top 200 commentsshow all 308

[–]badbluemoon 163 points164 points ago

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Then I started thinking about the times I went to church and sat in silence next to him, not talking, not 'being father and son' and that's even more time. I only had barely 18 years with the man, every minute would have been a treasure if I had known.

Damnit, I cried, you get an upvote. And my condolences - sorry about your father, OP.

[–]glitcher21 410 points411 points ago

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That cheeseburger is such a beautiful metaphor for atheism, I'm glad you had the sense to make one for yourself. Great story.

[–]rubypele 82 points83 points ago

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Several years ago, I had to live on a separate continent from my husband while his visa was going through. I had just returned to the States and was terribly depressed because I didn't know when he'd be able to join me.

My first meal back, I wanted a nice Jack-in-the-Box cheeseburger. I was carrying it to my room to get online and talk to my husband when it went sliding from my plate and landed on the carpet. I lost it and started bawling. I made it through the 30 hour flight, the assholes at security who kept making me remove my shoes and went through my stuff repeatedly every single time because I was a woman traveling alone, saying goodbye to my husband...but dammit, dropping that cheeseburger made me lose it.

[–]emanem 26 points27 points ago

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In Spanish we say it's the last drop that spills the glass. You go through a lot of shit with your head up and then you lose it for the tiniest stupid thing. It happens!

[–]camawon 11 points12 points ago

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I typically hear "straw that breaks the camel's back."

[–]Davey_Jones 7 points8 points ago

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For Family Guy, it's paper towels.

[–]ItWasAliens420 4 points5 points ago

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at least for Lois

[–]BadEnding 27 points28 points ago

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That slightest chiseling which breaks the stone... I cannot imagine the love you share, the space between and the longing you felt, but I'll be damned if I can't say I know that feeling of a dropped burger. Such a subtle straw laying on the hump, the poor camel unaware that soon he will collapse. It's rough. Lately I've been coming to terms with a lot of emotions that have been dormant or hidden, maybe trampled and stood upon. No matter how hard one may try to look above the rising water level eventually you know, you feel it coming, the chills, tense joints, hard nipples- just look up and ignore the water. Then plop, it's close enough to hear your tear drop. Immediately you're angry the water is trying to kill you, drown an innocent swimmer, flailing for the edge to pull yourself out. Or, whatever..

[–]radeky 22 points23 points ago

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That slightest chiseling which breaks the stone.

I had this recently.

One of my best friends passed away from an accidental overdose. I lost it late the first night I found out. But recovered and maintained my stoic, solid presence so that everyone else could have a resource as they came to terms with the loss.

Funeral came, and I was doing alright. Until the slideshow, and the one photo of me with him came up. I almost had to do the shameful run from the church. Managed to hold it together just enough to wait for the end of the service, get outside, head to my car and bawl the hardest I've ever cried. I cried so hard my nose started bleeding.

It was a direct item rather than indirect (dropped burger), but its the same minor instance that breaks through the wall and releases the floodgates of emotion.

[–]MyNameIsAldy 7 points8 points ago

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A year ago, my best friend died from a brain aneurism. She was only 14, and had her life ahead of her. I did my best to remain positive, even though I was dying on the inside. My friends were supportive, but I broke down randomly in the middle of class. I still don't know what caused it, but I try my best to forget it.

[–]radeky 4 points5 points ago*

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Its never bad, improper, unmanly, cowardly, stupid, idiotic, weak or whatever other word you want to use to experience your emotions.

It is not just okay, but natural and powerful to be that vulnerable.

I hate the term "I'm sorry for your loss". But its the closest thing I've found that fits that isn't a long ramble.

Basically, what I want to say is "I am sorry that you have had to experience the pain of an untimely death close to you. I wish that pain upon no person, and understand from my own experiences how hard of a situation that can be to handle. It is by no means simple to let go of someone you care for, let alone when that person is taken away from you suddenly and without warning."

Thats what I always want to say, and what I wish I heard more often.

[–]sharts_mcgee 2 points3 points ago

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Early October, my friend was killed from falling out of the back of a truck. Everyone was sad, but I wasn't on the outside. I wasn't really close to him, and I'm normally a reserved guy when it comes to my emotions. Anyways, the day I found out, I walked out of school and walked home 12 miles because I couldn't stand being at the same place my friend was the day before. It was that day I decided that if god was all loving, he sure has a dickish way of showing it.

[–]Gorfob 6 points7 points ago

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Never forget. Use that pain.

[–]Queen_Bea 5 points6 points ago

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Never underestimate the power of a hamburger

[–]ThisIsMyCouchAccount 2 points3 points ago

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I wish it were like this. It would be nice to be able to handle each and every situation without the weight of the previous ones. Of course, that would probably not be all that great.

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 8 points9 points ago

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Believe me, I get it. It's the little things in life, you just left your husband behind, the least the universe can do is let you enjoy a simple burger. But the universe doesn't play fair, because the universe doesn't play. It's just there, and we're in it. But you know what? We're in it together and for what it's worth, I'm happy to be in it with you Rubypele. Thanks for sharing your story with me.

[–]jcbarkley 70 points71 points ago

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Fuck Man. Manly tears were most definitely shed. As far as I'm concerned, you became an atheist for a perfectly good reason. You came to the realization that prayer doesn't work, and religion is a waste of time.

[–]SpikeMF 19 points20 points ago

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^ this. Maybe the initial trigger was a bit arbitrary (not getting a cheeseburger) but the reasoning is perfectly valid; especially to give you the initial push.

