enshy:

The Bible clearly states that 'a dog returns to its vomit and a washed pig returns to wallowing in the mire' - II Pet 2:22
But 'we are not of them that draw back to perdition but believe to the saving of the soul' - Heb 10:39
But 'without are dogs...' - Rev 22:15 Therefore, no backslider shall inherit the Kingdom of God! The punishment is much for such.
Any man who has gone back to sin, is called to repentance before judgment!

you can go to hell with your stupid imaginary punishment and blessing.

Slowpoke quoting the bible for me. The Quran also states that the infidels and the rejecters of Allah will burn in hell forever.

I will school you in the origin of your petty holy babble.

I have one question for you christard,
Who wrote the bible? I hope it makes you think

I want to comment on this thread for the purpose of educating christards like Analice and Junia who think a born again cant become a freethinker.

I know you christards think the freethinkers here were never really christians. Let me tell you categorically what i was before i saw the real light of reason and truth;

1. I was lost( or so i thought). I didnt have christ, i didnt have hope of salvation even though i was a cultural christian.
2. I had a true conviction where i felt unworthy, sinful and asked Christ to come and wash me away from my sins. I accepted christ that day and felt saved, clean, cleared and good.
3. I got involved in the church more often, i read and studied the bible.
4. I prayed in tongues
5. I received rhemas ( or so i thought)
6. I heard a still small voice
7. I received prophecies
8. I had the hope of heaven and glory.
9. I adored reasonable men of God

Believe you me there is nothing you are doing now that i didnt do in my born again days.
In all these experiences, what seperates me from you is something special? a thirst for knowledge

You christards are not intellectually curious or thirsty thats why you will be stuck in religion for ever. By the time i thought i was growing spiritually, i was doing something that you guys never do which is; reading on a wide variety of subjects just based on curiosity.

Based on the way you guys talk, none of you can stand me in knowledge of science, history, archaeology, politics etc. Your minds are stuck in a rot thats why religious dogma will reign supreme over you and i dont blame you at all.
But if you come here claiming enlightened liberated souls are nothing but lying, mischievious folks who were never christians then i must call you out. Please read about Dan Barker, Theresa Mcbain etc. There are uncountable freethinkers that were once just like you.

I know its hard for you to accept that after your step of faith that one can find another truth greater than yours. Your religion is nothing more than a mental cage so you can keep throwing your stupid " no true scotsman fallacy".

lepasharon:


lol I dont know. We dont live together mate

Why do you have to deny me brutally? why oh why

JackBizzle am still here. Anytime you ready am ready

Akintom please dont stress yourself with the christian goats,

You go just vex for nothing,

How can they claim they are better because they use blind faith instead of logic, the fools cant see that with faith all things can be true and all things can be false

Continue your thread and put useful info, leave the insecure christard derailers to continue fooling themselves

Sexina851:


Good, now u can mind your business.. Bye

Bye christard.

Sexina851:



I like the 'most likely' part of it.. But am not sure, but just incase u are learn how to express your opinion publicly without sounding 14yrs old.

Learn how to post without tripling your post due to technical handicap.

frank317:


My brother can u just imagine how these people think?

I am even baffled to see her call my arguments wack when am picking up my points directly from her quotes... She even says I am misquoting her and misunderstanding her when I am quoting directly from what she wrote.

If she thinks people's death is as a result of their personal life or karma, let's hear what she thinks of her late mum. Let's see how she would separate her mum's case from her selfish and insensitive believe.

I Just want to make her realize how her belief makes her sound insensitive about other people's misfortune and yet not relate it to her own case.

That is what religion does to the average mind

Sexina851:


Mind your language, if u want to quote then be very reasonable with it choice of words. Can't u pass a simple message without vulgar words? Please don't quote me again if you are below 20

I am most likely older than you

Sexina851:


Okay I already told you u were quoting me wrong just to make a point....i will refer you to the topic of discussion here, And then I was trying to tell him at times our prayers are not answered cos of our personal life . And at times ur prayer might still not be answered if such person is suffering karma.. Either ways death happened. I didn't generalize that people cos it's their fault.

Do you know how callous religion makes you sound?

A normal but mysterious biological process of death that occurs in every living organism whether good or bad as a result of so many factors has been reduced to karma or something personal by you.

So what did your mum do wrong to deserve death?

