On the Oceans of Infinity…

[Kodanshi]

Greetings, salutations and felicitations to you. I grew up in a muslim household and community. Although I loved the idea of worship and the way some people can use it to better their lives, the Islâmic lifestyle as prevalent in the community in which I live, the whole (Jewishâ€"derived, I suppose) notion of exegetical analysis of sacred texts, and so on, I grew to realise I didn’t believe in god â€" or at least as depicted in any religion I’ve studied.

I have read too much and studied too much to believe in divinity (except perhaps something similar to Aristotle’s views on a completely unresponsive god that created everything through emanation, though less theistic, much less theistic!). I’ve never really felt god’s presence in my life, and I’ve slowly come to realise that I simply don’t believe. Not believe as such â€" I just don’t care. The way in which I live means that god doesn’t really enter my active life (though I think about religion a lot). But I do harbour deep and underlying fears of punishment after death, though thinking about it I don’t think I believe in life after death. In fact, considering it rationally, I can’t reconcile the idea of eternal torment for a finite amount of ’sin’ with muchâ€"touted notions of god’s infinite justice and mercy.

I’ve studied Middle Eastern religions a lot, and I see all the monotheistic religions as a gradual â€" and sometimes sudden â€" break from the old paganistic ways. I can see the utterly human evolution of religion too much to give it spiritual credence.

Due to my upbringing, and love for my family and community, I feel compelled to defend their way of life â€" despite not agreeing with it â€" especially when outsiders viciously attack them, verbally or physically. It used to disappoint me that those who depart from Islâm then turn to attack it with such viciousness, the Western media then purverying them as experts on the whole culture and religion, but looking more and more into Islâm has revealed to me some extremely nasty truths about Muhammad and Islâm itself. I’ve not told any of my family (except my youngest sister) and don’t think I will. But folks online know, and I’ve received some hostile reactions from people on some Islâmic forums. But other apostates have welcomed me.

How does everyone else here do?

[Hitsumei]

I think we are going to be friends.  

[Kodanshi]

Lol! What makes you say that? I love the cute little bunny in your avatar, by the way. I didn’t used to care about rabbits too much, but my sister and broâ€"inâ€"law went out and bought one and named him Bugsy. I fell in love instantly and they fascinate me now.

Btw, I think my sister’s rabbit converted from Christianity to Islâm: he has the sign of the cross on his back, but washes his face in a muslim style ablution fashion and goes after my father’s Islâmic prayer beads!

[Tanker]

Welcome to the forum. I think you will find yourself a welcome addition to our little community. Most people on this forum tend to be open and friendly but like a good debate. I think what may be most welcome may be your perspective on Islam. The majority of posters on this forum were or are from western religions (read christian) and while there are many similarities there are also some glaring differences that I'm sure many would enjoy discussing, assuming your willing of course. Though there are some like me who were never forced into any religion and without brainwashing came to Atheism on their own. I do have some experience with the Muslim world though I will admit to it being somewhat narrow by the reason for that interaction (I'm a US army vet). Again welcome I hope youenjoy your time with us.

[Kodanshi]

Most people on this forum tend to be open and friendly but like a good debate.

Sound like my kinda people!

I think what may be most welcome may be your perspective on Islam. The majority of posters on this forum were or are from western religions (read christian) and while there are many similarities there are also some glaring differences that I'm sure many would enjoy discussing, assuming your willing of course.

Of course. In fact, I’ll start a thread about it in the Religion forum.

[Ihateyoumike]

Welcome to the forum, Kodanshi.  

[SteveS]

Hey Kodanshi - interesting background - welcome to the forum!

[Will]

Glad to have you here!

[Kodanshi]

Cheers for the welcomes, folks! I’ve started that thread, by the way: “Ask an Exâ€"Muslim…”

If you have any burning questions on Islâm I’ll do my best to try and answer them for you on that thread!

[Whitney]

Welcome to the forum.  We don't get very many Muslims or ex-Muslims on the forum; it will be really nice having perspectives from those of a different background.  I have been lucky enough to have Muslim friends and it has really helped to keep from allowing the media's views to skew my own perception of the belief and culture.  My husband has a lot of Turkish co-workers and they are some of the most hospitable people I have met.

[SallyMutant]

Howdy!
Cultural identity is important and comforting. Apparently there are atheist Roman Catholics in Ireland, and many atheist Jews in the U.S. They identify with their history/culture but have broken with adherence to the  religious texts and rules that are observed in their communities.  
There are OH! so many reasons to be reticent about Atheism to some of your social and family circle. I know I can never "come out " in my workplace.
 It's great that you're here to share.

[Kodanshi]

I understand, but I consider it important to allow freedom of expression. I recall reading some Jewish writings which ultimately approved execution for apostates (you’d have a certain period of time to sweet talk the apostate into returning to Judaism), but have you ever heard of that these days? Islâm, however, still features (sometimes stateâ€"sanctioned) death penalties for changing your beliefs, something people can’t really help!

Without other people to stand alongside you and support you the apostates, or those on the verge of denouncing their former religion, may fall prey to guilt trips about coming under Satan’s influence, or whatever. I feel glad places like this and the council of exâ€"muslims exist. Cheers!

[Lilbeth]

I respect you and am glad to have met you....You punished, even if there was such a thing, after life? For what...?....You seem like such a caring, genuine person...I have that sense about, you, already....You cared about my feelings last night, and you had just met me.....!  I respect you because you do your own thinking and do it quite well, too......I think....

[Kodanshi]

Well, thank you very much for your kind words!