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Or perhaps, it's less about the externals? Maybe we, collectively, are in need of more internal self-discipline in what sort of perspective we cultivate about ourselves, each other, and our circumstances?
That's a big part of it, and maybe the largest underlying factor. Great observation
We face a mixture of rotten eternals and weaker "internals" these days, for a double-whammy inside and out.
I can easily see a big difference between now and when I was a teenager. So much more junk and difficulties now than back then. Life is much more complicated and harder to navigate. Some will say we've advanced, but I see where we've dwindled.
IF...IF….atheists were more prone to suicide, I don't doubt a great deal of their unhappiness can be attributed to the way they were treated by Christians that declare them abominable.
So some Atheists take their own lives because some Christians tell them, what? That "You are going to hell"
And those Atheists in return say, "OK lets find out", boom!! jump off the cliff?
So some Atheists take their own lives because some Christians tell them, what? That "You are going to hell"
And those Atheists in return say, "OK lets find out", boom!! jump off the cliff?
I haven't been following the thread closely, so perhaps this has already been mentioned … A lot of atheists are former theists. Probably former fundamentalist theists, even. And when that rug gets pulled out from under you, it is disconcerting to say the least. Your whole world view is destroyed and, as fundamentalists, it was ingrained in us that without our "correct doctrines" we would be like a ship being tossed about by a very angry ocean. We're raised with fear, and the only thing that was standing between us and certain doom was our beliefs.
How many people have a support system in place to help them navigate that, to help them find their sense of equilibrium again? Most people are surrounded by others who believe as they USED to believe, so there's probably not many, if any, others to turn to. It's a hell of a place to be, let me tell you. It wouldn't surprise me at all if some people, in a desperation to escape the discomfort of that grief and pain and helplessness and fear, wanted to end it in any way they could.
The Canadian rate peaked in 1983, having rose from the 50s and dropping from the peak until 2007 the last of the data.
However the page states that the rates are relatively flat since 1920. If this is the case and Canada is both a less religious country tha the States and less religious now than in the first half of the last century, maybe other factors than atheism should be examined first.
The Canadian rate peaked in 1983, having rose from the 50s and dropping from the peak until 2007 the last of the data.
However the page states that the rates are relatively flat since 1920. If this is the case and Canada is both a less religious country tha the States and less religious now than in the first half of the last century, maybe other factors than atheism should be examined first.
Perhaps the propensity to elect super narcissistic leaders plays into this?
How many people have a support system in place to help them navigate that, to help them find their sense of equilibrium again? Most people are surrounded by others who believe as they USED to believe, so there's probably not many, if any, others to turn to. It's a hell of a place to be, let me tell you. It wouldn't surprise me at all if some people, in a desperation to escape the discomfort of that grief and pain and helplessness and fear, wanted to end it in any way they could.
I completely understand this train of thought - it’s true that often times, some sort of support system is needed in its place. That said, it’s a huge jump to attribute that lack of support - or the fact the person didn’t seek it - as being on the shoulders of atheists. Bottom line - depression (whether related to circumstances or one’s genetic mental health) is overwhelmingly the cause of suicide. Religion, or lack thereof, doesn’t cause suicide. Severe depression - and lack of medical care does.
I completely understand this train of thought - it’s true that often times, some sort of support system is needed in its place. That said, it’s a huge jump to attribute that lack of support - or the fact the person didn’t seek it - as being on the shoulders of atheists. Bottom line - depression (whether related to circumstances or one’s genetic mental health) is overwhelmingly the cause of suicide. Religion, or lack thereof, doesn’t cause suicide. Severe depression - and lack of medical care does.
I have spent over 30 years as an atheist, and I am quite happy and content. I do not find it dark and awful in the least, rather I find it liberating and peaceful.
Yes but if you found Jesus again you'd be REALLY happy.............
You'd go skipping down the street everyday singing tra! la! la! la! la!
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