You guys will twist and turn just to defend rubbish.
A middle aged woman died simple, is that to hard to accept?
Must you cope with it by still trying to twist your warped doctrine thereby entertaining the possibility of her doing wrong that was deserving a painful death

frank317:


For me, in the real world, I am a highly argumentative person. not just about religion, I disagree with with anybody when ever I am not comfortable with the information he is passing across.
I am in my 30ies, working and living on my own. Used to fear my dad when I was young, he is a Watchman Pastor, but right now he knows I don't give a hoot about religion. All my siblings know this and tend to be angry with the knowledge, but I stand on my feet, unfortunately, I am doing well and help them out in times of need. They choose not to talk about it, but I always bring it up to piss them off. I don't like leaving arguments without winning.in my school days I even stopped a lecture process just to argue out a misconception with my lecture and i won. Honestly I don't argue on topics I know nothing about, so before arguing I already know my onions and so must win.
Had a heated argument with my dad on religion during xmas and left him dumbfounded.
I am outspoken and daring, my personality alone is challenging, most people find it difficult to confront me because I am always ready for them.
My fiance knows I am irreligious but does not know am atheistic. She is not very religious and already loves my honesty about my take in life. That's really what attracted her to me. She always sought for my logical advice.
I studied psychology, it tends to help me understand how to handle different people in different situation. I have seen people's reactions to my atheistic views but I always make sure I end up making them look foolish, and they hate that fact. So it's more like, "this guy think he is wise, rather than, this guy is a devil worshiper"
I have gone through shits in life, especially when I lost my first fiance to death. I just think nobody has the right to tell me how to handle my shit after surviving the pain of her loss alone, not even a dumb useless God can do that.

Thumbs up

I like your style, thats the attitude i am talking of.

In the end you have your freedom and no one can challenge you. If dem no like am, they can go to hell

frank317:


I often think sciencewatch is a mad man. He reminds me of all these so called messenger of God who wear long dirty suits with tired shoes with very big haggard Bible, dragging an over decorated truck with bold writings; the world will soon come to an end, REPENT!!
His alternate monicker HOND explains much about his personality. HOND talks about his father sleeping with his wife and being a brave atheists while he foolishly address atheists like his opponents, forgetting he created the handle to claim to be an atheist.
I often feel embarrassed for him.

As for Ebuka, just imagine him in that cheap dirty yellowish green choosen vest. U will understand that he is nothing near normal.i think all choosen people have mental problem... I wish Ebuka quick recovery

I dey tell you.

I was highly disappointed in ebuka when in found out he was a chosen member. I didn't even expect them to be able to use an online forum like NL.

Mr.Frank you haven't explained how you manage your beliefs in Nigeria

bennyann:


I understand all you are trying to say and I agree with most. It's just that you're making it sound like religion stopped you from growing scientifically or logically. I think we are the ones stopping ourselves from growing and blaming it on religion.

But brother, did Christianity also stop you from growing logically or scientifically? I think it's individuals that decide to be ignorant and remain there.

There's nothing wrong with getting knowledge, understanding and wisdom, then worshipping God in the midst of all these. Or did the Bible tell you not to increase or grow in knowledge?

I think this is what happens when we give God our part to do.

I like your conclusion so much and it's funny but don't forget you are the ones bragging now.... Maybe religion will go back to its first position as a result

Yes you are right.

Many progressive educated scientists are religious. Christianity and Buddhism are religions that encourage social progression and improvement.

Am not talking of human and social progress here
Am talking of people reaching the conclusion that religions are false, they do that because they analyse them critically and get there. When people do that , religious people now claim their beliefs or their dogma can't be understood by normal intelligence thereby creating a dichotomy that no one should argue with.

bennyann:


What's now the difference between you and the religious ones? you keep calling each other darkness and calling yourselves light. Na wa oooooo

When some are thinking of liberating the soul, my oga is thinking of liberating the mind. Everything is just about mental power and intelligence to you.

The difference between you and the religious is that your nature of intelligence is contrary to theirs. You like playing around with being the smartest and the most intelligent.......

Who told you, you yourself have been liberated mentally? Or what makes you think so? The fact that you are free from religious mentality doesn't mean you are not in bondage to another form of mental captivity.

Actually our nature of intelligence is the same format.
The difference is that when logic is killed by religion, instead of the institutions to go back and admit and reform their beliefs, they invoke copouts and excuses, they invent fake virtues like blind faith( accepted stupidity), spiritual eyes and they lash out at the messengers and the contradictions pile up.

