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We wanted to start this post by mentioning the old hit Losing My Religion, but the famous R.E.M. song is not about faith at all, but about unrequited love. Although, on the other hand, when a person turns away from religion, turns away from God in one sense or another, this can also be called unrequited love. Or a love that no longer exists.

Such love always leaves scars on the heart, and for many people who once believed in the one or many above, they obviously needed a very good reason to turn their backs on religion. And this now-viral thread has just those people as well as their reasons.

#1

31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group The hypocritical behavior of deeply religious people.

Taskerst , Feli Art Report

Libstak
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can't argue with that. I do believe in a God or divine intelligence but all these rules about sin and who is good and who is evil just comes off as bickering kids or school yard bullies having to be better and right.

Vic
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I agree with you, and couldn't put it better myself. Thank you!

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MJLstrd
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gandhi said "I like your Christ, but not your Christianity." I believe he was referring to just such hypocritical behavior

Best Behave
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.

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Paul C.
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Cancer, starvation, poverty, war, the likes of Putin. I won't go on there are so many more.............God?............ Nah, not for me, just can't believe there is one. Sorry if it upsets some, just my opinion.

Andrew
Community Member
1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Im a bit late to reply, but anyway- it seems like you have a hard time believing God would allow all those bad things to happen, and I kinda do too. But my answer is that God limits his power and allows life to run it's course, because if life was perfect, there would be no point in faith.

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Rosie Red
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The louder the bible thumping, the bigger the hypocrite.

Sky Render
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So very much. These are the people who will with one breath claim that sex and gender are the same and what you're assigned at birth is the gospel because "that's how God made you", and in the next heartily promote mutilation of intersex children's genitals because "it's a sin against nature" that they were not born exactly into the physical binary. Apparently "how God made you" only applies if you were born close enough to typical...

Burnt Bagel
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

To be fair this is one hell of a generalization! The thing is you only hear about these people, not those quietly and deeply following their own religion, without judging others or other religions. These people do exist.

Antoinette Maldari
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@Burnt Bagel. To your second sentence...As it Should Be.

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Saint Tim the Godless
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If 'Heaven' was full of such people, it would be a literal hell to be stuck with them for eternity.

Katy McMouse
Community Member
Premium
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My brother was denied a church wedding by a very well known priest in our area. He and my former SIL were married by a justice of the peace before their scheduled church wedding because he got a teaching job out of town and he had to sign a morals clause, which would have prevented his fiancee from moving with him because they couldn't live together without being married. The a*****e denied them their wedding in his church and when they tried another church, he blocked them. This priest, who got all high-handed and holier-than-thou over a civil union, was notorious for his secret girlfriends and to this day I still fume over that.

Frances Petendra
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Totally agree….follow the basic commandments and you can’t go wrong…

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RELATED:
    #2

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group Lack of evidence supporting the existence of god.

    glisteningdinkus , Pixabay Report

    Hugh Cookson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Upvote this every time. Show me your god and I might believe it, if you don't I won't.

    Best Behave
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Watch it, asking for specifics and evidence will get you a downvoted….

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    bottomless.abyss.of.bordem
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't show him to you. I can show you his new plane that my pastor just bought.

    HogHedge
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't believe in god. If there isa god then it's evil. Any being that is omnipotent and omniscient can create any kind of world it wants. So why create one where the basic priniciples of survival are to rip, shred, crush, kill another living thing? That's evil.

    Sussy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I respect every persons religion but in my opinion once I see it I will believe it. No hate

    Isa
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    When y truly want to see him y will but y must have a believe first that he exists.

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    Ren
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yup. they just expect u to believe it without any evidence

    Kungfu Panda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well it's called belief for a good reason. If we could see Him right in front of us, that wouldn't be much of a test I guess. However if you walk in life with an open heart and open eyes, many (who are unbiased I guess) will realize that there is a Master Designer, call Him what you want! Has anyone ever read the Holy Quran? There you will find countless signs, which modern science is conforming today, from the Big Bang to the shape of the Embryo. Alright, these were my 50 Pesos, you can start with the downvoting now :)

    Paul K. Johnson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They've had thousands of years to do it and haven't provided the first shred of actual evidence. The first person to do it will be more than a rock star.

    no Adhesivness2020
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I absolutely agree 100% that religion is off the rails. Just like government, which is greatly similar actually. But living the majority of our lives in a man made structure, both physically socially and politically cuts us off from the natural world. The natural world is both vicious and perfect. People want to believe that if there is a God, life would be paradise all the time. Surely, life is occasionally paradise. Although it is surely hell as well. Believing that this is all there is may obliterate a belief in fairness and equity, but not intelligent design. To believe that our universe is an accident is the greatest leap of faith I can fathom. If this is only one chapter in a much larger book, suffering and death take on new meaning. Live your best life. All will be clear one day.

    ThatBlackNightingale
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I believe this is something those with faith will truly understand, in my religion, countless of miracles have been proven to happen when one worshipped God or prayed to saints. Also, most religions source of existence are monuments, ancient buildings/places, and scripture.

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    #3

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group When my religion had 120 billion dollars in a slush fund, owned 2% of the land in the United States, and made no effort to help the world with those funds.

    exmo_fo_sho , Jonathan Borba Report

    WonderWoman
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And with that money supported politicians to take away the rights and privileges of marginalized people. They aren't about love, peace and spreading the 'word of the lord' they are about control, division and hatred.

    Sara Wilson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And they actually make u sit down with the bishop to go thru ur tax returns to make sure they got their full cut! When my mom needed therapy, they told her they would have to excommunicate her before they could help her. And many many other horrible things

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    ChickyChicky
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And during the holidays puts vending machines all over the US where you can donate items to people in need. Now, I have heard that all the money that goes into those vending machines does go directly to charitable causes, when you have over $120 billion, seems kind of rude to ask people on the street to give $5 towards socks for a homeless shelter.

    Vicki Doggurl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sounds a lot like my parent’s religion. Mormon.

    Mike Loux
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In the words of Bono: "The God I believe in ain't short of cash, mister."

    Laura Nitschmann
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Came here to say this. Don't even get me started on the actual history that they failed to teach us

    Norah Reilly
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that, by any chance, the Catholic Church?

    Sue User
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To them they are making an effort to help the world. Helping save the world through their recruitment ( sorry, missionary) work. I hire people to help with odd jobs. They are all smiles and sunshine, then they ask if i want to come to their church. When I oolitely decline, they are suddenly busy.

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    The very concept of "religion" is of Latin origin and can be literally translated as "bound by an oath" or "bound by faith." In other words, not just faith, but a conscious limitation of oneself in following this faith: following a certain set of moral norms and types of behavior, ritual actions, external signs and attitudes towards the world.

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    According to the World Population Review, in 2020 about 85% of the world's people identified themselves with a religion. This is in fact incredibly much, although, probably, out of the remaining fifteen percent, some have at least several times in their lives visited places of worship or taken part in some religious rituals. In other words, religion surrounds us like air, and it can be very painful to abandon it even for a modern person.

    #4

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group It turned its back on me first. I’m gay.

    JMCrown , Alexander Grey Report

    TailsFangirl03
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    God loves gay people. It's the people who claim to love God but actually don't who are jerks.

    Scp_049
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Niall Mac Iomera, it's not condemned in the bible. That was a translation error, and it actually meant to say "man shall not sleep with boy", you know, as in ped0philia.

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    kitteh floof lover
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i'm a christian, and i have no issues with gay people. i don't see any evidence in the bible that being gay is wrong, just as i don' t see any evidence that abortion is wrong. it's the extremists in any 'religion' that have issues with them.

    Sussy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All people that say that homosexuality is a sin are wrong. LGBTQ is totally valid and correct and I fully support u for being gay. God loves gay people and all people.

    CJ Bovee
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm so very sorry. I'll hug you whenever you need a mom.

