As I’ve left Christianity I’ve one thing that I’ve missed is the community. It was a built in time at least once a week where I was able to hang out with people. They even had a place for my kids so I could have a grown up conversation. It was a nice thing to have but something I’ve given up with my lack of belief. Sure I could find a church and fake it I suppose, but I would have to fake it and that sounds exhausting.
I know there are atheist groups around me and even some Secular Humanist groups but being a huge introvert it’s hard for me to even think about venture out. That and I have two kids (4 and 1 1/2) which makes attending these groups even a bit more difficult.
I’m not looking to start a pity party just wanted to express that I guess I wasn’t expecting this whole atheism thing to be so lonely.
5 replies on “Community”
I know exactly what you are talking about here. I created a facebook group for people looking for such a community. Recovering Theist Support Group was created because I saw that former theists have certain issues and needs that are not shared by the vast majority of lifelong atheists. Check it out if you are interested, would love to have you there.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/234745903668951/
Thanks for the invite. I’m still “in the closet” with my atheism so I’m not quiet ready to join up on Facebook but I’ll definitely keep that in mind for in the future! I have found some “support” in a couple of online groups but that’s just not the same.
Totally understood. If you ever need support or just want to chat, let me know. I completely understand what you are talking about in this blog.
Now that’s a damn difficult subject – no easy answers on that one. Loneliness is the hallmark of our time, with a much bigger ambit that atheism.
Atheism does remove the support & comfort of a fictional god or gods, and separates the non-believer from the us vs. them propaganda of religion.
Other atheists do find “community” in like-minded meetup groups, humanism, church-replicating atheism services, but that’s for them, and not for group-avoiding skeptics.
On-line, to me, can only provide a fake “community” – most Facebook users are made worse off by their use of the hideous product, envy being the main emotion generated.
Water, woods, and playgrounds are a far better teacher for youngsters than any screen or religion dungeon.
Your posts are always very poignant.
Thanks for the kind words! Just writing what on my heart. Much easier to do anonymously 🙂 I did find some comfort in online communities at first but it seems the appeal of that is wearing off.