this post was submitted on
1,427 points (53% like it)
11,483 up votes 10,056 down votes
shortlink:

atheism

subscribe1,031,175 readers

Help victims of the Aurora shootings

Help victims of the Sikh shootings

Welcome to r/atheism, the web's largest atheist forum. All topics related to atheism, agnosticism and secular living are welcome here. Please read our FAQ.
New posts: New Rising
Self posts: New Relevant
Non-image posts: New Relevant

Recommended reading and viewing

Thank you notes

Related Subreddits <--the big list
GodlessWomen YoungAtheists AtheistParents
BlackAtheism AtheistGems DebateAnAtheist
skeptic agnostic freethought
antitheism humanism Hitchens
a6theism10 tfbd AdviceAtheists
Events
10/5-6 NAPCON2012 - Boston
08/11 Regional Conference - St. Paul MN
Giving
DWB/MSF fundraiser
Kiva lending team
FBB's Appeal to Freethinkers to Fight Cancer
Camp Quest
Ex* Groups
ex-Muslim ex-Catholic ex-Mormon
ex-JW ex-Jew ex-SistersinZion
ex-Bahai ex-Christian ex-Adventist
Assistance
Coming Out
Atheist Havens
Start an Atheist Club at Your School

Chat: #reddit-atheism on irc.freenode.net

Watch: #/r/atheism on reddit.tv

Read The FAQ

Submit Rage Comic

Submit Facebook Chat

Submit Meme

Submit Something Else

a community for
to anything interesting: news article, blog entry, video, picture...
message the moderators

MODERATORS

reddit is a source for what's new and popular online. vote on links that you like or dislike and help decide what's popular, or submit your own! learn more ›

1426
1427

How I feel as a closet atheist at Christian camp. (i.imgur.com)

submitted ago by I_am_from_outside

top 200 commentsshow all 431
sorted by:
best
hot
new
controversial
top
old
best

[–]Nokia_Bricks 80 points81 points ago

I became an atheist half-way through christian camp.

[–]showmepotatosalad 61 points62 points ago

Pray for him everybody! Pray the atheism away!

[–]UPVOTEGENIE 17 points18 points ago

Did it work?

[–]Cuntosaurus 69 points70 points ago

Yeah, we stoned him.

[–]UPVOTEGENIE 10 points11 points ago

YAY WE DID IT

load more comments (2 replies)

    [–]showmepotatosalad 18 points19 points ago

    Not looking too good. I think we'll need to bring in a preist to perform a mouth-to-penis resuscitation. We might lose him

    load more comments (2 replies)

      [–]wdtgg 8 points9 points ago

      I realized it was all bullshit when I got old enough to recognize that they had 14 year olds teaching 4-10 year olds about the bible...

      [–]jwolf227 12 points13 points ago

      To be fair, kids teaching kids is actually a great way to teach kids. You learn more teaching someone else (and being concerned about teaching them the correct information) than you do from a teacher in a class of 30 kids.

      In the spirit of this idea, Brazil actually gives money (not standard currency, it is called the Saber) to primary school students, to pay older students for tutoring, the money flows up the chain, and eventually a college student is tutoring a high school kid, and the college student can use that money to pay for tuition.

      [–]JJampedro 26 points27 points ago

      That's how you know religion is bullshit. When you can go to a camp thats sole intention is to strengthen your belief in god and halfway through you go the complete opposite way! I bet if you went to science camp that wouldn't happen..just sayin

      [–]Lion_HeartVIII 22 points23 points ago

      science camp

      Somebody please make this happen.

      [–]queen_rush 34 points35 points ago

      NASA used to sponsor a space camp, but then Republicans took over the budget.

      [–]nihil2909 22 points23 points ago

      I went to a NASA space camp in the Oklahoma City area when I was a kid... Best damn camp I have been to. Had a mockup of the inside of a space shuttle and really got me interested in astronomy. Sad to hear they don't do it any longer, was way more interesting than the christian camp I went to as a kid.

      [–]ineedausernameplease 3 points4 points ago

      There's an aeronautical camp at OSU now, though.

      [–]markduderino 5 points6 points ago

      I went to Aviation Challenge twice as a kid, which was a division of Space Camp. I've always been an aviation nut, so of course it was awesome. But any science-related camp would be vastly superior to a religious camp!

      load more comments (8 replies)

        [–]jwolf227 2 points3 points ago

        My local Museum of Science and Industry has summer science camps. If you are in the Tampa Bay area, there are lots of great summer programs offered there.

        [–]Kalevatar 1 point2 points ago

        My local library had science day camp for elementary school aged kids. Science In The Summer. I went for five years or so, my parents would go upstairs and read while I learned about fossils and the different biological kingdoms and the age of the universe compared to the history of earth (put a post-it where you think the dinosaurs first disappeared, put a post-it on your birthday). It was awesome.

        [–]deadstump 1 point2 points ago

        I went to all sorts of local science/nature camps when I was growing up. Most of mine were run out of local university/colleges with an occasional high school thrown in. Some of them were awful, some of them were great, but I have to say that the best camp I ever went to was my local high school's cross country camp. The first half of the day we did some training or something (idk), but the second half of the day was a huge capture the flag game that spanned the entire campus and surrounding woods... it was awesome (tricked us into running a lot).

        [–]NomNamNantes 1 point2 points ago

        I went to science camp every summer as a kid. Made solar powered toy cars 'n shit.

        [–]studmuffffffin 1 point2 points ago

        There are tons of science camps.

