God **** It! (pardon the pun)

[thanortinzak]

Link to original post: [drupal=2085]God **** It! (pardon the pun)[/drupal]



Alright, I'll give a bit of background information first.
I'm age 14. My parents are very religious Christians.
Thing is, I'm atheist (although I hide it from my parents so they don't get mad at me).

Okay, so around a few months ago, before school ended, my mom was like "HEY GUESS WHAT THERES GONNA BE VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL THIS YEAR IN OUR CHURCH AND SINCE YOURE CHRISTIAN WE WANT YOU TO SERVE IN VBS AND PLUS IT PROMOTES UR SPIRITUAL GROWTH, blah blah blah". So basically what it means to "serve" in Vacation Bible School (VBS) means that I'll be forced to help out.

Now, don't get me wrong. I believe volunteering and helping out is a great thing to do (in fact, I actually like
volunteering for a worthy cause. No, the reason why I don't want to serve in VBS is not because I'm a "whiny, ungrateful, dumb kid, blah blah blah". Nope. It's because like I said earlier, I'm atheist, so I object to serving in VBS. Because serving in VBS means I'll be forced to tell those kids about an imaginary god. I don't want to be telling those kids "lolz gawd luvs you but if u don't belive in him u get sent to hell now do you want to believe in him?".

So after my mom told me she expected me to sign up for VBS service, I told her "Hell no!" in different words. That didn't work out nicely. She was like "OMG U HAVE TO YOU'LL BECOME A BETTER CHRISHUN". Once again, I told her "No way!"
We kept on arguing over it for around a whole hour. And then, because I knew this would get nowhere, and I really had no other choice, I accepted the inevitable: I would be forced to serve in VBS. I didn't want to give in, but then again, if I didn't give in, it would have made no difference anyways.

Fast foward in time, to right now. It's 2:15 AM. Haven't got any sleep yet. And tomorrow, I'll have to go through 6 hours of hell in church, because of the stupid VBS Servant Team meeting. But right now, as I'm typing up this blog, I can't be more thrilled. Why? No, it's not because I suddenly converted to Christianity. No, no, no. It's because I finally realized that although I was forced to serve in VBS, it was in some ways a blessing. How? As a helper in VBS, I'm supposed to teach those little kids about God and "spread teh gawspol" to them, right? I realized that nobody is stopping me from spreading MY point of view (atheism) to those kids. Instead of teaching those kids that there is a god, I have the opportunity to educate those kids and teach them that there is no God! Something good has come out of the bad after all!

EDIT: Btw, I will present both sides (pro-Christian and pro-atheism). Well, sure I am going to present both sides. However, the arguments for my point of view (there is no god) far outweigh the the arguments for the Church's point of view (theres a God and you go to hell for unbelief). So basically, I'm gonna say "Hey kids, you see, you're not being told the entire truth. Sure, there are some reasons to believe in god (inserts arguments in favor of the existence of a god). See, there's this thing called "atheism". It means you don't believe there is a God. Now, I know that the church tells you there's a God, but you need to consider that you can believe there is no God too (inserts arguments in favor of atheism). Now, which choice do you believe?


And sorry if I offended any religious people here. I respect your right to choose whatever belief you wish, and I won't try to impose my atheism on you religious people. And I respect you guys as people too, unless you don't respect my right to believe what I wanted.

Edit: Ahh...so tired right now.
It's gonna start tomorrow, and will last until Saturday.
I know the time's all gonna be wasted, as I could spend the six hours a day doing fun stuff and productive stuff like studying, playing Smash, computer, listening to music, etc. Unless I use that time as an opportunity to educate the kids about the other side.

Wish me luck tommorow, guys.

So anyways....has anyone ever been in a similiar situation?

EDIT: DAY ONE OF VBS VOLUNTEERING: Today, I did (somewhat) keep my beliefs to myself. For the most part. While escorting a child to the bathroom, I did tell him that he should feel free to question in his mind what was being taught to him. He responded positively, actually, and we actually had a conversation. Turns out that we have something in common: we were both forced by our parents to go to VBS (of course, I was forced to volunteer, and the child was forced to attend). He was glad that he wasn't the only one who didn't want to be there.

