Quote:
Originally Posted by Yamer
Granted, I'm the only atheist I really know (in the sense I assume you're speaking), but most of the ones I experience or observe seem to have a lot of latent anger and outward aggression. Not all, but an anecdotal majority.
There's nothing wrong with arguing a point. There is a mutually detrimental way of arguing, and that is what I would like to see avoided. I've observed it rather openly on both sides in this thread alone.
I didn't feel like a hostage, but I did feel a little betrayed having been introduced into Catholicism and having that kind of personally conflicting messaging surround me throughout by life. I don't necessarily accept that atheism is generally derived in that manner (however, it certainly can and is to a large degree). I think it just takes a broad secular rejection of religious scripture, practices, and/or policy.
For me, fear came first. It felt like loss, and it definitely felt like uncertainty. Feelings in my core to which I was not accustomed. I took cues from other atheists in how to cope and respond: Carlin, Hitchens, etc. Just very confrontational. Anger became my outlet and a way to deal with uncertainty.
As for atrocities, direct and indirect, I know they are secondary. Perhaps I didn't emphasize that quite enough in my post. In my case they were tangible examples to fuel my anger and opposition, not that confronting them was a bad thing.
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The mere fact you had to deal with things like betrayal, loss and uncertainty later in life due to your family placing you into a situation beyond your control is sad. It is however a reality among millions. This is a MUCH bigger problem with Muslims, JWs, Mormons, Scientologists and others, where just the thought of leaving not only provides the inner turmoil, it also builds walls between you and your loved ones. Absolutely beyond me why governments allow these institutions to exist.
Power hungry institutions that exert total control over their minions.