        [–]dannomac 1 point2 points ago

        My son is going to science camp next week. I did when I was his age, it was awesome.

        [–]pifarm 1 point2 points ago

        I work and volunteer in my local Anishinabe community. We just finished an art camp up and are starting a school year long Saturday camp about science and technology.

        [–]Lion_HeartVIII 1 point2 points ago

        That's freaking sweet. You're cool for volunteering, as well.

        load more comments (2 replies)

          load more comments (1 reply)

            [–]HEE_HAW 1 point2 points ago

            What do people do at christian camps?

            [–]l3lackstar 1 point2 points ago

            When I had went to christian camp it was basically just like normal camp with all your various activities to fill the day, just with more preaching. Within the girls and boys side of the camps you were seperated into groups and every damn day, usually around lunch or supper time, we had to perform a verse from the bible as our group. As well at the end of every day there'd be a campfire and we'd be further bombarded with our counselors performing various skits with some sort of religious message and cap it off with worship singing. Aside from being bombarded and brainwashed by scripture it was actually a pretty fun time.

            [–]HEE_HAW 1 point2 points ago

            It sounds pretty fun to me, although if you're decidedly atheist, it would be a torture during those preaching sessions.

            [–]l3lackstar 2 points3 points ago

            It was fucking awesome, my particular camp was ranch themed so I learned to ride horses and developped a passion for them in general. It wasn't all bad and I met some great people, but the few years I attended this camp I'd return each year more doubtful then the last so it was most painful to have to bite my tongue to the ridiculousness that was preached.

            One awesome moment stood out for me though: one day of the week for all the boys and all the girls (seperately of course) we would be organized into a mess hall of sorts and it was basically discussion time. We'd be offered pieces of paper and a pen and we'd write down a question we had and the "sheriff" (the owner/priest, remember this was ranch themed) would answer our Q's. Now I'm a hiphop head through thick and thin but during my years at this camp I became a serious metalhead because it was a nonviolent escape to my woes of religion, and my question was "what becomes of those who listen to music genres like heavy metal, death metal, black metal etc.?" and the guy fucking RIPS into the whole genre and says you'll be condemend and blah blah blah, basically trying to make me feel like a piece of shit. One metalhead guy in our group who was 18 (the oldest you could be to be a camper at the "ranch") stands up and has counters to all this guys bullshit (the music itself is not demonic or devilish, you can listen to the same style of music and have it preach in favour of christianity, the subjectivity of music etc.) and I just remember the "sheriff's" face and how pissed off he was that he had nothing to come back with and the smug look on the campers face for telling douche nose off.

            TL;DR in reality camper owns camp owner/priest, my description of it does not serve justice

            [–]mosesramone 1 point2 points ago

            The same thing you do at every boy and girl camp, learn about sex.

            load more comments (4 replies)

              [–]Tbone139 349 points350 points ago

              Nicely done, Sir Bearington! (reference)

              [–]NotaMethAddict 123 points124 points ago

              I have read this so many times, yet I always enjoy reading it again.

              [–]ecmmyers 38 points39 points ago

              Makes me long for the days of silly high school RP sessions.

              [–]complex_reduction 65 points66 points ago

              Fact: There is no reason those sessions should be limited to high school.

              [–]Deathwave88 69 points70 points ago

              Am I the only one on Reddit who never did RP in high school?

              [–]Elxir 39 points40 points ago

              Yes, we never invited you. Don't think we forgot what you did..

              [–]toThe9thPower 26 points27 points ago

              Is he the guy that pissed on a girl while she was sleeping and said it was an accident?

              [–]Elxir 35 points36 points ago

              Man.. That's the story we made up so he wouldn't be embarrassed.

              [–]Deathwave88 11 points12 points ago

              You're the one that said to "burn the dark fortress to the ground"...

              Maybe if you spent less time complaining and more time rebuilding your house, this wouldn't be a problem.

              [–]Elxir 1 point2 points ago

              How about that time with Luke? You know he's still mentally and physically scarred, right?

              [–]Berdiie 9 points10 points ago

              My parents bought me DnD when I was little. They had heard all the horror stories that the news liked to circulate, but thought I'd enjoy it. We all gathered around the kitchen table and made characters, but it just wasn't something they could get into and they got bored. I think my brother and I would pull the box out every once in a while, but it seemed rather difficult to play DnD with only two people and one being the DM.

              I didn't learn about LARPing until I was in college. I didn't have time for it then, but I think I would have LARPed my ass off in high school if I had known.

              [–]TheLastWhovian 1 point2 points ago

              Certainly.

              [–]bloodfyr 5 points6 points ago

              The best one is the orc racist one.

              [–]Tree_Phiddy 15 points16 points ago

              Relevant: DovahBear
              Edit: Here is Part 1

              [–]XNerd_Bomber 1 point2 points ago

              Fus do Rawr!

              [–]bobyhey123 14 points15 points ago

              could fun stuff like this actually happen in a DND game? I've never ever played it or even seen people play it.

              [–]Tbone139 14 points15 points ago

              In D&D, one player assumes the role of the Dungeonmaster, who serves as the storyteller and referee. The limits of the game are those of the DM's and players' imaginations.

              [–]stw95 8 points9 points ago

              Depends on the DM. Some people are more leinent than others. The thing is, in the beginning of the game, you have "pointts" that you divvy up between stats, and to use tht many on the ability to cover up being a bear would make you the shittiest character (however deceptive) playable.

              [–]queen_rush 5 points6 points ago

              If you have a flexible and fun DM, anything can happen in D&D.

