Fun:FAQ for the Newly Deconverted

FAQ for the Newly Deconverted? tl;dr. Laconic version follows.

Okay, what is it that I'm supposed to believe now?

Whatever you want.

What about all these people who have spent time in college and seminaries learning what they teach? Shouldn't they know what they're talking about better than I would?

Not really, no.

What about morality? I've always heard that to be a moral person, one needs a higher power.

Nope, Golden Rule (or empathy if you don't want it in forms of rules) provides a form of morality without the need of a higher power.

If everyone were atheist, wouldn't people just do whatever they wanted, no matter who was harmed?

No. See above.

What's the meaning of life, without gods or an afterlife?

Basically, whatever meaning you bring to it.

Can free will exist without gods?

According to our current understanding of physics: Probably not. Counter question, can it exist with a god?

What about science? You rationalists hold it up as the be-all, end-all of human knowledge, but how can that be when it's always changing?

The media overhypes unscientific reports. Science is self-correcting by nature.

Well, how did things come to be? What was before the Big Bang? If God didn't create the universe, how did it happen?

We don't know, but that's OK.

What about, you know, sex?

Go for it. Bow-chicka-wow-wow.

What is informed consent?

All participants should know why they're there, be OK with it, and understand what will happen from it. Animals and young children are incapable of it.

So yeah, about sex.

Pay attention to sex education, be a good person, and have fun.

Gambling? Drinking? Drugs?

Know your limits, know the law, know your wallet.

What about the Bible?

Probably written by a bunch of people over a long period of time. Books exist on its history.

What about other Scriptures? The Qur'an? The Book of Mormon? The Vedas?

See last sentence in above.

But what do I do with my tithe money?

Give to charity.

But I miss the social setting at church...

Try a Unitarian Universalist Church, a Cultural Ethical Society, or friends.

You haven't mentioned evolution.

Good point.

Or abortion, or euthanasia?

Another good point.

What about politics? How should I vote?

However your conscience tells you.

If atheism is a lack of belief, why all the fuss?

To stand up for ourselves. Some see religion as inherently bad.

What's the deal with this Atheism+ thing?

Question your prejudices and don't be a dick, and you're in.

Okay, anything else I need to know?

"To thine own self be true." Waffles are good.

Footnotes

Tired of laughing? RationalWiki has a slightly more serious article about FAQ for the Newly Deconverted.