Comment by Ed on January 22, 2012 at 12:49am

Andrew,

Be very happy that you became a freethinker at your young age. Many of us waited much longer to question this notion of supernatural beings. When all else fails be sure to keep an open mind. It's OK to listen and consider what others might tell you. In the end you must decide what makes sense and what is illogical. It is better to make an informed decision based on critical thinking than believing something out of fear and ignorance. Peace, my young friend.

Comment by Artor on January 22, 2012 at 1:35am

"You're too young to be an atheist, when you're older you can make that choice,"

My response to that would be hysterical laughter. "AH-hah-hah-hah-ha-ha-ha!!!...No."

Comment by Kenny Howse on January 22, 2012 at 3:25am

Or fortunately ahead of your time perhaps?

Comment by Richard J. Collins on January 22, 2012 at 6:08am

Children have a right to their own thoughts and that includes thoughts about religion. Parents who stifle a child's independence do them a great disservice. Discouraging independence can produce an adult who lacks the skill and fortitude to manage their own lives and make decisions that suit their life goals. Children are absolutely under no obligation to believe what their parents believe. They are obligated to pay respect and give love to their parents in exactly the same measure these gifts are given to them.

Comment by Ken Terrill on January 22, 2012 at 10:31am

I considered myself an agnostic from about 16 to 30, until I realized I was just "covering all the bases".  I regret my cowardice of that period.  You are never too young to think clearly.  Wouldn't we all really love to have a benevolent "lord" to take care of us?  It just ain't so, and I have never heard a coherent argument in defense of religion in any form.  Life is our soul, and it is temporal.  Make the most of it.  Fuck fear and its mongers.

Comment by bocakiki on January 22, 2012 at 3:13pm

If you read the bible it will confirm your atheism for sure.

It is just a bunch of fairy tales.

Comment by Ruth Harvey on January 22, 2012 at 6:38pm

Personlly, I don't think kids should be brought up to believe in gods, and that you should face the decision on whether to BECOME religious about the age you are now - or whenever you're ready and responsible. You can't believe something firmly until you understand it fully, so atheism is either the definate belief that there is no god or meerly the lack of belief in any gods - therefore newborn babies are atheists until they are indoctrinated by parents. There is no age where it is too young to become atheist. Also, you are not "rushing into things" as religion isn't really a choice, it's a gut feeling. If you have no faith or belief in a God there's nothing you can do about it - you are atheist or agnostic. You can't choose what to believe in.

Comment by Barry Eckert on January 22, 2012 at 6:46pm

Interestingly, most 卐tians probably wouldn't suggest you are "too young" to become one of them.

Too young to think for yourself, but never too old to have some charlatan tell you what to think.

Comment by Cat on January 22, 2012 at 8:48pm

Andrew, 

You are thoughtful and articulate, with your realization of non-belief progressing logically. Although your father may have advice for you, he really does not get to decide when you  "make that choice". Of course he has your best interest at heart, and his invitation to read the Bible first is a great one. I, like most of the people who have answered you here, wholly agree. Read the Bible. Try to read it without the preacher's voice in your head, because when you read the words uninterpreted they become crystal clear. It's mythology, just like the Greek and Roman stories you've read in school. If a person can worship such a god after reading that book, then they're depraved. Unfortunately, most ✘-tians have not read the book, and those who have read parts of it have done so with a study guide or interpreted by a preacher. They are being lead and are not critically reading.
Once you have read it, you will be disgusted at this religion and will be able to give damn good arguments why from their own bloody book! 

YOU are obviously NOT too young!

 

Comment by redpepper on January 22, 2012 at 10:41pm

I found your post especially interesting because just yesterday while talking with my mother about my daughter's lack of religion, my mother said my daughter is basically christian, since she isn't jewish or muslim.  I thought that was silly until I realized she was serious.  It's as if christianity is the default religion.  I told my mom that my daughter isn't christian, has never been baptized, and everything I teach her is anti-theistic, and so far my daughter agrees with me, therefore she is definitely not christian.  Non-religion is just a concept Mom doesn't understand, and I don't really expect her to.  True, my child could turn out religious.  My atheist sister and her atheist husband raised a catholic daughter.  My born again christian brother and his wife raised two atheist children and two christians.  We each find our own path, no matter what our parents teach or don't teach.  Atheism isn't easy.  Most people won't get it, yet (if you stick with it) you'll be expected to get them.  Read.  Know more.  Don't condescend.  Rise above it and be patient with those who aren't there with you.

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