              [–]996097 2 points3 points ago

              My friend became avid cannibal and sampled the flesh of distant and exotic lands.

              [–]FrankManic 4 points5 points ago

              Ninjas can hide in any shadow within a certain distance. The rule book is very clear that you cannot hide in your own shadow. However it does not specify that two ninja cannot hide in each others shadow.

              That bare, level flagstone plaza? 500 ninja are hiding in that tiny smudge of shadow in the middle and you can't see any of them

              [–]13lacula 2 points3 points ago

              Yes, in our DnD games we had our friend Javier play a black Kung-Fu monk who tore through a giant scorpion. It was intense to say the least. There are more stories from our DnD days.

              [–]knoks 1 point2 points ago

              Not in my games.

              ..I wasn't a very fun DM. Probably why no one wants to play with me anymore.

              load more comments (1 reply)

                [–]G0VERNMENT 2 points3 points ago

                Okay, I know for a fact that was stolen from a book I read a long time ago. I have been searching online for it for a long time bust still cannot find it. The plot is that a bear who had learned rudimentary English in order to get food breaks into a store, puts on human clothes and pretends to be a man. He then proceeded to become rich and famous by claiming some dude's novel as his own, a British noble (by buying a title) and hooked up some young singers from the ghetto with a record deal. The post seems a lot like a scene near the end of the book where the man whose book he stole confronts him at an award ceremony.

                It pisses me off so much that I cannot find that damn book.

                [–]SingBrokenChord 1 point2 points ago

                um. wat?

                load more comments (4 replies)

                  [–]kenba2099 33 points34 points ago

                  This picture reminded me of this Far Side

                  [–]diprotic 1 point2 points ago

                  Oh how I love the Far Side... time to go find all the Far Side books I have.

                  [–]Jadler88 3 points4 points ago

                  Someone with more spare time than I needs to create a ReleventFarSide novelty account.

                  [–]LaVieEnRose0 106 points107 points ago

                  I became an Atheist while working at a christian camp for 10 weeks. It was torture but I definitely grew as a person!

                  [–]dudewithanissue 146 points147 points ago

                  I know your pain, friend. Every year I am forced to attended a christian youth camp as a counseler with my local church. I'm an atheist, but I can't make it public, because my fundie parents are paying for college and I'm afraid they'd stop if I told them. So I go to this camp and lead people in prayer and all that good stuff, yet nobody knows that I actually think what they're doing is a bunch of horse shit. Makes me feel like a grade-A hypocrite and I hate it.

                  [–]Nisas 41 points42 points ago

                  That's like borderline clergy project.

                  [–]dudewithanissue 61 points62 points ago

                  Fuck man, the worst is when I have to "lead people to Christ". It feels like I'm pulling a huge, cruel prank on everyone there. If hell turns out to be real, I'm definitely going to be in the lowest circle.

                  [–]willymo 59 points60 points ago

                  But if Hell exists, Heaven probably exists too, which means you didn't pull a prank on them, so you'd go to Heaven. Or some shit like that...

                  [–]thebryton 13 points14 points ago

                  Being unsure of whether or not you should go to heaven or go to hell, you somehow end up in a state of limbo. But that's not so bad. Who doesn't love to limbo?

                  [–]Lion_HeartVIII 13 points14 points ago

                  This guy sure does

                  [–]KingofDerby 1 point2 points ago

                  Intent before results. You were intending to lead them down what you believed to be a false path.

                  load more comments (1 reply)

                    [–]rinara 9 points10 points ago

                    I understand. I had to volunteer at Vacation Bible School all through my teenage years. When I was 18 I somehow got assigned to be a "decision counselor" where I was paired with grade schoolers who had come forward during the invitation time. I had to talk to 6-9 year olds about "letting Jesus into their heart".

                    I've never felt like a worse human being. I still hate remembering it.

                    [–]fluffymuffcakes 1 point2 points ago

                    You should have whispered "It's all made up but don't tell them you know or they'll come for you in your sleep."

                    load more comments (2 replies)

                      [–]GringoAngMoFarangBo 2 points3 points ago

                      Do you ever drop hints or ask absurd questions in an effort to get them to think? I'd imagine it could be kind of fun, actually.

                      [–]dudewithanissue 1 point2 points ago

                      From time to time. But I don't think it's ever enough to really get the gears turning, but you never know!

                      [–]Notsoseriousone 5 points6 points ago

                      If it's any consolation, it will be cold, not hot.

                      [–]lithiumdeuteride 4 points5 points ago

                      I think a conviction of Heresy is more likely than Treachery, landing them in the sixth circle, trapped in a flaming tomb.

                      [–]Notsoseriousone 1 point2 points ago

                      ... true. Sorry dude!

                      [–]Gaseous_Lemon 1 point2 points ago

                      Ah,I remember that game.

                      [–]benny86 1 point2 points ago

                      I can't believe that have to write I came here to say this. Well done.

                      load more comments (1 reply)

                        [–]LaVieEnRose0 25 points26 points ago

                        You're not a hypocrite! You are just doing what you need to do to survive right now. Its not your fault, its religion's fault.

                        Its all a matter of perspective, I used to feel like I was trolling everyone. I knew exactly what to say and how to act, and I thought it was funny that I was so good at being a christian. It was like a game I was really good at winning. Its nice to feel in control, when you are stuck in that kind of environment.

