Comments on: The Non-Answers: God, Satan, and Sin

By: OLABODE OLANIPEKUN

OLABODE OLANIPEKUN — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 00:10:04 +0000

The theists will always present their arguments in an irrational and illogical manner. Because, the evidences they usually bring forward to support themselves are just nothing but afterthought, self-justification and self-righteousness.

By: オテモニャン

オテモニャン — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 09:25:28 +0000

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By: atimetorend

atimetorend — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:58:11 +0000

Peter, I was in a similar situation with my wife, definitely feel your pain. We took things as slow as possible. We are going to a more liberal (though not really liberal) church than we went to before, that was a huge shift. I know a lot of her reactions were caused by fear, and as she adjusted we were better able to talk about things, but it took a long time, maybe a year and a half at least. Hope things go well for you.

By: 4riozs

4riozs — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:51:54 +0000

I was a missionary to Costa Rica. My missionary experience has nothing to do with my current beliefs. The church I worked with is a wonderful place and I still have many friends there. The church their is very active in the community, we would make food for the homeless once a week, they do events for the highschools, if I went back to the country I’d probably hang out with them for the social atmosphere and the good things they do for the community.

By: Joe

Joe — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 16:47:33 +0000

4riozs—(#38)

Thanks for sharing that. Just curious—were you a missionary to another country? And if so whcih one? I’m always interested in that—-just like to hear about missionary experiences that people have had. if you have the time maybe you can share a bit about that. If not, thanks for sharing what you have already.

By: BigHouse

BigHouse — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:31:31 +0000

milehigh, you said: “I’m not sure how being true to yourself fits into the equation”

To me, being true to yourself IS the equation..of life!!

Now, I acknowledge that your situation is extremely complicated, and in fact, I share some circumstances in my own situation. But, there’s a difference between what you choose to do and say insofar as your family is involved and what you choose to BELIEVE and BE as a person. If going to church will “keep the peace” I don’t think that’s a wrong choice for you. But if you feel forced to believe things you can’t or won’t lest you lose your family, then I think you need to have a serious discussion with your wife. Wouldn’t you want to do the same if she decided to become an active devil-worshipper or Heaven’s Gate cultist or something?

At the end of the day, neither “side” can make the other “believe” something they aren’t ready for. But if you can’t peacfully co-exist with differences in belief, I think addressing it positively and constructively is the best course of action.

I wish you the best of luck!

By: 4riozs

4riozs — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:10:01 +0000

Joe, I’m an agnostic. I was a believer for over 15 years, missionary and had been apart of church leadership for about 8 years. I most likely won’t go back to the fold. Honostly if some greater being exists I often think that this was my destiny in some strange way. I was very serious about my faith and my relationship with God. My story is a long one. If I were to embrace some sort of Christianity it would apart from organized religion.I don’t see it happening though. But leaving the faith has brought me peace. My blog is attached if you are interested.

By: Joe

Joe — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 01:04:04 +0000

4riozs—

Could you share a bit more? I am wondering how long you were a believer? I appreciate your attitude in wanting to protect relationships with your family, and thus are moving “slowly”.

Your mother’s reaction is actually quite normal. Her “fear” is a coupled reaction of her belief system mixed with her love for you. I’m glad you are making plenty of room for her to accept your choice in life. They will also need to learn to accept your choice—but the way you are approaching this will make that acceptance far more possible in the long run. I am a believer, but respect your decision. Of course, I, like your Mom truly hope you return to the fold one day. :>) Of course, that most likely will never happen, but who knows? All the best.

By: 4riozs

4riozs — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:33:43 +0000

I’m happy that my family isn’t taking my deconversion in a bad manner. My brother is thrilled. He attributes our current closeness to my deconversion, and also attributes the years of barely seeing each other to the church. My mom is sad about my deconversion and insists that I still believe Jesus is my savior, she is scared that I’m going to hell.

I think it’s good to be honest, but for Peter and Milehigh, we have to remember the mindset of those we have left behind. By keeping that in mind it is easier to avoid offending them. They take this stuff seriously and are governed by fear- because of their fear and belief in their God it’s easy to become cut off from them due to their beliefs. I’d say to take it slowly when it comes to your position- more so to protect your relationships.

By: milehigh

milehigh — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:29:05 +0000

Peter,
I’m in the exact spot you are in! My wife thinks I have become more liberal in my faith and have doubts. I still attend church with her and the kids, but have stopped teaching the kids about the faith. She knows something is up I’m sure. I would have to land in the agnostic camp.
I’m not sure how being true to yourself fits into the equation at this point, seeing the damage to your family it may cause. Lots of people attend church with the family and don’t believe. Lots of people hold jobs they don’t like and do things that are not comfortable because they want to keep their family, friends or job. Yes, it sucks. I’ve managed to stay out of Bible Studies and groups/prayer events, which makes it easier. I can’t play that game anymore.