" Keeping other people comfortable, I don't think is a great way to carve the path of one's life. Because then you're living for them more than you are living for you. And I know you are weighing the cost benefit, but the truth is, I think an authentic life is always worth living.
Don't be religious because they are and you don't want to ruffle feathers and you don't want to cause friction. If they are uncomfortable about your path, that says more about them than it says about you. So I would wish you an authentic life... take the journey... Just get there on your own terms and live your own life instead of living for others. That would be my encouragement." Seth Andrews
I discovered that bit of wisdom yesterday when I was listening to "The Line" Youtube interview that Seth Andrews and Forrest Valkai were having with a call in guest by the name of Vihaan.
Theist Spars w/ Atheists on Burden of Proof, Depression & Evolution | Forrest Valkai + Seth Andrews
(Seth's quote is at the 7:24 minute mark in the video)
Vihaan was struggling to be around his religious family and but not totally embracing their religious ideas. He found himself needing to "believe" because the cost of not believing was to lose his connection to his family and community. Seth's words were timely. I understand the struggle. I feel I am beyond needing to be someone I am not with my family, but I don't think that I am who I am with them either. I do understand the part of "weighing the cost benefit". It's not an easy and Seth Andrews knows the cost.
Seth was a Christian broadcaster in his other "life". He knows the pain of leaving Christianity and has been on the journey of being authentic, but at a great cost. Seth is getting "there" on his own terms and encouraging others to do the same.
Seth is now the host of the Podcast "The Thinking Atheist". He has given a platform for others to be authentic. I have already shared clips in other posts from "The Thinking Atheist" Youtube channel, where Seth gives people the space to share their story.
What I admire so much about Seth is that his voice didn't just reach to the atheists, but out farther those who are still Christians but have family members who have deconverted. One of my favourite Seth Andrews messages is "Letters to a Christian Spouse" which he addresses not just to Christian Spouses of Deconverted Christians, but family members in general. He understands that a person's deconstruction and deconversion journey leaves a tornado path for their family. It was a great encouragement that I hope reaches the ears of those people still hurting at the "betrayal" of their apostate loved ones.
I want to "get there on my own terms"... and maybe I can with a little encouragement from voices like Seth's.