                        I would sneak little free-thinking ideas into the devotions that I lead, without making any outright atheistic statements. Honestly my campers opened up to me more when I made the devotions more creative. I feel like all we did at that camp was preach at them, and my campers liked it a lot more when we had open discussions about things that they didn't usually hear about in church (church is so repetitive, you hear the same stories and the same moral codes over and over throughout the years). I think I planted a seed of free-thinking in all my campers, and they all seemed to appreciate it.

                        Take time for yourself to do non-christian things so that you can keep your sanity! I would have 1/2 hour off one time per week in which I listened to the What is Love album by Never Shout Never. That CD saved my life that summer, especially because of his song, 'Sacrilegious'.

                        I learned so much that summer about how to cope with stressful environments, if you ever need advice or want to rant about something, feel free to PM me!

                        [–]dudewithanissue 6 points7 points ago

                        Thank you, friend. It really means alot knowing that there's someone else like me, that's been through this same sort of thing.

                        [–]RandomComplements 1 point2 points ago

                        You're a good person for writing this :)

                        [–]the_vinyl_queen 7 points8 points ago

                        My in-laws are like this. They would 100% stop paying for my brother-in-law's schooling if he were atheist. Or anything other than Christian. Or if they found out he had a lesbian professor. Makes me want to vomit.

                        [–]fluffymuffcakes 2 points3 points ago

                        Later he can refuse to support them in their old age unless they convert to Pastafarianism.

                        [–][deleted] ago

                        [deleted]

                        [–]Thyme_Machine 6 points7 points ago

                        I go to a catholic school. All the teachers are fat, old people trying to make money. Our religion teacher would tell us stories about her teenage nephews who would eat all the food in her fridge. She would put everyone to sleep. I haven't heard anything new in Religion since 2nd grade. No joke.

                        As a result of the terrible teaching and no guidance, most of the kids in my class (Going into 8th Grade) are no longer catholic. Atheists, Atheists everywhere.

                        One day, during church (We go unwillingly every Wednesday) our pastor gave a homily about Atheists. He said "Modern atheists are out to destroy religion. They call themselves Atheists, yet all of us know they're really ANTItheists!" It made all of the closeted 7th grade atheists so mad. We aren't extreme, we aren't harassing anyone, we just believe something different. None of us have come out of the closet yet.

                        The other difficult bit about this that my parents expect me to go to this all girls religious high school. First off, I have always been more comfortable with boys. Boys don't give a flying fuck as to weather you are wearing designer shoes or cheap shoes. You don't have to worry about hair or reapplying make-up. I like Football, Soccer, cars, video games and golf, while the girls chat about the latest episode of WhateverTheyWatch. Second off, the place is like a prison. No fun, lesbians and you have to go to mass. The curriculum is extremely hard and some people have to drop out and go to the nearby public school.

                        To avoid going to St.Agnes, I feel like I have to come out of the closet some time before Christmas. I'm afraid my parents might not take it seriously and think its just a "phase". I doubt they'd disown me because I'm so young.

                        TL;DR: I go to a catholic school. It sucks.

                        Sorry if my thoughts were scattered, it's 1 AM, I'm a bad writer and I'm on my iPhone.

                        [–][deleted] ago

                        [deleted]

                        [–]Thyme_Machine 1 point2 points ago

                        Thanks for the advice. I really do appreciate another point of view.

                        [–]IrishTek 2 points3 points ago

                        My advice would be to ease them into it. If you just come at them with, "I'm atheist, not open to discussion", in my experience and from seeing a few friends go through it, their reaction is likely to be "double down".

                        Without knowing how serious your parents are about it, I can't say for certain. But if they're hyper-religious, the first thing they're going to think when you tell them is that you need more Jesus.

                        My advice is divide and conquer. Pick the parent less likely to react negatively, and ask to speak to them privately about it. Tell them you're struggling with your faith, primarily because you feel smothered by it all day. Suggest that more worldly experiences might help you put your faith in perspective. Start off simple, like going to a few chaperoned non-religious events. Like a fair or something.

                        This plants the seed for hopefully the best thing possible: Getting said mellower parent to be the one to suggest a different school. Think about the long-run.

                        If you come out to your parents guns blaring, you're likely to flip that switch that's hardwired in every parents mind labeled "I know what's best.", which means they stop listening to you, and no one wins. You didn't become christian overnight, nor revert overnight. It was a transition. Granted you'll be lying, but help them transition too.

                        For several reasons, including religion, I don't talk to my father anymore. It's completely avoidable, but once the damage is done, it's hard if not impossible to reverse.

                        [–]Cman123nit 1 point2 points ago

                        Damn. Back in 7th grade all I thought about was the new "Power Rangers" episode and how much I wanted to go play Pokemon...

                        load more comments (3 replies)

                          [–]doctorofphysick 2 points3 points ago

                          I feel the same way going to church and small group (bible study type thing) every week. If all my friends weren't Christian and somehow related to my church, and if I were any good at making friends at all, I'd just tell them. But for now I just play along and nod during prayer time and think about other stuff during sermons, because where else am I ever going to socialise?

                          [–]come_on_seth 2 points3 points ago

                          Start by reading and practicing the techniques in "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Carnegie. It's simple and dated but a way to begin developing basic social networking skills.

                          load more comments (1 reply)

                            [–]pokie6 2 points3 points ago

                            I am sure you have thought of this before, but can't you come up with some reason to not do the camp thing other than atheism?

                            [–]Cyhawk 1 point2 points ago

                            You'd make a good minister...