Religions always started logically, they logically tried to explain the world, the only problem is that religions claimed supreme authority and didn't offer the option of being possibly wrong, as time elapsed, knowledge increased and clear religious doctrines were found to be laughable and wrong, the religious institutions have just reacted to that by claiming superior spiritual knowledge.

Let's look at the world from the 18th century till today
Scientists studied the world and didn't claim to have definite, unshakable , universal truths. Because of this fact, science had modified and remodified its theories countless times without any hassle and the world is better for it.

Religions at that time claimed to have the eternal truth and from that time on, what we have been seeing in religious institutions is division and divisions, fighting against sciences advancements, fighting to maintain moral relevance and most importantly losing numbers.

This analogy reminds me of a powerful statement that Jesus made in the bible
" he who humbles(science) himself will be exalted and he who exalts himself would be humbled(religion)"

bennyann:


Wow!

LiberaDeus, hope you are learning ooo. Don't go and deceive one Christian girl somewhere or you will not enjoy your marriage the way you should

There are indeed different types of atheists. The pure minded ones and the........

Haha Haha madam,

I won't deceive anyone.

akintom:


Your observation is correct. I have on my Facebook friend list, the who is who in the organization that i work with. In fact my CEO, once screamed blasphemy in response to one of my posts.

But not ONCE has my being atheist come up for discussion when i meet these folks physically.

I followed up on official matters to the highest level in the organization, not once has my correspondence been treated out of the formal route of processing.

My conclusion is that most of these professing religious folks are mere NOMINAL folks, who are mostly comfortable with being religious in the public, but indifferent/atheistic/agnostic/skeptic etc in their private lives.

And once you an atheist, can INTELLIGENTLY dismantle/demystify religious beliefs and god idea, these folks are no threat. They just get used to you, ignore you, promise to pray for you etc.

That's what I have been saying, the fear is overhyped.
When I was a devout christian, the only atheists I knew where my university professors and I can't recall hating them for it. Even the well known celebrity satanists ate still accepted by mainstream Christians.

I feel it will be self entitled and selfish for me to still try and eat my cake and have it. Some people face the danger of death in the north and they still stick to their beliefs, how much more me in the south surrounded by liberals or fake conservatives who can't and won't harm me. Why won't I stand fort beliefs.

I have accepted the fact that not every body will like me, they can hate, judge and gossip but if my one doesn't pay attention then it won't matter as long as they can't touch you.

I think its time we stopped hiding and we give these religious people the benefit of doubt that they can hear a message so opposing to everything they stand for and they would in most cases still be civil.

hopefulLandlord:


2 possibilities here

1. Sciencewatch has gotten hold of Kingebukasblog phone and he used his monicker to post this rant

2. The spirit of Sciencewatch has descended on Kingebukasblog like the day of pentecost


its just filled with so much gibber with nothing to back it up that its better mocked and poo pooed which are the only sensible things its for

BTW, if you're here to argue and rant in order to prove the existence of your non existent friend you call Yahweh, there are several threads already for that, a simple look at the front-page of religion section shows many threads to that effect, you can go and give your inane rants that carry no substance there

this thread is about the merits and demerits of coming out atheist, let's keep it on topic, take a cue from more mature people like Bennyann, RosaConsidine etc




NB: my fellow atheists should also not reply this rant as its only made to derail this beautiful thread and spread nonsensical illogicalities

Thanks for your cooperation

My brother, sciencewatch and ebukasblog are two sides of one coin.

Implying that ebuka is smarter is too much of a compliment.

The only difference between them is that Sciencewatch is the most incoherent confused moniker whose posts are like merry go rounds. I have honestly tried to understand what that guy says and I have given up,

he starts his post like one on a journey to VI from Ikeja, he then diverts to apapa-oshodi then enters orile then comes out at costain then climbs eko bridge then connects to third mainland then goes straight to cms then turns back and finally lands at yaba

The guy na case, him and his stupid alternate moniker named Hond aka brave atheist.
If I had met these folks when I was a Christian I would have deconverted since 2008. Even xtians on this forum know that these guys are a freaking joke.

bennyann:
LiberaDeus Well-done ehn. I can't believe I came here late.

So you think I'm not a free thinker. As your free thinking is biased towards Deism, it is the same way mine is biased towards Christianity.