    PeaceBy Jesus
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    God made man and women distinctively different yet uniquely compatible and complementary, and only joined them together in marriage - as the Lord Jesus Himself specified (Mt. 19:4–6) - and Scripture only condemns homosexual relations wherever they are manifestly dealt with. (http://peacebyjesus.org/homosex_versus_the_bible.html) And homosexual relations have been tragically primarily responsible for approx. 80% of new HIV cases among men and over 700,000 American deaths, (https://peacebyjesuscom.blogspot.com/2019/10/negative-effects-of-homosexual.html) though such is not even the decisive reason why homosexual relations are wrong. Yet there is still room at the cross for all who will come to God in repentance and faith, and trust in the Divine Son of God sent by the Father, the risen Lord Jesus, to save them on His account, by His sinless shed blood, and thus be baptized and live for Him. Acts 10:36-47

    Isa
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It is not condemned in hinduism there are many temples in india which have sculptures of people performing actual sex.In Hindu epic there have been deities depicted as gender fluid.It is the people who just can't expect something which is beyond their comprehension.Watch Pravee Mohan on YouTube he has excellent vedios ,the best i have ever seen especially temples depicting sex sculptures.

    James Howell
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It took me until my early 50's to realize the BS that was stuffed down my throat was a lie. President Jimmy Carter said that after 73 yrs of bible study, he never found that Jesus condemned homosexuality, even though it was a naturally accuring human behavior. SMFH!!!

    kalopsia
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please don’t take a couple of bad experiences and cast it over the whole religion, because there are a lot of us who love everyone including gay people, trans people, bi people, pan, non binary, etc. It’s the jerks who ruin it…:(

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    #5

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group Too many unanswered questions and double standards.

    anon , David Besh Report

    no Adhesivness2020
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I lose a lot of "Christians" when I say, the Bible is a book written by men who wrote what they thought. Just like today. Many books provide insight into different subjects, but none are flawless. The insistence that the Bible is flawless is shutting out growth and understanding. What if a medical book written 2000 years ago was the only text we were allowed to use?

    Theresa Stephenson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think a lot of the bible is divine but it was not written by god but man. So does that mean it is not all true and man interpreted it wrong, I do not know. However the language was different back then and some of the bible might have gotten lost interpretation s.

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    RoseAnne Hutchence
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And why is the Church so afraid of women?

    Mike Y
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the Sun was made on the third day, how did God measure days before that?

    Clarf
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is a huge one for me. I went to Catholic school and had A LOT of questions that were never answered. I'm Agnostic now.

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We ought take it, they say on faith, for the gods work in mysterious ways.

    Mike Y
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Christmas is a fixed date every year, but Good Friday/Easter moves. WTF?

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    #6

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group Had an abusive father growing up , and no matter how much I prayed god did nothing.

    Professional-Unit814 , Monstera Report

    madbakes
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes. If God allows those who cannot defend themselves to be abused, it's no god I want to know.

    and_a_touch_of_the_’tism
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If god can stop bad things, but doesn’t, then they are not benevolent. If they see bad things but can’t stop them, then they are not all-powerful.

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    sturmwesen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The whole benvolent, all knowing, all mighty paradox....

    aZZy_d3Lta (they/star/bun)
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the reason I'm doubting my religion. My father is abusive, my mom doesn't do s**t about it, I'm being bullied and sexually harassed at school, and the school isn't helping, no matter how many times I report it. I've asked him to help so many times and yet all of this is still happening. I don't think a 14-year-old should go through all of this :(

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh AZZy, I am so truly sad to hear what you are going through. No, no fourteen year old should ever have to go through what you are experiencing or feel like they have to have the crushing wait of the world on their shoulders. Is there a loving friend or trusted adult you can reach out to? Your local library may be a safe haven as they often have resources or people you can talk to report abuse and sexual harassment. You should never ever have to deal with abuse and sexual harassment. You are loved and valid. I may not know you but everyone deserves to feel safe and truly hope that you are able to find someone to confide in or resources that can help you.

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    Metaniel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ooo, I've had same situation. And when I went to the priest and questioned it, he said that being abused is god's will. I turned around and never came back

    Best Behave
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jeez, well he WOULD say that, wouldn’t he?

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    Laura S.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Either God is unable or unwilling to stop suffering…so incompetent or evil

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And, if an abuser preys several times a day abusing is okay

    PeaceBy Jesus
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    God could have created a universe with clouds and creatures that would never do anything immoral or otherwise harmful, just a nice universe, reflecting God's power, majesty and wisdom humming along. Instead, by creating beings who have the ability to choose, and alternatives to choose btwn, with consequences, then the reality is that these beings are the only ones that actually cause God grief. We only manifest our ignorance in railing against God as if we also were omniscient, and had a better plan and sure standard for morality. As said before, God could have, 1. made us (and angels) with no moral standard or sense or deprived us from the moral ability to respond to or choose good [morally insensible, even as with clouds]. 2. granted us free moral agency, but never have given us anything to choose between [negation of moral choices] More: https://www.quora.com/How-do-atheists-reconcile-a-loving-God-with-the-existence-of-natural-disasters/answer/Daniel-Hamilton-53

    Dawnieangel76
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This, except mine was a stepdad. I was the epitome of a perfect little girl, yet I was made into the family slave and literal punching bag for 15 years, plus horribly bullied through my entire schooling. Where was God, and why did He let that happen to me?

    Sara Wilson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But I'm guessing he was a religious man, so it made it ok for him to do? That's usually where that goes

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    By the way, these are not isolated cases, but a real trend. According to statistics given by the British sociologist Stephen Bullivant in his book Nonverts: The Making of Ex-Christian America, if in 1972 the number of Americans with no religious affiliation was 5% (and if we take into account people under 30 years, then 10%), then in 2018 the same indicators were 23% and 34%, respectively.

    Bullivant says the majority of this shift is caused by people actively leaving the religion of their childhood (the “nonverts” of the title), not because they were born into nonreligious families (though that trend is coming). In other words, there are many reasons for people to turn away from religion, but this is rather an objective historical process.

    #7

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group I grew up as a Christian and even spent a little time working in ministry. For years there were some nagging things that just didn’t add up for me. I worked for Child Protection Services for years and decided any God that has the power to prevent heinous abuse against his supposed innocent, but doesn’t, is either a sadist I don’t want to worship, or simply non existent. If this all started between God and Satan they can leave me the f**k out of it. It’s the b******t manufactured responses from Christians that were the nail on the coffin.

    __KWM__ , Simon Berger Report

    Nikki Sevven
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    God started out as the bad guy, imo. Eve couldn't possibly have known it was bad to eat from the Tree until AFTER she had already eaten. God set her up to fail, then held all humanity accountable for one transgression from one person who was utterly innocent of her wrongdoing. No court in the world would have convicted her, but God did, and the rest of us until the end of time? Screw anyone who behaves like this. It's narcissistic gaslighting and victim blaming at its finest.

    Dan Holden
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, but it's okay because he sent himself to be sacrificed to himself so the rest of us are no longer on the hook for Eve doing exactly what he set her up to do. Makes total sense /s

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    CHRIS DOMRES
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The Old Testament bible is full of "sinners" being punished by God. So God delivers the Ten Commandments. How were those commandments supposed to be communicated to all the humans on earth? No internet back then. Not even a printing press. So God basically punished humans who probably never knew those commandments even existed.

    KathleenJ
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Like them saying......'this too shall pass'....I call bs.

    SkyBlueandBlack
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean, it might pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass.

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    Paul Rabit
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This reminds me of the Abraham and Isaac story where God tells Abraham to sacrifice his son, Isaac only to stop him at the last minute to say it was all just a “test of faith”. Any God who needs to do that is pretty sadistic, not to mention insecure.

    Kim Steffen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jesus walked in seeto a motel and put three nails down on the counter. He asked the person at the desk ”can you put me up for the night?"

    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The problem, among many, is that people literally think of “god” as a reflection of themselves, because that’s as far as thought itself can take you, and hence essentially as some sort of person up in the sky. It is thought, and therefore the thinker, which demands ”proof.” It just doesn’t work that way.

    Pretty Pink Sky Photography
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought god was supposed to be forgiving. Apparently a mistake was made and now everyone must suffer? That’s like a classroom full of children gets detention because one child did something wrong.

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Clarifying is important as this abuse children will play a big role in times gods know what's going to happen before it does.

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    #8

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group People put religion first over being a good human being

    wootmon12 , Arina Krasnikova Report

    Lauren Lewis
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Religion is usually their first excuse to defend their crappy behavior.

