I agree that this is the best approach to it. Live and let live.
I’m an atheist as well, and I definitely went through that stereotypical antagonistic phase when I was much younger, and now I cringe about it. I’ve softened on religion a lot since then and no longer view it as a human failing that has only caused harm. I respect that others may have reached a different conclusion than me, and I recognize that religion has served as a vehicle for culture that has driven much of the societal progress and values that we take for granted today.
I was very antagonistic because I grew up an atheist in a conservative ultracatholic hell. Now I live in a chill place that used to also be conservative ultracatholic hell. I got to meet religious people that didn’t sincerely believe that I deserve to be tortured forever for not believing in what they do, who aren’t bigots, who believe in abortions, who hate rapist priests. When people aren’t mad at you all the time, it’s so much more peaceful to reciprocate.
It’s easy to fall into antitheism when the only religious people around you are structurally supporting evil, it’s hard when you see that people can actually have a positive relationship with their religion and community, even if they are incorrect about some metaphysical truth.
I agree that this is the best approach to it. Live and let live.
I’m an atheist as well, and I definitely went through that stereotypical antagonistic phase when I was much younger, and now I cringe about it. I’ve softened on religion a lot since then and no longer view it as a human failing that has only caused harm. I respect that others may have reached a different conclusion than me, and I recognize that religion has served as a vehicle for culture that has driven much of the societal progress and values that we take for granted today.
I was very antagonistic because I grew up an atheist in a conservative ultracatholic hell. Now I live in a chill place that used to also be conservative ultracatholic hell. I got to meet religious people that didn’t sincerely believe that I deserve to be tortured forever for not believing in what they do, who aren’t bigots, who believe in abortions, who hate rapist priests. When people aren’t mad at you all the time, it’s so much more peaceful to reciprocate.
It’s easy to fall into antitheism when the only religious people around you are structurally supporting evil, it’s hard when you see that people can actually have a positive relationship with their religion and community, even if they are incorrect about some metaphysical truth.
Don’t feel cringey about personal growth, that’s a badge of honor