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This isn't meant to start a theological debate, as I know you all are incapable of common decency when speaking on this matter. In fact, it's more for atheists or agnostics who struggle with faith, and that don't believe, or struggle to believe in God.

From an early age I was raised a protestant Christian. There were rare times that I went to church every weekend (there was about 6 months after 9/11 that my family went to church every weekend), and like most Christian kids nowadays, I really didn't care about what was being spoken. It's not that the reverend wasn't cool, he was, or that I didn't care about faith, I did. It was that I simply didn't care beyond the basics. Jesus rose from the dead, I get presents on Christmas, and when I die I go to heaven... if I'm a good person. That's all I really cared about. The moral lessons, the far fetched tales... they didn't appeal to me.

As I got older, I moved away from Christianity. Not on purpose, or rapidly... it was over a period of years, and simply due to intellect and critical thinking rather than any sort of revelation or anything of that sort. I used to speak to God every night... and I can honestly say I felt like someone was there. One night I was talking and I just, felt like no one was there. Like I was talking to myself. I'd do anything to have that feeling back. To know that there was this all knowing, all caring being that created me, and that when I died, I'd go to him and he would make me happy beyond my wildest dreams.

It hurts thinking about that. There's nothing in the world I wouldn't do to get my faith back, to feel... no, to know that there was a God. To know that I would eventually go to heaven, and live there eternally. These things don't come naturally to me anymore, and in fact... I have to struggle to even force myself into the illusion that these things are even remotely true.

I take drugs because of this. Lots of drugs. I drown in them everytime I think about how worthless my existence is. How when I die, no one shall care, and I shall drift away into nothingness. I think about my existence as a whole, and no matter how many scenarios I run through my head of how my life can go, it all ends in the same depressing, empty epilogue. This could come off as what some would call emo, but these emotions are not nearly that juvenile. They aren't angst, or self pity. They are pure and utter depression compounded by a sense of limited to no self worth, all thanks to growing up in this Godless world.

I'd say I'm curious about your opinions on all this, but frankly I'm pretty positive I know what they are. There is, however, those among you that provide riveting conversation at times, so I welcome you to share your thoughts on God in today's society and how it effects the psyche of the youth, and how that differs from the youth growing up in society anywhere from 200-600 years ago.

the OP is a n00b

i'm pretty much just a deist nowadays

i believe in the eternal energy from which all things proceed or whatever carnegie and the early unitarians called it

i used to be an atheist until i realized that i'm more productive when i believe in something that gives me a purpose

ps wow i'm really gay

That's very interesting.It's similar on how i broke away from Christianity, but now when i look back i can't help but say how stupid i was believing that. Alot of my problems come from religion. Up until 9th and 10th grade i was in perocial school. The last one i went to actually drove me form the religion with all their hate mongering and whatnot.I also have a tendency to let my anger slip and blame them for all the fucked up things in my life, but that isn't true. At least i can say that i'm much happier being departed form a religion.

At 4/18/10 08:54 PM, HecticCircleCrap wrote:

At 4/18/10 08:53 PM, 5FootLobster wrote: the OP is a n00b

You're a noob, you signed up in March.

yeah... >:( well im not a NG noob, just a bbs noob. been coming since 06. but i only made an account just recently. although i did have one from 06, but i lost it, and never used it

i signed up before all of you i am superior

I am an atheist, but I am not depressed. In fact, I am enjoying my life at the moment.

At 4/18/10 09:04 PM, HecticCircleCrap wrote:

I'VE BEEN HERE SINCE 1984 BUT I SIGNED up IN 2006

Shut the fuck up, you're not clever or funny and this has nothing to do with the thread. There's a time and place for everything, and this meets neither of those criteria. Now go make horrible jokes and laaaaugh and laaaaaugh until eventually you realize that, hey, this shit simply isn't funny anymore, and move on with your life.

Thanks bud. I appreciate it.

At 4/18/10 09:03 PM, AndrewGlisson13 wrote: I am an atheist, but I am not depressed. In fact, I am enjoying my life at the moment.

Then you aren't really atheist. You don't believe in religion, not God. You probably still pray, if not all the time then when you really need help, and you to some extent still believe that when you die you're going to some sort of afterlife. This is the teenage version of atheism. When people get older (not even saying my age, as I'm not truly an atheist) and become atheist, in the purest sense, they are depressed. Even before then, they suffer with depression. I have yet to find an atheist that actually was atheist in more than name that didn't go through very heavy depression.

