Any atheists/pagans/wiccans out there? :)

stang_girl88

Born and raised Atheist. I grew up where it was rare to find someone religious, (or maybe it was never mentioned), but now I am living somewhere where you cant get away from it. Almost everyone has some kind of religious belief. I dont mention anything about me being an Atheist, unless I am asked. I just dont join the conversation. To each their own, just dont try to convert me

Bentley2718

I don't know. I don't really care.

I'd LIKE to think there is a God, but I'm not holding my breath. I believe in the Universe more than anything - kinetic energy that may bring two people together. I believe that the universe conspires for certain things. Because I'm weird.

I don't have a problem with God at all, if there is a God. I have a problem with his fan club.

I don't have a problem with ALL members of his fan club, it's just like any other group, it's the few @ssholes who make everyone else look bad. Although I will admit certain religions seem to attract more than their fair share...

spartangirl79

Atheist in the hizzy.

chrischinchilla

I'm an atheist.

ScatteredThoughts

Yet another atheist.

BrettPGH

Ooh I love seeing so many fellow non-believers! MFP Atheists. Join now!

We serve the baby everyday around noon.

Bentley2718

Ooh I love seeing so many fellow non-believers! MFP Atheists. Join now!

We serve the baby everyday around noon.

Is baby vegan?

sarahbear1981

nevermind

stephabef

Grew up with a Jewish mother and a Catholic father... very odd environment.

Though I identify with Jewish culture/history, I am not religious and would consider myself agnostic. Sometimes spiritual, but I believe in the science of energy more than anything else.

Question about that. Now, being non-religious yourself, but having a mother that is Jewish, that does make you Jewish in the traditional sense, yes? From what I understand it is "passed" from the mother's side. Am I completely wrong here? lol

Yup - which is neat, because I can take a "birth right" trip to Israel for free just because my mom is Jewish. I may take it someday, because I find the history to be so important, and because I HAVE been discriminated against (I live in Atlanta) simply because it's known that my family is Jewish. My last name is Irish, though... I don't know, I appreciate now that I was able to grow up in two religious worlds, because it's made me realize just how intense the similarities are between most religions. It's also what made me decide for myself that I want no part in any of them.

Elizabeth_C34

Yup - which is neat, because I can take a "birth right" trip to Israel for free just because my mom is Jewish.

DO IT! I would love to travel to Israel at some point. It's on my list of places to visit.

hausofnichele

I believe in the Almighty Flying Spaghetti Monster and surrender to the power of his noodley appendages.

^^ this

SarahMorganP

Just in case everyone missed this, please join the atheist group, we need some activity!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/121-evil-incarnate-aka-mfp-atheists-

krystonite

I think atheism is kind of hypocritical in the face of those with faith. One side saying, "God exists." The other side saying, "God doesn't exist." Well, neither of you know. I don't know why we have to label everything. Someone asks me what my faith is and I just say "I don't fu*king know." Nor do I care. My faith is in the here and now, on what kind of impact I can make now.

And agnosticism requires a degree of skepticism, and that doesn't pertain to me either. Because I don't doubt anything. We're here, aren't we? That's why I believe in the universe, because it's somewhat tangible.

MarCarCas

i don't know where i was. I did not believe in anyone or thing, and just wanted to find some kind of balance. when Wicca found me, it was when i decided that everything Wicca stood for i was already at that point of believing. and i found i finally had a name for it.

That brings up an interesting point.

Do you think that people are more apt to identify with a certain religion, simply because it's something to identify WITH?

I think that it happens. Some Christians I know (totally not saying all Christians are this way) are only Christian because their parents, extended family, and the rest of their social network are; they've never really deeply questioned what they believed. Happily, the majority of my Christian friends have done that and stuck with Christianity because it is best for them; these friends of mine have a wonderful commitment to their churches.