I support that freethinkers should be outspoken because I hate pretense with a passion but wisdom should be applied as to where ( so you won't kill yourself for nothing if it's in the north ) and how ( stop mocking others decisions, respect is needed in conversations) and when ( just know the right time to say it, not to spite one but to make them understand) and to whom ( you should know who to trust about your faith and not to tell those that may use it against you. There's no book telling you to be outspoken like the Christians. But I insist your loved ones should be aware especially the one you would want to get married to).

A time is coming this wouldn't be issues anymore to your likes in Nigeria because the world is framed to be like that already. So I wouldn't be surprised when that time comes. Besides I can't wait for Jesus to come take me home

What I'm trying to say is Wisdom is what is needed for now for your own safety but be transparent to your loved ones and those that matter to you. Honesty is a key to so many things.

Well, me I can't hide Jesus but wisdom is still needed.

But don't you all forget you need Jesus. Your intelligence won't help you where and when it matters most.

Thank you for your comment.

I like the fact that you are firmly believing in your religion and still maintaining a liberal tolerating attitude.

sonofluc1fer:
Everyone knows I'm atheist. I don't hide it. I try to educate people respectfully and my 'wit' helps me navigate uncomfortable situations.

I've lived with an aunt who is a deaconess in one of the big churches. She'd preach to me everytime, but with time, she got to respect me for being open and honest.. It influenced her perspective and, with time, she grew more relaxed and trusting around me.

Don't hide who you are for anyone. It's really not worth it. A lot of you have passion and zeal to change things, to change our sorry affairs. Surely, even logic agrees that silence is acceptance.

Ride your fears.

I like your style sir. This is what i have been saying.

Especially the bolded

randomperson:
Wow... Beautiful thread.
Anyways, like many other humanities, am a church guy. I play keyboard and guitar for my church at home and my fellowship in school. I have been the president of my church based student fellowship, assistant music director of the church and a bible quiz champion right from my childhood....
So cutting those ties will have to be gradual. But I understand I can't continue like this forever. When a Pastor says something so inherently wicked and brandishes it as a proof of God's benevolence and u have to nod in agreement... The inner irritation is unhealthy...
So it's going to happen one day but one step at a time.

Hmm Oga

You see why christians call us devils
They would say you have been the worship leader for years just like Lucifer was in heaven.

Acidosis:
as usual, you cannot take away madness from "these" freethinkers..

One thing they are good at is the tendency to play the victim card. See them brainstorming for survival strategy even while their perceived relevance anchors on a deep hatred towards God.

You want to stay immune from "insults", yet your beliefs anchor on a sheer hatred towards God? My brother, this na madness oo.

Nobody cares really, I meet a lot of freethinkers daily; 6 of 10 people you meet in Lagos today don't worship any God. Most don't even go to Church or Mosque; so what's the issue about?

There are lots of morally upright folks out there who do not belong to any denomination, so you folks should stop hiding and playing the victim card! The same freethinker that renamed holy ghost as holy goat is busy brainstorming for survival tips... lol, what a congregation of pathetic dunces. You want to be respected even while you resent others?

Meanwhile, for as long as you're quick to insult God, Christians, and religious beliefs, it is pointless searching for survival strategy... There's no peace for the wicked so get ready for INSULTS, particularly from ME. The headache is yet to start, trust me

As for the ma.d woman up here ^ ^, nobody take your comments seriously so stop the self inflicted convulsion. You are not better than the agbero freethinker who prefers to extort money from Danfo drivers on a Sunday morning. That you stay in your home with your tv on a Sunday morning doesn't make you any better; you're just fortunate enough to have western education like every other educated man or woman, religious or irreligious, who earn a few notes to stay off the streets.

You think that 60% of lagosians are freethinkers?
Seriously, 60%
do you xtians live in an alternate universe?
For the fact that some people dont carry loudspeakers around and share church fliers, that makes them freethinkers?

Teempakguy:
My Church recently celebrated for me, ten years of playing the keyboard in the church. they even bought a cake took pictures, and then they asked me to play any song I wanted. the hymn I ended up playing got them all crying.

I'm also the youth choir master and song leader.
In real life, I'm usually described as "funny", "jovial", "smart" and "kind" and yet, I'm an agnostic atheist. I'm currently surrounded on every side by religious friends and acquaintances. The thing is, most times, it's very much less stressful to just not come out. the unnecessary problems that result are often . . . unnecessary.

if I ever decide to come out, I will have first spent the three previous years distancing myself from this circle. but even so, it's going to break a lot of hearts.

