Experiences That Reformed Beliefs: From Faith to Atheism
Beliefs and opinions can be transformative. For many, significant life experiences can lead to profound changes in their perspectives. This article explores how witnessing religious storytelling and reading imaginative fiction influenced my beliefs, and the personal journey from being a fervent Pentecostal Christian to an atheist.
Witnessing Religious Storytelling
One pivotal moment occurred while watching a clip from the documentary The Invention of Lying. In this segment, the protagonist comforts a dying mother by describing an ideal 'afterlife' where spirits are in harmony. This scene highlighted the role of religion in conditioning people to adhere to certain rules and behaviors. For instance, religious practices such as paying homage to a deity, leading to the fearlessness and victory in battle.
Similarly, in Sir Terry Pratchett's DiskWorld series, Death's task is to ensure a soul transcends to the afterlife it expects. This narrative underscores the deep-seated role of beliefs in shaping our lives.
Challenging Fundamental Beliefs
My life has been marked by several instances where I had to challenge and change deeply held beliefs. One of the most significant shifts happened when I realized that the religion I was raised in didn't align with my values. As a young person, I began to question many aspects of Christian doctrine, finally concluding that I no longer believed in the tenets of the faith I was raised with.
In addition to this, becoming more politically aware led me to question the alignment of the political party I supported with my core values. After thorough research, I shifted my political allegiance to a party that better represented my beliefs.
Personal Journey from Christian to Atheist
My journey towards atheism was deeply influenced by the Bible. As a fundamental Pentecostal tongue-speaking Christian, I found myself questioning the veracity of religious texts and their interpretations. This transformation began with a prayer I would frequently recite during my teenage years, seeking divine assistance for mental health struggles.
After many prayers and no tangible change, I eventually gave up on the idea of a benevolent deity. My experiences with religious practices and the lack of support from a perceived higher power led me to become an atheist. I found myself hating the notion of a God who seemed indifferent or even cruel.
Reflecting on this change, it is clear that awareness is key in recognizing and adapting to new information. While it is challenging to change long-held beliefs, acknowledging the confirmation bias within us can help minimize the resistance to new ideas. Acknowledging this inherent bias can aid in making the extra effort to accept the truth of things, even if it contradicts deeply rooted beliefs.
My experiences highlight the importance of open-mindedness and the willingness to reassess beliefs based on evidence and personal growth. Whether it is the influence of visual storytelling, literary works, or personal experiences, these moments can profoundly shape our worldview and beliefs.
Keywords: belief change, religion, atheism
Meta Description: Explore how life experiences and re-evaluating long-held beliefs can lead from Christianity to atheism. This article shares personal stories and the importance of awareness in changing beliefs.