Can't you stop being an Atheist just for today?

[Duffy]

This is perhaps a psychological conundrum beyond my understanding but the question is a good one. Why does someone, presented with the credible, still choose to believe in the incredible?

I still maintain that fear can be a strong motivator, even if its fear of rejection, fear of ridicule, fear of not belonging. Christian guilt is a mighty master.

[Converted]

Originally Posted by Duffy

Can't you stop being an Athiest just for today?

I now only go to church weddings and Christenings if refusal would really offend. That's because I am inherently nice. What do others do?

I have discovered that going to church (for weddings and christenings for friends and family that I like) is a great time to watch other people. Especially when almost everyone closes their eyes to have imaginary conversations.

You would be surprised how many use this time to pick their noses, re-arrange their clothing or even to look around to see who else is watching. I usually find that my fellow watchers are the most interesting people there so I try to have a chat at the receptions. Have met some cool people doing this.

[Chasly]

That's it I think - to 'Compartmentalize' - they are good at compartmentalizing.

Also from Wikipedia -
"... uses different thought processes for different ideas. This is a common way to explain how some scientists can believe in a god without any evidence, but then expect evidence for everything else in life."

"....to do with the way that somehow can split themselves into "two" people internally, such as in the movie Psycho, the way that the guy splits himself into the male and his dead mother."

So maybe these people actually don't feel like they're being dishonest to themselves at all. They simply have a skill that I don't - the abilty to compartmentalize.
This explains why its so hard to change their views and beliefs, despite the valiant attempts from the athiestic community. They are wired differently.

[Chasly]

Originally Posted by Duffy

I still maintain that fear can be a strong motivator, even if its fear of rejection, fear of ridicule, fear of not belonging. Christian guilt is a mighty master.

For sure - but this would apply to the other types I described - the 'Stupid', the 'Dickheads', the 'Ignorant'.
These types may come to their senses one day - there is hope.

But the ones who can compartmentalise - there is no hope whatsoever of enlightening them.

[Duffy]

Originally Posted by Chasly

But the ones who can compartmentalise - there is no hope whatsoever of enlightening them.

Agreed and not without serious psychiatric help

[davo]

My big one is the christmas table .. where everyone says grace, and I just sit there. Mum even asked me if I would 'just do it' this year, but I didn't ..

kinda awkward, and led to mum saying something later about it, and me then having to justify my beliefs ..

I mean, I'm going on 38, have been an atheist since my teens, she still hopes I will return.

Funny thing is she is not a hard core catholic, that's even worse, she will undyingly defend catholic, but not really question or think about her beliefs (it's just something she goes 'it's dealt with I can put aside) or actually do what the church 'requires'.

When I brought that up at the table started a &*$%# fight

but hey we are a family that can discuss heatedly, but it doesn't effect us getting on as a family, a good thing.

[Duffy]

Originally Posted by davo

but hey we are a family that can discuss heatedly, but it doesn't effect us getting on as a family, a good thing.

Lol Davo, sound like most Aussie families re: 'Just in case' christianity. Only one in my immediate family goes to church but that wouldn't stop the others (except me) picking and choosing christians rituals that suit them i.e christening and church weddings. Typical!!!!

[Godless Ray]

Davo,

Did you ever ask your mother what she is saying grace for exactly ?

Godless

Talking Compartmentalization etc, I wonder if you guys have approached all your decision making as independently as your atheism? By this I mean I find that people that are atheist have a strong resistance to herd mentality in all subject areas not just the religious.

[davo]

Originally Posted by Godless Ray

Davo,
Did you ever ask your mother what she is saying grace for exactly ?

Well I always _knew_ .. I did grow up with her in a 'Catholic' family ... it was giving thanks for the food and for our lives and fortune, speaking together to the great sky faerie, so that we'd go to heaven.

[Duffy]

Originally Posted by davo

Well I always _knew_ .. I did grow up with her in a 'Catholic' family ... it was giving thanks for the food and for our lives and fortune, speaking together to the great sky faerie, so that we'd go to heaven.

Do you remember the time will it all started feeling like BS to you? And how long did it take for you to start to challenge your family's beliefs? I can imagine them just thinking its that teenage rebellion thing. I never had to say grace but I've sat at a catholic table when it is said and it hard not to smirk.