At 4/18/10 09:09 PM, Jezuz wrote: Then you aren't really atheist. You don't believe in religion, not God. You probably still pray, if not all the time then when you really need help, and you to some extent still believe that when you die you're going to some sort of afterlife. This is the teenage version of atheism. When people get older (not even saying my age, as I'm not truly an atheist) and become atheist, in the purest sense, they are depressed. Even before then, they suffer with depression. I have yet to find an atheist that actually was atheist in more than name that didn't go through very heavy depression.

I do not pray, and I am indeed an atheist. I know many atheists who are not depressed. I love how you seem to think that godlessness is absolutely impossible without severe depression.

At 4/18/10 09:09 PM, Jezuz wrote: :

At 4/18/10 09:03 PM, AndrewGlisson13 wrote: I am an atheist, but I am not depressed. In fact, I am enjoying my life at the moment.

Then you aren't really atheist. You don't believe in religion, not God. You probably still pray, if not all the time then when you really need help, and you to some extent still believe that when you die you're going to some sort of afterlife. This is the teenage version of atheism. When people get older (not even saying my age, as I'm not truly an atheist) and become atheist, in the purest sense, they are depressed. Even before then, they suffer with depression.

wow just stfu. you are really going to just assume that? you say he isnt atheist because he enjoys life? you really are just flat out stupid.

atheism is actually about finding happiness in life itself without the need for a god.

I have yet to find an atheist that actually was atheist in more than name that didn't go through very heavy depression:

you have yet to leave your house and socialize.... i wonder if there is any correlation....

At 4/18/10 09:18 PM, 5FootLobster wrote:

atheism is actually about finding happiness in life itself without the need for a god.

Atheism isn't about anything. There is not a church of atheism that tells people what atheist is 'about'. That's more of your assumption or your take on your faith/life, not a unified sentiment by those around you.

Also no u stfu omg im soooo smart when i use letters instead of words n dont use punctioation or spelling proporly.

At 4/18/10 09:17 PM, AndrewGlisson13 wrote:

I do not pray, and I am indeed an atheist. I know many atheists who are not depressed. I love how you seem to think that godlessness is absolutely impossible without severe depression.

I don't think, I know. I've seen it first hand from many friends, family, acquaintances. They can be very good at hiding it at times, as well, to a point that they almost convince themselves that everything is just fine. Then all it takes is one little set off, and total depression ensues. I'm not convinced you're an atheist, either. Nor am I convinced those you know are an atheist. Most atheists I know rarely will let it be known due to the fact that religion, well, doesn't matter to them in the least. But hey, if that's what you call yourself, so be it.

At 4/18/10 09:25 PM, Jezuz wrote:

At 4/18/10 09:18 PM, 5FootLobster wrote:

atheism is actually about finding happiness in life itself without the need for a god.

Atheism isn't about anything. There is not a church of atheism that tells people what atheist is 'about'. That's more of your assumption or your take on your faith/life, not a unified sentiment by those around you.

Also no u stfu omg im soooo smart when i use letters instead of words n dont use punctioation or spelling proporly.

At 4/18/10 09:17 PM, AndrewGlisson13 wrote:

I do not pray, and I am indeed an atheist. I know many atheists who are not depressed. I love how you seem to think that godlessness is absolutely impossible without severe depression.

I don't think, I know. I've seen it first hand from many friends, family, acquaintances. They can be very good at hiding it at times, as well, to a point that they almost convince themselves that everything is just fine. Then all it takes is one little set off, and total depression ensues. I'm not convinced you're an atheist, either. Nor am I convinced those you know are an atheist. Most atheists I know rarely will let it be known due to the fact that religion, well, doesn't matter to them in the least. But hey, if that's what you call yourself, so be it.

im sorry but this thread is such a joke. the OP is seriously retarded. you sound like the people who make threads called. "why is every american fat?" i think if you are not being a total retarded 10 year old, then you must live in a deeply religious area. people in areas like that usually only stray from religion because of depression.

EVERY RELIGIOUS PERSON MOLESTS LITTLE BOYS. I DONT THINK SO, I KNOW SO.

At 4/18/10 09:25 PM, Jezuz wrote: I don't think, I know. I've seen it first hand from many friends, family, acquaintances. They can be very good at hiding it at times, as well, to a point that they almost convince themselves that everything is just fine. Then all it takes is one little set off, and total depression ensues. I'm not convinced you're an atheist, either. Nor am I convinced those you know are an atheist.