So I guess that today at bible camp wasn't a total waste. Although at times, I wish I could just get the **** outta there and go home.

UPDATE: It's finally over! Hooray!
I ended up meeting five kids who didn't want to be there though. Oh, and I also met two volunteers like me who also didn't want to be there xD

 

[Falconv1.0]

My life is like that except I believe in a God and you couldn't get me to go to church even if I was promised sex.

Epic irl trolling dude. Have fun in hell.

 

[:mad:]

I had to do the exact same thing when I was younger, maybe 12 years old. I didn't really mind vacation bible school because my area was just a 5 day thing. There was a play area, tubes, pool, bounce house, and tons of food.

I enjoyed all of that, and all I had to do was listen to some stories for an hour. I didn't know what to think of this. It wasn't bad, I just tuned it out.

I say go anyway. If it's anything like mine was, I'd go in a heartbeat. If not, then tag along anyway. Your parents do a lot for you, let this be your way of paying them back.

 

[urdailywater]

Spoiler

ur going to hell omg

Wow, o.o but really you shouldn't do it. I mean, they're kids, you're not their parents who should really be in control of stuff like this. W/E though. Btw, is this like, a one time thing or often? I probably missed that in the OP.

edit: since straked mentions it, the only reason I went to my bible school was to play Super Mario World since I never owned an SNES before. I think there were other games, but omg, SUPER MARIO WORLD. C'MON MAN.

 

[Grey Belnades]

Link to original post: [drupal=2085]God **** It! (pardon the pun)[/drupal]
Instead of teaching those kids that there is a god, I have the opportunity to educate those kids and teach them that there is no God! Something good has come out of the bad after all! Mwahahahahaha!

So anyways....has anyone ever been in a similiar situation?

That's the worst thing you can do since eventually, those kids will tell their parents and I'm sure those parents will find you. I'm sure you have already been asked this but why not tell your mom about what you believe? What's the worst that can happen?

or, go with what Straked said.

 

[Denzi]

Well, if you're going to do that, please at least present both points of view. I don't know the age of the people you're dealing with, but younger folks can be influenced by others very easily. if you teach strictly one side, they're obviously going to sway toward that belief (which I suspect may be one of your complaints about the school in the first place). Instead of just forcing your views on them, give them the choice, and consider yourself lucky to have been able to "level the playing field" so to speak.

 

[thanortinzak]

Spoiler

ur going to hell omg

Wow, o.o but really you shouldn't do it. I mean, they're kids, you're not their parents who should really be in control of stuff like this. W/E though. Btw, is this like, a one time thing or often? I probably missed that in the OP.

Idk for sure if its a one time thing, because my parents might force me to volunteer again for VBS. For five days, I have to tell those little kids about how "god loves you but if you dont believe in him you goto hell lol". But I think I'm happy now, because instead of spreading their "gospel", I'll be spreading my own true gospel (there is no god).

 

[Noobicidal]

The last thing you want to do is start preaching against the "Good Book" while in "His" house. Either tell your family that you feel uncomfortable teaching others about this topic (and not just say "i dun wanna"), or if you HAVE to teach a lesson, focus less on the "God is good, blah blah" parables and verses and incorporate MORAL lessons such as being kind to one's neighbor, respecting the elderly and all that crap.

I've had my share of being in close combat with conflicting ideals, but for the sake of time, I'm not going to type them all out. The only way you're getting out of this is to admit to your family your ACTUAL religious beliefs.

 

[:mad:]

Idk for sure if its a one time thing, because my parents might force me to volunteer again for VBS. For five days, I have to tell those little kids about how "god loves you but if you dont believe in him you goto hell lol". But I think I'm happy now, because instead of spreading their "gospel", I'll be spreading my own true gospel (there is no god).

Or you could just bring an iPod and listen to Black or White.

You don't have to talk to kids.

 

[Man of Popsicle]

That's kind of lame, seeing as those children's parents paid money to send there kid to learn about God. They'll get plenty of atheism when they go to high school.

