Don't be afraid to ask questions...

PowerDoll: ...about what you are brought up to believe. That will open your horizons and give you a broader perspective of life!

chronology: very true, yes a notable observation.

Magicspell: Sadly, not many believers follow this excellent advice.

PowerDoll: Many observant theists notice the obvious contradictions of their belief, but unfortunately, they are too indoctrinated to dare question them. How can such people claim to have a satisfactory faith if they don't fully buy into the doctrinal proclamations, but keep on doubting them?

To explain myself a little better: Don't be afraid to start a search to find out whether your doubt is actually based on real issues and if it's worthwhile for you to get to the bottom of the things about your faith that disturb you!

mongrel_pup: I never started with any faith in the first place, but I became fascinated with other people's beliefs, so I began to ask questions neverthelsess. But even though I have become much wiser, I haven't come across any faith that tells me "this is the one for you".

Amanda: I kind of outgrew one faith and haven't been able to grow into another...

Talent_M: true powerDoll
why should we be afraid if we asked? not at all, on the contrary,we should be reassured while asking and honest with ourselves then the others,Amanda I'm little bit disagree with you, cos if my belief began with wrong start point and kept continueous by insisting on it without looking on the other ideas,might make me miss or lose the truth which definitely we need it.

seetheunseen: That is a good point it is a good idea to question what you believe, one of the only way to find out if you truly support and stand by what you believe. But my question is what if your brought up atheist and you chose to question that and become a christian do you still stand by your statement. Or will that person be considered stupid and be labeled close minded and ignorant as i hear so often from people on this sit. Faith may not be for everyone but for others it helps them come through hard times and it is not fair to insult them for believing in something that you may not be able to explain. Its not right for christian's to insult atheist but it is no more right the other way that does not cause acceptance or tolerance for one another.

PowerDoll: Of course thing must go in all directions!

I know former atheists that have become theists after having questioned their lack of belief and that is fine by me. Unlike some other posters, I try to not sit on a high horse and decide what is good and bad to believe in for everybody else, then arrogantly conemn people that don't share my view to eternal hell!

Faith should be a prsonal thing and if a person chooses to change it, they should be respcted for it, not condemned. I really hate it every time I hear that family and friends have turned away from people that leave a faith, which I consider the ultimate example of disrespect!

Even worse: When they receive threats or actually become harassed for leaving or changing faiths. This situation is really the paradigm of some people abusing religon to control others' minds and lives.

seetheunseen: Yes i do think it is so cruel to turn on your family and friends because they do not believe what your support. And the thing about that it never works you can not force someone to believe something they either do or they don't and if someone does change what they believe it is never natural. I do know understand it is hard for atheist to have christian friends and vis versa since both sides feel they are right and there friends are in danger. But there is more to christians than what is seen, and I know for a matter of fact there is atheist out there with bette morals and standers than some christians. So no christians should feel self righteous and that they are better than none believes since they can fall and do wrong just like any other person I have seen it when a confident strong christian gave in and committed adultery.

Fleinsopp: A while back, this forum debated the connection between faith and morals (the thread should still be in the backpages).

While some posters claimed that only theists are capable of discerning between good and bad, the rest strongly disagreed.

I'm glad to hear from another theist that faith has little to do with behaviour and how to be a good fellow being.

Thanks.

Debugger: Only people without a firm grip on reality proclaim that morality is dependent on a religious belief. Luckily, they aren't many...

satangel: I think that they are everywhere...

iMalice: They sure are, just look around you...

Every time I hear something like "you have to be an immoral person because you are an atheist", I can't help think "what a narrow-minded jerk", although that would probably make me just as judgmental.

Or not?

Headline: Of course not! You just try to defend you integrity from being insulted by ignorant minds.

PowerDoll: You shouldn't feel judgmental just for pointing out that other people are.

SPIRIT-ONE: I myself personally don't care what anyones particular belief is ? I like to throw mine out there just to be different ,I get just as many non believers as believers slinging mud at me ,I could care less and look at catcallers as MORONS ,and nothing more LMFAO

CandyRivers: Fair play Spirit, at least you are willing to stand up and tell the world what you believe, same as all of us freaks in the religious forum, dull christians, butthurt muslims and the most preachy of the lot the bloody atheists.

Now just let me pat myself on the back once more for being a non believer. I believe I shall call that a reality check.

QuarterBreed: My reality check is eating a peach and testing if it still tastes sweet.

CandyRivers: And does it quarterbreed? How sweet are your peaches?

QuarterBreed: One notch below nectar. LOL

CandyRivers: Sweet! I bet they are juicy and sticky too.

I do like it messy.

AretoNyx: Sadly some get killed, such as reporters , for asking questions. We should not fear to but know the consequences where one has to be careful. Sad thing this day and age ...

Zanjan: I agree. The media is in the business of reporting news events to the people; however, one should tread carefully with their opinion - do we need facts or opinions?

Investigative reporting sometimes goes where it's not equipped to go - there's something about poking one's nose into places it doesn't belong; that's why prying investigations are better left to proper authorities.

Real news doesn't dredge up other's wrong doings, doesn't expose the deliberately hidden - it reports events that *haven't* been hidden. As such, I'm not surprised when outspoken journalists get whacked - there's a time and place for everything.

Whereas, standing on principles (religious/moral beliefs), doesn't mean pushing, threatening, condemning, compulsion or punishing. That's entirely out of place. There's never a good time to do that.

Zanjan: Seems to me, when truth becomes more important to you than anything else in your life, you will pursue it and wont let anyone stop you from attaining it, no matter the cost. Since there is no cure for curiosity, this is the sign of the conscientious and thoughtful person.

However, what you do with that knowledge once you have it, is where the test lies - it's an IMMENSE responsibility, one that some people prefer not to bear. It might be that some just aren't ready, and it may be that some simply sell out.

I think the man who trades it away will always have regrets. Treasures are not intended for the unworthy.