john76m

I stumbled on this quote today, and I thought it pertained to our discussion:

"Our faith is faith in someone else's faith, and in the greatest matters this is most the case." William James

I've been to one or two Catholic services in my lifetime. Coming from a Baptist household, you can imagine the hostility towards Catholics I saw. I am sure attending a mass jeopardizes a Baptist's standing with God!

John Michael

[ June 25, 2002: Message edited by: john76m ]</p>

Jobar

Good people, although I think this is a deep and meaningful discussion, it isn't exactly about the existence/nonexistence of god(s). At first I thought to move it to Secular Lifestyle, but as that would inhibit the contributions of our theist members, I have decided to put it in Misc. Religious Discussions.

Bree

In fairness lies honesty.

Ryanfire

Just know that religion is a man made concept.
You will be changing your logic and reasoning to fit the beliefs of a concept.

What ever happened to loving yourself for being you? You don't have to change for anybody.

Do not believe in the god's we humans have made. Know in your heart that you're a righteous person, that you will make mistakes, your imperfections make you unique, not perfections of a religious consensus.

Emotions are good to have, but can also misguide you. Don't be afraid to have your own beliefs.
A god would understand if you questioned his existence. Any god that would punish you for being human didn't need to create you in the first place. I know existence would be a waste because none of us "asked" for life, we were given it to love and enjoy. Just treat others with respect, and courtesy. Don't use god as a scapegoat for reality when things go right or wrong in your life. Stay strong to who you are, not what others want you to be.

Take care,
Ryan.

Arrowman

john76m: From what you have said on this thread, it seems to me that you are not considering the possibility of becoming a Christian, or believing in God - you are considering the possibility of joining the Roman Catholic Church, which is not the same thing. I'd like to know what you think of that assertion. For the rest - others are giving good advice so I won't repeat it.

HelenM

I think it's odd to worry about 'losing one's atheism'.

To me it seems that what you need to do, John, is a) learn about Roman Catholicism (it might put you off! ) and b) find better reasons for being an atheist than "I don't have a theist girlfriend" - if you want to stay one.

I don't know why you took the stand you did at 13. There are hints in your posts that you did so because you didn't like the people who were Baptists; so now, having found a 'nice' Christian you're open to going back.

Whether you're an atheist or theist, I suggest that it be based on what they believe and what you think is correct - because if it's about which has the nicer people, you'll always be going back and forth, as you meet different people. Because there are nice and nasty people in every belief system.

Or - that's my experience, anyway...

So I'd say, start researching...find reasons for what you believe...

love
Helen