                            Several of the ministers and deacons The church I grew up in (It was a large church, and I figured it was BS around 12 years old through the help of one of these guys.. not sure if the stupid thing he told me was mean't to do that), I have since learned are extremely atheist, one even violently (and arrested for attacking a fundamentalist). Most of the others actively talk out against religion.

                            So.. wanna make some money? ;) I got a church idea we could sell for a while if you and I can stomach it

                            [–]derpandlurk 2 points3 points ago

                            don't feel like a hypocrite. your actions have a meaningful impact on your life.

                            unlike the christians there, you're there for the money, not the imaginary man in the sky.

                            [–]Elxir 10 points11 points ago

                            Wow the way you worded that made both sides sound horrible

                            load more comments (19 replies)

                              [–]wallflower_poem 13 points14 points ago

                              I became an atheist about 6 months ago, and just got back from hardcore Southeast Texas Baptist church camp last week. I quickly became disgusted by many of the messages and the way that most Christians look down on those outside of their faith. One of my small-group leaders talked about his atheist brother as if he were some form of lesser being, because obviously, you can't be a decent person without Jesus. My biggest turn-off though, was the constant guilting. Christian boys are made to feel terrible for even thinking about anything sexual. I felt so bad that all of these people couldn't do anything for their own pleasure without having to feel guilty afterwards. We had a speaker preach to us about the evils of pornography and sex followed by guys almost in tears as they gave their testimonies. I left that camp with a bitter taste in my mouth and a firm belief that I will never again involve myself with something that seeks to destroy the few joys to be found in living.

                              [–]alakalemon 4 points5 points ago

                              It really is sad how much guilt is felt by those raised in the church when it comes to sexuality. It makes the entire concept of it feel so evil and dirty, you feel like you've done something awful if you do anything sexual outside of marriage.

                              load more comments (1 reply)

                                [–]D3ADB0LT 2 points3 points ago

                                10 weeks? Christ, that's horrible, I can't imagine. Back in high school, my step-mom made me attend a christian camp for 3 consecutive summers, but each time it was only for about 2 and a half weeks.

                                My first time going, I went in agnostic and came out completely religious. This was a rather intense church camp, mind you. I remember there being 2 full-on services per day, one in the morning, at and another at night, after dinner. The camp concluded with having this faith healer guy talk to us about how he healed this chick who was born without any eyes, and raise people from the dead on a couple of occasions. Then he layed his hands on everybody, and I went out thinking that my asthma, which I've had throughout my entire life, was cured. Yeah, it was bad.

                                I eventually was set straight though. My step dad(an atheist) basically started to explain to me everything that is fundamentally that is wrong with Christianity, and after a while it made a lot of sense.

                                Anyways, the next two sessions of attending this camp consisted of me trying to hide in plain sight. It's really weird being the only doubter tossed in a sea of believers. Makes you really question everything about your beliefs, or lack thereof, in this case.

                                [–]Neurotikitty 1 point2 points ago

                                It's really weird being the only doubter tossed in a sea of believers.

                                You know what's scary? What if most or all of you were doubters just going through the motions out of fear of the repercussions of not conforming?

                                load more comments (2 replies)

                                  [–]samtheshow 43 points44 points ago

                                  As a pole, and seeing as this bear fought in the polish army, I am offended and by offended I mean I laughed and didnt realize this until afterwards

                                  [–]heliosdiem 9 points10 points ago

                                  can you elaborate on your experience in being a "pole"

                                  [–]doctorofphysick 25 points26 points ago

                                  Looks like he should have czeched his capitalization before posting.

                                  [–]Notacleverredditor 6 points7 points ago

                                  He was Russian through his comment and missed it, I guess.

                                  [–]samtheshow 2 points3 points ago

                                  my bad guys, Iran t to give you my deepest apology for not being so specific

                                  load more comments (1 reply)

                                    [–]AldenH 4 points5 points ago

                                    And so can you!

                                    [–]LaVieEnRose0 2 points3 points ago

                                    Its like saying you are a 'swede' or a 'dane', which is equivalent to being 'american' or 'canadian'. English has weird adjectives for northern European countries!

                                    [–]doctorofphysick 13 points14 points ago

                                    (I think he knows that and is making a joke about it since it wasn't capitalized)

                                    [–]JaronK 4 points5 points ago

                                    Pole = Person who is Polish.

                                    pole = cylinder of metal

                                    load more comments (1 reply)

                                      [–]Lore514 16 points17 points ago

                                      Does anyone know the origin of this picture?

                                      [–]oblongoblong 5 points6 points ago

                                      It's not Wojtek, as Wojtek was actually a real bear, and these soldiers are German, not Polish.

                                      It's a pre-war photo of German soldiers posing with a guy in a costume, he was some kind of public relations polar bear, and there are a number of photos of people posing with the character, I've collected some in this album.

                                      Here's a bit more: http://www.cryptomundo.com/cryptozoo-news/more-nazi-bears/

                                      I haven't found any more details about the bear, even on German military history forums, no-one seems to know much about him.

                                      [–]infinitum17 2 points3 points ago

                                      I feel like "public relations polar bear" sounds like an AdviceAnimal.

                                      [–]ihsd 1 point2 points ago

                                      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wojtek_(soldier_bear)

                                      [–]Deeviant 50 points51 points ago

                                      Best use of that image macro that I've seen. Have an upvote.

                                      [–]Ceejae 12 points13 points ago

                                      High five for recognising a repost and not whining about it.

                                      [–]shakensunshine 68 points69 points ago

                                      It must be unbearable.

