredibly empty without him and it's been hard to get out of bed in the morning. I've been thinking about adopting another. The next step will be to fill out applications. After that, I suppose I will drive around to different addresses in order to visit them as all of them so far are in foster care. When I adopted my old cat, he was in a room with multiple cats at the SPCA and picked me as much as I picked him. Although I've found a few online that seem to have potential, I know that they'll never replace my old one. The new cat will be special in its own way.

I've wanted to adopt a new cat too. My last cat died last year. I wasn't ready at first, but I've been lonely and I've healed. I just know that if I get a new cat, my dad will overfeed this one like he did with the other two. I don't want that to happen.

 

[Saucy]

It feels really strange being in the position I'm in now. After losing almost 200 pounds now, things are changing rapidly. How I feel, think, what I can do, etc, are all different. My motivations, desires, everything! It's like I'm rediscovering myself.

 

[peaceful-forest]

Why do the non-Christians on here get to have their own Discussion & Debate forum?

 

[Saucy]

Why do the non-Christians on here get to have their own Discussion & Debate forum?

It's more that there's a Christian-only debate section, but the other is open to non-Christians. It's not just for them.

 

[peaceful-forest]

It's more that there's a Christian-only debate section, but the other is open to non-Christians. It's not just for them.

Some of the things that non-Christians say on that part of the forum makes me angry. I think at times they say certain things to provoke us and upset us. I feel like that part of the forum shouldn't exist.

 

[GodDoesListen55]

I can hit the note; now, I just need to learn the rest of the lyrics, lol.

 

[Saucy]

I created accounts on both Christian Mingle and Upward...goodness they are expensive! Christian Mingle wants $50 for a single month!

 

[peaceful-forest]

I had planned to write in my journal tonight, but I'm just too tired to do it.

 

[Niels]

I've wanted to adopt a new cat too. My last cat died last year. I wasn't ready at first, but I've been lonely and I've healed. I just know that if I get a new cat, my dad will overfeed this one like he did with the other two. I don't want that to happen.

Can you be the one who feeds it? I wonder if he might agree that kind of arrangement.

My cat was a bit overweight at times. With the next one, I plan to be more careful about portion sizes.

Speaking of which, I've been debating whether to get one or adopt a pair. I saw a brother and sister cat available online and I'm tempted to send an application. They're so cute together. Two cats can keep each other company, but I also liked to bring my old cat along when visiting family out of state. I have a hard time picturing myself driving hundreds of miles with two cats in the car, but will that really be a problem? Then again, there are other individual cats who also need a home. They might be a better fit for my lifestyle, but I don't think there's necessarily a wrong answer.

 

[TheRealAriel]

I created accounts on both Christian Mingle and Upward...goodness they are expensive! Christian Mingle wants $50 for a single month!

Geez, that’s not really practical. I do feel like at least Upward has adequate features with the free account though where you don’t need to pay. So far I’ve had the most success with Facebook dating though, and that’s totally free!

Excited for you putting yourself out there!!

 

[Saucy]

Geez, that’s not really practical. I do feel like at least Upward has adequate features with the free account though where you don’t need to pay. So far I’ve had the most success with Facebook dating though, and that’s totally free!

Excited for you putting yourself out there!!

I might have to try that. I don't see any features with Upward. I got three "likes" but I cannot even see who they were unless I upgrade. Even then you can't even chat with someone without a paid account. All I can do is look through profiles, most which are like 125 miles away lol. I think a free option would be best for me right now

 

[GodDoesListen55]

Is it really worth it?!

 

[Citanul]

So far I’ve had the most success with Facebook dating though, and that’s totally free!

Bumble and Hinge are also perfectly functional without paying. You do get additional features if you pay, but I've never felt it;s worth paying for them as that those additional features don't seem to do all that much.