 

[thanortinzak]

Well, if you're going to do that, please at least present both points of view. I don't know the age of the people you're dealing with, but younger folks can be influenced by others very easily. if you teach strictly one side, they're obviously going to sway toward that belief (which I suspect may be one of your complaints about the school in the first place). Instead of just forcing your views on them, give them the choice, and consider yourself lucky to have been able to "level the playing field" so to speak.

Well, sure I am going to present both sides. However, the arguments for my point of view (there is no god) far outweigh the the arguments for the Church's point of view (theres a God and you go to hell for unbelief). So basically, I'm gonna say "Hey kids, you see, you're not being told the entire truth. Sure, there are some reasons to believe in god (inserts arguments in favor of the existence of a god). See, there's this thing called "atheism". It means you don't believe there is a God. Now, I know that the church tells you there's a God, but you need to consider that you can believe there is no God too (inserts arguments in favor of atheism). Now, which choice do you believe?

And I do consider myself lucky to "level the playing field" so to speak. That's why I now view being forced to volunteer for a religious event as a mixed blessing.

Or you could just bring an iPod and listen to Black or White.

You don't have to talk to kids.

I have to. It's part of my job. I'm supposed to tell those kids about God, blah blah blah. That's my job as a VBS volunteer.

 

[finalark]

Two things:

1: I believe in God for one reason: Science is a load of bull**** with more holes in it than a Mike Bay movie. Well, when it comes down to the whole "big bang" bull****.

2: Why exactly did you choose to become atheist?

 

[:mad:]

________ is a load of bull**** with more holes in it than a Mike Bay movie.

The same could be said about the bible.

Though let's be careful, guys. We don't need any religious debates up in these blogs.

 

[finalark]

The same could be said about the bible.

Though let's be careful, guys. We don't need any religious debates up in these blogs.

The same could be said about everything.

And this blog is a religious "debate" waiting to happen. I gave my two cents, and now I'm out of here before things get too dicey.

 

[thanortinzak]

I had to do the exact same thing when I was younger, maybe 12 years old. I didn't really mind vacation bible school because my area was just a 5 day thing. There was a play area, tubes, pool, bounce house, and tons of food.

I enjoyed all of that, and all I had to do was listen to some stories for an hour. I didn't know what to think of this. It wasn't bad, I just tuned it out.

I say go anyway. If it's anything like mine was, I'd go in a heartbeat. If not, then tag along anyway. Your parents do a lot for you, let this be your way of paying them back.

Oh, I'm not attending VBS. I'm "serving" (volunteering) in it, meaning that part of my job description is to brainwash kids with Christianity. And I am going anyways, because first of all, my mom wouldn't allow me to say no, and plus, I decided to use this misfortune as a wonderful opportunity to "level the playing field" by introducing and educating the kids about atheism (introducing and educating, NOT brainwashing).

 

[Man of Popsicle]

The same could be said about the bible.

It does irk me when people state evolution and the lack of a god like it's 100% proven, seeing as it's not, and the bible has just as much grounds for belief as does atheism+evolution. Something based sctrictly on science and scientific proof without scientific certainty... :/ It's a theory for a reason.

 

[:mad:]

Oh, I'm not attending VBS. I'm "serving" (volunteering) in it, meaning that part of my job description is to brainwash kids with Christianity.

Understood. You have to make it clear to them that you don't feel comfortable talking to kids about this, just say you aren't qualified.

Edit: Yeah, Pop. I stay out of those debates for a reason. You cannot convince someone to sway their opinion because neither side has evidence that's set in stone.

 

[finalark]

Oh, I'm not attending VBS. I'm "serving" (volunteering) in it, meaning that part of my job description is to brainwash kids with Christianity.

You seem really zealous about this whole "THERE IS NOT GOD CHRISTIANITY IS EVIL!" thing. What sparked it? I'm curious.

 

[Falconv1.0]

Finalark is absolutely wrong.

Not on God existing, that's a belief thing. Christianity is bull**** though.

Not a shining example of your intelligence dude. "Science is full of holes, so does the bible, so does everything else". Yeah, so do asian whores, doesn't mean you should **** all of them. Just some of them.

 

[:mad:]

You seem really zealous about this whole "THERE IS NOT GOD CHRISTIANITY IS EVIL!" thing. What sparked it? I'm curious.

