9 Benefits of Leaving Your Religion

"When I was younger and I realized that my religious beliefs were probably wrong, I still hesitated for a while before admitting to myself I was an atheist. I remember falling asleep one night without praying, kind of scared, waking up and realizing nothing was wrong with me. No scars.

I am so glad now that I left my faith. I don't believe my parent's religion was oppressive or as dogmatic as other religions are today, but becoming an atheist really made things better for me.

My friend Neil actually wrote a great article about the benefits of leaving faith -- in his case, Christianity -- and you can read it here. He gave me permission to talk about some of his ideas in this video -- as my Facebook followers offered additional ideas, too." (Hement's text continues below the video.)
http://youtu.be/p9y4TcIcvVM


9 Benefits of Leaving Your Religion

Hemant Mehta (http://www.friendlyatheist.com, http://www.patreon.com/Hemant , https://www.facebook.com/friendlyatheist)

Inspired by:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/godlessi...
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...So what are the benefits of leaving your faith?

1) There's no conflict anymore.

I don't think it's possible to reconcile science and religion. When those two go head-to-head, science always wins. No scientific theory has ever been replaced by a religious belief.

But think about the conflicts religious people have to deal with:

Do you believe what's written in Genesis or all the evidence in support of the Big Bang and evolution?

2) You can embrace science instead of fearing it

So many religions have their own creation myths, and many of those directly contradict what scientists have learned over the past few centuries.

3) You can accept people you used to judge harshly

Various religions teach that homosexuality is a sin. Or that LGBT people are somehow deviant or broken. Or that single people aren't whole. Or that couples who choose not to have children haven't fulfilled their purpose.

4) You can give credit where it's due

When a doctor saves the life of a patient, or an actor wins an award, or a football player scores a touchdown, how often do we hear them give thanks to God? God didn't do that! You did! You worked hard. You put in all the hours. You're the one who made the sacrifices. You deserve a pat on the back.

When you're an atheist, you can give the credit where it's due -- to the experts, to the people who worked hard, and to yourself, when it's appropriate.

5) You get your Sunday mornings back

This isn't a joke. For people who work on weekdays and only have a couple days to unwind, getting some time to sleep in, or go out for breakfast, or enjoy a hobby you really love is incredible! It makes you less stressed out and healthier, too.

For so many people, going to church is a chore. They do it because they feel obligated to, not because they really want to be there.

It turns out there are much better ways to spend your time. Go volunteer. Go spend more time with your family. Go read a book.

Congratulations -- you just found several more hours in your day.

6) Better sex

It's true. You don't have to feel guilty all the time if you're not married. You don't have to be afraid of exploring your fantasies even if you are.

You don't have to feel guilty about using birth control. Or getting tested. Or having multiple partners if that's what you want.

When you're an atheist, you're in control. You get to decide what you do. God doesn't tell you when and how and with whom you have sex.

7) More realistic expectations about life and death

I think it's an important realization that there's no afterlife awaiting you. There's only this life. That means you better make the most of it.

8) It makes you more moral

I'm not saying atheists are always good or religious people are always bad. We know that's not that case.

9) You get richer

No, really, you're not giving a tithe out of obligation. That's a lot of extra money you might have over the course of a year. I hope you put it to good use. Give it to a worthwhile charity, or just buy yourself something nice. You deserve it.
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What are the other benefits of leaving a religion? Let us know!

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