    Def_not_a_snake (they/them)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I complain to my parents about someone they always say that God punishes the bad and that they'll get what they deserve. They think it's disrespectful when I disagree with them because the person never did get punished and it's been 5 years

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    The Scout
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you need the threat of eternal damnation to be a good person, you are NOT a god person. Period.

    cb !!!
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've gone to Catholic school my entire life, and in middle school I had a teacher tell my best friend, who was lesbian, that she would accept her identity but "God doesn't approve". When my friend asked her to elaborate, she said "I would support gay people and transgender people, because I don't personally think that's wrong, but God wouldn't allow that and I must follow what he says, so keep it to yourself, [friend's name]". Yeah... not for me. Imagine giving up your own (good) values in the name of being a good little soldier for some being that hates it's own creation.

    RoseAnne Hutchence
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As my Dad used to say, "Well, at least we know where all the hypocrits are Sunday mornings."

    Isaac Harvey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oftentimes, they do 'good' things only to appease a nonexistent 'God,' and not for the real feelings of other people.

    Jefferina 🇵🇸
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Exactly! When religion should MAKE you a good human being. Unfortunately that's definitely not how it works.

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You don't have to be a good person, when you believe and give alms to the church.

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    #9

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group I come from a fairly religious family (some are very, others, not so much, some not at all). I became an atheist at the age of six. Why? Simply put, I could see, even then, how badly religion is use to manipulate, control, bully, intimidate, and attack people. And I wanted NO part of that.

    Dippycat149 , Oleksandr Pidvalnyi Report

    not your average weirdo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My dads side of the family is deeply catholic and my moms side is Protestant but my parents raised us to be skeptical of everything unless there’s proof

    Christopher Barnhouse
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was somewhere between 6-8, had just gotten out of sunday school and was in the front lobby of the church with all the stained glass windows. I remember looking at one that was JC - when suddenly it came over me like a wave : the realization that it was all fake. Been atheist ever since and everything I've seen and learned in my life since has only confirmed that moment.

    detective miller's hat
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was 8. Then I started reading the entire bible and was just even more certain that the whole thing was nonsense.

    BWC
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I read the intro that explained how many times it had been translated and reinterpreted and was done.

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    Libstak
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Religion does these things, God does not.

    Quarkbeast
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    While god stands by and does nothing, because they don't exist.

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    Alicia M
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm an atheist who grew up in a very religious family too. I've known that I did not believe in God since the age of seven. None of it made sense.

    Amanda Hunter
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Indeed, organized religion is all about control.

    Slondal
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Isn't the whole point of religion to control people?

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good for you. to be so bright at that age. Recalling I was about eight before I saw the truth.

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    And if there is a historical process, that means that it is possible to model scenarios for its development. So, according to the Pew Research Center, which researched four such scenarios, in all four religiously unaffiliated Americans are projected to approach or exceed Christians in number by 2070. Yes, our society is really losing our religion, and the process looks unstoppable and impetuous - from a historical point of view, of course.

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    #10

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group What they taught didn’t make any sense

    stupidfock , Ric Rodrigues Report

    Kim Steffen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Monotheism is bad. You only get one imaginary friend to play with.

    K W
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A very boring vindictive one at that. Ancient Greek deities are vindictive as well but at least they have fun hobbies.

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    CHRIS DOMRES
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I went to Catholic elementary school. Even with my poorly developed sense of logic at age 7, none of the religion made any sense to me.

    BWC
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Same here. We were sent around our neighborhoods collecting change for starving children in Africa because, if we couldn't help them find god, they were going to burn in hell. Even in 3rd grade this made no sense and was a horrible thing to be taught about a so called "all loving" god.

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    Sunny Day
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you want to believe in xxxx, you have to have faith. But to have faith, you have to shut off the logical, thinking part of your brain and choose to believe, regardless of the lack of proof for, and preponderance of evidence against. I can't do that.

    cb !!!
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In 3rd grade, at a Catholic school, I asked a priest if technically eating the Eucharist was a cannibalism, since it's supposedly the real body of Christ. He stumbled over a poor explanation of "it's... uh... different" before moving on. I feel like if you eat the real body of someone supposedly fully human (not just fully God), that's gotta be cannibalism, right? I was explained some time in high school that no, it's not, because the "form" is bread while it "is" the Body. My brain hurts just typing this out. Eventually I got tired of the contradictions and that's why I don't go to mass :-)

    My O My
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Asked the same question got the same answer. Same goes for the wine

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    Thomas Ewing
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've seen the interpretation of the Bible skewed such that ridiculous impossibilities become fact, but that is a one-off case-by-case with pastors, not God. The Bible is history and lore, NOT the perfect Word of God (we'll get that in Heaven). Patience!

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Although religions can show a kinder, better way of living, they often fail with false premises.

    Edwin Lesperance
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Born into a Catholic family, I decided to read the bible, and that clinched it for me. St. Paul vs. Jesus. Crucifixes vs. the 2nd Commandment. Baptists in the South not allowing my black friends in their church. And people like Joel Osteen.

    Ginny Crouse
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I went to Catholic schools through 9th grade. Starting in first grade I was always in trouble for asking questions that the nuns/priests couldn't answer. "If a person who commits suicide is considered mentally unstable, and mentally unstable can't be condemned to hell, how come it's a sin to suicide and one can't be buried in a hallowed cemetery?" "If we will be reunited with our families when we die, but we hate our families because of how they abused us, why would I want to go to heaven?" Many, many more questions. The answer was always,"You have to have faith." Yeah, right.

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    #11

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group when MFers got ten grand for a robe and a gold ring and a gold cup but gives out soup and bread like they doin a grand thing. Oh and [abusing] children that part pisses me off. Churches should be charged 75% taxes

    Outnabout3535325 , İrem Meriç Report

    OmBoyGanesh
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And the hundreds of pedophile priests are all doing hard time. /s

    Der Kommissar
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    hard time might mean something else to someone else

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    Skeptical newt
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Churches should not be tax exempt at all

    BWC
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Especially those supporting political parties.

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    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Churches should be fully taxed! It is absurd that they are not!

    BeepBoop is Lonely (she/they)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the original comment on Reddit says r*ped, but I think abused fits better (sorry if I accidentally triggered anyone, I know that feeling.)

    Queen Jackson.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t, that slightly changes the context and reduces the degree of the crime (not that both aren’t bad).

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    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're to kind, only 75% taxes?

    Amanda Hunter
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just because they're in the god industry shouldn't mean they get away with all sorts and are tax-exempt.

    Frances Petendra
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nowhere in any faith does it say abuse children .

    BWC
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mohammed married a child and consumated the marriage.

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    Mark Karol-Chik
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Budgets in the red let's tax religion- Dead Kennedys

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    #12

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group A very religious friend once told me "It's a shame you don't believe in god, you're a nice person and don't deserve to burn for eternity." I was like...if that actually happens, your god is an a*****e and I wouldn't worship them even if it was proven without a doubt that that god existed. I'm open to the idea of a higher power. I don't think it's impossible that life was seeded on Earth by higher beings. But I'd want to see the evidence before I believed it and I certainly don't think that millionairs who demand money from the poor are the people spreading the word of any kind of saviour.

    Raephstel , Dương Nhân Report

    K W
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's even better when someone tells your grade schooler they're going to hell if they don't believe in Jesus.

    Max Fox
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If there is a being of higher intelligence, etc, it doesn't make sense that they would want me to worship them. I could see them caring about how we treated other mortal beings, but what would my worship benefit them?

    Gabby Ghoul
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even if life was seeded here by higher beings that doesn't necessarily make them gods.

    Isaac Harvey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the only thing keeping you from being a 'bad person' is the threat of eternal punishment, you are already a bad person.

    frog
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, exactly! When I was forced to go to church when I was younger, the question always asked was, "if so-and-so was the nicest person on Earth, would they still go to heaven?" The answer was always, "no," because they weren't saved or accepted the Lord into their heart. Basically, saying that y'all can be the evilest b***h, but as long as you accept God, it's okay.

    Stephanie Barr
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    THIS. How can you be a "good person" when you're perfectly comfortable with other humans suffering indefinitely (what kind of sadist has a plan like that, anyway?) because they don't go to church or go to the "wrong" church? That's enough to turn me away from organized religion right there.

