Popular Post raoul Posted January 12, 2013 Popular Post Posted January 12, 2013 A strange thing happened yesterday. A strange, exhilirating thing that came out of nowhere, maybe like that ex-nihilo thing the cult apologists love to toss around at us. I had just opened up my car and was putting groceries in the trunk when a lady got out of her car and walked over to me. She had a copy of that WatchTower magazine which you know comes from the Jehovah Witness cult and with a nice smile she said 'hello' and tried to give me the copy. I polititely refrained and shared my background with her. We spoke mostly about the xtian cult and she agreed with me regarding it's sociopathic nature while still trying to show me how her religion has some practical doctrines to it. I politely dismissed the various proofs she attempted to offer but did say I really respected their belief in no involvement in governmental policies such as war. I also said this was very similar to what the 1st century xtians attempted to behave like. After a few more comments we said our goodbyes but before leaving I said, "Anytime you want me to share more with you about my non-beliefs, just ask okay?" "Oh no", she replied with a big smile, "I could never deny god's existence". "Never say never okay? I used to say that same thing before coming into the real light my friend", I retorted. She got into her car and drove away. I guess she must have realized it was going to be a dreary day in that parking lot. Oh yes, I forgot - I did say something wonderful happened and the title of this essay is about coming out of the closet completely. Well that wonderful thing was that at the beginning of our talk when she tried to hand me their magazine I said without even thinking, "No, I'm sorry but I can take that because I'm an atheist". It came out so effortlessly as though there was nothing else I could possibly describe myself as being. Yes, after a year of deconverting and trying to define myself as a deist or an agnostic or even an agnostic deist, I've finally concluded that I'm really an atheist. But I promise to try to not be an obnoxious atheist like some of them seem to be. Actually I can be quite obnoxious on my own without any theological tags. LOL So that's it - I guess I've been an atheist all along without wanting to admit it for whatever reasons. There is one thing that I believe separates me from the some other atheist however. I've heard many atheists say that if they were presented with overwhelming proof of a god or the bible being true, they would then reconsider their stance and perhaps, for some, even change it to theism. Me? I don't give a shit. In fact, if I were presented with those same proofs I would be even more committed to the atheistic philosophy because, after all, my moral laws and behavioral actions are much more rational, humane and mentally balanced than those depicted from this all loving god who seems to love blood for some sick reason. That's it folks - nothing really astounding and yet, for me, it is - it's another load off of my back... 14
Moderator Margee Posted January 12, 2013 Moderator Posted January 12, 2013 Congratulations raoul!! I remember the first time I did this..It is exhilarating and it does get easier over time!! You get to the point that you can actually speak your truth in a nice way!! You go brother!!!!! 1
mymistake Posted January 12, 2013 Posted January 12, 2013 Congratz! But putting your face on atheist youtube vids probably would have tipped off a few peopple. @everyone Okay I haven't had a chance to try this myself but I've heard there is a super secret word that gets rid of Jehovah Witness (but I don't think it works on Later Day Saints). Just look them in the eye and say "I'm disfellowshipped". It's quite a mouthfull and I had to practice it many times before I could say it right. You don't want to sound like you've never said the word before. But the rumor is that if you say it like you mean it they will run for the hills and never bother you again. If any of you guys get a chance to try it please let me know how it goes. 1
raoul Posted January 12, 2013 Author Posted January 12, 2013 Congratz! But putting your face on atheist youtube vids probably would have tipped off a few peopple. @everyone Okay I haven't had a chance to try this myself but I've heard there is a super secret word that gets rid of Jehovah Witness (but I don't think it works on Later Day Saints). Just look them in the eye and say "I'm disfellowshipped". It's quite a mouthfull and I had to practice it many times before I could say it right. You don't want to sound like you've never said the word before. But the rumor is that if you say it like you mean it they will run for the hills and never bother you again. If any of you guys get a chance to try it please let me know how it goes. MM, keerist - another new word - disfellowshipped. I'm running out of space in my small brain with all of these new additions the the English lingo. ROFL
new2me Posted January 12, 2013 Posted January 12, 2013 Congrats, Raoul! I have only spoken of my atheism with my husband and one friend. And with the one friend, it kind of just popped up out of nowhere (without actually using the word atheist) and I discovered that she was on the same page! I am currently house-hunting and starting to get a little bit frustrated. I saw two houses with my realtor yesterday, but neither was "the one." Afterwards, he was trying to give me some encouragement and said that I could just leave it to a higher power. I just smiled and said, "well, I don't have that." Not the boldest of declarations, I'll admit - but I'm starting to get the word out there in my own way!
