Atheism and agnosticism hurt like hell, at first. I remember when I was 13, laying awake at night in mental anguish over questions I couldn't figure out. Especially for kids/teenagers, removing a warm center from the universe around them is one of the most psychologically painful things one can go through.

I think most people have doubts about their faith occasionally during their lives, and it's that terrifying wall of fear and pain that chases them back under the covers promptly. And I don't blame them. Back in the days of yore, when I was first dealing with this stuff, if I could have gone back to questionless faith, I would have. I know I would have, because the first place I turned to was the Bible and my religious parents. And when nothing any of them said made me feel any better, I knew I couldn't turn back. So I didn't. :) But since I know I would have back then, I understand where most faithful people are coming from. Faith feels wonderful, as long as it's untainted by contradictory observations.

"People are in general, foolish, weak, and ignorant. To think that they amount to very little isn't enough for them to be happy. Some turn to drugs, some material goods, and most others to religion. They need a purpose. But most importantly, they need to know "It's going to be alright.""

That's very true, and very sad. Humans are so self-important. We were given just enough intelligence to wonder about what's out there and why everything is so, but not enough to figure it all out. So we throw all our lack of knowledge into the 'faith' category. And all because we can't accept life as a purpose in itself and enjoy it for what it's worth. It's incredibly liberating to experience life on its own terms.

"It's like one day this winter when I was waiting for the elevator to go to the gym after work, no stairs to go up, people were complaining how it was going to be cold the next couple of days. I looked at them and said, this has been the warmest winter of all-time, can't you appreciate that?"

Keep spreading the good word, mah brutha. :)

• You raise a nice point about faith and honesty..but lost it - carefuluniverse - June 2, 2002 - 05:55 UTC
  • I'm not saying there's a solution. - stormcrow - June 2, 2002 - 13:08 UTC
    • I'm not saying much more to you - carefuluniverse - June 2, 2002 - 19:57 UTC
      • I just can't win with you, can I? - stormcrow - June 3, 2002 - 00:36 UTC