First off, I was never a muslim. I simply studied Islamic faith and tradition and began reading the Qur'an to help my life. Unfortunately, while I believe that a majority of Muslims are moderate and that all religions have violent elements; I just can't follow religion. I can't accept a philosophy that states how innocent people will be maimed and tortured after death for simply not believing in God. I just seems self-serving to believe that. Unless someone can prove me otherwise, I am now a secular humanist.

You can still be a secular humanist and take examples from some of the Qur'an's teachings to apply to your life. You just don't have to credit Allah, you can claim accountability on your own.

I borrow from Christianity all the time when adopting philosophies like "turn the other cheek" and "do unto others". I just don't find the whole God factor necessary to believe in order to achieve these things personally.

Good for you, shittywok, for being able to determine the difference between doing what's right as your own imperative, and doing what's right just to serve a God.

Doesn't it feel good to take on the responsibility to be a moral person without help from an outside source?

I wouldn't just abandon your studies altogether of the Islamic faith now that you've reached this important decision. There is probably a lot to learn about a large number of human beings and their imperatives by carefully examining the religions they choose to follow.

Maybe the Qur'an can still help you achieve a greater understanding of other human beings, which IMO should be the ultimate goal and responsibility for all people.

good choice...

Richard Dawkins is probably the best known atheist writer. His newest book, "The God Delusion", is an excellent read.

Also, on Youtube, the users, TheAmazingAtheist and OneLessGod make many videos discussing atheism in general and in their lives. They are worth watching.

God is a santa claus for adults.

I, as an athiest, don't need to be scared of being on the naughty list when my time comes in order to make me be a good person.

quote:Originally posted by Cuban:

Richard Dawkins is probably the best known atheist writer. His newest book, "The God Delusion", is an excellent read.

The God Delusion was great, and so is The End of Faith (http://www.samharris.org/) by Sam Harris, and in my opinion, the best of them all: Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomena (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-plZ_g0egw) by Daniel Dennett.

You don't consider atheism. You consider becoming Buddhist or Satanic. If you don't believe in God/gods, you're atheist automatically.

quote:Originally posted by I AM THE ANTICHRIST:

You don't consider atheism. You consider becoming Buddhist or Satanic. If you don't believe in God/gods, you're atheist automatically.

Don't join any of the athiest churches out there.

quote:Originally posted by MasterPython:

Don't join any of the athiest churches out there.

My point exactly.