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I’m a lifelong atheist, but I am starting to look at religion simply for the community and fellowship. But honestly I don’t want to be religious. It seems like

I’m a lifelong atheist, but I am starting to look at religion simply for the community and fellowship. But honestly I don’t want to be religious. It seems like it entirely suspends one’s ability to think critically, and I have so little of that particular talent that letting go of what I do what feels like a disaster in the making. It feels exceptionally hard to go into it with an open mind.

bowsamic 4y ago
Yeah really that's what religion is in this context: you find connection in the fact that you both suspended that part of your critical thinking. I say this as a religious person too, although one that hasn't found much particular community, since I am in a religion that doesn't have such things very strongly
buildsjets 4y ago
Have you considered Unitarianism for community/fellowship/moral framework? They are we accepting of both atheists and people of varying faiths. (Note, not a Unitarian, but my wife grew up in the community)
- hn_version_0023 4y ago
  I’ve not, not seriously anyway. I do have a few acquaintances that are Unitarian though, I should ping them on that topic. Thanks, I appreciate the suggestion!
rajin444 4y ago
Start thinking about religion as an organic solution to the human need for community. Whatever made up stories they teach don’t matter outside of how it builds and protects the community. This will result in some individuals not being permitted (unfairly at times - a bad apple can spoil the bunch). There is no perfect answer to the human condition. Or you can try to make your own religion (or political ideology if you want to use the modern term). There’s a few trying to form in the west right now, but they don’t have much of an emphasis on creating healthy communities as they do dominating the culture. I don’t think they’re helpful if you’re lonely.

bowsamic 4y ago

Yeah really that's what religion is in this context: you find connection in the fact that you both suspended that part of your critical thinking. I say this as a religious person too, although one that hasn't found much particular community, since I am in a religion that doesn't have such things very strongly

buildsjets 4y ago

Have you considered Unitarianism for community/fellowship/moral framework? They are we accepting of both atheists and people of varying faiths. (Note, not a Unitarian, but my wife grew up in the community)

hn_version_0023 4y ago
I’ve not, not seriously anyway. I do have a few acquaintances that are Unitarian though, I should ping them on that topic. Thanks, I appreciate the suggestion!

rajin444 4y ago

Start thinking about religion as an organic solution to the human need for community. Whatever made up stories they teach don’t matter outside of how it builds and protects the community. This will result in some individuals not being permitted (unfairly at times - a bad apple can spoil the bunch). There is no perfect answer to the human condition. Or you can try to make your own religion (or political ideology if you want to use the modern term). There’s a few trying to form in the west right now, but they don’t have much of an emphasis on creating healthy communities as they do dominating the culture. I don’t think they’re helpful if you’re lonely.