Tags
amish, atheism, contradiction, hypocrite, ideaology, knowledge, pragmatism, psyche, truth
Imagine that our government discovers that aliens will attack in exactly two weeks and they will probably kill us all. Our leaders decide not to tell us because of the panic that it might cause. Have they made the right choice?
I say, “Hell no!”
Knowledge is very important to me. Therefore, it follows that truth is very important to me. I would much rather know and be scared shitless than be left ignorant. Maybe that’s one of the reasons that I am now an atheist instead of still an Amish man.
In movies we see characters administering to a dying family member. They keep telling the dying person that ‘you’re gonna be fine’ and ‘everything will be alright’.
Bullshit!
If I’m dying, the last thing I want is to have someone lie to me about it. Death is such a defining point in life ( haha ) that to be lied to about it would be the last straw.
The point that I’m trying to get to is that I live for the truth. I live for the knowledge that follows. I even use the idea of ‘truth’ as a defense for turning to atheism – such is my ideological adoration of truth.
But then there’s the other side of the medallion… If a religious friend of mine asks me about my religious views, I evade the question. I can usually get around it without making any outright lies, but I never tell them the truth because I know the friendship would vanish like a poof and all my other friendships would poof away one after the other. I don’t want that to happen because I enjoy the company of my friends despite their woefully dogmatic beliefs.
I make excuses to myself and rationalize away with thoughts like, lying is the practical course of action, or, we’ll all be happier if I just lie about it. My excuses make sense to me and I’m not about to tell my friends what I really believe in.
So there you have it. I’m a hypocrite!
On the one cheek I adore the ideology of truth but on the other cheek, my actions are a bit more pragmatic. And that’s it. I’m not posting this to show you my brilliant solution because I simply don’t have one. This hypocrisy, this contradiction, is just another one of those things chipping away at my psyche…
X Amish Atheist 
I am also ex-Amish. My wife and I left the Amish in 2005. Even though I do not share your views on atheism, I would not reject you on the basis of your beliefs. I share your desire for truth.
That is very encouraging of you Jason. Most of the people that have grown up in the Amish lifestyle would reject out of hand not only my intellectual arguments but also myself. It is refreshing to know that there are still some decent ex-Amish people out there.
I spent most of my life in the Holmes County, Ohio area and currently live in Wayne County. Where are you from and do you still live in the vicinity?
While I have Amish friends in Holmes County, I did not grow up there. I currently live several thousand miles from where I grew up but I don’t want to divulge either place as I am strongly intent on maintaining my anonymity at this point.
Sounds good to me. Can’t say that I blame you.
I have been reading some of your posts and discovered that you have an interest in math. I am currently a student at the University of Akron studying to be a high school math teacher. Have you ever considered pursuing a degree in a math related field?
I have a strong interest in mathematics and the hard sciences. I am quite jealous of you to be honest. As soon as I have enough money to afford it I want to expand my horizons a little more. I imagine that I would start with a degree in General Studies just to solidify my base of knowledge a bit more. I am conflicted on where I would go from there. The mysteries of advanced mathematics (e.g. the distribution of prime numbers) pulls me strongly toward number theory, but the adventures promised by the up and coming private space industry pulls me toward astrophysics and aerospace engineering.
You should visit a community college and investigate the cost involved. It may be less expensive than you think. The tuition at Wayne College (A branch of UAkron) is about $2,700 per semester (12-16 credit hours) and there are grants available based on your income. If you’re serious about an education, see the financial
services department of a community college. They are less expensive than the main campus. You can complete a large portion of your courses there, before attending the a university for the higher level classes required. Also there are free programs available for obtaining a General Education Development certificate. Ask at a local library. You have a questioning mind and are obviously intelligent enough to succeed at the college level.
Hi Jason,
It’s been several years since you last commented on here, and I have no idea if you’ll get this or not, although I hope you do!
You’ll be happy to know that I did enroll in a local community college, and I’m currently in my second year of study. I’m well on my way to an A.A. after which I plan on transferring to a university for a B.S. in physics (yes, I’m taking a lot of math courses). I love my academic life, it has given me a new purpose in life, and I owe it all to people like you who have given me encouraging words on here. Thank you for that!
How are your studies going? Have you completed your degree yet? Are you a math teacher? Speaking of math teachers, one of my favorite blogs is Math with Bad Drawings. If you haven’t heard of it, you should check it out.
http://mathwithbaddrawings.com/
This makes my day and comes at a very interesting time. I have completed my bachelor’s degree and am currently seeking a position as a high school math teacher. I graduated May 11, 2014. I have been scouring school websites for possible openings and filling out applications the past several weeks, I have a family and do not want to move. So, my job search is limited to the schools in our area. I have a job interview this Wednesday, June 11. I am hoping to get the job as it is within 12 miles of our place.
I will checkout the math website you suggested.
I hope you do well in your course work (good grades lead to scholarships and jobs) and find employment in your field. I think the academic challenges will benefit you in many areas of your life.
Keep me posted on your progress.
Jason
Hey, congratulations on graduating! I can’t imagine juggling college and family responsibilities, so kudos to you.
So far I’m doing well on my course material (4.0 GPA with about 40 credits). I’m putting a lot of energy into getting good grades, and I also hope to do an honors thesis… all to improve my chances of getting into a decent graduate school after getting my degree.
Good luck on your interview. I hope you get the job!
While I would also like to be informed of attacking aliens, If I’m bleeding to death, I don’t want to know. I am not afraid of death, though, because I am a Christian. It’s just… how I die that scares the crap out of me, you know? I don’t want it to hurt. So I’m a wimpy girl; oh well. I would rather be comforted and told I’d be fine than told than “Oh my Gosh. Your guts are hanging out, both of your legs are snapped off, and you have four bullet wounds. Your going to die.” Well, duh!! try to make it comfortable for me, please. I don’t want to go out like a sobbing baby : “Make it better!!” I just want… peace.
Ok that’s unrealistic, but whatever. at least people are trying to help you relax and feel better before you DIE.
I love your sense of humor, Elizabeth! 🙂