    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This should be much higher! The whole fire and brimstone conservative Christianity c**p does a lot of damage to young, impressionable minds. Any religion based on fear is not for me! Although none of them actually are, their institutions just made them that way.

    David Wambold
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes my problem with a wraithful God. If God told you to go out and blow up or kill innocent people who disagree with you- you need a different God.

    MetaMaxNL
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yes this one, i don't have a problem with god(-s) but i do have a problem with religion

    David H
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    not all religions are that way. Judaism says if a non-Jew follows the 7 Noahide laws, none of which require believing in god, can go to heaven. Also people who are "Righteous in Deeds", regardless of the others things can as go to heaven

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    Be that as it may, we are now in 2023, not 2070, and each of the people who turn away from religion has their own motivation, their own story. So please feel free to scroll to the very end of this list, read these stories and maybe share your own in the comments. After all, as John Lennon used to sing, “imagine there's no countries - it isn't hard to do. Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too...”

    #13

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group Critical thinking.

    Apoplexi1 , Pixabay Report

    VikingAbroad
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my country the education to become a priest is not a clerical education, but a university education. They teach critical thinking, social science and historical criticism. They want priests to think for them selves and be solid people. The priest wage is low and you have to live among your parishioners. Nor fancy robes, no grand buildings, no self interest, no hate (well, some really old time priests are not fans of female priests, but they are dying out). I love what the church in my country do for the poor, those in need and those who just need a free space. We're not Catholic, but we're Christians. Most of the time the problem is not religion, but white supremacist religion, any religion who thinks money and wealth should go to the top. And that is not Christianity, that is some brainwashed kind of sect. Instead of going after all religion, go after those specific sects that gives the rest a bad reputation. Any religion who hates a specific group can't be Christian.

    Noname
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And they are neither Christian, nor Jewish, nor Muslim, nor Buddhist, nor Hindi, nor Shinto, or any religion that doesn't hold the basic tenet of "love yourself and others".

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    Alicia M
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Religion is the antithesis of critical thinking. You are told you must believe in something that can't be proved, just because an old book says so.

    CJ Bovee
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This should be number one on this list

    Hugh Cookson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    More like Magical thinking, delusion and self interest in most cases.

    Dan Holden
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think OP is citing their own critical thinking as their reason for leaving religion, not their issue with religion.

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    #14

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group Because it is nonsense. A structure build by certain people to control and benefit from the not-so-sharp knives in the drawer. If it makes these people have a reason to be "good" in the fear of an almigthy punishing them... Fine with me. I prefer to be a good person just because, I'm fully responsible for my actions and have no need for imaginary friends to blame.

    RenzoARG , Pixabay Report

    Nikki Sevven
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unfortunately, many modern religionists insist on bypassing the word of their god to decide for themselves what's 'good' and what's 'bad', and their decisions are ALWAYS based on their personal feelings about certain groups of people.

    Maisey Myles
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like this little church in the picture.

    BeepBoop is Lonely (she/they)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think it's just a cute little building. I would live there if it was a house

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    Rob Williams
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I once had an argument with a Jehovah's Witness. He asked me if I didn't believe in their god what was to stop me being a rapist, thief, or murderer. I said that, despite my lack of belief I robbed, raped, and murdered as many times as I wanted to. It just so happened that the number of times I wanted to was zero because I wanted to live in a nicer society.

    Thomas Ewing
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As a student of science and psychology, it took me decades to realize there IS a spiritual realm and Jesus has an excellent handle on it. I read the Bible thoroughly and weekly and know that each person will have their own interpretation. To deny God and spirit is advertising ignorance and limited life experience. I choose to grow and learn knowing that Earth is but a kindergarten for souls, and much more will be revealed in the afterlife. Don't let Satan keep you away from life. Good living takes effort. Best wishes.

    bennu
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have no idea what I just read

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Once again, I strongly recommend reading stuff written by Joseph Campbell, probably 50 years ago, on the "functions" of religion: 1. To explain natural phenomena (in the days before science, now the "god of the gaps). 2. To distinguish, by beliefs and customs, "Us" from "Them" as a mechanism to increase survival/dominance of the group bearing a particular religion meme. This allows, and indeed encourages the slaughter of those who believe differently. (See: Deuteronomy 20:16-18 or read the news about the Middle East.) 3. To promote "good behavior" in the populace, out of fear of a vengeful god (Think Santa Claus, who knows if you've been bad or good - another bearded, omniscient, mytholoigcal being), and finally 4. As busywork for under-employed philosophers.

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some of the best and kindest people do not believe in any higher power, while some of the earths most vile profess a belief in a God, of some sorts.

    Amanda Hunter
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a huge industry based on god.

    Ginny Crouse
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Just love people who say God told them such and such. Personal hotline, huh? Hallucination, maybe? Too many drugs?

    Hobby Hopper
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You don't have to be a dull knife to fall into the trap of religion, especially if you were raised in it. The constant reinforcement is a very powerful thing. I know; I was raised that way. Most of my immediate and extended family is religious, and I would say many of them are of at least average and higher intelligence. If you haven't been in that world, you can't possibly understand how compelling it can be, and not just because of the brainwashing, but also because of the community and sense of hope. Frankly, losing my faith was one of the most painful things I ever went through. It becomes a core part of your identity.

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    #15

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group Was being lectured to "not want material things" by someone driving a Hummer

    mjk3845 , Jacob Moore Report

    Bonesko
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey, don't judge hummers. What they do in the privacy of their own home is.... Oh c**p they're talking about the car. Oops!

    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tough gig around here sometimes on this type of humor! Got a thumbs up from me! Some people need to lighten up!

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    David Wambold
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes laugh every time I see evangelicals in suits wear gold bling and flying their own private jets. Jesus hung out with the poor and disenfranchised not people like you.

    UnseeJuiceWitch (any pronouns)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    my story: Was told that being gay was a sin by a history teacher who once got caught by the school doing unholy things to a measuring stick (if you know you know)

    Telepathetic
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Or Owns a private Jet and walled compound while demanding all Your Possessions

    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "And if you send as much money as you can, you will be given reward in heaven"

    Dawnieangel76
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh this! The head priest of the Catholic school & church I attended preached about living in poverty, but drove a brand-new Lamborghini.

    Tim
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well the crowd just didn’t know what to do with that Nor could they prove what he said wasn’t true And since he had what everyone else thought they wanted It seemed like the thing to do And with that we rolled into the future And ain’t it a son of a b***h To think that we would still need religion To keep the poor from killin’ the rich? - Todd Snider "In The Beginning"

    Vermonta
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My niece had one so I asked her how many terrorists she runs into on the way to the grocery store

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    #16

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group I found my own path to spirituality.

    Altruistic_Speed_819 , RF._.studio Report

    Hugh Cookson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As we should all do, well done.

    Niall Mac Iomera
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why do you think spiritually is important? And what is it?

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    Skeptical newt
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Faith and religion are two very separate things

    OmBoyGanesh
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This one should be higher, if not the top. And it should be a fundamental life goal.

    Telepathetic
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What ever the Path is---Don't force it on others

    Cara G
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Exactly. The journey is different for each of us.

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    no Adhesivness2020
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I guess Spirituality has many different meanings, but for me it means that there is a spirit within us, within all things. That spirit exists beyond and without the physical body we inhabit. We continue to exist beyond the death of the body, but I believe we can explore the spirit world all around us. I'm not referring to ghosts, although I'm not excluding the spirit of preliving humans, but the spirit of all that surrounds us. I have sat in nature and experienced the spirit of the place. Many individuals, but also the combined spirit of the place and its past. Our one body is actually a colony of independent organisms. Our blood cells carry out their mission without our instruction. As does every cell in our body. Perhaps we too are cells in a larger organism. One that we may be able to connect to if we try being the whole, rather than a self important part.

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To quiet the mind, soul and self is to find internal peace.

    Debra Newell
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've always considered myself to be a "Heinz 57" , when it comes to religion. I have studied lots of different religions and believe bits of each of them, not 100% of just one.

    Slondal
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No one has ever been able to give me a clear explanation of 'spirituality.'