raoul Posted January 12, 2013 Author Posted January 12, 2013 Congrats, Raoul! I have only spoken of my atheism with my husband and one friend. And with the one friend, it kind of just popped up out of nowhere (without actually using the word atheist) and I discovered that she was on the same page! I am currently house-hunting and starting to get a little bit frustrated. I saw two houses with my realtor yesterday, but neither was "the one." Afterwards, he was trying to give me some encouragement and said that I could just leave it to a higher power. I just smiled and said, "well, I don't have that." Not the boldest of declarations, I'll admit - but I'm starting to get the word out there in my own way! Good for you! And you did get the word out in such a beautifully subtle way. Good luck with the house hunting.
Guest Babylonian Dream Posted January 12, 2013 Posted January 12, 2013 Awww... I thought you were going to join the rainbow club completely.... XD Good for you Raoul! It's always great when you can finally breathe and think freely, and it takes so long to release yourself from the awkwardness, fear, shame, and guilt that comes with deconversion.
Positivist Posted January 12, 2013 Posted January 12, 2013 Nice! I love the "no fence sitting" nature of the word "atheist". I posted in my status here at Christmas this story: I was at my parents house around Christmas (a few weeks ago now). My family members are all fundagelicals. JWs came to their door (my parents hate that) so I'm like, "I'll get it." They don't know I've deconverted. The living room adjoins the front hall, so everyone can see and hear what's going to go down. My family thinks I'm a charismaniac prayer warrior. Anyhow, I answer the door, and I say in a loud voice, "We're all atheists here--happy atheists. Oh, and I find your literature creepy." My mom gasped/laughed nervously and started to object, so I turned back to the JW and said, "Well, that one's a Buddhist". (More shrieks from my mother...) LOL! Out of the closet to the JWs right in front of my family. LOL! Gawd, that was fun. 3
raoul Posted January 12, 2013 Author Posted January 12, 2013 Nice! I love the "no fence sitting" nature of the word "atheist". I posted in my status here at Christmas this story: I was at my parents house around Christmas (a few weeks ago now). My family members are all fundagelicals. JWs came to their door (my parents hate that) so I'm like, "I'll get it." They don't know I've deconverted. The living room adjoins the front hall, so everyone can see and hear what's going to go down. My family thinks I'm a charismaniac prayer warrior. Anyhow, I answer the door, and I say in a loud voice, "We're all atheists here--happy atheists. Oh, and I find your literature creepy." My mom gasped/laughed nervously and started to object, so I turned back to the JW and said, "Well, that one's a Buddhist". (More shrieks from my mother...) LOL! Out of the closet to the JWs right in front of my family. LOL! Gawd, that was fun. That is so funny. I wish I was there to see the exploding heads. LOL
Ross Posted January 12, 2013 Posted January 12, 2013 Well done mate. Liberating when you testify. Sorry could not resist saying that.
raoul Posted January 12, 2013 Author Posted January 12, 2013 Well done mate. Liberating when you testify. Sorry could not resist saying that. No offense taken - I got another good laugh - thanks..