Guy you dey try oh . You dey really try oh

My own personal character flaw is that am too arrogant towards the ignorant. If there is anything I feel that should separate humans into social classes and strata that thing is knowledge or exposure.
For me pretending around religious people is like pretending around kids.

Am not apologetic about the fact that I look down on those who are deeply religious. I don't look down on the entirety of their lives, many of them are successful businessmen, career folks etc but when I look at their religious lifestyle I can't help but shake my head in disdain and disgust.
So for me to pretend around them is much much harder for me.

Well I believe you being a musician might have encouraged you. Believe me when I say there are few places that practice the harmony and completeness of music like churches.

Maybe you are in love with your trade. But the day you will come out of the closet, the drama you will see eh, the laughs would be worth a lifetime.

JackBizzle:



If I start a humanist NGO, would you and liberadeus join as trustees?

A sounding yes.

I would gladly join and donate oh. I don't know about Sharon. Am even looking for a live group to be part of.

Lennycool:

Yeah I do this often.
Like one of my friends was really surprised about my atheism and all, he couldn't believe that someone could ever doubt something as certain as the existence of God. The guy was always prodding me until I had enough.
That day I followed him to his house all the while bombarding him with logic.
At the end I saw something change in him, he laughed heartily and shook me firmly.
"Hailing atheist man!"
The guy never worry me since.
Most people think you can't defend you stance logically they see your position as downright mad.
Present logical that no human can deny and they will fall.
Happened to another of my friend too. I personally made that guy irreligious (to a point) and another I turned into an atheist one time. The answer has been in most of these guys faces for a long time, they just need someone to prod the fires of reasoning.
I once believed everything in the Bible even though I quite respected scientific laws, i saw nothing wrong with God killing people, or supporting slavery.
I simply never thought deeply about any of it, till someone made me think on them(Stephen king, John Green, Founder of Howstuffswork). And now I'm an atheist.
So we must be outspoken, we most be the anti venom to religious delusion. Some causes are greater than just one person.

Exactly what am saying.
The most important thing is that those your friends didn't villify or castigate you afterwards. That's what I keep saying that not every Christian is like pidgin or analice.


I think it's pointless doing so much to hide your belief when most of the people you would tell would actually be ok with it, they might not embrace you with open hands but at least they won't kill you. And in the end you are doing them the greatest service ever.


That's why most Nigerians who have lived abroad for a long while have been forced to be tolerant. We can't just allow the light of our knowledge to be intimidated back into oblivion. We know all their arguments, we even had those arguments back then but they don't know what we have to tell them and they can't stand it and remain the same.

Lennycool:


Even inside bus sef, man suppose to chill except you wan trek the rest of your journey.

As in eeh. Driver go take am Sey you be devil Wey wan crash in motor. Dem go refund your money, drop you for road.

Lennycool:
I agree with the OP
There has been no greater time for a balance between religion and critical thinking. The Nigerian masses are being led like sheeps, if we don't speak out who will.
All my friends know me as an atheist, they have no problem with it, mostly because I knew them back when I was still christian. If i just met you however I don't disclose my irreligious beliefs unless you ask for it.
Atheist should be be more open, we need to counter delusional thinking in nigeria. We need to become more visible so more people will realise there is more to life than the religion they were born into. If a belief is never questioned it becomes fact. If no one questions the reality of God, how do we expect people to be free from the illusion.
But I do agree that speaking out must be done smartly, keep it mostly within educated circles or friendly situations.
No go preach for market ohh

No if na that market own, just forget am. You don die be that. After lynching you, Wetin you go see for nairaland na " male witch killed in market after trying to hypnotize and kidnap traders"

Lennycool:
I agree with the OP
There has been no greater time for a balance between religion and critical thinking. The Nigerian masses are being led like sheeps, if we don't speak out who will.
All my friends know me as an atheist, they have no problem with it, mostly because I knew them back when I was still christian. If i just met you however I don't disclose my irreligious beliefs unless you ask for it.
Atheist should be be more open, we need to counter delusional thinking in nigeria. We need to become more visible so more people will realise there is more to life than the religion they were born into. If a belief is never questioned it becomes fact. If no one questions the reality of God, how do we expect people to be free from the illusion.
But I do agree that speaking out must be done smartly, keep it mostly within educated circles or friendly situations.
No go preach for market ohh

Exactly what am saying.

