Does Atheism Help Your Recovery?

[Lady of Longbourn]

I am not an atheist, I do believe in God. However, I am not the least bit religious now, I used to be and honestly I just kept feeling guilt and less healing when I was religious. It was always a consistent guilt party becasue I felt like religion and people of my religion were/ would always condemn me. Which happened.

Another reason I become less religious is becasue I have two mental illnesses. The reason this plays a part is because I could not find anything about mental illness in my religion. I felt no support and no understanding, despite how important and widespread mental illnesses can be there was no information on it.

 

[Lucycat]

I feel such a hypocrite at this time of year. I still like to receive gifts and cards but do not believe in the reason behind it all.

I think that is something I need to work out in my own head so I am comfortable wishing people a happy Christmas without feeling that I am a bad person for doing so.

I know some people say Happy Holidays instead but that sounds phoney to me.

I think I need to treat myself to a good book to read - maybe I'll find one that I can read on my Christmas pressie from Rory!

 

[anndeb]

Very interesting topic, here.. thanks to all who have shared..

I am a christian but agree with people who forgo religion. It has been a spiritual journey that has brot me to my belief and I embrace it because it works for me.. not as a badge or ticket to heaven or some other guilt trip, but a way of life that has nourished and fed me in a way none other has, so far.

I don't believe in trying to convert others, I think they too have their own journies and whatever works best for them is what I would encouage them to pursue.

My journey began many years ago when I landed in 12 step groups and then asked myself what did I believe about a Higher Power (or not).. and for the first time felt the freedom and e xcitement of not having anyone trying to tell me what I was 'supposed' to believe. It was a truly liberating experience for me and led me on a path of discovery, exploring different beliefs until I settled on Jesus's message of love. And that is where I stand today. To me love is the bottom line, love of God and self and others. It has given me much blessing and peace and changed my life for the better. And I am grateful.

Again, thanks everyone for sharing here.

 

[winterose]

Following a more non belief stance lately, then agnostic, I find life even more precious because I find everything one does, and says has to matter. And if this is it then love and the way we do things does matter a great deal because that is the only thing that will get passed on, and even then your teaching, learning, living becomes obsolete as people evolve. I don't know why this gives me comfort but it does.