Writer@Large

Hey, *I* didn't write the question ...

--W@L

Demigawd

I voted other, and here's why. I joined the Secret Atheist Conspiracy (tm) because I heard I'd gain l33t superpowers from our Supreme, Admirable, Tenacious, Action-packed, Naughty boss.

My Upskirt Vision is working out nicely.

Triple Six

I voted for all of the above and then some as there plenty different and valid ways of demolishing theist arguments. Forced to pick one only I'd go for 5.

never been there

I chose "all of the above" just to be a good sport, although I read "all of the above" as excluding #1 for the sake of logic.

I became an atheist because my parents had sex 9 months earlier. But so did everyone else, even the most fire-breathing fundy. The next step was that my parents didn't think a whole lot of the churches they were raised in as children (Cantebury and Rome, if you're wondering).

I remain one for the various reasons stated.

Bumble Bee Tuna

I didn't ever "become" an atheist for any particular reason. I've just always been an atheist, and never gave it a shred of thought until maybe 3 years ago. I've never even considered theism as an option, or tried to think of what argument against it is the most convincing- I've just never been convinced that it's something I should care about.

Yes, this reason probably falls into one of the categories, like lack of evidence or something but I didn't feel comfortable picking a category. I've never liked putting myself in categories, I guess.

-B

Harumi

I must be unique to be the first person to think of the question. And now that I reread my sentence, I was confusing too! I meant to say "Were you asking about the initial reasons for becoming an atheist or the reasons now?" My reasons changed so drastically.

And I've got a question: The term used for people who deconverted from Christianity is "getting out of the fold". What about other religions, because I was a Buddhist, and they don't really talk all that much about sheep in their scriptures.

For the ex-Hindus though, I would think: "getting out of the barn"

Novowels

what, no "it seemed like a good idea at the time?"

(#5 here for me, too)

slh

Atheism naturally followed when I allowed myself to accept being intellectualy honesty.

Spiritual gut check so to speak.

Too many good questions that can't be answered by coherent answers. Lack of 'devine accountability'. Being forced, or 'strongly advized' to make a life choice without any reliable information that makes sense. The most Most Powerful Entity In The Universe....needs my worship???? Scrach that, a Perfect Being, a being with no wants, who is the Alpha and Omega, nothing is hidden from, etc. etc....wants me...NEEDS me to stroke its ego??? Or else???

Is it really a 'choice' when there is a detrimental punishment involved? Sure it is. But I don't have reliable enough (for me, and my soul) information to choose wisely so it's an unfair choice in the extreme. The way I see it, some people can become Christians with just a kind voice, a couple of bible passages, and a church congregation. Good for them I guess. I need much, much more than that. Is my immortal soul worthy enough for evidence that convinces ME???? Apparently not. Seek and ye shall find?? Fuck that! I'm from Missouri, show me. If its that important.

Lastly. All these people who claim to know the 'Truth' thru Christianity would most likely be claiming to know the 'Truth' through either Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Confusianism, etc if they were born in a different country or time.

OK, sorry, I'm done.

Shadownought

I voted "All of the above." The big, major, definite reason is that there is NO evidence (#5), but the other five reasons add more garbage to the pile.

Rhea

Hey, where's Gemma? Gemma! What do you think???

I picked 5 as the reason I *am* an atheist, but all of the others are what gave me clues that #5 was worth looking into.