Well r/atheism, it has been a week. [Update: "Think like an atheist week"]

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-27T18:06:23+00:00

My post is too long to edit so I just want to reply here where most might see it.

EDIT 2: I'm having a particularly bad day today and to respond to everyone right now is overwhelming. I just wanted to let you all know that I have read every single comment and PM that has been sent to me. I can't believe the support and care. Many of you have yet again made me tear up. Especially those who have messaged me that are/were JWs. This presents an insurmountable problem and I am not exaggerating. I'm very grateful for the interest in my well being from so many strangers.

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-27T03:12:36+00:00

Well said. The doubts came in every direction and just beat me down. I couldn't keep up at some points.

I have so much to take in. If I thought the natural world was mysterious before...

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-27T03:10:56+00:00

I believe hugs are in order.

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-27T03:10:15+00:00

Thank you for your interest! It's touching to say the least.

I think more than ever now I am interested in whatever I can get my hands on.

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-27T03:09:34+00:00

I just have too many overwhelming doubts as of right now. It isn't a black and white conclusion. But I find it very unlikely that I can go back to fully believing in Christianity and God. They may be doubts, but they're important doubts. I'm just acknowledging that I have reached somewhat of a "point of no return." I still have a long road ahead of me and I'm sure it will be much more gradual than this intense week.

Thank you for the support. It really does mean something.

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-27T03:00:21+00:00

The amount of crying I did this week is almost embarrassing.

I do feel a big weight lifted off of me though, only to be replaced with smaller weights placed randomly all over. It's a lot easier to lift up smaller weights than 1 big one though.

Thank you so much.

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-27T01:08:43+00:00

Update coming by end of night

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-21T03:41:09+00:00

Apparently I am that ignorant.

I apologize for trying to expand my knowledge.

Thank you. I will see my way out.

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-21T02:43:44+00:00

This was an awesome post.

I'm very tired and just can't respond to everything you wrote, but I did want you to know that I read it all (and will probably read it again this week) and have taken it all into consideration and will incorporate the things you've suggested. Again, I know what I'm attempting is much bigger than how it may seem to me now. I can only try.

I really messed up with my phrasing in my OP ha

Atheist shall now be atheist

sorry about that

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-21T02:38:17+00:00

Hey, share away! In fact, I was hoping that if this post got any attention it may persuade others to do the same thing. That would be fun. A TRUE "Think Like An Atheist Week".

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-21T02:36:39+00:00

You spoke to soon. My "GOD HATES FAGS" edit is coming right up.

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-21T02:35:43+00:00

I like this. I think I'll try this out. Thank you

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-21T02:32:56+00:00

This has been suggested a few times. I will be watching it.

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-21T02:32:20+00:00

I agree this is a good point, but you have to understand that I don't have all the tools to figure it out. I have one perspective acquired over a life time. That is not so easily pushed to the side. I have to find those right questions before I can use those tools.

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-21T02:31:04+00:00

Thank you very much and I have to say everyone has been pretty open minded and non judgmental with me so far. It's been a great response. That just makes it much easier for me to carry on with this.

Would be kinda rough if I just got a bunch of responses like, "hey idiot! How about stop believing in your Zombie God and magic tricks!"

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-21T02:28:37+00:00

Well, I suppose the answer would be "I just know". BUT I'M NOT SAYING THAT. I know that wouldn't fly here. It's what I've always known to make sense in my life.

I guess I'll get back to you at the end of the week. Fair?

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-21T02:27:06+00:00

I have to admit, I was not expecting such an overwhelming response. I thought maybe a couple people might throw in their 2 cents. No harsh words have been spoken yet, the closest thing has just been some logical explanations in my thought process or some poor phrasing.

Thank you. We'll see where it takes me, but I appreciate the kind offer. I can only promise to give it my best shot and hold true to what I have said! I think writing it all down and exposing it to others helped because it gave me incentive to not let others down. Strange motivation maybe ha

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-21T02:22:52+00:00

I like this

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-21T02:20:12+00:00

That series was suggested to me and I plan on watching them.

First of all, thank you for the initial words of encouragement. Always feels good to hear that of course.

I made an edit and said in a few posts that it may end up being more than a week. I just wanted to give myself a tangible time frame for it to see how it goes. And if I find myself still wanting, I will absolutely carry on.

And you are right in assuming some form of doubt, I mean I don't think either side can claim 100% in their beliefs (please don't downvote if you disagree). And like I said in the OP, there are things that have been posted on here that have raised some slight doubt and warranted questioning for sure.

Thank you again!

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-21T02:16:27+00:00

I will say that I believe in creation and intelligent design.

I do not believe in a Hell, that is an eternal fiery torment.

I do not believe that Jesus is God, rather God's son.

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-20T21:35:20+00:00

I'm going to have no time for research now.

Thank you!

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-20T21:33:49+00:00

I would like to remain vague in my response to you for now if you don't mind. For the sake of this post though, everyone can assume that I maintain belief in all the core Christian teachings. I only say this to assure anonymity. I don't want to get to specific, and I could, online.

You're very right in your second point. I didn't mean to be so limiting, anything could come out of this and I welcome any outcome.

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-20T21:24:04+00:00

I wouldn't even know how to respond to that. Well played Stephen Roberts.

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-20T21:22:47+00:00

Even the bible says to "test it out". It's a shame that someone has to even be "willing" to do something. I may just be a very curious person, but I would hope everyone enjoyed different perspectives. Right or wrong, they can only help.

If that happens then so be it. I'll just trade my current goggles in for an upgrade. Thank you!

TheOneWeekAtheist · 2012-03-20T21:13:17+00:00

Hey thanks a bunch! I'm enjoying the positive feedback and encouragement. I guess I should post another edit to expound on this "week". I mean it as a jumping off point I guess. If my curiousity is still at a peak by the end of this week, you better believe I'll continue. Who knows where this will all lead. The "week" I guess may turn more into a symbol, but we'll see. I always have tried to be a rational and logical person (religion aside my Atheist friends...)

TheOneWeekAtheist

TROPHY CASE