Well, it's understandable. If you're practically being forced to preach something you don't believe in, you'd be pretty upset.

 

[thanortinzak]

It does irk me when people state evolution and the lack of a god like it's 100% proven, seeing as it's not, and the bible has just as much grounds for belief as does atheism+evolution. Something based sctrictly on science and scientific proof without scientific certainty... :/ It's a theory for a reason.

We are pretty much 100% sure evolution is true.

And it IS called the theory of evolution for a reason. Now what is that reason? It's called the theory of evolution because we don't exactly know the specific intricacies of it, etc. Like, we're not always 100 percent sure HOW it happens. We know it happens though.

Oh, and special relativity is technically a theory too. You wanna say special relativity doesn't exist?

And god dangit, I don't want this thread to become an religious argument!


And....

You seem really zealous about this whole "THERE IS NOT GOD CHRISTIANITY IS EVIL!" thing. What sparked it? I'm curious.

Refer to Straked's post.

 

[Noobicidal]

We are pretty much 100% sure evolution is true.

And it IS called the theory of evolution for a reason. Now what is that reason? It's called the theory of evolution because we don't exactly know the specific intricacies of it, etc. Like, we're not always 100 percent sure HOW it happens. We know it happens though.

Oh, and gravity is technically a theory too. You wanna say gravity doesn't exist?

And god dangit, I don't want this thread to become an religious argument!

Gravity is a law, evolution is a theory. Please, for atheists everywhere, JUST PLAY THE GAME.

Read my post while you're at it (since you seemed to miss it).

 

[urdailywater]

You made a thread stating you were going to tell a bunch of possibly easily influenced kids that there is no god an you expect NO debate?

Yah. I see.

edit: Lol at gravity being a theory.

 

[Falconv1.0]

Um, we are like 99.99% certain evolution is a theory due to a **** ton of proof but basically anything we cant see happen cant really be called fact, at least for anal people. Gravity is not a theory. At all.

By see I mean literally see the process, not the results.

 

[finalark]

We are pretty much 100% sure evolution is true.

And it IS called the theory of evolution for a reason. Now what is that reason? It's called the theory of evolution because we don't exactly know the specific intricacies of it, etc. Like, we're not always 100 percent sure HOW it happens. We know it happens though.

Oh, and gravity is technically a theory too. You wanna say gravity doesn't exist?

And god dangit, I don't want this thread to become an religious argument!

Actually, it's called the THEORY of Evolution because we don't have ANY solid proof that it's real. All we have is Darwin's observations, and the fact that monkey are kind of like humans, only not really....

Gravity is a proven theory, therefor, it is real. We know that it's real because we have solid proof. Evolution? Not so much.

And this is why I hate scientists, they reject any and all gods and try to become one themselves.

 

[Falconv1.0]

Actually, it's called the THEORY of Evolution because we don't have ANY solid proof that it's real. All we have is Darwin's observations, and the fact that monkey are kind of like humans, only not really....

Ok now you're starting to piss me off with your ignorance. Get learned more or gtfo.

For the record, I hate scientists for tons of different reasons, same way I hate lawyers and doctors and everyone else.

 

[Man of Popsicle]

"Where did god come from?"
"Where else would life come from?"
"Lightning in an ancient atmosphere making amino acids."
"But that experiment was falsified, and how do amino acids become life?"
"But god makes no sense."
"well why not?"
"If he loves everyone why is there suffering?"
"Him giving us freedom of choice."
"But if he has perfect foresight why would he do that?"
"Because he wasnt a genuine relationship, not a doll that says 'I love you' when you pull the string."
"That's a stupid point, and it makes no sense!"
"Why not?"
"Because that's nothing like what you were saying!"
"... but... uhm..."
"F*ck you."
"You too mate."


A basic run down of religous arguments.

 

[thanortinzak]

You made a thread stating you were going to tell a bunch of possibly easily influenced kids that there is no god an you expect NO debate?

Yah. I see.

I'm not telling them that. I'm presenting both sides of the argument. And then I'll say that although I don't believe in god because I believe the arguments of there being no god far outweigh the arguments of there being a god, they are free to choose to their beliefs.