Some people get into Wicca because it sounds 'edgy' but fortunately these people do not last for very long. Wicca takes a lot of study and practice, plus you have to contend with people who misunderstand it and think it is a bad thing.

xraychick77

yup.,,proud out atheist

BrettPGH

I think atheism is kind of hypocritical in the face of those with faith. One side saying, "God exists." The other side saying, "God doesn't exist." Well, neither of you know. I don't know why we have to label everything. Someone asks me what my faith is and I just say "I don't fu*king know." Nor do I care. My faith is in the here and now, on what kind of impact I can make now.

And agnosticism requires a degree of skepticism, and that doesn't pertain to me either. Because I don't doubt anything. We're here, aren't we? That's why I believe in the universe, because it's somewhat tangible.

Simple. Every atheist I know will admit they don't "know" either. They leave open the possibility. We just are not convinced because of the complete and total lack of evidence. There might be an invisible floating tea pot on the other side of the moon. I can't say for sure there's not. But I'm pretty sure there isn't. Same with god.

brittanyjeanxo

I think atheism is kind of hypocritical in the face of those with faith. One side saying, "God exists." The other side saying, "God doesn't exist." Well, neither of you know. I don't know why we have to label everything. Someone asks me what my faith is and I just say "I don't fu*king know." Nor do I care. My faith is in the here and now, on what kind of impact I can make now.

And agnosticism requires a degree of skepticism, and that doesn't pertain to me either. Because I don't doubt anything. We're here, aren't we? That's why I believe in the universe, because it's somewhat tangible.

Simple. Every atheist I know will admit they don't "know" either. They leave open the possibility. We just are not convinced because of the complete and total lack of evidence. There might be an invisible floating tea pot on the other side of the moon. I can't say for sure there's not. But I'm pretty sure there isn't. Same with god.

Wouldn't that make you agnostic then? A=without. Theism=belief in God or gods. Would that not strictly mean you are without belief of a God or gods? I am not trying to say you are wrong, obviously, just curious

thekacks

I guess agnostic, or even a touch ath-nostic. I believe everyone has a right to believe and practice what they believe as long as it doesn't hurt others. Like others have said, I don't like people trying to convert me and I don't like hypocrites either. I too am sick of being damned to hell for beleiving or not beleiving this or that. Church and/or religion does have it's place in society as it does lend itself to contstructive achievments, but unfortunatley organized religion is too often missused to control and subjugate people by power hungry hypocrites. I abhor organized religion that is used to cow the masses through guilt and fear. Instead of being enlightening, religion has historically been used and perverted by spineless, sick men who want to force their brand of twisted and repugnant morality on everyone else.:explode: :explode:

Too each his own, if everyone could just live and leave everyone else alone in these matters and stop forcing their views on others the world would be a better place.

I couldn't have said it better myself! Although I do not claim any single "label" for my beliefs. They are a combination of Pagan, Hindu, and Science. I believe in magick, in nature, in evolution, karma, reincarnation for those that have achieved that priviledge, and in spirits walking amongst us. I don't knock other religions, but my own opinion is if the Christian "god" exists as they say... then with the life I have lived... "he" is a sick twisted (insert nasty word here) and not somebody I would ever lower myself to worship. I have had Christians tell me it is all due to "free will" blah blah blah... guess what... again... if there is an "almighty god" that would allow an innocent child to be repeatedly beaten, sexually molested by more than one trusted adult family member, and unloved... I certainly wouldn't want to be on his bandwagon. But that was just what first led me to question my "Christian" beliefs that I was raised with. Since then I have studied quite a few religions extensively, and although there are extremists in every religion, the one that has caused the most suffering, war, death, etc. has been Christianity.

savage22hp

Most religious beliefs , while similar , are mutually exclusive . It is wonderful ( and frightening ) that we have the freedom to chose what we believe even if it is that there is nothing to believe in . Religious leaders say that they know their religion is right and could never agree that there is more than one way to God . Atheists must also strongly reject religion because to allow it to exist unchallenged is to leave the impression that there is a possibility of it being right . So we can't all be right , we have the freedom to chose what we believe , but each religion or non religion has parts that exclude the possibility of another answer . So , if you care about others you must try to explain what you believe in the hopes that you can convince others to your view . Is that hate or love?

