Hey Atheists.. question for you!?

Question

Do any of you ever feel left out from your family and friends for being different? I mean I am the only atheist in my family, and when they go to temple, etc. I feel so left out and ODD lol. It's a bit sad sometimes, and since there is no place for us atheists to meet (like a church or a temple) it is a bit crappy that I'm not able to meet like-minded people and have that KINSHIP and SUPPORT NETWORK that religious people have.

Anyone else ever felt like this? And how do you deal with it? Thanks

Answer 1

It is lonely being different. That is why in modern times we have found modern substitutions.



On line chatting, coffee shops, book stores, clubs, volunteer work, local plays and musicals, working with those in need, children, elderly, etc.



ADD: One of my criticism of Atheists and Pagans (of which I am one) is that though they have worked to remove the ignorance and prejudice that surrounds many organized religions they have failed to replace the community and social aspects that organized religions also offer.

We have yet to find a balance.

Answer 2

I sorta know what you mean. Most, if not all of my friends are religious, and some are super-religious. A chick who liked me kept dragging me to church with her, and it was really awkward, because for one, I was the only white dude there, and everyone else spoke Spanish, and two, I was the only atheist there, and everyone else was all god-lovin' and whatnot. So sometimes, yeah, it can be a bit weird, but most have accepted that I'll never buy into the religious brainwashing, and the rest I can defeat with a few quick statements.

I'd like to say that I think there should be a place where atheists could meet and have fun, but a lot of (horribly ignorant) people seem to think we're a cult or religion of some kind.

As for dealing with it, I deal with it the same way I deal with everything: I am emotionally numb, so nothing really bothers me anymore. Too much trauma as a kid, I guess. I'd suggest just finding people with like interests, maybe at school. Or accepting that you just won't have church in common with friends/family.

Answer 3

hey fellow atheist, start a group. You're on the perfect venue - the internet. Put up notices for an atheist group in your neck of the woods- on yahoo groups or meetup.com You'll be surprised-- we are out there. Get some people to get together at a restaurant, library, or a bowling alley (ha ha)whatever once a month. It's a great way to meet new people, make new friends. And get that little extra support that we all want. The more we acknowledge each other, the safer and more powerful we become. Good for us!!!! Don't be lonely anymore. Let them have their silly Sunday morning prayer sessions about their fairy tales; we'll have real discussions about real ideas, real people, real events.

Answer 4

I'm sure there are local atheist organizations you can join to find other like-minded people.



But if atheists want to get anywhere, we do need to unite. I don't mean like a church, but we need to all have something or some sort of activity in common to bring us together to finally rid the world of this irrational belief system that kept us in the dark ages for 5000 years and delights in "justified" hatred of certain groups of people until forced into tolerance.

Answer 5

I am usually the odd man out anyway. My family has varying religious attitudes...my mother is a minister in New Thought, my father was a Mormon, and my brother is something of a deist.



I do feel excluded by others sometimes, though. Especially if someone somehow finds out I am an atheist and proceeds to let everyone know about it.

Answer 6

My parents are atheists so I don't really have a problem with that.



I sometimes go to Unitarian church. Most Unitarians don't identify themselves as Christians, but more like agnostics or atheists or anybody who has questions about religion. So that's where I go to meet like-minded people.

Answer 7

Not really. I don't feel lonely at all. If so, I can always go volunteer at the old age home or the library.



The benefits of atheism is that I get to sleep in on the weekend mornings others go to temple, church, etc.

Answer 8

That's the problem with being atheist - no church, no temple. However, you should find like minded people. Just learn how to network. Not just on the web, but in your neighbourhood, region, state, etc.

Answer 9

My family is highly religious. Everyone has some pull in whatever church they goto. My uncle owns a major metro church in Atl. But I'm not gonna change my opinions and beliefs just because they have a mental disorder.



R and S is where I find a lot of like minded people too. and my roomie.

Answer 10

Yeah, I can relate. I'm about the only self-identified atheist I know, although my family is pretty much areligious. It is nice that at least we can find communities online since there isn't much in the way of atheist organizations in real life. Not to mention the risks one takes by being openly and obviously atheist in this society.

Answer 11

I'm an Atheist and my parents and sister are United Church Christian so on Sunday they all go to church and I sleep in and watch T.V.

I search the web for Atheist Group gatherings in Canada but can never find any.

Answer 12

No, because I'm not concerned what they think.