Ravenstar Posted January 13, 2013 Posted January 13, 2013 Congrats Raoul! Isn't really real until you say it out loud, is it?
raoul Posted January 13, 2013 Author Posted January 13, 2013 Congrats Raoul! Isn't really real until you say it out loud, is it? Yep! The funny thing was the way it just popped out with such ease - almost as if I'd always been one but kept fighting it by trying to find some kind of evidence which, of course, isn't really there.
alpha centauri Posted January 14, 2013 Posted January 14, 2013 Raoul -- good for you! Hmmm ... knowing the truth really does set you free, just not in the way they preach it. Positivist -- that's hilarious! When I was in high school, a classmate bought a copy of the satanic bible. He said one day he was reading it and wearing his Iron Maiden t-shirt and the doorbell rang. It was people from whatever cult coming to preach the word. He said they looked and him, said "never mind" and left in a hurry. I guess another phrase that would quickly chase away the fundies: "No thanks -- I blasphemed the holy spirit -- it was fun! Would you like a beer?"
raoul Posted January 14, 2013 Author Posted January 14, 2013 Raoul -- good for you! Hmmm ... knowing the truth really does set you free, just not in the way they preach it. Positivist -- that's hilarious! When I was in high school, a classmate bought a copy of the satanic bible. He said one day he was reading it and wearing his Iron Maiden t-shirt and the doorbell rang. It was people from whatever cult coming to preach the word. He said they looked and him, said "never mind" and left in a hurry. I guess another phrase that would quickly chase away the fundies: "No thanks -- I blasphemed the holy spirit -- it was fun! Would you like a beer?" LOL. Thanks AC.
R. S. Martin Posted January 14, 2013 Posted January 14, 2013 Raoul -- good for you! Hmmm ... knowing the truth really does set you free, just not in the way they preach it. Positivist -- that's hilarious! When I was in high school, a classmate bought a copy of the satanic bible. He said one day he was reading it and wearing his Iron Maiden t-shirt and the doorbell rang. It was people from whatever cult coming to preach the word. He said they looked and him, said "never mind" and left in a hurry. I guess another phrase that would quickly chase away the fundies: "No thanks -- I blasphemed the holy spirit -- it was fun! Would you like a beer?" I can't believe this. (You can tell I was never an evangelical.) These people aren't into saving souls at all costs, just the nice ones who are practically "saved" already. I find all it takes to get rid of them is serious questions about the faith. No matter what the name of the cult, they can't get out fast enough once they realize that their cliched answers aren't good enough. I ask real questions about things I want to know about, sometimes on a burning life-and-death level. No matter. They write me off as "one of those" whatever that means. And then accuse me of not finding Jesus because I didn't look hard enough. Yeah right. I looked everywhere, even behind the couch, and couldn't find him. So now I'm asking those who claim to have found him and all they do is disappear when the questions get real. I've learned not to expect answers in order not to be disappointed. I've gotten to the point where, if they pester me, I'll prove that they're not for real by choosing one or another of my unanswerable questions. But what you guys are saying is really funny--they'll run if a person shows up with the wrong kind of clothing or book or says the wrong word. 1
3DollarBill Posted January 15, 2013 Posted January 15, 2013 Haaaaaahahahahahahahaha... I remember way back when, in one of your deist phases I guess...one of the first times the two of us got in a pissing contest, I tried convincing you that you were, in fact, an atheist, and you would have none of it! In fact, if I were presented with those same proofs I would be even more committed to the atheistic philosophy because, after all, my moral laws and behavioral actions are much more rational, humane and mentally balanced than those depicted from this all loving god who seems to love blood for some sick reason. Well, if you were presented with actual proof, I don't think you could be an atheist...but you could totally be an anti-theist. I've said before, if the christian god that is depicted in the bible as we know it today were to be proven to exist, I'd do my best to kill him. And I think I'd have a shot at it, as several passages indicate he is not nearly as powerful as he'd like to be. 1
Onyx Posted January 15, 2013 Posted January 15, 2013 That's very beautiful, Raoul. I wish I could readily admit things like you do, so breezily and maturely!
R. S. Martin Posted January 15, 2013 Posted January 15, 2013 I've said before, if the christian god that is depicted in the bible as we know it today were to be proven to exist, I'd do my best to kill him. And I think I'd have a shot at it, as several passages indicate he is not nearly as powerful as he'd like to be. Is that blasphemy or something? It's so far outside the line I've got a sneaking feeling it hasn't got a name.
