Do people make you feel bad for being an atheist?

Question

I used to be a Christian, but I am now an atheist. Funny thing is, I don't ever say this out loud to anyone. And this is probably the first time I've admitted it to myself. It's been beaten into my brain that to atheism is shameful. I always feel like I'm missing something that everyone else has, which is that spiritual support, but no matter how hard I try, I can't believe. I just can't and I don't. I try pretty frequently, actually, just to make myself feel better about any sort of after life or purpose for my life. I cringe when I see "thoughts and prayers" shit after terrorist attacks, deaths, hospital visits, marriages, etc. I just think it's stupid but an inner voice is telling me that I shouldn't think it is. I instantly feel ashamed for saying things like that.

Answer

I don't mention it often bc I don't feel like debating religion. haha.

Answer

I know how you feel because I've been there myself. I can tell you that it will pass. When you grow up being taught that not believing will lead to an eternity of suffering, it's hard to let it go, even when you know you don't believe anymore.  Try not to dwell on it too much and talk to a friend (preferably a fellow atheist) about your feelings. To me, Christianity is all about fear and shame. I think that's why it's so hard to let go. Those feelings are so ingrained in your mind that it takes years to get rid of them. But you will. ❤

Answer

When people say things like “Jesus loves you!” I just respond “7 billion people on the planet, yet I need love and affection from someone who died 2000 years ago.”

Answer

That is part of the conditioning...to be part of the "group". It's like peer pressure from high school but they take it too a whole other level when it comes to religion.
Doesn't bother me though. I'm not in a very religious area (not like the Deep South or something) so it isn't a constant thing that comes up. I mostly avoid the topic. I don't feel ashamed, I'd just rather not get in a debate about it. Other people want to believe, fine whatever, just leave me alone about it!

Answer

I can't count how many people have tried to convince me to become religious again or ask me if I'm sure I'm not religious because I'm just so "Christ like" (I'm really nice and understanding of others, which apparently is impossible if you're not religious 😞). My own mother has thrown a bible at me. I've been told I'm going to hell. I avoid the topic, but I won't lie if I'm asked.

Answer

They TRY...😂

Answer

When I tell people I'm an atheist they try to treat me like I don't have morals or that I'm some how lesser than them because they believe in god and I don't and I think that's demeaning and pointless

Answer

Yes. Any time it's brought up religious ppl attempt to make me feel "less than". It's frustrating @ times, but not at all surprising.

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No. They try to, but I don’t know how to feel bad for it. I feel bad for those who believe in it, so...🤷🏻‍♀️

Answer

I think it comes down to culture. here in the UK you'd be in the minority if you were openly religious, most people are atheists. but I have a Romanian friend who is shocked that I'm an atheist as she's a devout Catholic, we just agree to disagree but I know she can't understand it. ultimately you don't need to tell people your personal beliefs, and you shouldn't feel bad for believing what you do - that's the beauty of freedom of expression, it applies even when we don't necessarily like it

Do people make you feel bad for being an atheist?

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