Is it normal that im experiencing guilt after switching 'religions'?

81% Normal
10 Comments

After growing up with Catholic values, I soon discovered that I didn't believe what I was taught. I've done research and discovered that Im Agnostic, meaning I classify myself as being "unsure" of God's existence. Ever since then, Ive stopped going to Church, which is a huge relief to me. But with the freedom comes this overwhelming guilt. Ive read online that it takes awhile for the guilt to go away, because Ive grown up believing this stuff and being told Id go to hell if I denied God. Ive heard that it takes a bit for you to finally hit the freedom spot where the freedom of not being forced to believe any certain beliefs kicks in. Can any ex-Catholics or people who switched to being Atheist/Agnostic tell me their experience? Please dont tell me that I 'need Jesus' or force your religion on me, or that the guilt comes from the absence of God, because Ive made up my mind. So for atheists only: Is it normal that I feel guilt after switching to being agnostic?

Voting Results
81% Normal
Based on 26 votes (21 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 10 )
  • Avant-Garde
    10 years ago

    I think all of us converters go through this stage. It often takes time for us to be comfortable enough with our new belief systems.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    2
    2
  • green_boogers
    10 years ago

    I feel a sense of mild hatred for the Catholic clergy. They should know not to brainwash children. The guilt slowly went away, but the subtle hatred never did.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    1
    1
  • KeddersPrincess
    10 years ago

    Same here. I often feel that guilt myself. I became an Agnostic just recently and, I must say, it sometimes doesn't feel right. I often find myself still praying before bed simply because it's what I'm used to.

    I think that, for me, it's being unsure. Not being certain what the truth is and it being hard to leave what I always knew. Especially since my entire family is still Christian.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    1
    1
  • VirgilManly
    10 years ago

    I wouldn't exactly consider becoming agnostic as switching religions.

    I was raised Catholic, I only go to church for weddings and funerals. I question everything I was taught about religion... any religion. I suppose I believe in some sort of higher power just not exactly the way we were brought up to believe in one. Some will say I'm no Catholic, others will say I'm a cafeteria Catholic (I take what I want and leave the rest behind.)

    Religious beliefs aside, I still make an effort to be a fair and decent person just because I think it's the right thing to do.

    I'm rambling but I hope it helps.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    1
    1
  • fullhouse
    9 years ago

    I switch back n forth between Hinduism n Agnosticism but never felt guilt. I believe in God but not the rituals. I pray in my mind whenever I feel like. I thank god whenever something good happens, pray whenever I need strength. But when I stopped believing I made up my mind by thinking About the logic in religion.
    I'd advise you to keep an open mind n say to yourself that you've made a decision because your heart felt so, you don't need others opinion. That's it

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • xov._
    9 years ago

    the only way to HEAVEN is to Repent and become Born Again, the only way you will go to hell is if you do not accept GODS Frre Gift which is Eternal Life through JESUS CHRIST

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • Anonymous Post Author
    10 years ago

    Please this is a poll for people who have experience switching religions before. This isn't a place for you to push your religious views onto me. If you believe in God please don't vote or comment, I would prefer if this were an atheist/agnostic discussion only

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
      -
    • Jfdp
      9 years ago

      But dude I AM an Agnostic/Athiest read my post again, im speaking hypothetically

      Comment Hidden ( show )
      0
      0
  • Jfdp
    10 years ago

    I'm going through just such a phase myself, which should come to the surprise of some of you if you come across my bible bashing boastings in some other threads, if god is real, and he is all knowing, I really don't see how he can hate athiests and agnostics anymore than he can hate non Christians for never hearing about god or jesus christ

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • 4nother1
    10 years ago

    God would understand. He IS us afterfall, supposedly. I'm still a firm God believer and still say "supposedly" but I'm faithful not just in him but also that he would understand there are so many different interpretations of him and his ways that it can't be certain. You're in the clear. If I'm wrong I give you permission to tell God it was my fault for being a false prophet. ;p

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0