I guess I'm dropping by to connect with your collective wisdom. Living as an atheist has not been easy for me, having spent most of my life a Roman Catholic Christian. It is hard to disconnect completely, as life here, be it school, community, sport and social events revolve around the RC church. It is hard to find ones self, when trying to balance living as an atheist, with acting as a RC Christian. I think the confusion is getting the best of me.
Welcome!
Are there other atheists around your area?
Hello and welcome to HAF,
Neal. It sounds as if this is a relatively recent issue for you; I hope that things get easier for you soon. I don't know whether spending time here will help or not, but we do have several ex-Catholic members. I think that if you're looking for somewhere to talk about things, you'll find this a friendly place.
QuoteNotes for new members from Tank:
The Rules. (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=1522.0)
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" (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php#2) 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? (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=5133.0)
10 Things About Yourself (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=4940.0)
Tell us A Bit About Where You're From (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=8215.0)
Photography (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=7607.0)
Non-religious pet peeves (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=6917.0)
Pets...what do you have? (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=7.0)
How to tell your family you are an atheist. (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=5111.0)*
"Rules for Conducting a Discussion" by Dr. Mortimer J. Adler (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=5631.0)*
*You will need 10 posts before you can add a post to this thread, but you can read it at any time.
I hope you enjoy your time reading and posting here! (https://www.happyatheistforum.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg825.imageshack.us%2Fimg825%2F7082%2Fsmileykp.gif&hash=44804682878b80211a94c6a1e69670528bd9c4a7)
Hello and welcome! Hang out here and you'll find a lot of sympathetic ears. I hope you're able to find a place where you feel more comfortable. I'm very fortunate that my immediate family and several friends are all non-believers, so I don't feel that I have to pretend to anyone.
Welcome, you're among friends here. There are many members who also grew up as a member of a church but later fell away from it. Search previous posts, and we'd love to hear your story whenever you're comfortable telling it.
Yeah, finding other people with whom you don't feel like you're leading a double life can be a comfort :)
As for the confusion, how is it getting to you? ??? Are you a recent deconvert?
Hi Neal
I would say, based on participating in atheist forums since 2006, that ex Roman Catholics form the majority of ex-theists. You are far from alone in your current predicament. We have quite a few ex-RCs here with whom you can discuss your situation.
Welcome to HAF ;D
Regards
Chris
Hi, Neal!
Welcome, you've found a good place for help and reassurance - and you're not the first, not by a long way.
While you're here, have a good laugh as well as discussing the serious stuff. It helps, too.
Welcome Neal. Yes have a good laugh while you are here, this forum gives you plenty of opportunities ;D
Welcome Neil. I Was a atheist for many years before I dared to call myself one. You will get plenty of advice here, perhaps more than you will really want.
Hey. I think you're right on with how much religion influences everyday life, from your kids school, to coworkers, and family. It's so difficult! I coach my sons baseball team and am constantly bombarded with invites for my kids to join up in boy scouts and I have to find cleaver excuses to say no, without saying, "Are you F'ing crazy!?!" (See Penn and Tellers BS on the boy scout topic, if you haven't already)
Good luck to you!
Thanks to everyone for your positive feedback on my introduction and your welcome. I was not sure what to expect. I half expected people offering solutions, like move somewhere else or seek out new friends. Instead, I have found people who can connect and accept ones reality, without judging or trying to fix things. I think this is a positive place to be. I'll be dropping in from time to time to read and share. Thanks again to all.
PS - I am open about myself amongst Family and friends - so I'm not completely closeted. There are expectations socially and this is difficult. Its a fine line and I try and walk it with an open mind. Similar to the non-judgmental comments I have experienced in the forum.