But it is nice to have a community group. Try Unitarian Universalism. They encompass all different belief systems, many atheists are among them. No conversion. :)

Answer 13

hey whatevaa



nah, cos my family isnt really religious like that, and i wouldnt go if they were, thats my life choice, id hope they would respect that, and they would



i feel lonely sure

all the time, but not cos im an atheist, cos im a person

i deal with it, well by being on here ;-D

by talking to my boyf

by doing some things that i enjoy



hey if you ever wanna talk, you are free to message me anytime

im fine with that, i love the chat too

;-)

Answer 14

Not really. I'm a reserved and aloof guy. I try to keep it that way.



There are meetup groups (www.meetup.com) for atheists (as well as for many other things). I've never been to one, but I know that one in my area has met up for movies, star-gazing, nighttime bonfires at the beach, and so on.



You might try one of those groups.



Here's an example of a meetup date, for a San Diego group (where I live).



http://atheists.meetup.com/518/calendar/7421927/

Answer 15

I know this is for atheists...but I hope you dont mind me answering....I know for a fact, that it goes both ways.....my dad used to cry a lot, because his family wouldnt come around him...they didnt want to be invited to church....right before he died, my aunt told me that they really loved him and all but, they just didnt want to be invited to church...



when I read the eulogy I made sure to make a point of how dad would always invite people to church..but that I never let it bother me....because the most important thing was that I spent time with him...even if I didnt like the question.



just be yourself.....and dont let how people act around you make you uncomfortable.

Answer 16

sure, it might desire to have been god, for sure... yet then one might might desire to ask the query, "for what reason might god do one in all those component... what lesson, if any, is discovered from this guy death and then coming returned to lifestyles?" as quickly as we've everyday that this is slightly over the coolest for god to place somebody in the process the trauma of a harm and dying, basically to hold them to lifestyles returned, in order that as that they appreciate the lifestyles he gave them, we are in a position to extra evaluate the area. which brings us to 2 conclusions. a) god takes exhilaration in seeing others in discomfort and suffering, just to coach them a lesson that would have been taught in yet another way. b) this occasion had no longer something in any respect to do with any gods, yet grew to become into in simple terms between the various mysteries that take place on a daily basis that folk call miracles because of the fact they do no longer yet understand. i pass with b. via the way, what ever exceeded off to the trucker?

Answer 17

atheist-community.com



there's lots of support networks, you can hang out with whoever you want. my family is atheist or undecided, I've never went to church with my biological family (they're christian), when I did I felt more awkward then if I had just stayed home.

Answer 18

What helps is going to these places just to be with your family or friends. You don't have to believe the same thing to enjoy each other's company!

Answer 19

At least you don't have to swallow the disgusting religious lies - or see that phony look of happiness on the faces of the zealots.



Find yourself some normal people to hang around. Normal people don't need the religious lies.

Answer 20

Yeah, I'm a wiccan, and that I know of there is no gathering unless your in a coven.



I feel for you, it's hard finding people to talk to about religion when your ina non-orgainized one.

Answer 21

Well there are plenty of atheist groups out there do a google search on it.



I am not a atheist but a Christian who has a family of non-Christians. The only thing we can do is to show love for our family members and remember that a kind word turns away wrath.



I do have a couple of questions for you though:



How do you prove your belief that there is no God?



ok maybe thats the only question I will ask.

Answer 22

So far, exept a customer I had once, I've had no problems. But then again, I don't announce my beliefs, so people take me for who I am, a great guy...



The customer worked with me for quite a while until she asked me one day. I haven't heard from her since... her loss...

Answer 23

Well, my sister is also an atheist and my mom and dad are extremely loose, non-caring theists. My girlfriend is also pretty much agnostic... so not really, haha.

Answer 24

Only until I get pushed into their church and realize what a despicable character the god is that they worship.

Answer 25

I can see your point.



Look for a Unitarian church. They embrace all beliefs.

Answer 26

There are plenty of groups/organizations you could join that have nothing to do with religion.

Answer 27

Nope. My family is Catholic and they're fairly open-minded, as a whole.

Answer 28

I have atheist cousins, atheist brother

Answer 29

Not really. I've always been different, anyway, so I'm used to it.

Answer 30

That's what this place is for, silly.

Answer 31

Hang in there kid'o.

Answer 32

Atheists are viewed as evil, and they are the religious minority.

Answer 33

Atheists = wanna be rebels!im so smart and have a mind of my own!just like college protestors that have no clue what their protestin2008=mtv lame generation

Answer 34

not at all.

Answer 35

Atheism is the sister of Satanism . You have more or less the same beliefs .

You could join in with their rituals ..



Does that help ?

Answer 36

YEAH YOU ATHEISTS ARE FUNNY LOL GETTING DOWN TO SERIOUS ******* BUSINESS AND YOUR SERIOUS ******* LOGIC LOL K FINE