Perhaps, then, your friends, family, and acquaintances are not truly atheists. They seem to be consumed by much self-doubt. An atheist accepts the world as it is. Your friends are depressed in the fact that there is no god? They are theists in sheep's clothing.

ok no more posting. this man diserves no attention

At 4/18/10 09:42 PM, The777Demon wrote:

At 4/18/10 08:58 PM, 5FootLobster wrote:

At 4/18/10 08:54 PM, HecticCircleCrap wrote:

At 4/18/10 08:53 PM, 5FootLobster wrote: the OP is a n00b

You're a noob, you signed up in March.

yeah... >:( well im not a NG noob, just a bbs noob. been coming since 06. but i only made an account just recently. although i did have one from 06, but i lost it, and never used it

Do you know i'm actually a celebrity in real life. BTW you are a noob i've been coming here since the year 1800 then only recently created an account.

fine, disregard the post above yours, we will just go off topic instead.

IVE BEEN COMING ON THIS SITE SINCE 3000 B.C.

At 4/18/10 09:25 PM, Jezuz wrote: I don't think, I know. I've seen it first hand from many friends, family, acquaintances. They can be very good at hiding it at times, as well, to a point that they almost convince themselves that everything is just fine. Then all it takes is one little set off, and total depression ensues. I'm not convinced you're an atheist, either. Nor am I convinced those you know are an atheist. Most atheists I know rarely will let it be known due to the fact that religion, well, doesn't matter to them in the least. But hey, if that's what you call yourself, so be it.

While I was suspicious at first, now I am quite certain. This guy is just trolling. If anyone was truely this retarded, they probably would be incapable of using a keyboard.

I feel the same way. The EXACT same fucking way. My over all story was a little different but the rest was spot on. It's almost scary how much I can relate.

I've learned alot and this morning I went to church with a friend for the helluvit and I was in a mental agruement with myself trying to boil down everything and figure out the blunt reason I don't believe in a "God". I honestly need to meditate on this and figure it out (or atleast try).

Talking with you about this may help me in my process. Feel free to PM me. I would be happy if you did.

Interesting... as for me, I wasn't involved in any church untill about the time my Father's mother died and my father wanted to start practicing Catholicism again. He started looking around into churches and went on his own while my mother contemplated converting my brother and I or not.

In about 6th grade we had Mormons move in next door and we started having weekly meetings with missionaries and learning about Mormonism and we started going to Mormon church. I remember the missionaries telling us that their were times they would pray and feel nothing, but every so often they would fill with warmth and feel like the could float or something. I tried to pray a lot but never felt anything, I figured I just didn't want it enough and gave up.

Anyway, my mom was sold and as we were almost Mormons my father intervened and began taking us to mass and weekly meetings to a priest to convince us Catholicism was right. I fell asleep in a lot of these meetings, honestly. Anyways, my dad finally won and we were baptized catholic and began going to mass for three or so months and just stopped going.

I don't think I ever believed in religion. Growing well into my childhood with no religious influence might have set me up for that. But when I was about 12 years old having my salvation seem more like a tally mark that both the Mormons and the Catholics desired really turned me off to the idea that my soul meant anything.

I guess you could say I don't believe, but in reality, Religion and God are just things I rarely think about.

Is this the sort of response you were looking for?

I used to have the same kind of existential depression shit. Took some LSD. I now realize who gives a fuck, you know? It's depressing to think about, but I'm alive and I should work at making it meaningful for others. Besides, matter can not be destroyed, so our atoms will probably meet up somewhere again and regenerate into a new life form, probably twice as cool as this dumbass humanoid shit.

My life has been a massive bucket of dog boners before and after my faith in God.

I go to choir every Sunday because I find it a good artistic output for me. I love to sing hymns and anthems because they are fun to sing. I don't think that religion is a way to live your life and base your knowledge off. There are some things in the Bible that should be followed anyway. There are certain morality rules that should be followed. But the knowledge of nature from the Bible shouldn't be followed because it's just ridiculous to me. I think science is a fantastic thing. We should all embrace what we can do as a human race and not what 2000+ year old stories tell us about what happened.

