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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?[edit]
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?[edit]
Not really, no.
What about morality? I've always heard that to be a moral person, one needs a higher power.[edit]
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?[edit]
No. See above.
What's the meaning of life, without gods or an afterlife?[edit]
Basically, whatever meaning you bring to it.
Can free will exist without gods?[edit]
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?[edit]
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?[edit]
We don't know, but that's OK.
What about, you know, sex?[edit]
Go for it. Bow-chicka-wow-wow.
What is informed consent?[edit]
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.[edit]
Pay attention to sex education, be a good person, and have fun.
Gambling? Drinking? Drugs?[edit]
Know your limits, know the law, know your wallet.
What about the Bible?[edit]
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?[edit]
See last sentence in above.
But what do I do with my tithe money?[edit]
Give to charity.
But I miss the social setting at church...[edit]
Try a Unitarian Universalist Church, a Cultural Ethical Society, or friends.
You haven't mentioned evolution.[edit]
Good point.
Or abortion, or euthanasia?[edit]
Another good point.
What about politics? How should I vote?[edit]
However your conscience tells you.
If atheism is a lack of belief, why all the fuss?[edit]
To stand up for ourselves. Some see religion as inherently bad.
What's the deal with this Atheism+ thing?[edit]
Question your prejudices and don't be a dick, and you're in.
Okay, anything else I need to know?[edit]
"To thine own self be true."[1] Waffles are good.
Footnotes[edit]
- ↑ William Shakespeare, Hamlet
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