New to the forum, and atheism

[Biniam10]

Hello, my name is Biniam and i am 16.

I found out that i was an atheist about 5 months ago. I have always been a logical and rational person but i never really came across the evidence against religion and god. The evidence i did hear was told to me by religious people, especially my parents. And the way they told me was like "Did you hear that scientist think we came from monkeys? ha ha that is very stupid and dumb". But through the internet, the evidence kind of found me. i was just watching random videos on youtube when i clicked on the documentary Enemies of Reason by Richard Dawkins. I hated it at the time and i was angry at some of the things he said. But it made me start asking question. That was the beginning of the finding out process.

Anyways, i am here because i want to discuss my real thoughts about religion and god. I still go to church and i still pray because of my very religious family. I do not think i can tell them that i am an atheist until i have the means to take care of myself. And it is very frustrating to hide my true feelings. So, I think that this forum will be kind of an outlet.

[Tank]

Hi Biniam10

Difficult times for you by the sound of it. We have a steady stream of teens coming here who are/have been through what you are going through. You are far from alone. I have never been a believer, so I have never been through the unbelieving phase, but many here have. Feel free to get your 10 posts under your belt and then ask away.

Thanks for making the effort to sign up and join in.

Welcome to HAF.

Regards
Chris

Notes for new members.
The Rules.

Users who comply with forum rules will graduate to full membership after 10 posts.
Till that time your ability to post is limited to the "Getting to Know You" section of the forum.
It is our hope that this small restriction improves the overall atmosphere of HAF.

Some threads you might find interesting.
Where did you get your username from?
10 Things About Yourself
Tell us A Bit About Where You're From
Photography
Non-religious pet peeves
Pets...what do you have?
Favorite Song, with video
How to tell your family you are an atheist.*
"Rules for Conducting a Discussion" by Dr. Mortimer J. Adler*

*You will need 10 posts before you can add a post to this thread, but you can read it at any time.

[Ali]

Hi Biniam.  I could relate to your post, especially the way religious people misrepresent scientific findings.  The old "Does your grandma look like a monkey?" bit slays them every time, doesn't it?     It's hard, living in a very religious family and feeling like you can't be honest about who you are.  I hope that having places to vent (like here) helps take some of the pressure off.  Welcome. 

[xSilverPhinx]

Welcome. I commend you for your self control, especially when hearing all the silly and ridiculous things people say with such self-assured knowing.

[Truthseeker]

I have never been a believer, so I have never been through the unbelieving phase...

Lucky Bastard!

Biniam,

My condolences.  But you are home now.

[Tank]

I have never been a believer, so I have never been through the unbelieving phase...

Lucky Bastard!

Thank goodness! I was brought up in England by a mildly Christian Mum and atheist Dad. So I was inoculated rather than indoctrinated. 

[Traveler]

Hello and welcome!!! Like Tank, I've never believed in a god, but I've seen enough people on these forums who're struggling with this major change in outlook to know that it can be challenging. I hope you enjoy your time here, and that you get the support you need.

[Guardian85]

Welcome, Biniam.
You are among friends here (mostly).

And if you hated "Enemies of Reason" you are gonna explode from "Religiolus"!

[statichaos]

Welcome, Biniam.
You are among friends here (mostly).

And if you hated "Enemies of Reason" you are gonna explode from "Religiolus"!

Religulous was a fantastic movie.

Welcome, Biniam.  You're going through what sounds like an exceptionally difficult process right now.  Lacking any other information, I have to say that it sounds like you're taking a practical and realistic approach when it comes to your family.  However, as previously stated, you are among friends here, including the occasional theist who believes strongly in the right to explore one's own sense of meaning.  I wish for the best for you, and hope that you know that you are not alone.

[Guardian85]

Welcome, Biniam.
You are among friends here (mostly).

And if you hated "Enemies of Reason" you are gonna explode from "Religiolus"!

Religulous was a fantastic movie.

Welcome, Biniam.  You're going through what sounds like an exceptionally difficult process right now.  Lacking any other information, I have to say that it sounds like you're taking a practical and realistic approach when it comes to your family.  However, as previously stated, you are among friends here, including the occasional theist who believes strongly in the right to explore one's own sense of meaning.  I wish for the best for you, and hope that you know that you are not alone.

And a few kooks. Just so you know.

[En_Route]

Welcome, Biniam.
You are among friends here (mostly).

And if you hated "Enemies of Reason" you are gonna explode from "Religiolus"!

Religulous was a fantastic movie.

Welcome, Biniam.  You're going through what sounds like an exceptionally difficult process right now.  Lacking any other information, I have to say that it sounds like you're taking a practical and realistic approach when it comes to your family.  However, as previously stated, you are among friends here, including the occasional theist who believes strongly in the right to explore one's own sense of meaning.  I wish for the best for you, and hope that you know that you are not alone.

We're all alone.

[Tank]

Welcome, Biniam.
You are among friends here (mostly).

And if you hated "Enemies of Reason" you are gonna explode from "Religiolus"!

Religulous was a fantastic movie.

Welcome, Biniam.  You're going through what sounds like an exceptionally difficult process right now.  Lacking any other information, I have to say that it sounds like you're taking a practical and realistic approach when it comes to your family.  However, as previously stated, you are among friends here, including the occasional theist who believes strongly in the right to explore one's own sense of meaning.  I wish for the best for you, and hope that you know that you are not alone.

We're all alone.

Had a bad day

[Ali]

We're all alone.

I think we're alone now (alone now) doesn't seem to be anyone around!  I think we're alone now (alone now) the beating of our hearts is the only sound. 

Oh wait, you were meaning something more existential?

[Guardian85]

We're all alone.

I think we're alone now (alone now) doesn't seem to be anyone around!  I think we're alone now (alone now) the beating of our hearts is the only sound. 

Oh wait, you were meaning something more existential?

Great! Now I have that song stuck in my brain!

[ThinkAnarchy]

Welcome to the boards. When I was around you're age, I didn't feel comfortable coming out to my family either. My family always went to the 11 AM mass, so I simply asked if I could attend the 6 pm by myself. I believe I told them I felt I got more out of it spiritually when I went alone. I would than go to the bookstore every sunday at 6 and read, until it was time for mass to be ending.

Just a thought, if you want to attempt to get out of church without telling them at this point your an atheist. If it's a small church where everyone knows each other, you might try saying you want to try a different choice by yourself.