If your Christian friends or acquaintances ever want to argue with you, you don't even need to talk too much, just ask them some simple questions and their mind would do the rest for them

Questions like
1. Who wrote the bible
2. What will happen to your ancestors and all human beings that never believed in your god
3. What of Indians, Chinese etc

The above questions exist in the minds of most Christians. Many ask it and when they don't find a satisfying answer, they just recoil back into faith. Those same people might give a testimony of how they were former atheists but now see the light. These are people that never crossed the line but just pondered a bit.

If we are outspoken, our words will always exist in their minds and when they start questioning, those who are born to be free[ not the delusional, bigoted] will find that freedom.

The human mind is a pattern recognizing entity, you must throw signs or an idea into it, once that is done, even if it takes years the person who receives the idea will begin to see the patterns.

mrmrmister:
Funny thread
Nigerian schools can expell you for being an atheist.
You can as well lose your job/ contracts/ investors.

I agree with hopefulLandlord to some extent though.

If you're going public, do it with wisdom.

Definitely Covenant university should expel you for being one. All the other christian universities can and will do that to you.

I highly doubt that our federal or state universities would do that. A reasonable percentage of their professors and doctors are freethinkers. I can't imagine any Nigerian federal university caring about your religion.

As for secondary schools, the rest is history

Seun:
@LiberaDeus: I agree with you on almost every point. People make a lot of sacrifices for religion and get only empty promises in return. It's a monumental waste of resources, and people need to know that they can do without it. But I don't think I would want to hide my beliefs from someone I am dating, unless I'm not looking for anything serious with that person. If she can't handle it, then it was never going to work.

@hopefulLandlord: Striving to be known for something positive before people learn that you're an atheist is a super idea; thanks for sharing it.

Yes , empty sacrifices and no guidance in return.

The fact is that not every religious person who starts using their reasoning faculties on their religion would eventually see the light.


Some might start criticizing based on challenges in life or just purely intellectual reasons but most will still make it back to theism because of no guidance and the fact that they feel something is wrong with them.
We are all lucky to be free, lucky to have NL religious section, lucky to have Google and the internet at large.

But even with this tools at our disposal, it had to take some prodding by some freethinkers we had met, a bit of extra extra boldness to test the wrath of our gods then and most importantly the time to focus and analyze our religions.
Many religious people can find their way but will never do so because the odds are so low in Nigeria. We can change those odds by just being real.

MrMontella:

my parents and brothers know I am irreligious.

my friends know me as both irreligious and as a Christian.
I respond to people based on their personalities.

On a professional scale, I am a full blooded Christian. baptized with the holy goat

but I intend to be fully known as an irreligious man, when I'm fully settled and relevant in my habitat.

NB: Never tell your loud mouthed friend about your irreligious tendencies,no matter how drunk you are. It could damage your access to a future contract/contact.
no matter how close you may be.

Na wa oh, na real wa

So that means if I see you in real life and we mistakenly get into a slight religious argument, you would pitch swords against me. Hmm, do you know what you would be doing to Brother As faith? Just seeing you do that would make him feel stronger in his delusion. Anyhow I believe you will come out soon.

The ironical thing is this
When you come out, many of your brethren might cook up different explanations as to why you backslid
- they might say you found a level of wealth and you felt you were too much for god

- they might say that you stopped praying and attending church thereby making you spiritually cold.

JackBizzle:






It is easy to be brave online where there is no danger.


I repeat- 7/10 Nigerians are mad. Religiously mad. I can either join the madness or suffer the wrath of many mad people.

Hahaha
But living in Nigeria, you see lunatics on the street at least every other day. It doesn't scare you, being mad is one thing, being dangerous is another.

What's so bad about the wrath of many mad people? They would hate you, curse you and smugly tell you they are praying for you but if you ain't living in Kano or zamfara, all these would still remain social issues that don't really bring bodily harm to you.

Do you also know how many smart, well read folks would have seen things differently just because you are outspoken?

Trust me when I say that many Nigerians haven't seen an atheist before, they have an evil stereotypical view of them, a lady in my former workplace refused to believe I was a freethinker just because she had a belief that all atheists were occultic, wealthy folks who just sat at home and money followed them, her question to me was " why are you still here working, why won't you just be at home making money?"
.

Imagine such dogmatic, ignorant thinking

For Nigerians, these terms mean the same thing

Freemason
Freethinkers
Atheist
Agnostic
Mystic
Occult
Spiritist
Diviner

Many still think am just joking or just trying to get some attention, I don't blame them because their view of freethinkers doesn't fit and will never fit with what we really are. That's why I want us to be outspoken because we have the power to influence the future of this nation.