I've heard or read something recently that "science only uncovers more mysteries and confusion". But that's what science is all about. We are curious beings and we strive to discover the world around us. And I think we should take pride in our accomplishments and strive to learn more and more about everything. Trusting an old book is not what we should be constrained to.

So, the Bible should be used as a primer for social interactions (but ignore most of Deuteronomy as those laws are pretty rash for today's society and would be unacceptable). Our knowledge of nature, the past and the future should be derived from science as it is our own nature and it should be embraced.

At 4/18/10 09:00 PM, MiracleFruitClock wrote: i signed up before all of you i am superior

I come from times when the forums were superior

At 4/18/10 09:45 PM, AndrewGlisson13 wrote:

While I was suspicious at first, now I am quite certain. This guy is just trolling. If anyone was truely this retarded, they probably would be incapable of using a keyboard.

Learn the difference between a troll and someone that disagrees with you, you dumb fuck. There's a God dammed difference. Just because I'm a nasty person and may insult you doesn't make me a troll, it makes me a pissed of individual who really, really doesn't like you, or for that matter 95% of people in general. I'm an introverted loner who will end up committing suicide at some point in his life due to a complete and utter lack of acceptance in any community I've ever been a part of.

I can't fucking believe this community believes that atheism is about anything. That there's some code to it that all atheists have. I am generalizing, you all are defining. What pathetic fucking dumbasses this community is made out of. There's a few decent people when you meet then in real life, but beyond that, fucking Christ people. Putting values into atheism. For fucks sake.

Oh, and all you dumb motherfuckers with your attempt to derail simply because you disagree. You immature fucks. If you don't like the thread then leave, there's no fucking reason to stick around you childish dink. Then those that are starting a conversation about signup dates due to some lousy user that decided to insult me for no reason other than his complete and utter lack of a brain. What a pointless and repetitive conversation. At least the third dozen time I've seen people talk about the exact same thing, and a lot of users that have been around for too dammed long to be apart of that sort of shit joined it.

Worthless cunts.

At 4/18/10 09:35 PM, 5FootLobster wrote: the OP is seriously retarded.

EVERY RELIGIOUS PERSON MOLESTS LITTLE BOYS. I DONT THINK SO, I KNOW SO.

It looks like the pot just met the kettle.

I go by a few things.

"god" died when everything was created.it's death brought life and hat not.

"God" isn't real

we're all in a big machine, like the LHC or something.

Or the universe is a never ending cycle of it expanding and contracting.

At 4/19/10 02:14 PM, Jezuz wrote:

At 4/18/10 09:45 PM, AndrewGlisson13 wrote:

While I was suspicious at first, now I am quite certain. This guy is just trolling. If anyone was truely this retarded, they probably would be incapable of using a keyboard.

Learn the difference between a troll and someone that disagrees with you, you dumb fuck. There's a God dammed difference. Just because I'm a nasty person and may insult you doesn't make me a troll, it makes me a pissed of individual who really, really doesn't like you, or for that matter 95% of people in general. I'm an introverted loner who will end up committing suicide at some point in his life due to a complete and utter lack of acceptance in any community I've ever been a part of.

I can't fucking believe this community believes that atheism is about anything. That there's some code to it that all atheists have. I am generalizing, you all are defining. What pathetic fucking dumbasses this community is made out of. There's a few decent people when you meet then in real life, but beyond that, fucking Christ people. Putting values into atheism. For fucks sake.

What the hell is wrong with you. Who the hell are you to decide how every fucking atheist is supposed to act. Just because atheists don't believe in a god doesn't mean that you have to be all emo and depressed about it. Your basically saying that if i believe in god i'm all happy, but the second i stop believing in a god i want to kill myself. Go fuck off dumbshit.

By the way, I'm an atheist too.

Just smoke weed and live life to the fullest is all im trying to do...

Your whole rant sounds eerily familar to nietzche's view on nihilism. I think this way sometimes too, but you have to realize: While in the grand scheme of things, life may have no real meaning, but that doesn't make life unbearable. The meaning of life is making yourself happy, so instead of sulking, start having fun!

At 4/29/10 07:45 PM, chipotleaway wrote:

Go fuck off dumbshit.

Took you a couple weeks to come up with that one, huh bud? Real intelligent posting habits you have there. By the way, I have as much right to tell everyone that atheism is about absolutely nothing as you have to say that it is. Keep trying to be logical and I'll keep trying not to burst into tearful laughter at how increasingly stupid you come off.