Very sad to read, though beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[–]vonzipper87 0 points1 point ago

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agreed

[–]newtraditionalists 61 points62 points ago

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I lost my mom two years ago when I was 22. I had a similar 'falling out' with god though I could never write it out as well as you. Let me just say that I am with you brother. Remember, the more cheeseburgers we make on our own, the more we get out of life.

[–]gristc 20 points21 points ago

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The more cheeseburgers we make on our own, the more we get out of life.

Words to live by.

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 4 points5 points ago

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Guess who had a cheeseburger this very night! Made with love by his adoring wife. Hint: it's me

[–]praisecarcinoma 39 points40 points ago

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You know, my wife and I, as atheists, always talked about the notion of introducing all religions to our children, and also explaining science, and the rationality on how there is no God - and then let them decide. But reading this, I feel like I no longer have an interest in wasting my children's time to have them learn about different aspects of theism when they could be spending their time enjoying other things in life and learn things that are worthwhile, and I being able to more enjoy time with them. Thanks for this awakening, OP.

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 24 points25 points ago

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If I've helped one person recounting my story, then I think it was worth it. Thank you.

[–]eelsify 6 points7 points ago

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it's a very, very good story. I'm sorry for your loss buddy.

[–]mizkatt 8 points9 points ago

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I'm an atheist and my husband is agnostic, and we have been raising our kids the same way as you....though I have been moving away from the religious exposure (mainly to protect them from hate and bigotry)...I think we are moving more towards teaching them about all of the religions of the world in a social studies context, the same way we discuss other cultural stuff like the arts and languages and different types of governments. We do a lot of comparing and contrasting. It is still important to learn about so that they don't grow to be ignorant about the world around them...I want them to know MORE about religion than the people who practice it, but I don't want them to waste their time with practicing it themselves. Most of the world is motivated by theistic ideas, and we need to understand them and show a lack of bias so that we can lead them through our positive example and so that we can engage them in a dialogue.

[–]emanem 6 points7 points ago

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My husband and me are both atheists from Catholic families. I was given a religious education but it wasn't imposed to me. I don't know when I defined myself as an atheist, it stared doubting those odd passages from the Bible, getting to know parents bought Christmas presents and so on. We didn't raise our children as Catholics but we didn't prevent our parents from sharing their beliefs with them. Right now my children aren't religious at all, Bible stories have the same credibility as Chinese horoscope or Cinderella tales but they lack some cultural items

[–]TedTheGreek_Atheos 36 points37 points ago

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There are no stupid "aha" moments, my friend. Epiphanies can come at the strangest times. I'm sorry for your loss.

[–]mrMind 27 points28 points ago

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First let me express my deepest condolence. This story is sad, but the interesting thing that i smiled at the end with the TL;DR section :) and then a irealized that i hope you will smile again soon, and may you live a happy life :)

[–]AndresTheAnteater 23 points24 points ago

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Disregard religion Acquire cheeseburgers

[–]jmarFTL 20 points21 points ago

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Good story. And how I've always felt about atheism. My family and I always butted heads around Christmas. My mom always wanted to go to Christmas Eve mass. Usually I just indulged her, one year I felt like fighting. It finally got to the point where she said "we're going to mass and spending time together as a family and you don't want to do that then just stay home!" And I essentially said what you thought of: "Sitting next to each other in silence is not spending time as a family. I'd rather go out for Chinese food or something." She still went to mass, I met them for Chinese food afterwards, and that's the compromise we worked out. But I think it took until that point before she saw that I wasn't simply trying to get out of doing "family stuff."

[–]Calackyo 19 points20 points ago

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that is a very good reason

[–]NonaSweets 16 points17 points ago

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I've always gone to reddit, but never made an account till after reading this. I had to share, because I never thought someone could have the same reason as I did. My father was sick since I was five. I also grew up Catholic, and prayed for him to get better everyday. Finals week of freshman year in college, he died. Alone. Mom was at work, I was at school. Never been more disappointed with God in my life. All of those years praying and taking care of him, and he had to die alone. I get pissed off just writing about it.

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 7 points8 points ago

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It rings all too true, sorry man.

[–]sireatalot 65 points66 points ago

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And people still say "religion doesn't harm anyone, if someone believes then let him pray, he'll feel better, even if there's no God". Damnit that's not true, and you're the proof. Religion does harm, it does waste precious time of your life that you'll never get back. Thanks for your story.

[–]Slowcow7 16 points17 points ago

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This is one of the best atheist conversion stories I have ever read. Kudos to you good sir! (Sorry about your loss.)

[–]FriEntlyPhysician 13 points14 points ago

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This isn't stupid at all. This is one of the most core reasons that could convert you to atheism. The fact that you realized in order to get something you have to take action, is very powerful and respectable. My condolences for your loss, but it isn't all bad because I feel you have taken a lot away from these life lessons and for that I am happy for you.

[–]Throwawaychica 14 points15 points ago

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This is a beautiful, yet sad story. :(

I went through a similar situation when I became an Atheist. 10 years ago, my ex-husband and I were in the middle of a divorce. He was very physically and mentally abusive and when I became pregnant he was enraged and threw me down a flight of stairs in an attempt to cause me to miscarry. I was quite shaken up afterwards but seemingly ok. I called my Mom and told her what happened and hours later, my Sister was on a flight to take me home.

