Atheism Challenge
1. At what point did you know you were an atheist? Why did you become one, what were the factors leading up to the decision, if you weren’t always one?
Hm. It’s really hard to pinpoint when… but it was sometime within the past 2 years. Once I had sobered up enough to really think about it (I wasn’t an alcoholic, just a 19-year-old college drunk), I began to see a lot of holes in the religion I grew up with. I’ve always been a skeptic but I started to view religion as something that answered those pesky questions (Why are we here, where did we come from) and as something that offered comfort to many in a chaotic world. But it wasn’t enough for me. I needed proof and the more I looked into the history of religion and Christianity, I found that it wasn’t for me.
2. What religion did you grow up with? Did you have positive or negative experiences with religion?
Southern Baptist (haha)… so you can say a large part of my religious upbringing was negative. I saw racism, segregation, discrimination… the very things their beloved Bible taught them NOT to do… these people did. I saw hypocrisy at work every day.
I’m sure there were positive experiences with religion in there somewhere — but, to be honest, while I was raised in church, I was never really concerned with the idea of religion. I went mostly to see friends and I lived in a small town. Going to church was considered cool believe it or not.
3. Are you a more outspoken or more apathetic atheist? Why?
Definitely outspoken. If something sparks my atheism beliefs, I will debate it and argue it until the end of time. I’m not shy about what I believe (or lack of) and why I feel that way.
4. Do you think religion is obsolete and should be wiped completely off the face of the Earth, or does some good come out of it?
Some good comes out of religion — after all, not every believer is a complete jackass.
But,I also want to point out, that I do believe Lennon had the right idea. Religion is a major part of why the world is at war with one another.
Hm. I’m not sure how I feel about this question. I could honestly go either way.
5. Did you lose any friends because you decided to be an atheist? Did your family flip out?
I wouldn’t say I lost any friends — some of the more extreme believers distanced themselves but I faced more criticism from my extended family. My dad’s family was brought up penecostal (I believe?) and the town they live in is even smaller than the one I was raised in. They can’t comprehend the idea that someone they’re related to doesn’t believe in a God. Course, they were taught that their religion was better and right(er) than everyone else’s so there you go.
My parents didn’t really have a reaction. My dad might have wondered aloud why all three of his children seem to be raging liberals with open ideas about religion lol… but that’s about it.
6. Except for God, do you believe in anything supernatural or pseudoscientific? (Ghosts, alien abductions, spirits, souls, demons, psychics, magic, Harry Potter, etc.)
First of all, I’m mad Harry Potter is listed as something supernatural lol. What the fuck. I believe in Hogwarts!! Where’s my letter?!
Anyway, I do believe in aliens simply because science has proved that there are other galaxies and planets out there. You’re telling me, all those planets and Earth is the ONLY one that can sustain life? BULLSHIT.
On the other hand, being a skeptic, I’m not superstitious (in fact, I laugh at superstitious people) and I don’t believe in ghosts, psychics, magic (unfortunately)… but I want to believe in a soul because I’ve heard science has proved there is a soul (something leaving the body after death) — but that would make me question my belief about death and ghosts because where does the soul go? Hm.
7. What’s your political alignment? Does your atheism influence how you vote and how you feel on issues?
I’m a Liberal Democrat. I wish I could say my atheism didn’t influence how I vote and make decisions, but it definitely does. I’m not likely to vote for someone who is extremely religiously affliated mostly because it’s such a turn off for me. I feel as if America has gotten more religious as of late (then again, maybe it’s always been that way and I didn’t notice because I didn’t have an opinion) — and I like how Obama has been trying to shift that focus onto acceptance of others religions.
Okay, in a short sense (before I start ranting), yes, my atheism does affect my vote and decisions on issues.
8. Even though you’re an atheist, have you ever experienced a moment that could be called “religious?” Like an epiphany about the world or complete peace?
No.
Ha. Definitely no.
I feel at peace when I listen to Lennon’s Imagine… I’m not likely to have an epipany concerning the world and peace when I personally feel as if religion is one reason the world is at war.
9. Are you spiritual, or are your feet always on the ground?
Always on the ground. I’m one of the most logical people I’ve ever met (ha. I met myself.)
10. Do you have/plan on having a career in the sciences?
No, I’m going to school for public relations and journalism.
11. What happens when we die? Do you fear death?
I don’t fear death but I don’t want to die. I’m not ready to die. Shit, I’m only 23.
Part of me believes nothing happens after death and the afterlife was invented for people to feel better about death. But then, I do hear that science has proved the existence of a soul so what happens to the soul? Where does it go?
12. Would you ever date/marry somebody who follows a religion? Be honest.
I don’t think I could. I’m dating an agnostic (someone who straddles the fence) right now and that’s okay. But I do not believe I could ever date a hardcore religious nut.
13. On a scale of 1-10, how happy are you with life at this moment, and why?
Hm. A 8.5? Lol… but for other reasons than just my acceptance of my beliefs. I like where I live, I got a new job, I like my school.. but I did get some really bad news last night. So we’re gonna make that a 7. Shit, maybe a 4 if I’m honest.
14. Recommend a book. :) (Doesn’t have to be relevant to atheism, just any good book.)
Um, Harry Potter you haters.