                                      [–]Dueada 59 points60 points ago

                                      /facepaw

                                      load more comments (5 replies)

                                        [–]Zoltanand 20 points21 points ago

                                        My experience as a closet agnostic at a christian camp was fairly positive. There was obviously things I would disagree with, but had a great time. Really love the people in my youth group.

                                        I really enjoyed this analogy.

                                        [–]poozipotti 21 points22 points ago

                                        i do not believe in god even a little. i work at the church, and pretty much everyone there is cool. i love hymns, and most of our sermons are like "be nicer to people!" bible camp is some of the most fun i have, and i meet all sorts of great people. not all churches are shitty!

                                        [–]Zoltanand 1 point2 points ago

                                        I met this kid with the greatest, most respectable, mohawk I have ever seen.

                                        [–]skulgun 5 points6 points ago

                                        Realized my lack of belief at a Christian Horse Camp circa middle school, thinking over the lyrics of Nirvana's Lake of Fire. Luckily, 75% of the population was female, so I wasn't terribly traumatized.

                                        [–]jimmux 6 points7 points ago

                                        It must be tough being a Christian horse, knowing that no matter how faithful you are you can never go to heaven because animals don't have souls.

                                        [–]jwolf227 1 point2 points ago

                                        Not in the Equescopalian denomination. All horse's souls made a covenant with God at the beginning of time. When all the humans die out, they will run wild and free and never have to wear a saddle again.

                                        load more comments (1 reply)

                                          [–]crlyons 1 point2 points ago

                                          My experience going to a Christian camp was fine too. My best friend of 10 years is Christian and he always invited me along to go on the church trips to keep him company even though he knows I am an atheist. He knew I couldn't let a friend go and be bored with all the other kids in his group he had nothing in common with. So I tagged along with him and together we made those church trips really memorable experiences. It is annoying singing songs about god around the camp fire but the s'mores were worth it.

                                          [–]Facker69 3 points4 points ago

                                          watch The Shawshank Redemption to learn how to escape.

                                          [–]AreaAtheist 6 points7 points ago

                                          Book of Exodus.

                                          [–]Lion_HeartVIII 2 points3 points ago

                                          rock hammer! \m/

                                          [–]3literz3 3 points4 points ago

                                          Oh, man, I can't imagine having to put up a front for that long. Is a week-long camp?

                                          [–]jodansokutogeri 5 points6 points ago

                                          it almost always is. thats how they all are

                                          [–]A_huge_black_dildo 2 points3 points ago

                                          I have to go to one next summer in Colorado with my grandma. Fuckin sucks

                                          [–]jmkeeley14 2 points3 points ago

                                          Do you happen to live in MN? I'm going up to Christian camp in a few days too. Know that feel.

                                          [–]I_am_from_outside[S] 1 point2 points ago

                                          No I live in Manitoba sorry.

                                          [–]Crossthebreeze 2 points3 points ago

                                          What's your reason for going to a Christian camp, if I may ask? Parents, or do you like the camp despite its theme?

                                          [–]I_am_from_outside[S] 2 points3 points ago

                                          Work, I needed the hours, I got an extra credit for being here (I needed a bunch of extra hours for another credit which I didn't have to do, but I didn't anyways) and I do enjoy the camp. People are nice here. They're decent people, this week as kitchen staff, we got a lot of letters from campers saying how much they loved our food and I melted.

                                          [–]Yeah_Magnets_BITCH 1 point2 points ago

                                          Really? Which camp did/are you going too? I'm also from Manitoba and have done the exact same thing

                                          [–]I_am_from_outside[S] 1 point2 points ago

                                          Assiniboia, I'm here as kitchen staff this week.

                                          [–]dajodge 1 point2 points ago

                                          sorry

                                          [–]I_make_things 1 point2 points ago

                                          No I live in Manitoba sorry.

                                          Canadian identity confirmed.

                                          load more comments (2 replies)

                                            [–]rectangl 4 points5 points ago

                                            When I was living with my parents they had the ol' "you live under this roof, you do churchy stuff" rule. For example, I had to go to Sunday school all the way up until sophomore/junior year of high school (when ever confirmation is). I thought it was fun to know more than anyone else in the class and then toss in a "god isn't real" every now and again.

                                            Just lose the "closet" part and still go and learn about their silly superstitions. Better than faking belief.

                                            [–]themcp 1 point2 points ago

                                            Just lose the "closet" part and still go and learn about their silly superstitions. Better than faking belief.

                                            That's easy advice to give, but not so much to follow: if you follow /r/atheism you'll see regular reports from people whose parents kicked them out of the house when they came out of the atheist closet. It's really not a good idea to tell your parents you're an atheist before you are financially independent of them and living separately from them, unless you are really, really, REALLY sure they're going to be okay about it. Even then, we often hear of kids who felt convinced their parents were only lukewarm believers and wouldn't really care, and then found themselves in hot water when they came out...

                                            [–]HighburyFieldsForeve 3 points4 points ago

                                            An upvote from me solely for the correct use of the apostrophe, (funny too mind you).

                                            [–]doctorofphysick 2 points3 points ago

                                            I'm just shocked he actually spelled "atheist" right, something that 80% of the subreddit seems incapable of.

                                            [–]GuyOnTheMoon 2 points3 points ago

                                            I really need explanation for the original picture or else I can't sleep.

                                            [–]TeddyBear_Squabble 10 points11 points ago

                                            That is how I feel as an atheist working at Chick-fil-a.