At this point in my life, I was so defeated by my ex-husband and his abuse, that this baby was the only thing keeping me alive. I thanked God so much for giving me this precious life. And then the unthinkable happened, I started to cramp and bleed. I went to ER and the doctor said it was good news, a bit of placental tearing but still a strong heartbeat. Yet again, I thanked God. I was placed on bed rest for a week and the bleeding stopped, I thought all was fine, because God had listened to my prayers.

Two weeks later, during a regular visit the ultrasound technician came into the room and began giving me a scan. A few moments later she left without a word and the doctor came in, looked at the screen and told me the most dreaded words I would ever hear, “There is no heartbeat.” I lay on that examination table in shock while my life collapsed around me. I was numb at first, but then I got angry, so angry that I would scream at my parents when they told me it was all “Gods plan.” I kept thinking to myself, there is no God; no God would ever allow an innocent child to die.

It was then that I realized there is no God.

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 2 points3 points ago

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I'm very VERY sorry you had to go through that. I hope that time has lessened the wounds and that things are okay, or at least as okay as they can be.

[–]deathcapt 12 points13 points ago

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Yeah, Religion is not only evil for what it does, but evil for the resources it consumes which could otherwise be used to do so much good. Imagine if the Billions of dollars in the Churches coffers went to medical research or feeding kids in Africa. Or if the time taken in prayer everyday was put towards a food shelter, or Habitat for humanity or planting trees.

[–]rubypele 11 points12 points ago

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Bloody hell, if you'd asked me and I knew your dad just died, I'd have made you a damn bun from scratch. (Not that I would expect the staff to do this, just that I would do it.)

Sorry for your loss.

[–]Alexander_Penn 11 points12 points ago

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I keep seeing this type of "conversion" and it used to make me upset that people were becoming atheist for the wrong reasons. But then I realized that an emotional breakthrough like this is actually necessary for most people to shatter the purely emotional barrier that religion creates.

I became atheist slowly, as I started thinking more and more, and asking questions that didn't get satisfactory answers. I don't think I had any real moment of truth. I can't even remember when I changed from the most observant Jew to the most stalwart atheist.

All the best, OP. Enjoy your cheeseburger (like I now can).

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 28 points29 points ago

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At my father's funeral, a man came up to me, I didn't know who he was, but he shook my hand and said, "Your father was the only man I would take a handshake from as a contract." Turns out the guy owned a HUGE construction company (my dad owned a flooring sub contracting company). It is the only thing I really remember from that day and ironically a fond memory :)

[–]TreeRifik 8 points9 points ago

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[–]elbruce 10 points11 points ago

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Sometimes it's the small things in life that make the biggest impact. I used to know this guy named Mike, who ended up institutionalized just because he wanted a Pepsi and they wouldn't give him one.

[–]anothermaggot 4 points5 points ago

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Poor mike. He wasn't on drugs, he was fine. He was just thinking in his room. I feel so bad for him.

[–]coyote1284 4 points5 points ago

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He went to their schools, their churches, their institutional learning facilities, and they called him crazy!? Doesn't matter, he'll probably get hit by a car anyways.

[–][deleted] 18 points19 points ago*

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There is really no stupid reason for becoming an atheist, but there's no end of stupid reasons for being religious.

[–]Roarian 5 points6 points ago

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Well, there's conceivably really stupid reasons - you'd just end up with a position that's right entirely by accident, though.

E.g. some people get to atheism because they think all the gods were really aliens.

[–]Pintsucker 1 point2 points ago

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So true.

[–]Abatton 8 points9 points ago

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Perhaps the best reason to become atheist.

[–]arnoldbusk 8 points9 points ago

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Amazing, 10/10. Thanks OP!

[–]Coopa826 7 points8 points ago

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The TL;dr section is gold

[–]stop_superstition 7 points8 points ago

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Dad died, I wanted a cheeseburger to cheer myself up, didn't get one, became atheist.

This is the best reason I've ever heard for becoming an atheist.

I'm not kidding or being sarcastic or anything.

[–]stitchin-witch 7 points8 points ago

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thank you for sharing

[–]himagooddog 5 points6 points ago

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How I became an atheist: One day in the 70's back in grade 6 or 7 I thought about god for a minute and realized it made no sense.

[–]Thalaas 5 points6 points ago

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A sad story, but I can understand. Condolences.

[–]chemiisan 5 points6 points ago

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I wish all of our deconversions could be as beautiful as this.

[–]DrArtex 5 points6 points ago

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The TL;DR made me end up reading the whole story. Confused me a little

[–]Ilikehair 4 points5 points ago

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I became an atheist because I went to catholic school :)

[–]therandom83 5 points6 points ago

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My dad was checking out a girl in church one day, and all of a sudden wondered "why am I checking out this girl's ass? Is that all I come to church for?" He's an atheist now.

[–]thegregbradley 5 points6 points ago

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The TL;DR should read as: Turns out I CAN has cheezburger.

[–]Ed_Torrid 6 points7 points ago*

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i appreciate you sharing your very moving story it takes a lot of courage to take that step towards wresting control from the imaginary hands of tradition and placing it squarely on your back.