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    #17

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group I'm autistic. So when I asked a clarifying question ( as I am want to do) at age 6 in sunday school i was told "Dont ask questions" And that was the end of that.

    brumbles2814 , Ron Lach Report

    David H
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I went to Jewish Religious schools and one of the things I learned in first grade was that one of the essential things in Judaism is a requirement to ask questions, it is even part of the Seder on passover. Asking questions in encouraged, or at least supposed to be, as long as it is done in a respectful way with intent to get an answer as opposed to being antagonistic

    BagelBoi
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah, judaism (at least reform judaism) is the cool religion, i am an agnostic jew, and i am still fully accepted at my synagogue, and still go to services every once in a while

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    OmBoyGanesh
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Another way of saying “don’t ask questions” is “just have faith”

    SkyBlueandBlack
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow. I mean, I at least give my old pastor credit for trying. Some of the discussions during confirmation classes were surprisingly nuanced for a dozen middle schoolers. I mean, I don't know how much it costs to get a master's in theology, but it must be pretty mind-numbing to go from that to preaching to a room full of fidgety kids and hungover adults with a few enthusiastic idiots here and there every week.

    Peter Trudell Jr
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a reason Christianity refers to the flock as SHEEP... do as you're told, don't ask questions.

    Clay S.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, if you can't answer my questions satisfactorily, I'm not buying whatever you are pushing

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I too questioned in Sunday school and was lead out by the ear.

    Amanda Hunter
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think that might still ring true.

    Slondal
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sums up the attitude of a lot of people to children ... and to adults as well.

    Alicia M
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is what my autistic son said about religion too. It doesn't allow you to ask questions. My son's father got mad at him when he asked who made God.

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    #18

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group The fact there are over 4,000 religions in existence today. Which one of them is right?! South Park did a great episode on this btw, where everyone died and I think only the Mormans went to heaven, all other religions went to hell, because turns out they were incorrect in choosing their faith. Epitomised how ridiculous religion is. That and everything else already said in this thread.

    09stibmep , Wouter de Jong Report

    Alicia M
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It has been said by many famous atheists that most people don't believe in all the other Gods. Atheists just go one God further.

    Isaac Harvey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Satanism(https://www.churchofsatan.com/eleven-rules-of-earth/) sounds pretty sweet... "We Satanists are thus our own 'Gods,' and as beneficent 'deities' we can offer love to those who deserve it and deliver our wrath... upon those who seek to cause us... harm."(https://www.churchofsatan.com)

    Brenda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I believe that no matter what you call a higher power or whatever, it's all the same. Just different names

    jdtimid123
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a theory that there may be multiple gods, and that's why there was the commandment about God being jealous, and there's a old testament verse that (in some translations) mentioned other gods having kids with humans. But other translations say its angels. I just thought it was interesting.

    not your average weirdo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh I know that episode, whenever there’s an argument about religion, me and my dad just say “well only Mormons go to heaven anyway”

    Apatheist Account2
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the fundamental point. Either there are multiple gods or only one (or none; either there is reincarnation or there isn't. They can't all be right, so why believe any of them?

    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Such a western way of thinking. Eastern religions know how to embrace ambiguity a hell of a lot better than western religions.

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    Debra Newell
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The "Bible" was written by a person or people.

    Thomas Ewing
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are 8 billion "religions" in the world. Each of us has our own path to God. Please don't push your views on others; at the same time avoiding evil and helping good. Tricky.

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    One of the constructs of any organization is discomfort when you leave. Some promise everlasting death before the fact and others after. Still the same.

    Dawnieangel76
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To make it worse, each branch of Christianity says it's the RIGHT one & all the others are wrong & going to hell.

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    #19

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group I was forced to go to church Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, for years. Even as a young person I started seeing the bias and hypocrisy in organized religion when a teacher was trying to tell me if you 'didn't know Jesus you were condemned to hell'. I asked 'what about the Indians'? And the teacher had no answer for me. Didn't make sense to me that a 'loving God' would send a whole group of people to hell because they hadn't been exposed to the bible. Over time the fact that churches tend to be cliquish and are always begging for money that generally gets spent to big bigger and 'better' churches just left a bad taste in my mouth. I also have a hard time believing that a book that a bunch of 'old' guys at the time wrote based on stories told by mouth over hundreds or thousands of years is really the 'word of God'. I still believe in a higher power and intelligent design but I am not going to follow the teachings of organized religion. I do believe in basic ethics and standards of how to treat your fellow human beings but I don't need some fat dude in a cheap suit telling me how to behave every Sunday morning.

    Thepatrone36 , Patricia McCarty Report

    SkyBlueandBlack
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, yeah -- that's why Christian missionaries went all over the place, to "save" the savages. Even built entire plantation-style missions in California. And remember that guy a few years ago who went to that island in the Indian Ocean inhabited by a tribe of historically unfriendly cannibals? Yeah, he knew it was illegal, but he just HAD to try to convert them. As for the origin of the bible, that's a whole college class. OT is a record of Jewish oral history, NT is mostly Paul writing letters to various communities about how to be Christian (Jesus' followers were Jewish; it was Paul who took it from a form of Judaism to a different religion). Mark *might* have been written by the actual apostle Mark, but decades after the events described. The books of the NT were chosen at the Council of Nicea in the 300s, because there were a whole bunch of various gospels in use before then (now called the gnostic or apocryphal gospels). Christian history completely undermines Christianity.

    Tracy Wallick
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you're talking about North Sentinel Island, it's protected by the Indian government and people are strictly prohibited from approaching the island; the missionary evaded patrols to catch people like him, broke the law, which was set in place for a reason, as the North Sentinelese have a well-documented history of being very hostile to outsiders. Additionally, because they've been isolated for so long, they don't have immunity to diseases that most of humanity does; so not only did he endanger himself, this selfish missionary was endangering everyone on the island by bringing microbes with him that could have annihilated the island's population. Dude f****d around and found out. (Also there is 0 evidence that they're cannibals.)

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    Libstak
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel seen, this is the same argument I had with my preacher brother. Instead of answering he said the body and blood of Christ will save you like he was exorcising a demon or some c**p.

    Laura S.
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In 1513 AD thereabouts, Pope Leo X, commenting on the wealth and power of the Church, said “it has served us well, this myth of Christ.” Not surprised lol

    Isa's left eye
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I don't need some fat dude in a cheap suit telling me how to behave"- I guess you're on the naughty list this year then

    Nikki Sevven
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The religion to which you subscribe is almost entirely dependent on the time, place, and culture in which you live.

    The Milk In Your Fridge
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    touching on the first paragraph: in my old school I asked my religious studies teacher why God loves all and teaches to love all, but sends gay people and people who haven’t been shown the bible to hell… needless to say, I got put in a detention 🤷🏻‍♀️ 100% worth it tho, headteacher and I had a long discussion about it

    Ace
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I tried to believe, I really did, up until the age of 16, when I travelled the world on cargo ships. Seeing so many people with so many different beliefs sealed it for me - not that they were all going to hell, but that for some reason our religion was the only one out of all of these others that was correct. Once you accept that even if there is a god your particular brand of religion cannot possibly be the only 'correct' one, the rest of it all starts to unravel.

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But theologians are clever. Just that question was outlined in Dante's Inferno - The "Virtuous Pagans" such as Aristotle and such were consigned to somewhere between Heaven and Hell, because they did not have the "benefit" of an opportunity to become Christian - same for stillborn babies, who died unbaptized. A bunch of underemployed philosophers can come up with some creative solutions.

    Celtic Pirate Queen
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Totally agree. And that "knowing Jesus as you personal Lord & Savior" bullsh*t? I remember asking my oh, so Christian Mother, "So the little bushman in Africa, who is gentle and kind and has never hurt anyone or anything, is going to hell because he's never heard of some guy in some book?" She didn't really have an answer for me.

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    #20

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group The OPs question is a fallacy, that people "become" atheists for a reason. The false assumption is that faith is the natural state for all people, so there must be a triggering event (e.g. loss of a loved one, an accident, etc) that caused the individual to leave the "correct" state and enter into an aberrant state of non-belief. In reality, belief in a god or other mystical reality is the aberrant behavior, begun by early privative culture and perpetuated by training each new generation. I "turned my back on religion" when I went away to college and realized there was no reason at all for me to go to church on Sunday. There was no meaning in it. I shrugged and moved on with my life.

    Clapperoth , cottonbro studio Report

    OmBoyGanesh
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Second paragraph is spot on!!!

