Re-Programming Myself

[DarthShady]

But still, I think the origin of faith comes from our ancestors having the balls (so to speak) to do things previously unattempted, aka having faith in the success of their actions, and surviving better than their peers.

You are assuming that "faith" is an ability, so it had to come from somewhere. In reality, faith is the lack of an ability: the ability to think rationally and objectively.

I second that.
Having faith in something that might exist or something that we might be able to do is unfounded with out something to support that belief.
In the case of one self you must have some past experiences and knowledge of the subject in order to be able to do something otherwise it is highly unlikely that you will succeed.
As for our ancestors having the balls to do something it doesn't come from faith but from the natural curiosity of human beings and the necessity to do certain things to survive.

[General Zod]

Having faith in something that might exist or something that we might be able to do is unfounded with out something to support that belief.

If you have something to support a belief then it's not really faith anymore is it?

[DarthShady]

Having faith in something that might exist or something that we might be able to do is unfounded with out something to support that belief.

If you have something to support a belief then it's not really faith anymore is it?

You're right.

[D.Turtle]

I'd like to add a warning:
Ridding yourself of your religious beliefs is hard - which you have already started to noticed. So far however, you have only noticed how hard t is to get rid of your indoctrinated beliefs.

Having achieved that, does not mean it will get easier.

Getting rid of something that defined/influenced your life so much WILL leave a "hole" that has to be filled. Your entire life has been spent in a certain circle of people - people who will NOT understand/support what you are doing. People who WILL distance themselves from you after you make public your decision (or it gets out through other ways). You will most probably have problems finding your way around in a world not dominated by people who have the same beliefs as you have/had.

You will most definitely need some goal in life to work towards, or some passion in life that you can do everything possible to pursue - somethingnot inherently religious.

Make no mistake, what you have decided to do/start on IS a very important and very good step in your life. It is however just the first step on a long path away from religious indoctrination/belief. The likelihood is high that you will need some kind of help from people who know what you are going through - people who will support you. Do NOT be afraid to ask questions on this board - it is one of the places to get the most honest answers I know. Do NOT be afraid to get help from professional psychologists.

Most important of all, do NOT stop on your path. Do NOT give up. And if you have set-backs - get back on your feet and keep on going.

This is not to stop you, but to help you understand the stuff that is coming at you. It is not easy leaving everything you built your life on behind you. It is however necessary. Keep on asking, keep on looking for answers, keep on moving, and don't give up, however hard it may become.

[Anguirus]

I don't know if I could reprogram myself.

I was raised in an atmosphere of inquiry and skepticism. I have never accepted a religion or other belief system into my life. I think this is a good thing. But I really don't have any idea if I would have the personal strength to reject a belief system that I was brought up with.

Keep it up. I admire those like you...it shows that the human mind is capable of rationally evaluating and, if need be, rejecting, even ideas as seductive and self-perpetuating as religion.