I have wanted to be a person in the service of other people my entire life. First I wanted to be a priest. Having been raised Catholic cemented my love of the faith and it's very long tradition. I fell in love and thought I could no longer only love God and all people the same so I decided to go to Medical school. After a terrible falling out with my family that I won't get into I moved across the country to study on my own. I figured if my family won't support my dreams then I can lace up my boots and do it myself. I worked hard. I slept in the library I was offered grants and scholarships and did everything right. I always thanked God and believed he was helping me so I could help other people. When I got accepted into Berkley as well as a few other of my top choice schools after spending two years getting laughed at for going to community college I was ready...but it fell apart. A stupid woman at the University decided to make my life hell by claiming that I wasn't a resident of my state. Because I had gone back home to help my injured father start up a company so that he and my mother could retire some day. This delayed me one year, then more paperwork, then another...by the time I got into school I had turned in so much paperwork and proven myself to everyone that I just didn't give a fuck. I couldn't find the motivation to go to school much less live. (A lot more happened in this time frame but this cemented Atheism for me). I went to the counseling office of my campus and said, Hi....my name is Ed my Id number is XXXXX and I don't want to live anymore. The man that helped me used to be a priest and turned psychologist. I think it was because he is homosexual that he too lost his love for the church. I spent a lot of time speaking with him about everything from philosophy to anthropology and we touched on all faiths. On the last day that I walked out of his office I said it, I'm an Atheist. God never helped me. I did it all. When I left my life in his hands, my life went to shit. All I did was idly by and pray like some idiot. I felt like I had betrayed myself and was furiously embarrassed. Now I'm working towards rebuilding my life. Every breath is mine, every success and failure fall on my shoulders. I too, learned to make cheeseburgers that day.

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 1 point2 points ago

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I think you made more than cheeseburgers. See, that's why my reason is stupid, it pales in comparison to what you went through/are going through. I wish you the best, Ed_Torrid thank you very much for sharing your story with me.

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points ago

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I cried, honestly. I cried like a fucking bitch at this story.

[–]porkmaster 8 points9 points ago

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and now you know the rest of the story

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 1 point2 points ago

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I resemble that cat in far too many ways

[–]squigs 4 points5 points ago

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It does make sense.

Perhaps he has some sort of complex plan that results in your father being ill, and then dying. We can't think of one but who are we to doubt the plans of a god? It's a rationalisation but it's one that Christians can make sense of. Everyone dies after all.

But what is his plan for depriving you of a damn cheeseburger? That would seem simply petty. At the time it was all you wanted. Does God do anything!? The only plausible answer is "no".

[–]reddit_user13 4 points5 points ago

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If there is a god, this story proves that god is a DICK.

[–]RecklessC 4 points5 points ago

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I came for the cake, then I found out it was a lie.

[–]MemeInception 4 points5 points ago

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Church Champ, 7th Grade. I was unsure at that point about my beliefs, but not with the confidence I strive with now. I was off at congregation with the rest of my friendly camp mates for the evening, as I returned to my bunk I see two counselors waiting patiently for me on my bed. I walk up to them and say "whats up guys?" they reply: "we need to talk." Fear struck over me, that hurry me out the door to a dark, quiet table to inform me of my unforgivable sins. (My grandfather, a week before, gave me a heaping pile of fireworks for my return home. I forgot to take them out of the same bag I used for the trip). These two counselors yelled, screamed, threatened and said that I was a sinner, liar and generally bad person. I stuck my middle finger up to that hypocritical BS at that moment and never turned back.

TL;DR Church Counsolers rummage thru kids bags while they are away at church to then later call them sinners. = Atheist Kid.

[–]Invisible_Walrus 3 points4 points ago

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You can has cheeseburger :) one of the best reasons I've ever heard :)

[–]Mavee 2 points3 points ago

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I'm sorry for your loss. Your story made me feel uneasy -- good luck to you, best of luck!

[–]shima7 3 points4 points ago

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Went through the exact same scenario with my mom. It sucked. Was a heathen long before that though.

[–]wolffml 4 points5 points ago

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Very touching. Thanks so much for sharing this.

[–]SmakkaVakka 2 points3 points ago

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I actually enjoyed reading that, which is not something I can say about most stuff on r/atheism. Bravo, sir. Hope the burger tasted good.

[–]Senlathiel 3 points4 points ago

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This will get buried in the comments, but I wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing. Hug the ones you love.

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 1 point2 points ago

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I still saw it :)

[–]umair56 3 points4 points ago

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What are you talking about? Thats not a stupid reason! I thought that was beautiful! Sorry about your dad and thanks for sharing.

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points ago

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This isn't a stupid reason to be a Atheist,it makes a lot of sense.I may be a Theist but I can understand why some people choose not believe in god and I respect their opinions.

[–]niknikreddit 2 points3 points ago

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The TL;DR makes it sound lame but this is a great story

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 5 points6 points ago

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I've found a lot of TL;DRs sound lame, I tend to land on the verbose side so when I have to be concise, I tend to sound stupid.

[–]hired_goon 3 points4 points ago

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personally, I felt like it was one of the most entertaining TL;DRs I've ever read.

[–]theflyingburritto 2 points3 points ago

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May be one of the most effective and touching stories I've heard in awhile. Thank you.

[–]captain_woop_swag 2 points3 points ago

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That tl;dr at the end doesn't do this story justice at all.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

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You say your story is stupid.. It is far from stupid; I like it.

[–]Young_cricket 2 points3 points ago

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How was the cheeseburger?

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 3 points4 points ago

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If you ever get a chance, read a story by Raymond Carver called 'A Small Good Thing'. My cheeseburger was delicious, even at 2am.

