Posted by:
Mannaz
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Date: April 27, 2015 10:52AM
Re: My Mind Wrapped Around Atheism - a longish reply
Original thread posted by: superman4691
http://exmormon.org/phorum/read.php?2,1569953Brace yourself for a long narrative. But your question is far from a simple one. I mean people write books trying to answer it. Here goes.
There is no evidence that can be examined by others proving the existence of an afterlife (no 'spiritual eyes need apply'). All we got on this one is belief, hope, and faith. But in fairness, belief, hope, and faith have been, in various forms, part of the human existence - there's been good, there's been bad, and there has been some real 'ugly' come out of it.
I had matters that as a father I needed to deal with in my family that compelled me to reach a point of view with clarity about TSCC. It was a 'clear and present danger' to the psychological well-being of my teenagers. Result. My truth is that TSCC is a damn cult. I proceeded accordingly. My teenagers and myself are out. Other family members in but TSCC is not presently a danger to them.
But, I have not reached the same clarity in my mind regarding anything supernatural like belief in a God, reincarnation, and so forth. I remain a skeptic on such matters. I do find things that are useful in various 'supernatural' belief systems and that spiritual experience do not require adhering to such beliefs.
Where I stand. Well, if I am asked a direct question of "do you believe in God" my response is: "I can only believe in a loving God, and in my mind a loving God would not really give a ripe as to whether or not you believed in him. Rather, I think that a loving God would just hope his children have the opportunity to live the full measure of their existence and along the way be kind to other humans." So I would argue that, for example, dedicated secular humanist is likely to be in better shape if there is a God than many believers who exhibit unkind behaviors towards others. In particular, those believers that use appeals to religion as justification of such things. Can you say "the 'brethren' and leaders who might carry out unkind policies without question? Now if God is a petty, small, and venial, entity I guess I am up shits creek.
The fruits of my labors in reaching the place I am currently at. I fear death much less than I did as a TBM. This frees me put more attention on living in the "precious present" and taking the time to notice opportunities to be a little kinder - and be better at my work as well. I accept that I am only human. I care more about living the measure of my present existence. I am more content with my present circumstances - professional as well as family. Now don't get me wrong here, my circumstances are far from being all 'cupcakes and puppy dogs', but it is my life to live and so I'll plan to live it. I have far fewer bouts of anxiety and depression, which I've suffered with for 50-60 years of my life. And when they do show up I get them under control much much faster. I no longer have any use for notions of sin and shame. Rather, I see things I choose to do as working out better or worse for me in my life. This has been quite liberating. However, it does make me a pain in the ass to so called leaders in TSCC - I give them no power over me and allow them no quarter in matters that affect my life or the lives of those I cane about. But I am proactive to head off crap from TSCC landing in my life. This last part is seems to be a task without beginning or end. Ugh.
Now more direct answer to your question: I wrap my head around atheism by embracing that the only thing I am absolutely sure about is that I have this life to live. Because of this I want to live it to its full measure whatever that might be. In doing this I try to strive to be kind to humans, be happy in the present, and tend to those I love and care about. Call me a 'damn humanist' if labels make it easier for others to process where I stand. It is as good as any.
Something to keep in mind that I've observed about atheism so far. Some seem to raise atheism to the level of what could arguably be called religion with its own norms and rules of what it means to be a 'proper atheist'. But I think most atheists might agree that atheists reject belief in the supernatural. Much more than that seems to me to be a matter of personal philosophy and ethics. Yes. A simplification. But it is what I've thus far gleaned from the conversations on this board and other things I've read.
What I do know - what I can 'testify' too. "After rejecting TSCC I have found that I am presently happier with the man I am than I was before. That little voice in my head now tells me that I am a good man, good husband and good father rather than one who is not - even though I am far from perfect on any of these counts. I am also more content with my life and ruminate much less about the past choices or what the future may or may not hold. The shit-storm foisted on my life by TSCC is presently waning. But I take nothing for-granted that or any other matter.
For those that have endured to the end of my tome. Thank you.