    Nikki Sevven
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It was (and still is) an easy way to control a population. The oldest profession is not prostitute, but shaman.

    Tim
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The first shaman is like: I don't want to hunt or gather. It's too hard. Hmmm. I'll have the rest of them sacrifice their food to me so that I can make sure that we have a bountiful year. Anyone who calls me on my BS will be smoted.

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    SlothyK8
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Second graf: I think I've been an atheist my whole life. My parents did the Catholic thing when I was little, but I never got it. Then my mother got "saved" later, and I got it even less. Religion is nothing but another form of tribalism that discourages rationality in favor of blind, slavish adherence to unsubstantiated myth. And that was really obvious to me even in elementary school. Big fat nope. The closest I've ever come to religion was some dabbling in paganism because I think the natural world is amazing, but even then I couldn't worship it. Nope.

    Terran
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Human history shows us, that every single society developed some sort of religious practices, so the assumption that religion is the natural state is probably true in contrary to what OP says. Organized and docmatic religion probably not so much. It developed in a very wrong direction, especially monotheistic religions.

    Hobby Hopper
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I strongly suspect belief in religion is an evolutionary adaptation which strengthens community and motivates collaboration. Why else would religions be so wide spread in (almost?) every human culture, and for so long? In that sense, it *is* the "natural" or "default" state, but that's not the same as "correct". It doesn't mean it's technically correct, just that for much of human history, it was *useful* and even mutually beneficial.

    Hobby Hopper
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And, in case anyone misunderstands, I'm not saying this was a good development necessarily, and I certainly don't deny that religion has motivated countless terrible acts. Evolutionary adaptations are neither good nor bad, they simply aid in the survival of the species. I certainly wouldn't call homo sapiens killing off neanderthals "good", or killing off species of dangerous predators "good", but it did make us more successful as a species.

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    Torza
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is the best answer imo. The logic resonates with me.

    tabithapaquette98
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Agreed. People are taught from birth about " god". It's a load of crock!

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your helping to save the worlds population from religious stupidity.

    Amanda Hunter
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Faith" is for people who need it, so it fulfills a need.

    Birma Gustafsson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We're all born atheists and have to be taught religion to know anything about it! A child from a christian family becomes a muslim if only taught islam. A muslim child become a christian if only taught christianity. Religion is a revelatory knowledge, that is, it is not something we are born with like an instinct - we have to learn about it if we are to know it. So if noone teaches us religion, we don't know anything about it. We are all born atheists.

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    #21

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group Mental gymnastics. Also the fear tactics got tiring

    cherrymilka04 , Brett Sayles Report

    Hugh Cookson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Easy way round this, stop the gymnastics and stop being fearful of their b******t.

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hanging out with like minded people.

    Alicia M
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was raised a southern baptist. A terrible environment for any child, even worse for girls. Misogyny and child abuse are hallmarks of this particular form of religious indoctrination. My sister struggles with feelings of guilt and shame to this day, and she is someone most people would consider a model child, and a good person. She's mentally screwed up because of our religious upbringing. I'm so glad it did not have the same impact on me.

    #22

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group Aside from the sheer absurdity of the biblical timeline and the fantasy that magic man is watching what every person is doing at all times, I have a son with autism. The challenges he faces to do the most simple things are cruel and inhumane. There is no intelligent design behind any of this.

    MeatWhorenado , RODNAE Productions Report

    KathleenJ
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But THEY say we only get the burdens we can bear.....utter bs!

    SkyBlueandBlack
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Much like how it's usually people with lots of money who insist money doesn't matter, it always seems like it's some pretty lightly burdened people who like to say that.

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    Isaac Harvey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I, for one, am curious as to the explanation for how one entity could have almost 8 billion pairs of eyes at once.

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The two best refutations of intelligent design: 1. Human Parturition, and 2. The Prostate.

    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Intelligent design is such a western concept. The west just can’t accept ambiguity and intellectual lack of understanding. Such an emphasis on logic!

    Vermonta
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kudos to Joseph believing that angel in the garden story. Yeah, Joseph and he's gonna be the son of god!

    Jason K
    Community Member
    2 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I definitely should be able to ingest, smoke, inject anything I want and not face the consequences, obviously God is malicious. I should be able to destroy environment and not get any diseases or cancers. Women should be able to smoke, drink, do heroin while pregnant and have no adverse effects for the baby. What kind of God would make consequences for actions?

    #23

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group Honestly the terrorism, the greed and religious hypocrisy that comes from people who follow it made me an atheist/agnostic for a long time add to the fact that when your God commands you to kill Jews and non believers it makes it more of a cult than a religion eventually I discovered Hinduism which worked for me personally. So technically I’m still not sure about God but I love the religion, the practices and the easy going nature of the religion, Buddhism is pretty nice too.

    FABRICFOREVER , cottonbro studio Report

    Strontium Dog
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hinduism is "easy going"?! I suspect that there are the families of thousands upon thousands of dead Seikhs and Muslims who would not agree.

    Maximus
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Balinese Hinduism is pretty chill, since they are rather out of touch with the region it came from. Though this might be more cultural than it is religion.

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    Cerridwn d'Wyse
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Read "Terror in the Name of God" no religion is all good

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But sadly, the "peaceful" Hindus slaughter(ed) Muslims in India, and the even more peaceful Buddhists did the same to Muslims in Sri Lanka. At its bottom, religion is a meme (in the original sense of the word - an idea that spreads, like a virus, among the human population. In order to evolve and out-compete other competing memes, the "law of the jungle" applies, and it is sometimes deemed necessary to slaughter the competitors.

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    B and H also have a dark past and present.

    Amanda Hunter
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some people use the veil of religion to carry out their diabolical acts.

    Slondal
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    'Buddhism is pretty nice' ... hundreds of thousands of people in Myanmsr would disagree.

    Isa
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why are y relating god with people.People can be good or bad of any religion but not religion or God is wrong.Dont believe in priest but believe in God.

    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Straight up recommendation: Stephen Batchelor; Buddhism Without Beliefs. Also “Alone With Others”, by same, if you want a great book on seeing how Christianity and Buddhism are not at all incompatible.

    Der Kommissar
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The reason priests told people to kill Jews was that they killed Christ. How can you kill a god?

    David H
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't ask, millions of Jews over history have been killed for that, today we are just grateful most people, including official Catholic theology has moved beyond that

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    #24

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group I went to a church of England school, which involves singing hymns, prayers etc. Pretty standard for primary school age kids. I was talking to another girl about religion and she said 'I'm an atheist'. I asked her what it was and she explained that she didn't believe in god. I was mindblown, I didn't even know that was an option, but it immediately made sense to me in a way Christianity never did. My parents never spoke about religion much or went to church, but I went home to tell them my new discovery and they both just laughed and admitted they don't believe in god either. I have a few atheist family members too, I learnt my grandmother, now 93, doesn't believe in god, and my Grandad on the other side who passed a few years ago.

    CherylTuntIRL , RODNAE Productions Report

    SkyBlueandBlack
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, from an anthropology perspective, religion is a cultural/community thing. Like a book club, but it's the same book over and over. Historically, your religious community served as a social safety net, supporting each other when needed -- making sure a guy's wife and kids didn't starve if he died, taking in orphans, etc. -- because the notion that a government might do that is relatively new. At this point, though, religion -- especially as it's practiced in modern societies -- is totally obsolete. So church members now tend to either be the casual "social hour" attendees or the over-the-top "REPENT!/NO, YOU REPENT!" variety. Of course, now we're seeing a lot of "I love God and Guns" types, which I *think* is the middle part of a venn diagram of those. Or it might just be a form of mental illness. I dunno, I didn't take abby psych. XD

    Kharyss
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    To be fair, most people who were raised Church of England are pretty chill. We mainly only go to church for weddings, christenings and funerals, if at all. I would consider myself an atheist since I don’t believe in a mystical higher power, but I do like the traditional and cultural aspects of ceremonies that mark significant life stages. For me, a church is a way to bring communities and families together to say familiar words and celebrate events as our parents, grandparents and great grandparents did before us. A link to the past and marking the start of a future. Just don’t get me started on the idiots who mix together church and state, or believe fairytales should dictate how I live my life or interfere with my bodily autonomy.

