netrace

Hello. I'm new to this forum and also new to a new way of thinking. I've read Dan Barker's 'Losing Faith in Faith', and am slowly reading the bible as well.

I am an atheist and know that now, but I want to know why so many people believe so I choose to read the "good book" and see where the mysticism comes in.

I lost my father in 1993 and was very upset that a god could cause this kind of sorrow and loss. Many theists would say 'Accept that loss and move on. Know that god is keeping your father and he is serving a higher purpose.' I've had many years now to reflect on his loss (I miss him dearly and he was a god-fearing man) but I don't buy into all the BS. I know now that he is gone and that is that.

I guess now I am wondering where to go. My wife is a christian and I won't fault her for that, but she does not like my turn of beliefs.

It's close to Christmas now and she told me, "Well, you can't celebrate Christmas any more." But it has always been a family tradition. It's just hard to break away but maybe I should. I'm supposed to join her and the rest of her immediate family at church for a Christmas Eve session. I think I will go, but more for the season and not for the religious link.

Anyway, I'm glad to find such a forum. I'm wondering why I can't go to the freethinkers area as well, but I guess I'll find out in time.

I'm a 32 year old man that has finally realized that I must rely on just me. I think I've known that all along, but it feels good to confirm it!

Thanks for listening.

Answerer

Welcome to the Dark side.

Speechless

I think you should go to mass with her, just to make her happy. Think of it like taking her to a movie she wants to see, but you know will suck- you put up with it because you love her.

Also, if you like Christmas, there's no reason not to celebrate it. It's far more secular than christian anyway. Also, if you're feeling mean, you could point out to her the irony of telling a non-christian not to celebrate a holiday that christians stole from paganism.

[ December 20, 2002: Message edited by: Speechless ]

[ December 20, 2002: Message edited by: Speechless ]</p>

catman

netrace, you need to pretend to be a christian for your wife. Besides that there are many husband-friendly verses in the bible--[insult deleted]

[ December 21, 2002: Message edited by: phlebas ]</p>

netrace

To Answerer: Not sure how to take that. The dark side of what?

To Speechless: Thank you. I agree and was going to do as you suggested. It seems right and I can at least enjoy the music anyway.

To catman: You're not very smart are you? Pretend to be a christian??? That's just what I want, a fake religion between my wife and I? [insult deleted, just for consistency] You need to do some self reflecting my friend.

My wife is very aware of my belief. She doesn't agree, but love me just the same as I do her.

[ December 21, 2002: Message edited by: phlebas ]</p>

thebeave

Welcome. Answerer and catman are just yanking your chain.

There have been a lot of situations like yours recently. Check the Secular Lifestyle & Support board for more relevant information. Specifically, there is an active thread called "Strummin' for Jesus" and another called, "Husband called me Scrooge" that have your type of problem. Check it out.

The mods may go ahead and move your thread there anyway, where you will likely get more "enlightened" responses than you've got so far. Good Luck.

phlebas

thebeave is somewhat of a prophet

netrace, I'm moving this thread to the <a href="http://iidb.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=55" target="_blank">Secular Lifestyle & Support</a> forum.

You might also want to go introduce yourself in the <a href="http://iidb.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=forum&f=43" target="_blank">Welcome</a> forum.

Welcome aboard