[–]Taylorseim 1 point2 points ago

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[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 1 point2 points ago*

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Thanks for posting that, you can see that I recommended it to someone earlier in the thread (English Major in College) when I read that story, which was my Sophomore year, the cheeseburger incident was fresh in my mind. I cried in class :|

edit: I responded to the link out of context on my phone, clearly, you already saw me mentioning it because it is two inches up sigh I am dumb

[–]Dustyrat 2 points3 points ago

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This is what I think, if there is a god, we are his toys, and he is a sick sadist and control freak. He tells how to live and damns us to hell if we don't. Of course we need bad luck for balance, but when you make millions of young children starve to death and forced to kill and be killed. This also reminds me of a friends friend. His grandparents burned to death in a fire last year, and this year his dad died of cancer and his mom hung herself shortly after in her bathroom where the kid found her... His sister was also adopted. Now, there are people who become famous and rich out of sheer luck and have anything they ever wanted. It's like mocking the homeless and hungry. Sure, it's the how life is and I'm not complaining, but god doesn't seem like he loves us that much. Maybe we are just a sims game to him. Anyway, that's just my theory for god, if there is one.

[–]Seth1125 1 point2 points ago

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I believe in the Divine Cheeseburger. May his Cheesy Goodness be bestowed upon every non-believer.

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 1 point2 points ago

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Uh oh, I think the Pastafarians might wage parmijihad against you for that.

[–]nevinr4 1 point2 points ago

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Burgers you make yourself are always going to be far better anyway.

[–]snumfalzumpa 1 point2 points ago

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damn that was a long post but it really made me think about things....

thanks for sharing.

[–]LifeOfCray 1 point2 points ago

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Wow... my story is just that Sunday school made me miss Sonic The Hedgehog on TV all the time.

[–]bramley 1 point2 points ago

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Dude, that was beautiful, and very well told.

[–]GamerKat 1 point2 points ago

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My hugs and sympathies :(

[–]WeaponsGradeHumanity 1 point2 points ago

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Then, I put my rosary away and got up, went to the all night grocery store and bought the stuff to make my own hamburger, bun and everything.

This part gave me a big smile. Well done Coffeegorilla.

[–]Reapinghavoc 1 point2 points ago*

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I'm sorry, I'm still waiting for the stupid reason, please finish your post.

Edit: just to clarify: I see no stupidity anywhere in your post.

[–]Smaskifa 1 point2 points ago

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I became an atheist because Noah's Ark is a fucking retarded story.

[–]coyote1284 1 point2 points ago

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We'll have to call it early quantum state phenomenon. Only way to fit 5000 species of mammal on the same boat.

[–]MarcTheCreator 1 point2 points ago

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My story is similar. But instead of dad put in 4 year old cousin that was like a little sister to me, and instead of diabetes add in brain cancer.

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 1 point2 points ago

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Sorry :(

[–]cpumatt 1 point2 points ago

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Mine is: I simply realized all of the nonsense religion was, and how the only thing holding it together from all of it's crazy-ass stories (Noah's ark and such) was just a single word--faith. How a man rules all of the universe and if you don't respect, and follow the rules of this being, you're taken to another dimension and tortured.

[–]SilencerLX 1 point2 points ago

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I think that is a really incredible, personal story.

[–]DuckTape_Rose 1 point2 points ago

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I became an atheist when I started masturbating.

[–]J055A 1 point2 points ago

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Now I have to go get a cheeseburger. Son...of...a...bitch...

[–]csolisr 1 point2 points ago

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Not to get people offended. But some people become secular for rational reasons, and some for subjective reasons. Secularity is all about rationality and objectivity, so you have two options: reconsider whether you just ragequitted religion, or start investigating the rationality behind your decision.

[–]mizkatt 1 point2 points ago

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I think for a lot of people, they "ragequit" or leave a certain group for an emotional reason, and then upon further reflection, the rationality moves in to be a part of the reason. I don't think that the two motivations are mutually exclusive, and in fact having both can both strengthen your resolve and help you to discover what it is you DO believe or think.

[–]Inidi6 1 point2 points ago

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That is about the lest stupid story I have ever read. And I am glad you where/have been able to make sense of your life.

[–]moonstripe11 1 point2 points ago

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AMEN BROTHER!

[–]severoon 1 point2 points ago

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tl;dr religious: i can haz cheezburger god? atheist: i can make cheeseburger.

on a serious note, nothing about this story is stupid in the least. you have realized something that most religious people don't, that prayer is a thought-stopping exercise designed to promote devotion and dependence on authority, has no effect on the outside world, and only makes you feel better through self-delusion.

[–]jakeisme21 1 point2 points ago

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This is quite an inspirational story, thank you for sharing it. I'm sad for your loss, and happy for your cheeseburger.

[–]Quantris 1 point2 points ago

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Definitely not a stupid reason; rather, an awesome (though sad) story that made me shed a tear.

Also made me reflect on how lucky I've been in my own life (on several counts).

Thanks for the post, OP.

[–]kipuck17 1 point2 points ago

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wish i could give you more than one upvote

[–]sleeptoga 1 point2 points ago

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Mine was masturbation. I was 12 and my best friend had died suddenly, and shit was bad as one could imagine. A couple months later I have 'first confession' as part of ccd class, which is where you go into the creepy church at night and they give you a card with all your 'sins'. I was an overly shy awesome perfect kid who may have cheated once or twice, but in the middle of the list of sins like 'stealing' it said "masturbation".

I was already about to bail, and this made everything 100% clear in my depressed 12 year old self. No way I was going to tell an old shriveled man in a spooky ass closet through a wire mesh what I do with myself late at night, in the privacy of my bed, and have his mystical being tell me that the only moment of my day when I can forget about my best friend dying by yanking one out is actually frowned upon.

The hamburger was a good tool for a moment of clarity. Mine was the greatness that is your first year of masturbating.

