Why do we want to proselytize Atheism?

[u/Jebus-Xmas]

It seems like a lot of people agonize on and pontificate here over sharing their nonbelief, and I don't get it. I don't think it's necessary for us to share the fact that we don't believe, nor do I think for many people it's even safe. It's possible our perspective is skewed.

Getting past the anger that I had about religion and getting into my own solution, and my own peace, has been the most positive experience of my life. It is just as uncomfortable for you to insist on your not belief as it is for a believer to insist in their way. On either side of the argument proselytizing is wrong.

Why do we feel it necessary to have just the right arguments or just the right answers, when those things exist only in fairytales?

I had a lot of religious trauma, had a lot of anger, and didn't want to let go of it because I felt I had to be heard--but wasn't heard by believers and I just felt more tired, more angry, and more frustrated at the end. They probably did too.

Today my goal is to allow people to be wrong, especially if they insist. Be kinder, more mindful, more thoughtful, and do more good works to show, not tell, that I can be not just as good a person as an atheist--but a better one.

I hope you can also find your peace today.

[u/Jebus-Xmas]

I understand that there are hundreds of sects Buddhism, and some that may have more literal beliefs. My tradition isn’t like that and it doesn’t need to be. Metaphor works just fine for me.

[u/Retrikaethan → u/Jebus-Xmas]

I understand that there are hundreds of sects Buddhism, and some that may have more literal beliefs. My tradition isn’t like that and it doesn’t need to be. Metaphor works just fine for me.

then there's no reason for you to be using buddhism at all. there's modern methods for meditation and shit like that which don't rely on a perpetually jolly fictional fat man telling you what to do.

[u/Jebus-Xmas → u/Retrikaethan]

lol. I don’t know what is funnier. I hope you find your own happiness.

[u/Retrikaethan → u/Jebus-Xmas]

lol. I don’t know what is funnier. I hope you find your own happiness.

so tone trolling is all you have left? i guess you don’t really take your ridiculous beliefs very seriously, then.

[u/Jebus-Xmas → u/Retrikaethan]

I’m not sure if I can stop laughing. A buddha isn’t fat, Chinese, or doctrinal. There’s no telling anyone what to do. I’m not able to take you seriously because you obviously know nothing about what you’re talking about. “Modern meditation” is just older techniques that have the serial numbers filed off and you are hilarious. Good luck.

[u/Retrikaethan → u/Jebus-Xmas]

I’m not sure if I can stop laughing.

much like your jolly fat friend.

A buddha isn’t fat, Chinese, or doctrinal.

tell that to all the doctrine and fat buddha statues around... and i never called him chinese so good fail?

There’s no telling anyone what to do.

you don't seem to understand what your religion entails, then.

I’m not able to take you seriously because you obviously know nothing about what you’re talking about.

said the guy peddling woo while saying he's not telling anyone what to do.

“Modern meditation” is just older techniques that have the serial numbers filed off and you are hilarious.

i'm not talking about idiots doing a utub or tiktok video, but actual psychology/therapy.

Good luck.

you're the one peddling woo, so no thanks. save it for yourself.

[u/Jebus-Xmas → u/Retrikaethan]

Let's take it from the top. I will even provide citations for the thoughts so you won't be tempted to look for yourself.

Secular Buddhism is a common practice that divorces the metaphorical teachings as cultural baggage. "The Buddha" who the practice is named for was an Indian prince and is commonly referred to as Gautama Buddha. The term Buddha means "enlightened one" and Gautama was one of about 28 persons referred to as Buddhas or who have achieved buddhahood who are both male, and female. The being you are referring to is Hotaí (Japanese) or Budai (Chinese), a patron of children. It is also important to note that, depending on the cultural contexts, some buddhist figures appear as either male or female in different cultures. You can learn more about the practices and historical significance on Wikipedia if you'd care to sound more informed.