For Atheists/Agnostics/and sympathetic other people.

I don't know who said it, but I have quoted it profusely:

"I believe what I CAN; would that I could believe what I CANNOT."

I call this the Creed of the Ethical Agnostic.

But VERY SERIOUSLY, I am sick to death of the condescending view of this country that I cannot be a good or ethical person without screaming "GOD BLESS AMERICA!!" every five fucking minutes.

I want to attend a public function without calling on A DEITY "...to bless these proceedings." I want nice Christians/Others that I know to STOP treating me like I have a terminal but easily treated disease that they would LOVE to help me out with. I want someone to TRUST me without me having to raise my right hand and SWEAR on some book, or, get odd looks if I just choose to "Affirm" without the "chop" of GOD.

Besides the fact that on top of a couple of other mild phobias, I have one HELL DAMNER of a Death Phobia that every single time some well meaning Christian starts in on an afterlife that I can't bring myself to accept, breaks me out in a cold sweat and tachycardia.

If you are a friend and a Christian, just leave me to my damnation. Is that too much to ask?

I wish proselyting was NOT an essential part of their little show.

On the other hand, PLEASE don't be offended; just think of my reaction in the same way as if you were scared of clowns and everyone dressed like INSANO the evil Circus Denizen.

I think. Or maybe I'm wrong. Or you're out to get me.

AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!

Your OP is a sentiment that has been expressed a couple of brazilian times in DU, and because of that, there is a whole forum for Atheists and Agnostics! Plus, endless circular arguments of atheism vs. theism in the Religion and Theology forum.

Just trying to help you to a place where you will find happiness.

The whole thing is more about my Death Phobia than my Agnosticism.

You know what? If I could take The Red Pill (or is it The Blue Pill) and instantly BELIEVE something, (ANYTHING), I probably would. Anxiety attacks based on the inevitable are for the birds, believe me.

I'm with you. I was once a believer but then I began to read world history. I've no patience with people who presume to understand their god's will better than the next guy. I surely don't want to be subjected to the fantasy at a public gathering. Having said that I am always respectful if I'm dining at a private home and the host/ess wants to say a prayer of thanks. Whatever.

We believe that Carl Sagan is God.

Sort of went off the rails when he died.

"Billyunzz and billyunzzz..."

"I was told that the Chinese said they would bury me by the Western Lake and build a shrine to my memory. I have some slight regret that this did not happen, as I might have become a god, which would have been very chic for an atheist."

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

...On second thought, some delusions affect decisions like "voting."

Maybe the enlightened, non-religious world will bloom eventually. We can hope.

My children like going to church with their cousins and grandparents. I've told my mother that I will probably not step foot in a church for the duration unless my kids are doing a performance or something special along those lines. My kids are learning about Christianity and I am teaching them humanistic values. When they are old enough they can make a decision about what to believe or if they figure how to mesh the two, I want them to tell me how as well. I'd like to know.

Only one has inherited my Death Phobia, though.

Wonder how all that happened? I sent them to Sunday School and all that. I also told them they could stop anytime they wanted.

Sometimes it does seem one must be radical to make one's non-affinity with religion known to the point one is left unmolested.

I've heard some compelling arguments that demonstrate that Jesus never existed (He walked on water, raised the dead, but nobody paid any attention until 40 years after his death? Come on!)

BUT --- Saint Nicholas was a real person. So Santa is better representative of Christmas than is Jesus!

...during the holidays. MUCH cheerier image than some baby forced to sleep in ruminant saliva soaked hay, getting ready to spend 30 peaceful years ending in horrible torture.

God Eggnog?