[–]8HokiePokie8 1 point2 points ago

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I'm sorry for your loss OP. Your story inspired me to give my dad a call and just chat with him for a few minutes. I don't do that enough, and I'm already an atheist, so I haven't got anything or anyone to blame but myself. Thank you, OP, for reminding me how important that is. Wish you the best, good sir.

[–]Jumpthebunny18 1 point2 points ago

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Awesome story, brilliantly written. Thank you for sharing.

[–]PandaFarts 1 point2 points ago

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God wasn't there for my mother when she died of heart failure at 44 years old. I had to care for her everyday since I was 10 years old until I was 20 years old. I had to grow up fast. Everyday day I prayed with her for her to gain her health back, yet nothing. Now, instead of wasting time praying, I get off my ass and volunteer for those who need my help. Volunteering helps heal the pain of losing my only parent. When I need help, I thank the people who have helped me, not "god."

[–]PoisonSnow 1 point2 points ago

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I love the Tl:Dr

[–]kilometres_davis_ 1 point2 points ago

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My reaction. http://memegenerator.net/instance/17719614

Condolences on the death of your father OP.

[–]hobber 1 point2 points ago

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Very touching story, thank you for sharing.

Not to downplay the rest of the story, but a part of me is wondering what that poor woman at the restaurant was thinking. A very unhappy young man goes from a look of ravenous hunger to one of disgust and sorrow as he places the burger (which he presumably already paid for) on the counter and leaves without a word.

[–]morrae 1 point2 points ago

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you dont have to have reason to be an atheist. it's like having reason not to be stupid. you simply dont do it-- you dont believe.

[–]shm00ps 1 point2 points ago

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TIL: Destroying Burger bun factories could increase the world's atheist population. to the batmobile!!!!

[–]AmazingSteve 3 points4 points ago

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That's not a stupid reason at all: you figured out that "god" is either nonexistent, or an asshole. Neither is worth believing in, and neither is likely to take better care of you (or the rest of the world) than you can on your own. I would argue that's the same reason quite a few, if not most of us, came to atheism.

The great part is that, once you're here, it becomes obvious that there is no evidence for the "god is real, but an asshole" hypothesis. There is no magical sky-father keeping score, so just enjoy yourself!

[–]ilovegeorgebush 0 points1 point ago

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Joe Carter

[–]hambob 0 points1 point ago

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That is not a stupid reason. Throw a slice of baby(or at least bacon) on the next one you make.

[–]chestypants12 0 points1 point ago

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A waste of your time, time you could have spent with your father. Who could argue with that? I suppose there is some solace in the fact that you had a wonderful, loving relationship with your father. My wife never had a father. Thanks for your story and condolences for your loss.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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You couldn't have simply used the buns you already had at home?

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 2 points3 points ago

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College kid, the only thing in my fridge at the time was a jar of mustard and eggs. Maybe a box of cereal.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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What's your perfect burger?

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 7 points8 points ago

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Wagyu beef on a pretzel bun with applewood bacon, a fried egg, and onions. No sauces.

[–]SuddenDeth 0 points1 point ago

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This is the BEST way to become an atheist.

Actually that sounds wrong, sorry about your dad, meant about the hamburger ..

[–]tcb98 0 points1 point ago

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I'm sorry for your father and glad it is finally over for him (sorry). I hope it was a nice burger.

[–]tnova 0 points1 point ago

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Story had me all choked up, Tl;DR made me smile bit. Very nicely done overall.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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No reason is more noble than others. The most profound thing I took from your story was this part

I went to church and sat in silence next to him, not talking, not 'being father and son'

That epiphany was what mattered. If more people realized their priority to the after life is higher than the one true life they know is an wasted effort, there would be more atheists.

Atheism conversion stories can be exciting with those who have been devoted longer to religion or had some profound life changing moment. But, they can be as simple as never "getting" religion too and realizing the word atheism means someone like me.

Hey, but what ever the story we're glad you're here now.

[–]erigoround 0 points1 point ago

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When my dad died, I ate hamburgers for a week straight. Something about death just calls for greasy red meat.

[–]ShyFluttershy 0 points1 point ago

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At least your reason is better than mine.But i loved the TL;DR haha XD thanks for sharing your story.

[–]uglyfatkid 0 points1 point ago

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Cheeseburgers are so wonderful that they kinda make me believe in a higher power. For that king of magic to exist in this world, something's gotta be up.

[–]shawd 0 points1 point ago

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doesn't sound stupid to me

[–]3D_Dot_Soul 0 points1 point ago

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It's not stupid at all. God couldn't get you a cheeseburger, yet we're expected to believe that he'll provide salvation from... ourselves, I guess.

[–]apocalypseCornbread 0 points1 point ago

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This isn't a stupid reason at all. Sorry for your loss.

[–]Keoni9 0 points1 point ago

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[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 1 point2 points ago

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Muwahaha! My plan is coming together perfectly...I mean, I love cheeseburgers.

[–]mast0dawn 0 points1 point ago

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TIL cheeseburgers are the great equalizer

[–]CdnTreeherder 0 points1 point ago

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It's a good reason. You saw the inconsistency, and now you've learned enough from it to make sure that it isn't repeated again with your loved ones. You've lost something, but you've also gained something.

[–]brooksjedi 0 points1 point ago

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Sorry you lost your father, proud you found yourself.

[–]ZorkFox 0 points1 point ago

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All the best to you. I think you told a great story, and I wish you had more time with your dad.

