Hi, new here

[Andre_5772]

Hi everyone!

Thought I would introduce myself because the introduction message I got upon registering said to.

I just found this site. I have been looking for a long time for a site like this, i.e., a civil forum dedicated to discussing religion. I used to lurk on beliefnet a lot, but way too many ads and flash clutter for my tastes. Plus, the quality of discussion seems to be better here, from what I have read so far.

About me: I am about 30, have a BA in philosophy, and religion is a very important issue for me. I would have majored in religious studies, but well, it's a long story.

I have gone from Mormon to fundamentalist Christian to now an angst-ridden agnostic. My current views on ethics and theology are best represented by secular humanism, but I still struggle with feelings of doubt about the loss of my faith.

[otseng]

Glad you found us. I assume it was through a Google ad?

Out of curiousity, what caused you to be a "angst-ridden agnostic"?

[galathil]

hello, i guess ill introduce myself here too,

i am only 16, and while not looking for site like this i have always wanted to find ppl who i could talk to like this and this seemed perfect for me, i found this while looking something up on religion

i have been atheist, agnostic and am currently an atheistic wiccan

I have always loved to talk about religion but have struggled to find ppl who will talk to me without trying to convert me to their belief

[Scrotum]

hello, i guess ill introduce myself here too,

i am only 16, and while not looking for site like this i have always wanted to find ppl who i could talk to like this and this seemed perfect for me, i found this while looking something up on religion

i have been atheist, agnostic and am currently an atheistic wiccan

I have always loved to talk about religion but have struggled to find ppl who will talk to me without trying to convert me to their belief

Yes, thatsit Galathil, feel the strength of your belief, come into the light, soon you will be a master. Moawahahaha.......


Erh, we would never do that. Right Oliver?



See, money talks.

[Andre_5772]

Glad you found us. I assume it was through a Google ad?

Out of curiousity, what caused you to be a "angst-ridden agnostic"?

Yup, Google. I replied to you on another thread ( here) which was specifically about how we found your forum.

As for the "angst-ridden agnostic" part - to answer that I have to open a few cans of worms, in that I have no choice but to use terms which are understood differently by different people. So, if you need me to elaborate on anything, ask me what I meant by <given loaded term>.

I intellectually cannot make sense of Christianity. I feel I have come to the point where I can no longer say I just don't understand, and have to admit that the world I find myself in is too much at odds with the world of the Bible, and so I had to stop using the Bible as the foundation for my worldview.

But I don't have anything to replace it with. That is where the angst comes from. I have habits of thought and action that result from years of practicing Christianity. I am soothed by these rituals, and suffer terrible anxiety from not doing them, but I also feel ridiculous continuing to do them. So, in short, I guess I am having a hard time kicking the "opium of the masses." I have recovered from other addictions, so I do not use addiction as a metaphor lightly.

Further, I don't understand how life can be meaningful without a personal God, yet I see no evidence in the world around me that such a personal God exists, or can exist. However, I just cannot accept the idea that life is not meaningful. I am almost positive that it is.

By the way, I made a number of references to personal experience, so I want to state clearly that I am absolutely not a relativist. Relativism, whether with regards to morals or to claims about truth, is self defeating. However, I place much greater evidentiary weight on my own personal experience than anything else. I am, after all, infallible with respect to the output of my own nervous system.

[otseng]

As for the "angst-ridden agnostic" part - to answer that I have to open a few cans of worms, in that I have no choice but to use terms which are understood differently by different people. So, if you need me to elaborate on anything, ask me what I meant by <given loaded term>.

Thanks for your reply. Though we are on differing positions, I can see where you are coming from. I hope that this forum will be able to help you in your journey.

[otseng]

hello, i guess ill introduce myself here too,

Welcome to the forum too!

[Dirk Ghysens]

Hello,

I am 51 years old, from Belgium, but living in Poland. I am married and have one son. I used to be a civil servant, but am retired now.

I have always been a Catholic and still am. English is not my first language. My hobbies include chess and internet (and many other interests).

[otseng]

Hello,

I am 51 years old, from Belgium, but living in Poland. I am married and have one son. I used to be a civil servant, but am retired now.

I have always been a Catholic and still am. English is not my first language. My hobbies include chess and internet (and many other interests).

Welcome to the forum!

[k-nug]

Hi everyone!

Thought I would introduce myself because the introduction message I got upon registering said to.

I just found this site. I have been looking for a long time for a site like this, i.e., a civil forum dedicated to discussing religion. I used to lurk on beliefnet a lot, but way too many ads and flash clutter for my tastes. Plus, the quality of discussion seems to be better here, from what I have read so far.

About me: I am about 30, have a BA in philosophy, and religion is a very important issue for me. I would have majored in religious studies, but well, it's a long story.

I have gone from Mormon to fundamentalist Christian to now an angst-ridden agnostic. My current views on ethics and theology are best represented by secular humanism, but I still struggle with feelings of doubt about the loss of my faith.

Welcome. I have a similar history, except I went from Mormonism to Fundie Christian to outright Atheist. I also have no degrees in anything except Awesome Cab Driving. Enjoy your stay.