                                            [–]healthybigmac 8 points9 points ago

                                            Nah I would disagree, CFA doesn't actively push Christianity on its employees. At least that was my experience when I worked there, obviously could vary from franchise to franchise.

                                            [–]TeddyBear_Squabble 3 points4 points ago

                                            Yeah, that is true. My co-workers are all just pretty regular people.

                                            [–]Tibulski 4 points5 points ago

                                            The one I (used) to go to had all kinds of, excuse the pun, godawful propoganda. They had posters in the work area with Jesus and bible scriptures and all that jazz. They also had a little magnet on the Cooler where they kept the Iced tea that said somehthing along the lines of "Don't steal, it's against the 10 commandments" really? You need Religion to justify your morality? how about "Dont Steal because that would be douchey"?

                                            [–]healthybigmac 5 points6 points ago

                                            I can't say I've ever seen anything of the sort, and I worked at one in the Bible Belt, though I'm sure plenty of them are that way. But I worked at arguably the "least-fundie" CFA you could ever find, as the store manager was (is, he still owns it I believe) openly gay.

                                            [–]JJampedro 2 points3 points ago

                                            or don't steal cause you dont want to be stolen from.

                                            [–]airotciv 4 points5 points ago

                                            I lived in a Christian college residence for a summer cause the rent was cheap, was close to campus, and had a minister's reference since I was raised Christian. I felt like a dirty dirty spy the entire time.

                                            [–]curelight 3 points4 points ago

                                            Spah sappin ma pastor.

                                            [–]DemonWor1d 1 point2 points ago

                                            Are you currently in Belle, West Virginia?

                                            [–]SD_track 1 point2 points ago

                                            teach me master!

                                            [–]sassr 1 point2 points ago

                                            Hang in there dude.

                                            [–]11yearoldatheist 1 point2 points ago

                                            COOL MAN

                                            [–]Yo-yo-ing-guitarist 1 point2 points ago

                                            I had to do that...I liked all the people there but hate the religion part of it, I had another friend there who wasalso athiest tho

                                            [–]renaissance-man 1 point2 points ago

                                            I did the same thing this summer. Whenever my friends had their moments when "Christ was inside of them" I just kind of awkwardly stood there. But I must admit, their songs are really catchy.

                                            [–]jlegner 1 point2 points ago

                                            The songs will be with me forever.

                                            [–]ohphilly 1 point2 points ago

                                            When did redditors get so young? All these posts about camps and graduating high school.

                                            [–]JJampedro 1 point2 points ago

                                            Atheism-a non prophet organization I'm sorry, unrelated, but this is the best George carlin quote ever

                                            [–]aliengoods1 1 point2 points ago

                                            That's not exactly fair. Christians have done far more damage throughout history than Nazis. Let's not forget about that 700 years of being held back called The Dark Ages.

                                            [–]mikeno1 1 point2 points ago

                                            I've see this so many times yet I find this very funny. I can't even really relate to the situation. I'm 20, my family are l atheists and my friends. I'm not hiding anything from anyone, this shit makes me a laugh a lot though.

                                            I love that you've taken a picture I've seen a hundred times and made it hilarious by applying it to a situation I don't even really relate to at all, I just like you're usage.

                                            [–]HipHoppin 1 point2 points ago

                                            Here's my question. What were you doing as an atheist at Christian camp?

                                            [–]stw95 1 point2 points ago

                                            I work at chick fil a and I go on mission trips with a local church that my mom goes to. The way I see it is that whats the harm in lying to an entire church about my religious beliefs if im doing soulful activities like going 100's of miles to help needy people?

                                            [–]conundrum4u2 1 point2 points ago

                                            Just deflower as many Christian girls as you can, so they can put it in their diaries, and go to confession...

                                            [–]GeebusNZ 1 point2 points ago

                                            I attended christian games and camps while being atheistic / agnostic and just played along with whatever nonsense they had going on.

                                            Oh, we're praying now? Huh. Why are we thanking non-existent things rather than the people who worked to create, deliver and prepare this food?

                                            [–]come_on_seth 2 points3 points ago

                                            Makes it easier to lay them off when not emotionally/socially vested.

                                            [–]SirJoseph366 1 point2 points ago

                                            so you feel like a bear in ww2, that makes a lot of sense

                                            o no wait it doesn't

                                            [–]decenthumanbeing 2 points3 points ago

                                            OMg I can relate, went to a ski camp with a friends christian youth group as a teenager. I went for the ski trip but had to sit through nightly prayers feeling like I had a big flashing sign on my head saying "athiest"

                                            [–]alsetmusic 2 points3 points ago

                                            Without viewing the link, I'm going to guess that you feel: 12 yrs old? You're at camp, so that has to be it.

                                            This subreddit is dominated by kids and it's getting depressing.

                                            [–]CtrlC_plus_CtrlV -2 points-1 points ago

                                            I thought of this immediately

                                            [–]Doomshock 21 points22 points ago

                                            So did the guy that posted an hour before you.

                                            [–]DarkSchalie 6 points7 points ago

                                            his name.

                                            [–]dzhoe 1 point2 points ago

                                            ...was Robert Paulson

                                            [–]J_Jammer 1 point2 points ago

                                            Stand up for what you believe.

                                            Why is that so hard?

