Just a word of thanks to pastafarians who have contributed comments on the various hate mailers. All of these are helping enlighten me and, frankly, reverse the brainwashing that I still suffer (only very slightly — and diminishing every day) as someone raised in a catholic home. These comments are so clear, focused and logical that the religious case withers. I sincerely appreciate the time you’ve spent to take apart their hate mails piece-by-piece. Not that you are being altruistic; religion inspires such lapses of reason and simple logic in people (not to mention fomenting sheer venom) that the hate mails are quite enjoyable to behold and presumably to take apart.
-Scott
de-brainwashing
@Bob (#13)
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Like you, Bob, long ago I grew sick and tired of the smug self-righteous bastards that try to inflict their beliefs on others. If one looks closely, many of them are hypocrites who give lip-service to their holiness, but have lives that are far from the purity and love they claim to espouse.
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I’ve suffered through too many “come to Jesus” confrontations and bit my lip in an effort to avoid conflict. But I joyfully will flame Jesus Jumpers who come to this site spewing their eternal hellfire and brimstone bullshit.
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AR
All of you should be applauded for daring to think for yourselves rather than drink the Koolaid of social convention. I for one truly understand how hard it can be to just exist in a world filled with true believers. I came to realize at the very young age of 5 or 6 that belief in ridiculous notions such as Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, and the Christian three-piece god in the sky could not possibly be beneficial to ones long term mental health. How I was able to escape from the brainwashing I will never really understand.
I was one of seven children raised by a Baptist minister father and an manically obsessively religious mother. Alas I was the only one to escape that 18 year brainwashing session as all the rest have gone off the deep end of devotion to a god that has been missing in action for 2000 years. It makes for some very uncomfortable family gatherings as you can well imagine – to the point where I avoid most of them so as to avoid causing strife and conflict and confrontation within my family. The most startling thing I have realized through my years of non-belief is the total dismissal of the basic tenets of the Christian faith by those very Christians that promote it so fervently. All of that “judge not” and “turn the other cheek” and “love thy neighbor” goes out the window when faced with something or someone that challenges their faith. I have actually been physically accosted for refusing to bow my head in prayer at a public event. MADNESS!
The brainwashing process begins at a very early age in all of these god based religions. My very first memories are of being in Sunday school. Young minds are malleable. The question is why does this insane belief in such far fetched notions not leave us as we grow and develop into supposed “thinking” adults? It is a sad note for humanity in general that such a large percentage of the population is so totally lacking in aptitude for logical thinking that they will believe a guy 2000 years ago rose from the dead and flew off into the sky to return some day and save us from ourselves. In fact in most places in the US it is the acceptable social convention to believe this nonsense. To be totally frank I am surprised the first guy that wrote that story down on the papyrus didn’t just laugh and throw it away due to how crazy it sounds.
It is good to know there is still some logical thought left in this world. There sure ain’t much here in the Bible Belt. Keep thinking for yourselves and challenging the social convention.
@jcrawdad
I like most people here can relate to your story jcrawdad. (or should I call you JC ;) ) Stay tough and know that there are a lot of people in your same boat with similar disgust at organized religion. If you ever do figure out how you got past the attempted brainwashing let us know. A lot of folks could benefit from that info.
Peace
Danimal
@JCRAWDAD (#18)
Congratulations on growing up in your family environment and escaping from it. I grew up in a largely secular home, but I had uncles and aunts and a granny who were real pains in the ass at every family get-together. They did their best to “save” me, but it didn’t take. Even at a very young age, I considered their religious beliefs to be ridiculous mythology.
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When I am exposed to public prayer, I do not bow my head, and it’s interesting to note who else is not bowing. Well, at least I haven’t been physically accosted yet. When it comes to the pledge of allegiance to the flag, I loudly substitute; “One nation under a constitution” for the congessionally-mandated words.
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Religion has been and continues to be a superb devisive agent in human relations. I have hope that future generations will develop tolerance for others; better still, dump religion entirely.
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AR
These are really great responses and Jcrawdad (#18) you are impressive. My de-brainwashing was greeted by a lot less derision than yours I suspect. The challenge of explaining one’s de-conversion to loved ones is the hardest thing of all. Here is my attempt:
http://docs.google.com/View?id=dgs7q26q_78drrpvq88
Pintaheart – Thank you. I appreciate the support from someone who is thinking and evolving, still open minded. And a fan of Kant – that is seriously tough reading! No one ever stated the “Golden Rule” better than Kant. It is still my acid test before I act – when I’m thinking.
Wench Melody – I really like you, you’ve been a friend to me twice now in my very short time here. Thanks to you and all in the UK who have been the primary torch carrier’s for sanity.
Wren – I would LOVE to move to NZ! A friend that visited told me “It’s OK I guess, if you like everyday to be like a perfect spring day and every view to look like a postcard.” I watch Lord of the Rings just for the scenery. Never met a Kiwi I didn’t like. But I think that rightly emmigration is very restricted, nearly impossible. Besides, my screwed up country can’t afford to lose anymore sane voters, or we’ll up up with a US president that thinks people kept pet dinosaurs.
ATSAP REVOL – Glad to know we’ve been fighting shoulder to shoulder. Now that I know you all are there, I don’t feel like an isolated hold out anymore.
jcrawdad – Sounds like you’ve had it much worse than most of us. I applaud you for thinking for yourself against the pressure of family and the Bible Belt culture. I don’t envy the challenges you must face daily.
I’m encouraged by and grateful to all of you.
RAmen
My other half is somewhat younger than me: consequently he asked me what type of Dinosaur I rode to school. I told him it was a Hadrosaur because they make more noise (less accidents). I’m sure if you look hard enough you will find Hadrosaurs still living in New Zealand.
Oh wow, that is wonderful Scott. =) I am glad His Noodlyness has touched you. Logic is a wonderful thing to find. The strong religious beliefs can take some time to shake off, but it is worth it. I am also happy this site has helped :).
RAmen
What a crap. How can you call it a website. Change the skin, so it will be a bit better