brittanyjeanxo

Most religious beliefs , while similar , are mutually exclusive . It is wonderful ( and frightening ) that we have the freedom to chose what we believe even if it is that there is nothing to believe in . Religious leaders say that they know their religion is right and could never agree that there is more than one way to God . Atheists must also strongly reject religion because to allow it to exist unchallenged is to leave the impression that there is a possibility of it being right . So we can't all be right , we have the freedom to chose what we believe , but each religion or non religion has parts that exclude the possibility of another answer . So , if you care about others you must try to explain what you believe in the hopes that you can convince others to your view . Is that hate or love?

Mind=blown. I don't know. I certainly don't think my way is the only or the right way, so I never try to convince others it is, either. I simply feel it is what's right for me, and I really don't care what happens after I die. I will be too dead to care.

Bentley2718

I think atheism is kind of hypocritical in the face of those with faith. One side saying, "God exists." The other side saying, "God doesn't exist." Well, neither of you know. I don't know why we have to label everything. Someone asks me what my faith is and I just say "I don't fu*king know." Nor do I care. My faith is in the here and now, on what kind of impact I can make now.

And agnosticism requires a degree of skepticism, and that doesn't pertain to me either. Because I don't doubt anything. We're here, aren't we? That's why I believe in the universe, because it's somewhat tangible.

Simple. Every atheist I know will admit they don't "know" either. They leave open the possibility. We just are not convinced because of the complete and total lack of evidence. There might be an invisible floating tea pot on the other side of the moon. I can't say for sure there's not. But I'm pretty sure there isn't. Same with god.

Wouldn't that make you agnostic then? A=without. Theism=belief in God or gods. Would that not strictly mean you are without belief of a God or gods? I am not trying to say you are wrong, obviously, just curious

Several posts earlier in the thread address the difference between atheism and agnosticism.

kimsciolino

I am a christian by choice

brittanyjeanxo

Hmm! Well I am a very strong believer in GOD!! And no it was never pushed on me, All of my family has different beliefs. I do not believe that any RELIGION will get you heaven? No Church will get you to heaven? I do believe the Bible! I would never try to convert anyone that is not what it is about. The void you may be feeling could be filled, and I will leave it at that. I think that this is a TERRIBLE topic to be posting on a website for motivation and support for health and weightloss. I can see where topics about religion and politics could really make people leave. There is a reason that each and everyone of us came here. and this site is about FITNESS not RELIGION or POLITICS so why bring it up here. Just thougth I would voice my opinion, cause I do care about the people on this site..
I hope you all find the happiness that you are seeking!

Do you honestly think it's terrible, or do you dislike it because it goes against what your beliefs are? Personally, I don't really care if you dislike it. But that's just me. We are not doing anything wrong. I thought earlier it was still against the rules, but since it is not, I wanted to take advantage. Please don't come on our thread telling us how wrong we are. I feel absolutely no void, I am very happy being the Wiccan that I am. Thank you.

ETA: please note, this is also the "Chit-chat, fun, and games" section. Do you also feel that every single other non-fitness related post is inappropriate?

BrettPGH

Wouldn't that make you agnostic then? A=without. Theism=belief in God or gods. Would that not strictly mean you are without belief of a God or gods? I am not trying to say you are wrong, obviously, just curious

Nope. Just Weak Atheist as opposed to Strong Atheist. And I don't think I've ever met a single Strong Atheist. One who says categorically "There is no god." Atheists are generally smart people and know we don't know everything. So yes technically anything is possible. But for me that doesn't make me lean towards agnosticism. If we're being technical about labels I don't think true agnosticism is even possible.

Bentley2718

Hmm! Well I am a very strong believer in GOD!! And no it was never pushed on me, All of my family has different beliefs. I do not believe that any RELIGION will get you heaven? No Church will get you to heaven? I do believe the Bible! I would never try to convert anyone that is not what it is about. The void you may be feeling could be filled, and I will leave it at that. I think that this is a TERRIBLE topic to be posting on a website for motivation and support for health and weightloss. I can see where topics about religion and politics could really make people leave. There is a reason that each and everyone of us came here. and this site is about FITNESS not RELIGION or POLITICS so why bring it up here. Just thought I would voice my opinion, cause I do care about the people on this site..and I love to help motivate and help people reach their health and fitness goals.
I hope you all find the happiness that you are seeking!

