Does anyone else struggle with hating religion? It is a daily struggle, letting go of hate, as I understand its hypocritical. I consistsntly feel like the black sheep in my community, in my family and amongst my friends. I consistantly find myself hiding or diminishing my beliefs to make others feel better.
10
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
56 comments (51 - 56)
Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.So many of us, I am not speaking of everyone but a lot of us on here, imo, are ousted and mis judged because of our lack of belief in what the "norm" considers to be the only way of living a good life. Personally, I have lost a few so called friend along the way, many of my friends find it hard to talk to me because of this single factor. It's tough, and aren't we glad we have this site for support knowing it's ok to be and think the way we do.
mistymoon77
Level 9
June 16, 2019
4
I too, have had people cut off contact with me because I am secular. Kinda sad. I am just very grateful to live in Minneapolis, which is quite liberal. I feel for people who live in areas where the fundies are power hungry and abusive.
@SKH78 ditto!
Welcome to the asylum. Enjoy your stay.
I don't "struggle" with hating religion. At all.
I don't hide or diminish my beliefs to make anyone feel better.
Sometimes, I'll keep my mouth shut, but generally, I'll say exactly what's
on my mind.
I'm tired of pretending that ANY of that garbage is okay.
I just won't do it anymore.
If other people have an issue with me, I honestly don't give a shit.
It eliminates an awful lot of bullshit if they avoid me.
KKGator
Level 9
June 16, 2019
3
@Donotbelieve THIS is why we are "us"!!!! 
@Kc2222 You just make up your mind to do it. The "weight of the world" is still going to be there, you just won't have the additional burden of what others think to drag you down.
It's really not that hard, just takes a conscious effort. You have to remind yourself, every day, that what anyone else thinks about how you conduct your life, really doesn't matter.
Sometimes, you have to tell people that while they are entitled to their opinions, they don't have any right to tell you how to live.
If they choose to be alienated, that's on them.
Toxic people don't have a right to be in your life. You either allow them to
remain, or you don't. Their relationship to you is irrelevant. Even if they are
"family". They have no right to run your life.
That's YOUR choice to make.
I admit I used to hate organized religions based on the smugness, hypocritical, holy that thou attitudes too many members persist. I found that harmed only me that constant anger. I had to let go of it.
Then I began becoming my true authentic self.
If someone was impertinent to ask my my religion or what church I belonged to, I held my head high and said respectfully "I am an atheist." If they question me further "but don't you believe in God are you worried about going to hell, etc" I reply "my beliefs are every bit as real and strong as are yours." I that point I make it clear conversation about religion is done.
If you are uncomfortable, there is always "mind you own business" to fall back on.
Associate with people who accept you for who you are. Everyone needs community and support
Good luck.
Katsarecool
Level 7
June 16, 2019
1
@Kc2222 well you are here now. Good luck to you!
Since the evangelicals took over politics, and since they all pretend the orange blob in the white house is the second coming, I have nothing but disgust with religion.
crazycat329
Level 7
June 16, 2019
4
Ditto. I want to disclose my atheism much more than I do.
KevinMR
Level 7
June 16, 2019
2
@Kc2222 Couldn't agree more. Believers like believing what they believe (I don't think I've ever used the term believe in three out of six words in a sentence before 
. It's comforting, and the thought of living a lie can be devastating, so I just leave it alone. But you're right, we shouldn't let the outlandish stuff go.
Sounds tough dealing with your family, but at least you're just trying to learn facts to challenge them with. I'm lucky. Most of my family is religious but they never force it on me or guilt me. We never have those awkward conversations.
And yes, parents forcing it on kids really irks me too. They do deserve more. So unfair to their malleable little minds. It's also the primary reason there aren't more of us out there.
@Kc2222 Well hopefully this community works out for you.
I understand the the frustration/hatred but no reason to be unreasonable about religion. Just remember, people in this community and other atheists around the world are the forward thinkers. We're changing a culture. No, a species! - that's been a religious path for centuries. We have to encounter believers to do that, and we will. But we should be grateful we learned the truth when we did and don't have to lead deluded lives. That keeps my frustrations at bay. So you keep that flood of bitterness at bay too! And yes, continue to keep people who aren't good for you - even the ones we like - at arm's length.
I don't hate religion, just the assholes who use it to fuck up other people's lives.
1of5
Level 8
June 16, 2019
6
Enjoy being online again!
Welcome to the community of good people who base their values on evidence and appreciate civil discourse - the social network you will enjoy.Create your free account
Share this post
Categories
Agnostic does not evaluate or guarantee the accuracy of any content. Read full disclaimer.