    René Sauer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the parents didn´t believe in God either, Why did they send OP to a school of the church? (which shouldn´t even exist, btw.).

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oftentimes religious schools are private in the UK and some parents believe that their children may receive a better education.

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    François Bouzigues
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My much adorable and much appreciated Granpa was a fervent catholic. And i though my mother and aunts were also. Turns out we all attendend church because it made him so happy. A bunch of granpaholics if i might say. If at all, i pray to Granpa now, because he was the closest to a saint i ever witnessed.

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a Sumerian (or maybe Babylonian) tablet somewhere with the transcript of a trial. Farmer A accuses Farmer B of stealing his goat. Farmer B does indeed have the goat, but no proof that it's his. The authorities brought both farmers to the temple of Marduk, and told them to repeat their stories to the statue of the god. Farmer B, terrified, confessed to being a thief, despite the severe penalty. So indeed, religion sometimes has uses (See Campbell's 3rd reason, in my note several stories above.

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are part of a remarkable family, keep on learning.

    Arenite
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the parents were atheists, why would they send their kid to a religious school?

    RoseAnne Hutchence
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My favourite aunt went to church every Sunday, not because she believed in any of the BS (her word), but because her neighbours wouldn't talk to her if she didn't.

    Nichole Harris
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm both sorry for you and happy for you.........idk

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    #25

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group MendelOfGrendel said: Reading. ctgreeves11 added: Same here, I started reading the bible during lockdown and found a load of nasty s**t which basically convinced me that I didn't really like what christianity stood for so i decided to stop believing.

    MendelOfGrendel , Pixabay Report

    Bonesko
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Besides the torture porn, there are way too many contradictions. 'Love thy neighbor', 'don't murder'. Followed by 'stone them b***hes that don't believe!'

    Jose Toy
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    great to see you chose something better!! good on you!!!

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    Vermonta
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I chatted with a priest once in a non church setting (because I don't attend) about all the rules and he said you have to take it with a grain of salt and treat it like the lessons in Aesop'e Fables. I thought that was pretty cool. He was Episcopalian if that makes a difference

    LokisLilButterknife
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That sounds like an open-minded priest who questions. Hermeneutics or the study of the bible places the reading of the bible in a historical, cultural, and even feminist and queer context at times. It should be required for ANYBODY going into the priesthood as it teaches them to not blindly question their faith and speak about portions of the bible with a variety of different people from various background.

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    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Most Christians have not read and studied the Bible for themselves, they just accept what is preached to them from the pulpit, tailored to the flavor of the day in the church.

    R A
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’d like to hear more details on this. Most? How many? How have you reached this conclusion? How many of the 2 billion Christians have you spoken to?

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    Niall Mac Iomera
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Christians read the bible. Atheists understand it.

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, now, seems the bible can covert some to Atheism.

    Sara Wilson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The christian and Catholic religions were a way to try and turn the societies of that day from matriarchal to patriarchal to give men the power. Then it was deemed women were evil and the reason for sin. When I'm reality, had Eve not eaten from the apple and tempted Adam to do the same, there would b NO people on earth. They would have had no kids. Just the 2 of them for eternity. It was the eating of the apple that gave them the knowledge of life and ability to create it

    Richard Head
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Christianity is a Death Cult, if anyone truly examines it they might just as well join the Solar Temple.

    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Difficulty I have is that those who profess to live a biblical life .. 1) Do not expect women to live outdoors for a week every month(OT) 2) Ignore when God says the descendants of Ishmael shall be a GREAT nation(thus deserving respect) didn't say anything about heresy 3) Totally ignore the teachings of the star of the NT MAN is the one who interprets the bible, and usually shapes it to his tastes

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    #26

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group How it handled the most basic questions (usually by avoiding them or calling people rude for asking). That and the double standards.

    UsualMorning98 , ARGA Report

    OmBoyGanesh
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why an image of Ganesha for this one???

    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ignorance of who and what Ganesha is would be my guess.

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    Bonesko
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No matter what, the answer is 'God's will'. Kinda lazy I think

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In an astoundingly stupid statement, the pastor of the church I attended as a kid said "God always answers all prayers; sometimes the answer is 'no.'"

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    sofacushionfort
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “ Now one of the criminals hanging there reviled Jesus, saying, "Are you not the Messiah? Save yourself and us." And for asking THAT the thief on the cross next gets sent to Hell. Maybe Jesus didn’t have the lung capacity at that point to explain that He was sacrificing Himself; so it was death in agony and off to Hell, smart guy. And you too, smart alek school kid, are going to Hell for asking the obvious questions. Your Sunday school teachers are respected members of the community, and they won’t tolerate pushback any more than the leaders of Jerusalem did in 30 AD.

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to think that the invention of monotheism was the worst, most evil invention of mankind. In high school and early college, I was somewhat reinforced in that opinion, since the Greeks and Romans tolerated (until those pesky, arrogant, intolerant Christians) other religions, either assigning equivalence (Zeus = Jupiter), or adding to the pantheon (e.g., Mithras), but then there are lots of bloodthirsty polytheistic religions, so forget that thought.

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As we can truly see in this pic, an elephant likes grapes.

    Isa
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jai Ganesh Ji.He can do miracles . Hinduism welcomes questioning.

    temmie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly every religion should encourage this and asking questions about the their religion so that way it can strengthen the believers belief.

    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Finally had MY biggest question answered. Why plural during Genesis when Adam and Eve were admonished not to eat from the tree of knowledge "they will become like us"...US!. A layperson of the Catholic faith explained the referral was to the archangels. Ok... but I think we are not the only intelligent life in the universe and are the product of...oh never mind.

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I always thought it was the "Royal We.." - Higher ups merit plurality. Q.E. I: "We are not amused."

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    #27

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group My grandma died when I was 11. She was the most religious person I've known, she made us pray all the time and scolded us when we didn't go to church with her. She got lung cancer and died after surgery. I prayed to god like she taught me when she was in the hospital, and when the news came out that she was dead, I felt a betrayal as never before. I felt let down. I had prayed like I was supposed to, did everything she asked me to do for god. And he didn't save her. Now that I'm older I know that my parents didn't communicate the severity with me as they should have. They knew it was a major surgery with a small percentage that she would survive. But I didn't. I thought she would get help there and be back in time for the next sunday service. This all lead to me loosing the simple faith a child has, and I'm an agnostic now.

    No_Pomegranate1167 , cottonbro studio Report

    Glengoolie Blue
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You were brainwashed but simple observation woke you up.

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The loss of a loved one is always disconcerting. do not worry about there being a god or not as there is none. granny was only doing what she was taught to do. Ashes to ashes, so to speak.

    Alicia M
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I apologize if it's been mentioned before, but the most comprehensive study on prayer to date determined it doesn't work at all. The odds are no better than flipping a coin, or doing nothing at all. In fact, prayer was shown to hurt in some cases. If someone knew they were being prayed for, and failed to get better, they shared feelings of disappointment, like they let people down, and that negatively impacted their health.

    bottomless.abyss.of.bordem
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't worry. She is now in a shiny gold mansion in the sky!/S

    Burnt Bagel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Again, fire and brimstone Christianity damages people, especially children.

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is a scale of personal development/behavior - I think named after Erikson, in which early stages "behave" only when they know they're being observed, while the highest stage incorporates the concept of doing good deeds without reward. Religion serves to enforce good behavior, since most people are stage 1. Think "He knows when you are sleeping, he knows when you're awake...." Bearded omniscient guy who will only reward/punish you based on your behavior. Keeps folks in line.

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    PythonZER0
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I experienced something similar with my mother. she died of cancer when I was 9, and was quite religious but not as much as many others on this list. I was doubting Christianity long before this though. proof is important, I received none. a powerful, merciful god like they say it is would not let this suffering happen.

    Elliot Fowler
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your grandmother was a deeply religious person that clearly did good to others, hence why it hurt you so much that she died. You praying for her health was a good thing but God decided it was her time and that he wanted to take her life when she was at her maximum goodness as a person. That basically guarantees heaven for her. Your parents should have told you this and that even though you wanted her to stay with you you should be happy for her because she is in good hands now.

    temmie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    people literally can not take Real Life "Character Development", which is what god gave you to become a stronger person. Sorry for the lost tho.