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 1 point2 points ago

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I do too, about a year after he died I had a dream that I was at a wedding and it was the part of the wedding where the priest says, 'If anyone has any objections...' The whole place was quiet, then there was this loud slam and everyone, including me turned to look. It was my dad, he was all grizzled like he'd been camping for months or something, huge beard, dirty, etc. No one moved, but I started running to him, crying, I got to him and hugged him and said, "Why, where have you been." and he kept saying, "I'm sorry, I had to leave for awhile, I'm back now." The hug went on forever, and then I woke up. But I woke up with the feeling he was still alive, I laid there for awhile because I was afraid to go to my mom's room to see if he was actually there. Eventually, I did. I got up, walked down the hall, and opened my mom's door, and she was asleep, alone. And I just collapsed in the hallway in sobs. It was the last time I really CRIED because I missed him.

[–]footloosebacon 0 points1 point ago

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thanks for sharing

[–]xxEndermanxx 0 points1 point ago

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Gah. What is up with these stories and bringing tears to my eyes!

[–]diggity336 0 points1 point ago

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Gods to busy being a fucking asshole to care about or listen to anything>

[–]painperdu 0 points1 point ago

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I hate it when fast food places screw up my order!

[–]cheesyomlette 0 points1 point ago

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Major life decision, decided using a cheeseburger. Move along..

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 1 point2 points ago

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You would have preferred an omelet, maybe?

[–]Nimiety_One 0 points1 point ago

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I became an atheist when a once dear friend asked me why I believed. After only a brief period of thought I realized I didn't have an answer that validated belief, my freedom started then and there.

[–]schwingschwang 0 points1 point ago

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TL;DR: Dad died, I wanted a cheeseburger to cheer myself up, didn't get one, became atheist, made my own god damn burger.

fixed that for you.

[–]shazang 0 points1 point ago

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My reason for being an atheist is that I lost a major battle in Serenity Valley in 2511.

[–]notowelneedsleepy 0 points1 point ago

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I sincerely hope you don't actually believe this a stupid reason. It's actually heartbreaking. I'm very sorry for your loss, OP. When I was 8 my father was diagnosed with lung cancer (from smoking cigs his whole life); he managed to survive, though, through many rounds of experimental radiation. While I can't completely empathize with you, I can assure you that a reason like this is not stupid at all, but, in fact, probably quite prevalent.

[–]Queen_Bea 0 points1 point ago

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I don't care what other say I love your story because its different. I am sorry that your dad died and I wish you could have spent more time with him. Just remember the good times you had with him.

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 1 point2 points ago

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I remember them every day, I'm a little sad that he never got to meet my wife, because he would have loved her.

[–]ok_you_win 0 points1 point ago

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That wasnt a stupid reason at all. The tide breaks against the smallest pebbles.

[–]mizkatt 0 points1 point ago

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That is NOT a stupid reason. Religion wasted time you could have spent doing something proactive and positive in the world....and you learned that the best way to get what you want isn't to pray for it, but to be proactive and make it happen. I'm sorry for your loss, but I'm glad for the time you DID have with him, and that you made your realization at 18--early enough to not make the same mistake with your own future kids and grandkids. The burger is a nice metaphor, actually.

[–]Allybau5 0 points1 point ago

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Wow, I cried.. An upvote for you sir. I am sorry about you're father

[–]onebigwaffle 0 points1 point ago

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With atheism, you can haz cheeseburger!!!

[–]Volcom91 0 points1 point ago

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I was 10 when my father died and like you I stopped believing then. It was a waste of effort.

[–]Sdingel 0 points1 point ago

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That was a great story.

[–]HappyStance 0 points1 point ago

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This isn't stupid at all. This is real. I'm sorry for your loss and I hope things are looking up for you now.

[–]DisRuptive1 0 points1 point ago

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If anybody asks what it would take for you to "come back to the fold" after you tell them this story, tell them God will need to give you 4 days with your dad.

[–]Coffeegorilla[S] 1 point2 points ago

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Honestly, I would take 40 minutes.

[–]Dragonfire138 0 points1 point ago

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I hereby declare that the symbol of atheism be changed to a cheeseburger!

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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That was a great story OP. I am glad that it didn't take a tragic event to make me see reason. I can only imagine how painful that must have been. My condolences to you. Keep making those hamburgers.

[–]Shniggles 0 points1 point ago

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After my grandpa died I spent all my money on food and soda, and locked myself in my room and started to read books, the book happened to be Redwall. Redwall has a really as part at the end because my grandpa was just like the guy who died. I lost it, tore up the book, which my grandpa also got it signed for me by Brian Jacques. I also started to pray, even though I was raised by atheist parents. The prayers did nothing, and I started getting suicidal thoughts. I was always nice, never yelled or hurt someone. Karma can be an ass, but life can be worse.

[–]toadsfordonuts 0 points1 point ago

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hey OP, i used to work at this awesome hole-in-the-wall greek to-go restaurant that was open til 4AM. trashed college kids swarmed the place after parties. we made our own buns, never tasted a better one. try it out sometime man:

http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/bread-recipes/basic-bread-recipe

[–]hondawasaki 0 points1 point ago

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A few years back a friend of mine was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was married to the love of her life, and had two beautiful boys 3, and 5. After a hard fought battle with chemo, hair loss, sickness, and struggling to stay alive, we all felt like she was getting an upper hand on it all. A few weeks later they were having a few friends over for a basketball game party. She was feeling better than she had in weeks, she got up, got dressed, did her makeup for the first time in weeks. During the party, she started coughing, it got worse until she started coughing blood. She died that day in front of her friends, husband, and worse of all her sons. I vowed that day if I ever got to meet god I was going to punch the fucker in the face. I lost a good friend and my religion. I feel you my friend, I really do.