Hey, that's actually better then telling the easily influenced kids "hai kidz u go to hell if u don't believe in gawd now believe in gawd!"! Is it not?!?!

 

[:mad:]

And this is why I hate scientists, they reject any and all gods and try to become one themselves.

And this is why I hate finalarks, they get rejected by any and all god and try to survive in hell.

Let's try to get back on topic. Kid's being forced to work at a Bible School he doesn't believe in. How can he prevent this from happening?

 

[finalark]

Ok now you're starting to piss me off with your ignorance. Get learned more or gtfo.

For the record, I hate scientists for tons of different reasons, same way I hate lawyers and doctors and everyone else.

Okay, you got me there. But hey, at least I'm not the one who called Gravity a theory.

And this is getting a bit too heated for me, I'm out of here.

 

[Noobicidal]

I'm out: we have an atheist that's going to martyr himself for no justified cause and a christian making blanket statements along the lines of "all scientists are atheists lolol".

I can't put this more eloquently; you guys are ****ing morons.

 

[urdailywater]

I'm not telling them that. I'm presenting both sides of the argument. And then I'll say that although I don't believe in god because I believe the arguments of there being no god far outweigh the arguments of there being a god, they are free to choose to their beliefs.

Hey, that's actually better then telling the easily influenced kids "hai kidz u go to hell if u don't believe in gawd now believe in gawd!"! Is it not?!?!

Hey, your OP and some of your other posts made me think that way though, so yah, my bad sort of. Just be more clear I guess >.<


Btw, your threads on fire.

 

[:mad:]

You forgot the most important retort, MoP.

Noob is right. Morons, the bunch of you.

 

[Frown]

The tallest giraffe gets the most leaves.

On topic:

Do it, and don't try to convince them to think anything. Tell them that "A lot of people think God is real, but some don't."

 

[cutter]

Man, I feel pretty lucky that both my parents didn't care if I went to church and whatnot.

I went to church through a good amount of my life as a teenager not because I was forced by my parents, but because it felt like it would be a place for me to belong to. And even though my mom is atheist and my dad is Jewish, they didn't mind it at all. In fact, they probably liked it that I was going to church and hanging out with nice friends there instead of getting into trouble. Which is good.

I've read a good deal of the Bible, and the more I've read it, the more I begin to doubt Christianity as a religion, instead of accepting it more. One of the problems I've had with Christianity is that a good deal of its followers (at least in my experience) believe it is a perfect religion and superior to every other religion.

For example, why is magic and sorcery considered evil and demonic, yet it's perfectly fine for Jesus to heal sick men and restore sight to the blind? Why does Christianity tout itself for being able to forgive yourself for the sins you've done, but if you commit blasphemy against God it is considered an unforgivable sin? Basically, read the entire book of Leviticus. I've personally met people at church who believe the Harry Potter series is evil and demonic because of its fantasy-like nature, but they're perfectly fine with the Chronicles of Narnia. That probably has to do with C. S. Lewis being a Christian though :/ To me, I see a lot of hypocrisy and double standards in Christianity that makes the religion FAR from perfect. I wish Christians would accept that their religion is not perfect.

Plus, I believe that everything happens for a reason. There is some logical reasoning for why an event occurs. This is where we get into the problem of creationism vs. evolutionism. There is scientific evidence that supports the theory of evolution, from fossils to plate tectonics to magnetic pole shifts to analyzing old DNA and all that stuff. Hell, we see evolution every day. Why else are diseases able to mutate and become resistant to antibiotics and other drugs? It's because variation exists in species because of meiosis, which creates the small chance that a favorable (or unfavorable) mutation will result to benefit the species.

This is why I love science. You use logic, reasoning, and testing to hypothesize results and figure out "why is this happening?" I cannot imagine where humans as a species would be if it weren't for science. And not surprisingly, science has conflicted constantly with religion over history.

Hopefully, your parents will understand over time that you do not want to be a Christian. Don't be bullied into converting to Christianity if you don't want to. Remember, it's FINE if you question stuff. I've done it for a while now and I still do it to this day. Question authority. Nothing is perfect. The best you can do is live a life you KNOW you will enjoy no matter what you do

 

[thanortinzak]

The tallest giraffe gets the most leaves.