                                            [–]Snowboarder12345 0 points1 point ago

                                            Felt the same way when my parents shipped me off to summer camp when I was maybe 9. Little did I (or my parents)know it was some sort of bible camp deal. I spent the whole time successfully bullshitting my way through the religious ponderings and discussion that we had to do everyday, untill we had to fill out a survey on things such as how much time we spent reading the bible, how often we went to church etc. By that point I was pretty fed up and filled out that survey truthfully. I had only been to church once for a wedding, had never seen a bible before and on and on. They ended up sending me home at the end of the camp with a copy of the new testament and a letter to my parents which I never got to read, or even know the subject of for that matter. Whatever book they gave me sat on my shelf for a few years, and was then donated to a second hand bookstore.

                                            [–]feedingmydreams 0 points1 point ago

                                            I went to Catholic High School. And we all had to go to a Christian retreat during 10th grade. Anyway, we had to go in a circle and talk about what god meant to us. I fell asleep because the people in charge made us sleep on the floor because someone had a fog horn and kept blowing it off. My German friend told the truth he said "I Don't Believe In God! Move On." I've stayed in touch with him since. I just bullshitted and said something after a woke up.

                                            [–]SebastianRamone 0 points1 point ago

                                            Day 60: Rough, terrible, ugly, bestiality ensues.

                                            [–]rex-manning-day 0 points1 point ago

                                            I suffered through years of church camp, every year I was less and less a believer. I guess I really did see the light.

                                            [–]YourGameTrainer 0 points1 point ago

                                            YES, THIS IS BEAR.

                                            [–]BitingBurrows 0 points1 point ago

                                            Going through that right now

                                            [–]white_cdubs 0 points1 point ago

                                            this will always make me laugh

                                            [–]ISmokeGallonsOfPorn 0 points1 point ago

                                            let your atheist juices flow out of you upon all those retarde religious fucktards.

                                            [–]MEOW--MIX 0 points1 point ago

                                            I'm not the only one?! YES.

                                            [–]Cerylidae 0 points1 point ago

                                            I went to one of those once. They realized I was an atheist when I made the youth pastor break down in frustrated tears at his inability to make me agree to creationism on the bus ride there.

                                            It was an awkward weekend.

                                            [–]Westonski 0 points1 point ago

                                            Omfg my empathy...

                                            [–]ohhk8 0 points1 point ago

                                            Could also be titled: how I felt as a closet atheist at a Catholic school for 13 years.

                                            [–]Satans_Jewels 0 points1 point ago

                                            Given the grammatical errors in this meme, I have to read it in a Russian accent for it to make any sense.

                                            [–]darkartistliz 0 points1 point ago

                                            This is sort of how I feel around my family at Christmas

                                            [–]Yunoface 0 points1 point ago

                                            This is funnier out of context.

                                            [–]llama_herder 0 points1 point ago

                                            I remember when it first clicked for me that Christian camp was full of crazies. A member of the music team was feeling ill on the last day, and a couple of people started praying for her and laying on hands. Run of the mill for fundie-ness, but then they started asking god to drive out the devil from her and how the devil was trying to derail our wonderful worship session. Lots of weeping, and me just going NOPE and excusing myself from the room.

                                            That day, I lost a lot of respect for people that had previously appeared somewhat sane.

                                            [–]unitedearthbuilder 0 points1 point ago

                                            One word. Johnsonburg.

                                            [–]pHreaksYcle 0 points1 point ago

                                            Isn't this the Japanese dog from that one commercial?

                                            [–]ickytortoise 0 points1 point ago

                                            I find this especially humorous because I am a closet atheist and I work as a counselor at a Christian summer camp.

                                            Bravo.

                                            [–]SonicIceFlare 0 points1 point ago

                                            HA! Not closet Atheist with my close family but going to a Christian mountain camp next week and i will be. But by my choice. It's a pretty fun camp :)

                                            [–][deleted] ago

                                            [deleted]

                                            [–]LoboDaTerra 0 points1 point ago

                                            Why are you at Christian camp?

                                            [–]Daedes 0 points1 point ago

                                            Reminded me when I won best camper award at a YMCA camp -,-

                                            [–]el_matt 0 points1 point ago

                                            So if you're an atheist... Why did you go to Christian camp? Am I missing something here?

                                            [–]tripler6 0 points1 point ago

                                            Grew up catholic. Catholic school K-12. Turned atheist when I was old enough to think for myself.

                                            That said, don't care, glad I went, public schools around here SUCK

                                            [–]Razorray21 0 points1 point ago

                                            (read in Russian voice) "As Russian agent, i must face my own greatest fear if i want to infiltrate the Nazi camp. I must become.... the Bear!"

                                            [–]Atheistus 0 points1 point ago

                                            so you are 12, i guess?

                                            [–]tashChing 0 points1 point ago

                                            Exactly! I spent 7 weeks teaching horseback riding at a 7th day adventist summer camp and I felt exactly like this. The only one who knew was the camp director. I was teaching there was a favour to her so I got to skip the part of the employee contract that states "I take jesus as my personal Lord and Savior."

                                            Also - unintentionally got myself stuck in the middle of nowhere with like the only Christian segment that is mostly vegetarian. All the soy!

                                            [–]7didnteat9 0 points1 point ago

                                            Haha. Your username perfectly matches with the title.

                                            [–]Ypsilon 0 points1 point ago

                                            Tell us about this place called outside, I've never heard of it?

                                            [–]SupaSupra 0 points1 point ago

                                            I remember feeling like this, what made it even better was I was dating probably the most devout Christian girl in the group at the time.

                                            load more comments (118 replies)

                                              Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy. © 2012 reddit inc. All rights reserved.

                                              REDDIT and the ALIEN Logo are registered trademarks of reddit inc.

                                              π Rendered by PID 13978 on app-81 running fc22e53.