[–]SplitTwins 0 points1 point ago

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I became an atheist after all the abuse I prayed to be freed from yet never was, finally realizing hey I'm a pansexual and I'm proud, and my awesome teacher Mr. Codename showing me just how fake and flawed everything about the christian church is.

So kudos to you man (claps)

[–]jaketheviolist 0 points1 point ago

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I'm very sorry for your loss. The least i can do is let you know that you made another person smile with the funny TL;DR.

[–]Metamario 0 points1 point ago

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Love your TL; DR

[–]K1llEverybody 0 points1 point ago

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This is truly touching. I never had such a good reason like this. Props to you for opening up to us.

[–]Soporus 0 points1 point ago

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It's not a stupid reason. Suffering can often make people realize the disconnect between the way reality functions and their idealistic delusions of it.

[–]graeleight 0 points1 point ago

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That is not a dumb reason to become an atheist. It was just a proverbial final straw.

However, not having a proper bun is a dumb reason to not eat a cheeseburger.

[–]goodmorning81 0 points1 point ago

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That's not a stupid reason at all. That is a touching story and it makes absolute sense. My great-aunt is ridiculously old and really atheist, and the way you feel about your father makes me want to spend more time with her while she's still around. Alas, there is an ocean between us and she doesn't really do computers much, but there it is.

[–]vkelucas 0 points1 point ago

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In the first week of my Sophmore year in high school grandmother died. I was pretty torn up about it, but I wasn't too sad because I knew she lived a long and loving life. While I was at her funeral, I got a call from my friends mom saying that he had died in a car accident on the way to school. I totally lost my shit during the viewing of my grandmother. I cried harder then I thought was possible. After that I finally decided that God was too much of an asshole, and could never have my respect, let alone worship. My condolences to you, I can't imagine life without my father around.

Edit I'm gonna make me a cheeseburger right now, with some monterey jack cheese :)

[–]RetroCorn 0 points1 point ago

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You, sir, have turned me into a blubbering mess. Upvote for you, and I'm sorry for your loss.

[–]bishop-jese-erl 0 points1 point ago

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Just wanted to say thanks. Thanks for posting.

[–]Phocis 0 points1 point ago

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God damn I love metaphors, upvoted.

[–]saxet 0 points1 point ago

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No epiphany of this magnitude is any more profound.

[–]alittletooraph 0 points1 point ago

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When I was younger, I really tried to believe in God. My parents had all these old books lying around about Jesus, and as a kid, I'd pick one up and read about how you can invite him into your heart and he'll talk with you and be your best friend, or whatever.

So I kneeled by my bed at night and 'spoke' with him for what must have been a month. He never responded, so 8 year old me concluded that the book was all bullshit, and I happily moved on with my life.

[–]Chaos_Tempus 0 points1 point ago

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Your TL;DR made me read it entirely. Have my upvote good sir, and i'm sorry for your loss.

[–]Italian_Barrel_Roll 0 points1 point ago

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They lifted their faces up unto me and cried out "I can has cheezburger?"

I looked down upon my creations and whispered "No."

[–]ScrumpyMax 0 points1 point ago

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European here. What's a rosary?

[–]charles_d_krauss 0 points1 point ago

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I had a similar experience in my life with my Dad. I was raised by my step-father. Didn't see my biological father from ages 2-15 or so. And when I did see him it was for short visits. I was never very religious, but I always said a "just in case" prayer before bed. All I asked for was for my friends and family to be taken care of. I rarely asked of anything for myself. I went to live with him in my early 20s. He died from a vehicle accident about 6 months after I moved in with him. I moved back home shortly after that. My mother died about 2 years after returning home. This wasn't THE reason I became an atheist, but it didn't help that the only things I ever asked god for were not answered.

[–]lionwar922 0 points1 point ago

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Want a cheeseburger real bad now. My father died after I realized religion was bullshit, I was 12.

It was clear that no one was listening to my prayers. Though, I was not disappointed by lackluster hamburgers, I found very early that religions were all the same, hewing a narrative out of the vast mountain of ignorance, in an effort to try and make sense of the world, and ultimately, failing in the effort to get to the real stories contained in those layers of rock.

[–]KickAssCommie 0 points1 point ago

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Your story is so sad and compelling I wish I could give more then this simple upvote. Thank you for sharing and I'm sorry about your father.

[–]Luder714 0 points1 point ago

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Wow.
My dad died when I was eleven. He ran the Boston Marathon, benched 300, was an engineer, etc. The perfect man. Died of a heart attack at 43. I spent the next fifteen years or so riddled with guilt brought on from Catholicism because I could never equal my father. To this day people tell me stories about what an absolute perfect person he was, including my mom.
Once I finally stopped kidding myself about god all that guilt washed away. BTW I am 44 now, one year older than my dad, and I spent most of those years doing the opposite (drinking/partying/drugs) and I outlived him. I win!

[–]vonzipper87 0 points1 point ago

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god is like the father that left when we were 3 years old that suddenly turns up out of the blue when we win a championship game 20 years down the track with a big shit-eating grin on his face

[–]Alphabravo245 0 points1 point ago

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Did you put bacon on that cheeseburger? Bacon makes everything better, even if it's just a little bit. But in all seriousness, have a cliche: I'm sorry for your loss.