On Sat, 16 Feb 2013 14:34:35 -0800 (PST)
Hello. In reading your subject line and the very first thing that comes
to mind for me is that being judgemental is in fact a very important
part of exercising free will. What's key is the appropriateness of
judgements being made with respect to one's intentions, and whether
those intentions may impact being a productive member of a society, etc.
> I am looking for some advice from nonjudgmental atheists. I know that
> many atheists on this newsgroup tend to be quite accusatory,
> judgemental, defensive and even quite rude when it comes to questions
> being posed here. So if you are going to call me an "idiot, fool,
> crank, weirdo, ect." then please don't bother replying.
That doesn't seem to be unreasonable, but do keep in mind that this
"alt.atheism" newsgroup is unmoderated. Of course, posting in the
"alt.atheism.moderated" newsgroup may also be worthy of consideration
since its discourse is generally more serious and peaceful.
> I consider myself to be an Atheist, but I still struggle with the
> mental scars left by my Evangelical Christian Fundamentalist
> upbringing. So here is my issue: I want to buy a ceramic statue from
> eBay, which was made in the 1960's. It is in good shape but quite old
> and has had a few owners. I know this sounds laughable and
> ridiculously to many people, but I fear that this item could be
> "haunted" or otherwise "possessed" by evil spirits, negative vibes,
> bad energy, ect. Yes, I know it sounds insane, but I have watched
> many documentaries about second hand objects which people have bought
> at garage sales and stuff, and who have claimed that after obtaining
> them, they experienced paranormal activity in their homes, ect.
I don't see any reason to laugh at someone who is feeling distressed
about something. To me, it's a matter of using knowledge, or some other
means, to rationally cope with the given challenge(s).
Child psychology can get quite complicated, and if you are taking the
paranormal seriously despite an absence of belief in deities, then you
are heading in the right direction to reverting to atheism:
Atheism:
http://www.atheistfrontier.com/glossary/atheism.pl
In your case I'd consider you to be trying to eliminate something akin
to a habit, which can be a challenge when it has been carried forward
from being implanted during the distant childhood years. In other
words, "you're used to it, and you feel like you're betraying yourself."
It's not betrayal though, it's personal growth with an emphasis on the
adaptation of your own character. It's your character, after all, so
why shouldn't you customize it in accordance to your own desires?
One of the tendancies that many people have is to favour what is
familiar (and this phenomenon can be seen in battered men and women who
often return to, or seek out new, abusive relationships) -- there is an
adversity to risk in your personality that is making it difficult for
you to abandon what is familiar, and it can seem quite rational because
you have been accomodating it for so long.
It's particularly difficult when it is so personalized, which comes so
easily with ideas that are implanted and nurtured throughout childhood
where the desire to please role models is so much more intense than
when we're older, by which time the various levels of subconscious
thinking have been [metaphorically] shaped and molded by what has been
faithfully believed for such a long time.
I have included, below my signature, a quotation for you to study which
will hopefully be helpful with your transition back to atheism (see more
about this in my final paragraph); the underlying message, of course, is
to question everything and embrace your true nature, whatever you
determine and/or shape it to be, for freedom is your greatest ally.
One more things: Do not avoid fear, embrace it, for it is your very
best friend that will prove instrumental to your longevity (if it hasn't
already done so), for it has an acutely vested intrest in you staying
alive (which includes good mental health).
> Any nonjudgmental, kind, gentle, helpful advice for someone
> who's fears are informed by childhood mental scars as the result
> of growing up in an Evangelical Christian Fundamentalist
> home?.
Do keep in mind that you were an atheist at birth, and then converted
to theism only after you could conceptualize the ideas you were
required to believe in to be a theist. I have not have the pleasure to
revert to atheism as you are doing now, for I have never been a theist,
but I thank you as I am delighted that you are sharing this important
part of your life experience publicly.
> Thank you!
>
> Madame Monpetit
--
Fidem Turbare, the non-existent atheist goddess
"Beware the irrational, however seductive. Shun the transcendent and
all who invite you to subordinate or annihilate yourself. Distrust
compassion; prefer dignity for yourself and others. Don't be afraid to
be thought arrogant or selfish. Picture all experts as if they were
mammals. Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity. Seek out
argument and disputation for their own sake; the grave will supply
plenty of time for silence. Suspect your own motives, and all
excuses. Do not live for others any more than you would expect others
to live for you."
-- Christopher Hitchens