BellaOnline Forums Religion and Spirituality Atheist Am I Athiest?

I do not believe in a god but know there is an afterlife. I do not follow any religions but based on experiences I know there is "something" that cant be explained so my question is since I do not believe ion any religion does that make me an athiest?

I do believe in afterlife 100 percent so I feel I am not Athiest because I know there is an afterlife so I guess I am spiritual then?

Your description sounds a bit more like an Agnostic than an Atheist, to me anyway. Agnosticism - the view that we can't know whether there is a god or not, and that it's therefore worth reserving judgement until there is further evidence. But there are many levels of Agnostics including those who feel there is no god, but there is some sort of spiritual energy.

Thanks Elle I guess I am not an athiest then. I guess I am more spiritual than because I know 100 percent there is an afterlife because I have had an expirience with the paranormal that proved to me that after we die it is not the end.

I think everyone has to figure out for themselves what they believe, and whether to believe in God or not. Even if someone decides they will follow what a religion says completely(rare), they make the choice to do so.

Many people today, particularly in America, may be religious but not conform to a particular religion. Some join a church, but disagree with some of the things taught in their church. Some people believe in God but don't have any desire to go to any church. Some attend more than one. I've met Christian-Buddhists, Buddhist-Jews, and some even more unlikely combinations. As cultures move across the planet and science influences us, finding what we believe in can be more complex because we're exposed to more choices and ideas.

I would ask yourself some questions. Is it important to you to believe in God or some higher force? Is it important to you not to believe in "God" at least as it is conventionally portrayed? Here's a big one: What difference might it make in your life if you believe in God or not? Is it the word "god" that bothers you? Would another word work? Did your family have a religious faith? Did you disagree with the beliefs your parents or church tried to pass to you? Are there spiritual questions you seek answers for? Would talking to a person, or people of different beliefs help you to decide what is right for you? Or would that just confuse you?

I might have suggested too many questions. Start with what you feel to be true, then work on whichever question seems first.

When i took a world religions course in college, part of our requirements included visiting churches, synagogues, mosques or temples outside of our faith. It was a WONDERFUL experience!!! I thank my teacher for making it a requirement to pass the course. In the very least, it helped us to understand people different from ourselves. We went with buddies, which made it more comfortable to go to places that were for us, strange. You could do that too, if you wished. It's fun! You don't have to be a believer to go. We were welcome everywhere we went, and our hosts were pleased to answer our questions and help us to know how to show respect in their place of worship. No one tried to convert us, we were just made to feel welcome to visit or come back if we wished.

I am not myself, a church goer. I have always admired all religions. To me, each one is an expression of love for God, life, the one, whatever you want to call it. To me, each religion or personal expression is like a piece of music, all speaking love for God, life and our fellow humanity. I wouldn't want there to be less music in the world. It's all beautiful.

Though i was not raised with any religious upbringing, i find the world seems a better place if i personally believe in God. I think it has helped me to put my self in a healthier perspective... i'm not the only important thing in the world! When i'm frightened or sad or confused, i don't feel so alone, either. By believing, i can always talk to God, and listen for answers. To me, these are plusses.

I wish you luck.

In my opinion you are not an athiest.

You don't sound like an atheist to me, either. Sometimes it is hard, however, to find a proper label to explain to other people what you believe in a way they'll understand. Saying you're "Spiritual" is probably a good way to go, because it sounds more open-ended to most people than "atheist" or "agnostic" do, even though people who use those terms can actually vary significantly in their views on life and death, as well.

Thanks for all your responses,its helped me to clarify the fact that I am not an Athiest.

You are welcome.