In voicing the fact that my beliefs have changed from the monotheism of Christianity to atheism, I have been told I am attacking other people's beliefs. Certainly, I have raised concerns I've had with Mormon doctrine, so I suppose that could be considered an attack. But, in my opinion, being honest about one's own feelings is a good and commendable thing to do, not something that people should complain about.
Conversion to a religion is a very long process and requires a great deal of effort on the part of the convert, which is why it happens so infrequently. But converting to atheism (or, more appropriately, irreligionism) is very different. Yes, it takes a long time and it's an involved process, but for different reasons. There is no ritual that you need to learn and follow, there are no required meetings to attend on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening. You don't have to learn a new set of rules and make sure to follow them closely whenever you're around other atheists. Pretty much the only thing you have to do is figure out how to live your life outside of religion. This is why I think the word "deconversion" is more appropriate than "conversion", and it's a term I've seen used by many people.
As I've said before, I have no real motivation to change people's religious beliefs. I have no need to make people think the way I do. I don't believe anyone's going to hell if they don't agree with me--I don't even believe in hell. So, why do I share my thoughts and feelings? I want people to know the truth--of all things. That's part of the reason why I want to be a professor. I like teaching, and I like teaching things that are true. I believe that knowledge is power and that the more things people learn, the better they are equipped to face the challenges that come in their lives. So, I share things that I believe to be true, and I encourage other people to study things out, think about them, and come to their own conclusions on what is true.
I've watched a lot of YouTube videos of people who have deconverted and are now atheists. Some of them I have found to include a lot of bitter and spiteful feelings toward Christianity, all religion, or some specific religion. I don't blame them for this. They have good reason to feel these feelings, and I hope you can understand what those reasons might be. I think it's healthy for them to be honest about their feelings and express them. I don't think that sharing those kinds of videos and feelings with my Christian friends is going to be productive, so I have refrained from doing so. I did, however, come across one YouTuber that has expressed his experience very matter-of-factly and with respect for those who are Christian. This is the link to his playlist on his deconversion experience. The first video in this playlist is embedded below. This guy, whose handle is Evid3nc3, also has a blog. I would recommend perusing the blog and also watching his videos. I want to add that much of my own experience is very much like his, and so reading and understanding his story may help you to understand my own.
Conversion to a religion is a very long process and requires a great deal of effort on the part of the convert, which is why it happens so infrequently. But converting to atheism (or, more appropriately, irreligionism) is very different. Yes, it takes a long time and it's an involved process, but for different reasons. There is no ritual that you need to learn and follow, there are no required meetings to attend on Sunday morning or Wednesday evening. You don't have to learn a new set of rules and make sure to follow them closely whenever you're around other atheists. Pretty much the only thing you have to do is figure out how to live your life outside of religion. This is why I think the word "deconversion" is more appropriate than "conversion", and it's a term I've seen used by many people.
As I've said before, I have no real motivation to change people's religious beliefs. I have no need to make people think the way I do. I don't believe anyone's going to hell if they don't agree with me--I don't even believe in hell. So, why do I share my thoughts and feelings? I want people to know the truth--of all things. That's part of the reason why I want to be a professor. I like teaching, and I like teaching things that are true. I believe that knowledge is power and that the more things people learn, the better they are equipped to face the challenges that come in their lives. So, I share things that I believe to be true, and I encourage other people to study things out, think about them, and come to their own conclusions on what is true.
I've watched a lot of YouTube videos of people who have deconverted and are now atheists. Some of them I have found to include a lot of bitter and spiteful feelings toward Christianity, all religion, or some specific religion. I don't blame them for this. They have good reason to feel these feelings, and I hope you can understand what those reasons might be. I think it's healthy for them to be honest about their feelings and express them. I don't think that sharing those kinds of videos and feelings with my Christian friends is going to be productive, so I have refrained from doing so. I did, however, come across one YouTuber that has expressed his experience very matter-of-factly and with respect for those who are Christian. This is the link to his playlist on his deconversion experience. The first video in this playlist is embedded below. This guy, whose handle is Evid3nc3, also has a blog. I would recommend perusing the blog and also watching his videos. I want to add that much of my own experience is very much like his, and so reading and understanding his story may help you to understand my own.
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