Coming Down Off Religion
Sarah
From : Sarah
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: PA-via_Positive_Atheism_Index
Date: Thursday, March 02, 2000 6:56 PM
I was raised Catholic my whole life. Now that I hear more and more about atheism I realize the trap religions in general have put on society.
My eyes have recently been open through my World History class. I've been viewing the World through a historic perspective and now I think I am coming out of the cave. I just wanted to let you know that this web page has been an inspiration to me.
As my eyes continue to open I just wanted to let whoever formed this web page to know thanks.
From: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
To: Sarah
Subject: Re: PA-via_Positive_Atheism_Index
Date: Thursday, March 02, 2000 7:01 PM
With that outlook, you're in fine company:
"Interviewer: Did the study of anthropology later color your writings? "Vonnegut: It confirmed my atheism, which was the faith of my fathers anyway. Religions were exhibited and studied as the Rube Goldberg inventions I'd always thought they were." -- Kurt Vonnegutt, Jr. |
Cliff Walker
"Positive Atheism" Magazine
From: Sarah
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: Re: PA-via_Positive_Atheism_Index
Date: Thursday, March 02, 2000 7:08 PM
Well the teacher that had introduced me to the nonexistence of God doesn't really talk to me.
Right now I just have grasped the basic concept that there is no God. But what's the next step? I don't wanna join a cult. I don't wanna be a part of organized religion.
I wanna make sure I'm making the right steps. So what do I do next.
First I have to deprogram my mind of religion. I need to start thinking. But about what?
I'm sorry if I'm wasting your time.
From: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
To: Sarah
Subject: Re: PA-via_Positive_Atheism_Index
Date: Friday, March 03, 2000 4:13 AM
Atheism is the lack of a god-belief -- for whatever reason. The way I state it is to say that I have yet to hear a god-claim that makes sense or holds water. The book "Atheism: The Case Against God" by George H. Smith is the best summary of this position, called "weak atheism." So-called strong atheism boldly asserts that no gods exist. While I live my life confident that no gods exist, I must take into consideration that I don't know everything. Thus, when discussing the issue with theists, I say that I have not heard claims that hold water. For example, I have heard the god-claim made by Christians, and it is ludicrous. Ditto for those made by Muslims and Jews.
As for thinking, you do well to check out our section on how to think: Clues. This should keep you busy for a while. I have summarized the common logical fallacies in our FAQ section, documenting the ways in which religionists and religious writers (and others) try to snooker you.
Cliff Walker
"Positive Atheism" Magazine
Material by Cliff Walker (including unsigned editorial commentary) is copyright ©1995-2006 by Cliff Walker. Each submission is copyrighted by its writer, who retains control of the work except that by submitting it to Positive Atheism, permission has been granted to use the material or an edited version: (1) on the Positive Atheism web site; (2) in Positive Atheism Magazine; (3) in subsequent works controlled by Cliff Walker or Positive Atheism Magazine (including published or posted compilations). Excerpts not exceeding 500 words are allowed provided the proper copyright notice is affixed. Other use requires permission; Positive Atheism will work to protect the rights of all who submit their writings to us.