When people start seeing that we are human like them and most mportantly when they see our reasons and intellect then they would reconsider their stance, worst case scenario : they liberalize their views, best case scenario: they reconsider the whole bullshit they believe

We can't let darkness dominate just because they have more numbers. We hold the real light of mental freedom and I think its selfish for us to even go as far as pretending to be like them. You might never record any atheist convert but somewhere someone is seeing the real life of an atheist.

hopefulLandlord:
Inasmuch as I would love atheists and freethinkers to be more open and only a few things would give me more joy than that, I still wouldn't say Nigeria is ripe enough for this

First, Nigeria is a little too ultrareligious, it runs so deep its unbelievable

My advice is that any freethinker that wants to be open should be already known for SEVERAL good things, this softens the situation and goes aong way into helping him/her achieve acceptance from those around him

Example, when someone learns about Seun, the first thing that comes to mind is "Oh! That guy owns Nairaland, which is one of the most visited sites in Nigeria, he's a millionaire and very young", at this point he already has several "positives" ascribed to him and rightly so that even if his atheism is brought up now it wouldn't change much about the perception of him

This makes it easy for someone like him to be more open, those other achievements have a way of giving a very soft landing for him and dents his image in a negligible way

In my own case, I'm not as popular as Seun, but I try to make sure everyone that knows I'm an atheist already knows a lot of other good things about me and I do this like my life depends on it BECAUSE it might depend on it!

I'm known more for being charitable, very kind, considerate, jovial at times, very gentle, focused, knowledgeable about many things, always ready to help when I can, very slow to anger (very very slow to anger), good listener, counsellor etc of course that doesn't mean I'm a doormat or a sissy, far from it, I do stand firm and put my foot down when necessary but since my source of livelihood isn't in anyway connected to my area, those times are very rare and while I'm very private, I welcome almost anyone into my home

What this does is that once someone that has known me more for such things find out I'm an atheist, he/she doesn't have this violent emotional reaction or look of disdain

I've lost count of the number of times people have approached me to ask directly if I'm really an atheist like someone told them and I'll reply in the affirmative, they'll then say that they thought I was a "Christian" all these while because I behave like one

Make sure people know you for good things other than atheism and try as much as you could to make those "other qualities" more pronounced

In Nigeria, its a recipe for disaster if the first thing someone knows about you is that you're an atheist because you would hardly have the fair hearing you deserve due to the fact that the average Nigerian regards atheists to be worse than paganists, worse than Boko Haram (never mind their denying that), worse than armed robbers, worse than rapists, worse than our corrupt politicians, worse than the worst of the worst things you can think of

this prejudice is responsible for atheism not having mainstream attention, don't be fooled by church and mosque goers, some of them are atheists doing that for survival and keeping up appearances, some of the monickers that argue here are only doing it when online and keep their atheism to themselves physically and believe me they're not stupid for doing that

I want us to come out but let us individually think it through because there's no one size fits all; if you feel your source of livelihood is dependent on your keeping up appearance, please continue with the façade because there's no mythical heaven or any benefit whatsoever connected to your sacrificing your livelihood for atheism

those that are still dependent on ultrareligious parents and families for support especially financial and educational support shouldn't come out and if they want to do that they can start by telling their parents that a "Friend of mine just told me he's an atheist, how can someone say he doesn't believe in any god?" ask their opinion on the matter and watch and take note of their reaction; many ultrareligious parents would tell you to AVOID that
friend and that should tell you something


tired here

Nice

Will reply some of your points

MrMontella:

cold hard truth bro
and lol at highlighted
Nigeria is over religious so the above precautions are necessary sometimes

Oh yeah

Mr.Montella How do you present yourself to people in Nigeria ? As a Christian, atheist , agnostic or maybe occultist

lepasharon:


I don't know if your thread applies to women. Nigerians are bullies, they will defo pick on a woman for being non religious

As a woman, you would need to have a real thick skin in Nigeria. Here are a list of things you could be called

1. A demonic witch trying to allow Satan enter the family of your spouse. More like a jezebel.

2. A debaucher: an immoral lady who wants to have her way and do as she likes

If you can't endure such things then no need coming clean. But I believe the truth that unfolds when you leave religion is so humongous, the intellectual strength needed to break free from religion is so much that if you have successfully done that then most likely you would be immune from such tirades