Peter Kirby (kirby@earthlink.net) wrote: : Well, for a week I cried, couldn't sleep, couldn't concentrate, and my : grades plummeted. (That's psychology - not "God's wrath" or something!) : God is dead. :.( But I am feeling better, and I really appreciate your : support. I'm *very* glad to hear that, and I'm sure others are as well. I was kind of worried; you made your announcement and then disappeared. :-) As you've already found, it does get better after the initial shock. I didn't have to face that when I became an atheist, but I did deal with it when I stopped being a Christian in 1992. For a little while I didn't want to have anything to do with anything, and then it was all I could do to keep from rushing headlong into another religion to fill the gap. It was hard, and I'm quite sorry to hear that it's been difficult for you as well. : Are there any initiation rites? Magic words? And where do I get that : cool EAC decoder ring? ;) The good news is that the five-year waiting period quoted elsewhere is exaggerated; *I've* got a ring, and I've only been an atheist for 2 1/2. We will want to wait a *little* while before we give you entrance into the Evil Atheist Conspiracy, though, just to make sure your new ways stick. :-) : I'm fighting not to go back. Is it much of a struggle for you? With regard to initiations, the Holy Logical Faith does have a ceremony where you pledge to renounce the Purple Works of Oysterdom and serve only Our Galloping Goddess evermore. Are you interested? :-) : Yes, yes! Tell me more! :-) Basically, what the Great Pledge accomplishes is that you become one of the Invisible Pink Unicorn's Very Own Special Spiritual Children. What happens is that you are asked if you reject the Purple Oyster and all his works, and if you will strive against His Viceroy on Earth, the Visible Chartreuse Unicorn. If you do, you are then asked if you believe in the Goodness and Equinity of the Invisible Pink Unicorn as outlined in the Big Golden Book O' Atheism (Newly Revised Standard New Revision (Second Edition)). If you agree to that as well, then you pour yourself a beer. (Most of us believe that Dr Pepper is also acceptable; other options can be investigated by the High Council on Orthodoxy upon request.) You then drink, and know the love of Our Divine Equine. Be sure to daub a bit on your forehead to mark your communion with Our Lady of the One Horn. Afterwards, you go out and partake of the Most Holy Round Meal. Which sort depends on the sect that you join; I myself am a Pepperonist, but there are many Ham-and-Pineapplists in the Holy Logical Faith as well. Of course, the Pepperonists are the only ones who are *right*, but I'm willing to admit that my misguided brethren are Her Buddies too. Any questions? :-) : Strong or weak atheism and why do think that is the better position? Which one do *you* feel more comfortable with right now? : I think I'm strong with regards to personal gods. "Man made God in his : image. Contrary remains to be proven." As for a creator in general, I'm : weak, although I consider it pretty unlikely as the idea of "god" in general : is anthropomorphic. Then go with it. :-) Best of luck to you. : Thank you very much. We're all pulling for you, kid. :-) Blessings in Her, Natalie
natalie@col.hp.com (Natalie Ramsey)
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