    Three_mental_illnesses
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bro. what the actual f**k. how does that make sense? you're taught to pray to god and he'll help, and he does nothing. it's a broken promise. I'm glad I'm a Satanist/pagan witch. Ave Satanas.

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    #28

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group I couldn't be bothered to get up on Sunday mornings and slowly learning about the seedy s**t Catholic priests get up to behind closed doors

    Mace_1998 , Luis Quintero Report

    OmBoyGanesh
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait until you hear about their past & current financing of legislation in (mostly) African nations to institute “kill the gays” laws. They’ve already succeeded in at least two nations and are financing the initiatives, propaganda and promotion in several others. All proxied through adjacent (yet official) groups like the Knights of Columbus. Meanwhile, they have this apparently supportive and progressive mouthpiece who implies otherwise & he’s beloved because of his apparent kindness & silly behavior. But then, the pope is still the head of the worlds largest tax-free, organized crime group.

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "God"-father, indeed - of a multinational crime syndicate.

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    Amanda Hunter
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not forgetting the sadistic nuns punishing school kids.

    RoseAnne Hutchence
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And the fact they continue to marginalize women.

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The answer is to remove tax-free status for any organization that marginalizes women. Similar thing happened when the Mormons were coming under scrutiny for tax exemption in the U.S. because they would not grand full membership to Blacks. (Founder, Joseph Smith said Africans were turned black as punishment for being evil.) But, just before they were going to lose their tax exemption, some archangel or other, maybe Moroni - came to earth and told the then LDS church leaders that full membership was ok. Good to hear it, even second hand, from god.

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    #29

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group maturity, it is clearly all BS

    Fresh_Pomelo8842 , Tara Winstead Report

    Deborah Rubin
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait, what? Santa Claus isn't real?

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At least someone love you, even if he never ever heard of you.

    Sugar Cargill
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does feel kind of like not believing in Santa Claus any more. Kind of sad but reality.

    #30

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group The overly religious people (extremists) and what they do claiming that it is what God would want. Also, the fact that the main religions do not afford a thought that God can...change. I mean, Christians, Muslims and Jews (pretty sure that goes for Hindus and Shintoists, too) are pretty proud of following the traditions set up thousands of years ago. But people change, cultures change, attitudes to various aspects of life change. Why do people deny that a God can change, too? That it can now feel cringe towards the things it "demanded" earlier? When I was a teenager I liked brutal videogames, gory fatalities of Mortal Kombat, cynical comic plots like the Watchmen (probably would have loved The Boys tv show if it aired back then), heavy music like Death Metal or the "screaming" aggressive albums of Marilyn Manson. Now I recall this time with cringe because my tastes changed. Now I like softer music, pixel roguelites and kinder movie/tv/comic plots where the good guys win and Naruto Therapy works, can't stand gory games. So what if God feels something similar? "Yeah, I killed the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah, killed the Egyptian babies, still feel ashamed, or ordered to sacrifice sheep on Kurban Bayram, but sheesh it was so long ago dudes, why are you still doing it?". Few people are proud that they are following ancient social traditions like slavery or racism, that are outdated. Few people are proud to still use the vastly outdated tools. But too many people are proud that their worship is almost the same as it was hundreds of years ago.

    Malfarro , Karolina Grabowska Report

    birdhouse
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I truly believe religion was made by the wealthy few as a way to control the masses. No police or law back then. So they make up this all mighty being that can see and hear all you do. They scarred everyone into behaving they way the rich wanted them to.

    Vermonta
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good point. The Hammurabi Code. Babylonian legal text written around 1750s BC. 282 laws from the monarchy in Mesopotamia. Pretty much eye for an eye to make punishment visible

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    Glengoolie Blue
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's crazy to me that I, an athiest, follow the teachings of Christ more than any so-called christian I've ever known.

    Nikki Sevven
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There are loads of rules in the Bible that made sense at that time, but are ridiculous now. "Don't eat shellfish" was a sensible rule at a time when there was no refrigeration. "Don't get tattoos or piercings" was a sensible rule before the invention of the autoclave. We don't need such rules now, yet Jehovah has not changed them.

    Lakota Wolf
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    God also tells us to be fruitful and multiply, so I guess childfree people like me are an affront to God! It’s extra bad because I’m female, and God isn’t big on the autonomy or independence of women!

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    Libstak
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I've felt that spiritual lessons can only be taught in the framework of what a being is capable of comprehending and even then so much will be misunderstood. As we evolve the lessons should be evolving also to meet our greater capacity to understand our own human nature and how it best functions in the world, the universe and in relationship with God. The old lessons created rules and a frame work for a savage and ignorant time, we've learnt out times tables and abcs it's time to explore a bigger world view now.

    Thomas Ewing
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everyone wants to be rich without the responsibilities. Dream on. Do nothing and die or work and see your life improve. Church makes society better. Show them how it's done, don't complain. God rocks!

    MoJo1979
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was raised as a 'born again Christian'. I have no issues with God, Jesus, Holy Sprit. I have issues with the people that claim to be 'Christian' and behave in a way that no God would be pleased about. The only people that have ever damaged me were supposed 'Christians'.

    JMil
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I generally feel the converse of this point. While I am an atheist, I have continuing knowledge of the ever changing rules of the LDS (Mormon) religion (Utah native here). The 12 apostles have a direct connection to God, but God seems to change his mind whenever socially convenient. Statehood being pursued? God suddenly decided polygamy is not cool anymore. Losing members and faith due to rising respect for LGBT in the 21st century? God is now relaxing his rules on that. To be clear, secular society controls the Mormon God, NOT the other way around.

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Religions can "evolve" in response to tax laws, or prosecution of child molesters, or strategically to harm the competition. No birth control or abortion means more folks paying into the franchise a generation later.

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gods where invented to pacify the people. There, no longer is that need.

    jdtimid123
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It would make sense. The God of the New Testament (while not explicitly present) is completely different from the old testament.

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    #31

    31 Things That Shook People’s Faith In Religion, As Shared In This Online Group White people and Christianity, once I realized what we consider Christianity in the United States is an aggregated, filtered/edited version of the religion and it's history in support/promotion of white power structures I was done. Seeing Judaism used to subjugate the Palestinian people and steal their land to create an apartheid state. I want to believe in this concept of divine design and lines that lead thru all creation however humans have shown they will use this sense of order to control behavior and beliefs. Personally I'm good on religion, read too much to go backwards... Still respect the idea of trying to understand how we all got here, mostly thru science but there's still that unknown "magic" to creation.

    jonny_prince , Martino Grua Report

    Nikki Sevven
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's an unknown 'magic' to pregnancy too. And baking bread. And we know how both those things work. Failure to understand a natural process doesn't make said process 'magic'. Clarke's Law.

    UtanaYona
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love God, but I can't stand His followers.

    TS Rhodes
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So many people are locked into the idea that 'religion' equals Christianity. Look at Paganism. The magic is there, but not the dogma.

    Hobby Hopper
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Playing devils advocate here, could that be due to pagans being in the minority and suffering misunderstanding and abuse from the major organized religions? Suppose, oh IDK... Druidry had become the majority world religion. Wouldn't some self-proclaimed Druids be dogmatic and abusive?

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    Geoffrey Scott
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ..and that most "Christian" sects holds that the others are apostates...again, man's interpretation

    Al Padilla
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I agree with the above, except that rather than aparteid, it's ethnic cleansing.

    UnseeJuiceWitch (any pronouns)
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    the part about the severe filtering yeah definitely. When i was in school we had to write a report on a biblical paragraph (the school was "non religious thats why they said paragraph") i wrote about a controversial one and was told it wasn't in the bible got in trouble for bringing the bible in the next day and showing them the passage

    Mickie Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yea, and devote Muslims killing for no reason innocent Jews. Let's not get lopsided.

    Edwin Lesperance
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am convinced the Universe is 100% energy, and because people couldn't understand this, they created "God." Jesus allegedly said that we could do all the miracles he could do, and more. With faith. Instead of praying to questionable deities, I use my understanding of energy and intention to do 'miracles' myself.

    Slondal
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unknown magic? Also known as 'god of the gaps' ... which is a succient way of noting that often when people don't understand something they 'explain' it be crediting it to the work of a deity.

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