Introducing myself (an agnostic)-- Benjamin

[benjamin1973]

Let me first compliment you on your site. This is some pretty neat programming!

My name is Benjamin. I declare as an agnostic for a variety of reasons. I’m open to religious experiences and interests, as well as the philosophical positions of atheists. I’m here because a Catholic member on an atheist forums site I belong time recommended this one as a place where I could have some good-quality discussions and maybe get answers to some questions (I have a lot of them).

I was really “into” Christianity as a young man. I fasted, read the Bible a couple of hours a day, spent a lot of time thinking about life and God, and had some amazing experiences and dreams that still hold value for me today. I even thought I might want to join a monastery at that time. However, some of my spiritual failings, material pursuits (getting a wife, having kids, working), as well as exposure to ideas from various other religions and atheists, and also of an interest in modern physics (quantum mechanics. . . crazy stuff!) has led me to a more critical stance: both on my own religious experiences and on religions and religious doctrines.

Members of the atheist site (not sure if it’s okay for them or you guys to mention it here so I’ll leave it out) have often mentioned that they tend not to be welcome very long on Christian or Catholic sites. I hope if I behave, I’ll get some new perspectives here and some food for thought.

 

[anna]

Good morning Benjamin; Of course you are welcome. Most on this forum are quite nice and very informative. We do get into some discussions that are deep and argumentative but we allow the others to voice their opinion. You said some Christian experiences still hold value for you, I am glad, for that may be the reason you took a step to come over here, I hope it will bring you closer to coming back. If need be take ‘baby steps’. leave your heart open and the right decision will come to you.Always express your opinion. I will look forward to your posts. If need be give me a holler God Bless you:

 

[Lou2U]

Hello from a fellow Agnostic! I’ve been on CAF since 2014, you’re definitely welcome here. You’ll get plenty of answers and discussions over pretty much any question you have, but you might have to take some of it with a pinch of salt

I hope you enjoy your time here!

 

[adamhovey1988]

Welcome, we’ve got people of all religions and groups here and whatnot.

 

[Entwhistler]

Well, as far as being welcome at CAF, as long as you don’t yell at folks and stay somewhat respectful of folk’s beliefs you shouldn’t have a problem. I remember going to a religion forum mostly dominated by atheists. One atheist was complaining about how he was kicked off CAF and ranted about how intolerant folks here were. But, having perused his posting history, he was actually horribly angry at religion in general and would knock it and religious folks whenever he got the chance. But you seem like a reasonable chap so you won’t have any problems. Welcome and good luck!

 

[benjamin1973]

I’ve now got several days of experience here, and maybe a couple dozen posts-- even talking about evolution-- and I haven’t had any problem yet.

Obviously, as a non-Catholic, I consider myself kind of a guest here, and of course I should expect people here to take positions appropriate to that belief system. It would be rude to take a hostile position or use insulting language.

 

[Greenfields]

Hello and welcome ! You’re only as much a guest here as any of us are
Benjamin Make yourself quite at home .

 

[Entwhistler]

Well, as Greenfields states, we all are guests. We have a few regular atheists here and even a few Protestants that are respected members.

 

[benjamin1973]

I’ve been called a member before. I’m not sure it was out of respect, though.

 

[AdiLila]

Welcome Benjamin, I hope your time here is helpful and good luck finding the answers you seek, as this is what this forum is for.