No one forced you, or anyone else to read this thread. If it makes you uncomfortable, it's easy to avoid. I got tired of reading the same 10 threads (e.g. "should I eat back my exercise calories?" or "how can I spot reduce my abs?"), so you know what, I quit clicking on them. Also, obviously at least a few of us WANT to have this conversation, or we wouldn't be here.

Bentley2718

Wouldn't that make you agnostic then? A=without. Theism=belief in God or gods. Would that not strictly mean you are without belief of a God or gods? I am not trying to say you are wrong, obviously, just curious

Nope. Just Weak Atheist as opposed to Strong Atheist. And I don't think I've ever met a single Strong Atheist. One who says categorically "There is no god." Atheists are generally smart people and know we don't know everything. So yes technically anything is possible. But for me that doesn't make me lean towards agnosticism. If we're being technical about labels I don't think true agnosticism is even possible.

I've met a few like that, and they're all intelligent, generally (but not always) very rational people. They were also typically brought up in very religious environments.

krystonite

Hmm! Well I am a very strong believer in GOD!! And no it was never pushed on me, All of my family has different beliefs. I do not believe that any RELIGION will get you heaven? No Church will get you to heaven? I do believe the Bible! I would never try to convert anyone that is not what it is about. The void you may be feeling could be filled, and I will leave it at that. I think that this is a TERRIBLE topic to be posting on a website for motivation and support for health and weightloss. I can see where topics about religion and politics could really make people leave. There is a reason that each and everyone of us came here. and this site is about FITNESS not RELIGION or POLITICS so why bring it up here. Just thought I would voice my opinion, cause I do care about the people on this site..and I love to help motivate and help people reach their health and fitness goals.
I hope you all find the happiness that you are seeking!

There are so many other threads that you can post in then. You don't have to be in this one if you don't want to be.

Like... Okay, I really can't stand Dress Barn, so I don't go in there. I go to Target instead. It's like that.

Queen_Christine

Bump

brittanyjeanxo

Wouldn't that make you agnostic then? A=without. Theism=belief in God or gods. Would that not strictly mean you are without belief of a God or gods? I am not trying to say you are wrong, obviously, just curious

Nope. Just Weak Atheist as opposed to Strong Atheist. And I don't think I've ever met a single Strong Atheist. One who says categorically "There is no god." Atheists are generally smart people and know we don't know everything. So yes technically anything is possible. But for me that doesn't make me lean towards agnosticism. If we're being technical about labels I don't think true agnosticism is even possible.

That is a very good point. Thank you for clearing that up I think my dad falls into the strong atheist category. He admits he thinks the idea of any god or being is silly, and he has said there is absolutely no god. He is very hard-headed Then again, just because he says it doesn't mean that's how he thinks.

YassSpartan

What I'm about to say has absolutely nothing to do with my beliefs at all. This is just a simple point I'm stating based on the "unless there is evidence, scientific or not, that there is/are God(s), Goddess(es) or any type of deity, someone will not believe they exist", it is kind of what people used to say when it was first said the Earth was round, our planet wasn't the center of the Universe and the Sun would spin round our planet, when people didn't know about gravity, etc.

I respect and support anyone who believes in anything just as much as those who don't believe in anything at all. But when it comes about proof, not even science can deny the existence of things just because they can't explain it.

If you want a better example of what God is, God is everything. Not a guy sitting up there in the sky (heaven) watching everything we do. God is everything and all of us. Interpretation has a lot to do when it comes about manipulation of religions. Even when the statement "we are made in the image of God" has been interpreted as "we" humans, but the truth is, "we" is just everything that exist, whether is living and non-living. God is energy, just a conscious energy that keeps everything in balance.