raoul Posted January 15, 2013 Author Posted January 15, 2013 Haaaaaahahahahahahahaha... I remember way back when, in one of your deist phases I guess...one of the first times the two of us got in a pissing contest, I tried convincing you that you were, in fact, an atheist, and you would have none of it! In fact, if I were presented with those same proofs I would be even more committed to the atheistic philosophy because, after all, my moral laws and behavioral actions are much more rational, humane and mentally balanced than those depicted from this all loving god who seems to love blood for some sick reason. Well, if you were presented with actual proof, I don't think you could be an atheist...but you could totally be an anti-theist. I've said before, if the christian god that is depicted in the bible as we know it today were to be proven to exist, I'd do my best to kill him. And I think I'd have a shot at it, as several passages indicate he is not nearly as powerful as he'd like to be. Your perception was right regarding my latent atheist tendencies when I spoke about being a deist. Regarding your second perception about my moving from atheist to anti-theist is probably also true if you are saying my attitude is the same as yours because it is. If presented with real evidence of the bcg (bible created god) and that the bible is totally true, I would still reject both in toto for the same reasons as yours plus many others such as my moral code and behavior is superior to it's and everything depicted in the bible. Thanks. Oh, almost forgot - regarding our 'pissing' contests - Graham is STILL a dick... LOL You DO know that those pissing fights meant nothing to me - I will always respect you as I do the other members around here for helping me in my de-conversion. Thanks for that as well..
raoul Posted January 15, 2013 Author Posted January 15, 2013 That's very beautiful, Raoul. I wish I could readily admit things like you do, so breezily and maturely! Thanks. But as you probably know already, while it came out so effortlessly (breezily as you put it), the evolution into atheism was quite long, trying, and even emotionally upsetting at times.
raoul Posted January 15, 2013 Author Posted January 15, 2013 I've said before, if the christian god that is depicted in the bible as we know it today were to be proven to exist, I'd do my best to kill him. And I think I'd have a shot at it, as several passages indicate he is not nearly as powerful as he'd like to be. Is that blasphemy or something? It's so far outside the line I've got a sneaking feeling it hasn't got a name. Nope, it's simply called 'absolute honesty' which he's notorious for around here..
alpha centauri Posted January 15, 2013 Posted January 15, 2013 I think there's something noble about deism, and it is a good first step away from religion. One can still believe in some sort of higher power while still being a complete atheist about the evil biblegod. Baby steps toward the truth ... What's kind of funny about the whole god thing is that when I was a freshman in high school, we were studying mythology and the teacher gave us an assignment to create our own myth. My myth was that there were two gods, Uni and Versai (from the word universe), representing a male and female creative force, that came together and sacrificed/destroyed themselves in the big bang to create the universe. It makes about as much sense -- if not moreso -- than most of what religion presents as the "truth." The teacher liked it, too. I got an 'A" on my paper.
3DollarBill Posted January 15, 2013 Posted January 15, 2013 ...my moral code and behavior is superior to it's and everything depicted in the bible. Thanks. BINGO. Even the good moral advice contained in the bible is stuff we already knew on our own. After all, we're intelligent enough to discard the parts condoning slavery and human sacrifice...pretty sure we can figure out the "love thy neighbor" stuff too. It ain't THAT fucking complicated. Oh, almost forgot - regarding our 'pissing' contests - Graham is STILL a dick... LOL You DO know that those pissing fights meant nothing to me - I will always respect you as I do the other members around here for helping me in my de-conversion. Thanks for that as well.. I've enjoyed our spats immensely and hope to have many more. We may both be atheists now, but I'm still a libertarian and you're still a dumbass.
raoul Posted January 15, 2013 Author Posted January 15, 2013 I think there's something noble about deism, and it is a good first step away from religion. One can still believe in some sort of higher power while still being a complete atheist about the evil biblegod. Baby steps toward the truth ... What's kind of funny about the whole god thing is that when I was a freshman in high school, we were studying mythology and the teacher gave us an assignment to create our own myth. My myth was that there were two gods, Uni and Versai (from the word universe), representing a male and female creative force, that came together and sacrificed/destroyed themselves in the big bang to create the universe. It makes about as much sense -- if not moreso -- than most of what religion presents as the "truth." The teacher liked it, too. I got an 'A" on my paper. Man, I would've given you an A+!!! Your 'myth' makes MORE sense than their alleged 'good news'. Thanks for sharing.
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