On topic:

Do it, and don't try to convince them to think anything. Tell them that "A lot of people think God is real, but some don't."

Okay, sure. I can do that. But I'm also gonna state that I believe God isn't real.

 

[Falconv1.0]

I'm out: we have an atheist that's going to martyr himself for no justified cause and a christian making blanket statements along the lines of "all scientists are atheists lolol".

I can't put this more eloquently; you guys are ****ing morons.

I'm a ****ing moron for finding it funny as hell he'd be so stupid? Really?

I really want to ****ing report you right now. Don't be an elitist *** to those in it for the lulz you elitist ***.

 

[thanortinzak]

Man, I feel pretty lucky that both my parents didn't care if I went to church and whatnot.

I went to church through a good amount of my life as a teenager not because I was forced by my parents, but because it felt like it would be a place for me to belong to. And even though my mom is atheist and my dad is Jewish, they didn't mind it at all. In fact, they probably liked it that I was going to church and hanging out with nice friends there instead of getting into trouble. Which is good.

I've read a good deal of the Bible, and the more I've read it, the more I begin to doubt Christianity as a religion, instead of accepting it more. One of the problems I've had with Christianity is that a good deal of its followers (at least in my experience) believe it is a perfect religion and superior to every other religion.

For example, why is magic and sorcery considered evil and demonic, yet it's perfectly fine for Jesus to heal sick men and restore sight to the blind? Why does Christianity tout itself for being able to forgive yourself for the sins you've done, but if you commit blasphemy against God it is considered an unforgivable sin? Basically, read the entire book of Leviticus. I've personally met people at church who believe the Harry Potter series is evil and demonic because of its fantasy-like nature, but they're perfectly fine with the Chronicles of Narnia. That probably has to do with C. S. Lewis being a Christian though :/ To me, I see a lot of hypocrisy and double standards in Christianity that makes the religion FAR from perfect. I wish Christians would accept that their religion is not perfect.

Plus, I believe that everything happens for a reason. There is some logical reasoning for why an event occurs. This is where we get into the problem of creationism vs. evolutionism. There is scientific evidence that supports the theory of evolution, from fossils to plate tectonics to magnetic pole shifts to analyzing old DNA and all that stuff. Hell, we see evolution every day. Why else are diseases able to mutate and become resistant to antibiotics and other drugs? It's because variation exists in species because of meiosis, which creates the small chance that a favorable (or unfavorable) mutation will result to benefit the species.

This is why I love science. You use logic, reasoning, and testing to hypothesize results and figure out "why is this happening?" I cannot imagine where humans as a species would be if it weren't for science. And not surprisingly, science has conflicted constantly with religion over history.

Hopefully, your parents will understand over time that you do not want to be a Christian. Don't be bullied into converting to Christianity if you don't want to. Remember, it's FINE if you question stuff. I've done it for a while now and I still do it to this day. Question authority. Nothing is perfect. The best you can do is live a life you KNOW you will enjoy no matter what you do

Hey, thanks for the advice. But I can never tell my parents I'm not christian, or I'd get in big trouble. And uhh...you said do not be bullied into converting into christianity, right? Unfortunately, around two years ago, I already converted through baptism. That was right before I realized Christianity was bullcrap though. Now, as I've been baptized already, there's nothing I can do.

 

[urdailywater]

I'm a ****ing moron for finding it funny as hell he'd be so stupid? Really?

I really want to ****ing report you right now. Don't be an elitist *** to those in it for the lulz you elitist ***.

Once your trolling destroys a thread whether it's for the lulz or not it's pretty much required you be insulted for it.

Or if it's not trolling, it's not needed arguing, which I mean goes for most people in this thread.

edit: everyone in this thread needs to stop being a douche-wad to this thread.

OP: Can you give an example on how religious your parents are? Like, I told my mom I don't care about god and she freaked out actually -- even made a thread about it LOL (I do believe in God though, just side note I guess). So if she's as bad as mine I guess I won't try to tell you you should tell her since you are only 14. She can pretty much restrict you for as long as she wants anytime she wants at this age.

 

[thanortinzak]

Yeah, let's get back on topic.
So...is/was anyone raised by religious parents, but is atheist?