cunegund

Hello

I'm so happy I found this site.

I'm looking forward to learning more and meeting new people. I'm also looking forward to getting perspectives on things I don't quite have a handle on yet.

I'm a "new" agnostic...Nobody really knows that yet...I'm speaking of family and friends. I'm not sure when or if I'll "come out"...it's very scary for me and I'm not sure why.

Anyhow...it's great to be here and I'm looking forward to spending time here

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Abacus

Hey there, Hannah. Welcome!

If I may ask, what flavor of theism did you once subscribe to and what led you to give it up?

cunegund

I was a Catholic. As I said in another thread...I spent 16 years in Catholic Schools...I don't have any real horror stories...that is a good thing

I never really bought into much of the doctrine and teachings growing up...I was probably like many people I see in Church today and people I know...they just do it because that's what they're supposed to do...they don't even think about what they're doing or saying etc. Maybe I'm too cynical, but that's what I see around me when I'm in church�.or I�m surrounded by slug Catholics

When I began examining the teachings of Catholicism, my disbelief was obvious to me. When I have discussion with friends on these issues, most of them both ignore and disagree with issues or they think I'm wrong and misrepresenting what the teachings really are. I haven�t come out and said �This is all BS��I�m not quite there yet. I�m afraid of the reaction.

I'm not sure if slippery slope is the correct term, but once you start disagreeing with stuff within Catholicism...you really start down a relativist slope...and where do you draw the line? When do you disagree with one thing too many and *BAM* you�re not longer a catholic? The way the Church is set up � it would seem to me that disagreeing with doctrine is impossible. Or at least should be difficult based on the Magesterium and the church�s authority. If you take the bite out the church�s �authority� what good is any of it?

Some might say at the Nicene Creed...fair enough...

Once Catholicism went down the drain for me...General Christianity was next...I'm still learning about "God" and what to make of that concept.

I'm a firm believer that most definitions of "gods" throughout history were just gap fillers....When I was first exposed to the "God of the Gaps" concept...I YELLED and SHOUTED out loud cuz there was a concept out there that I agreed with 100% but could never put into words. It was so refreshing.

Also, once I gave up on the Christian concepts...I felt an enormous weight lifted from me. That's hard for me to put into words...the years of guilt were lifted...People aren't so bad...not as bad as religion makes 'em out to be.

Does that make sense? I�m rambling�but his is fun finally talking about certain things out loud.

p.s. I'm starting to learn about Humanism and liking what I've been reading.

Shake

Welcome, Hannah! We're happy you found us as well! Be sure to check out the Atheist's Testimony thread in SL&S when you get a chance. Don't be afraid to lurk a while before diving in. As for "coming out" don't worry. Don't rush it, and do it when you're ready! Look around, have fun, and enjoy!