The Atheist Mexican | Episode 1: On Mental Health and Being an Atheist Mexican

[@jennistropes7515]

So great to see you again, Miguel! I'm looking forward to more episodes because I'm really happy to see an update on how you're doing, but I also do have an interest in hearing your perspective/experience on this topic. When I was growing up my father was a satellite engineer and always teaching us about space and the universe. He never talked about religion and we didn't go to church, so the topic of him being an atheist didn't really ever come up, but he was. But I also don't remember him or my mother (non-practicing Catholic) attempting to sway me in any specific direction. My friends and grandparents were Christian and/or Catholic and I would go to church with them fairly often. But I always saw the stories in the bible and the sermons as exactly that - stories. Basically oral histories, sort of like folk tales or how many Christians see Greek or Norse mythologies, where things are exaggerated or embellished to pass on information that was considered important or to teach a lesson. But learning about the universe and worm holes and galaxies etc from dad at such a young age, I was so in awe of all of that and how it could exist that I had some sort of an agnostic-y spirituality throughout school. So I never *believed* in a Christian god, but more a "something" that had maybe arranged this weird explosive universe. I then "converted" to atheism after high school, primarily in response to higher level sciences and metaphysics. But with that same folklore/mythology perspective, I read the Torah and took a class on Islam in college while majoring in cultural anthropology, mostly in order to understand the culture of those religions and communities. And while I was extremely interested in what I learned about Islam, Judaism, and even Christianity because Christianity was sort of used in the Islam class to discuss similarities and differences, that information only reinforced my atheism more. Anyway, I digress and will wrap this up, but I'm really looking forward to hearing more from you on this subject

[@TheAtheisMexican]

I miss your face, and this is exactly the kind of thoughtful comment I would expect from you! Since I had a classical literature focus as an undergrad, I too read the Judeo Christian Bible (KJV), the apocrypha, and the Quran in much the same way that I read Theogony by Hesiod. It was all mythology, but unlike true believers I don’t think of narrative fiction or the term “mythology” as somehow inferior to the “truth” that is preached by religion. In fact, I think it is much more useful for me when viewed in that light. Regarding your consideration of the universe and nature as a sort of “god,” that was a common part of philosophy that got some brilliant thinkers like Spinoza in trouble. In fact, the way you just described it would have branded you a criminal atheist by the mainstream of not so long ago. Interesting thoughts!

[@jennistropes7515]

​@@TheAtheisMexican Yes!!! The mythology vs. truth comment exactly! And philosophies like Spinoza's are why my mind is so blown by Behavioral Ecology (human and animal) - the idea of memetic vs. instinctual behaviors and the ideas of a "god" or "substance" or "conatus" driving animals to have instincts or be able to communicate behaviors to each other that are beneficial to the continuance of the species. And how real is the concept of genetic memory for both mental and physiological adaptations? How much of the maladaptive behaviors or physical traits that humans and animals exhibit now were once part of the only reason that the species or culture survived to the present day? Of course, with humans, this includes the intertwining of religion and culture, morals and taboos.

[@TheAtheisMexican]

@@jennistropes7515 we are definitely a story obsessed species because of highly demonstrable neurology, combined with our evolutionary history. We also learned from observing cause and effect starting at a young age, which is part of why seeing animals act on instinct is such a remarkable thing. Have you read ANIMALS IN TRANSLATION?

[@jennistropes7515]

@@TheAtheisMexican Ooo, I haven't but I'm putting it on my list because it looks like something I would love.

[@TheAtheisMexican]

@@jennistropes7515 Let me know when you start reading it! There are some SUPER fascinating ideas in it! Also, I think this little conversation has inspired me to do a video on parallels throughout mythology.

[@kcruver]

Good to see you healing and creating my friend! 👏👏👏

[@TheAtheisMexican]

@@kcruver I can’t wait for our phone call!

[@jessbowers7558]

love you, man! glad to see you!

[@TheAtheisMexican]

@@jessbowers7558 Love you back, friend. Can’t believe it has been like 30 years or something since I saw you.

[@maconwilson6395]

So good to see your face, and even more so to hear you using your voice.💜

[@TheAtheisMexican]

Oh my god I am crying seeing you comment here. You have no idea how much it means. None.

[@Sirand]

I am so happy to see an update and hear you're in a better place, Miguel. You've always been one of the big lights out in our community and I'm always rooting for you.

[@TheAtheisMexican]

You have always been an inspiration. I'm getting the ability to feel inspired back after feeling like emptiness for too long. Thank you!

[@KimyooFilms]

It's interesting, John Skipp and I were recently talking about how much we miss you. I'm so glad to see you up and about, my friend. Other than a brief stint as a born again Catholic (yeah), I've always been agnostic with a frustration with believers for using their religion and their God as a weapon. The last few weeks of my mom's life were a deep and complete hell and were instrumental in pushing me into the atheist side, though I have some spiritual beliefs still (happy to talk about it, but there's no God is in my equation). I'm looking forward to your thoughtful commentary and, if you'll allow, your personal exorcisms. Sending you and your family love.

[@TheAtheisMexican]

@@KimyooFilms I miss you and John both. There is a lot to think about in your comment, especially since I know what a part of your life your mom played, and how difficult that has been for you. As I disentangle myself from the miasma of madness, I am recognizing that any antitheism I had was usually tied to lashing out in defense against a vocal subset of people who abuse their beliefs. Whatever your personal experiences with your own explorations with living in this world, I love you.

[@rewindofthelivingdead]

Glad to see you working towards healing Miguel! Both hosts of Rewind are atheist ourselves. It’s always good to hear the stories of others. As you so eloquently put, everyone’s foray into atheism is unique. I too grew up catholic, my mom was raised Vatican I and resisted a lot of the changes made in Vatican II. Our confirmation stories couldn’t be more different. My mom made it clear that, while indeed it was my time to choose to be catholic, my choice would be yes. At that point I was sure I was atheist but after talking with a priest, he suggested I wait to share my feelings with my family until after moving out. So I confirmed and pretended to be catholic for my family for years to come. We never even formally addressed my atheism. It just eventually became understood. I really enjoyed hearing the story of you and your father having that conversation. Since he truly understood what it meant he accepted your choice, in whatever way he decided to process it. Looking. Forward to more of what your page has in store and wishing all the best for you and your family.

[@TheAtheisMexican]

I am super grateful for your sharing of this story. The crisis of whether or not to choose to be Confirmed is something that I don't get to talk about much, and it is powerful to hear from someone who went through with it without the "mark on your soul" it was supposed to supply. Just a general obligation, right? One other thing that came up was when my daughter was born, and my dad (now an Episcopalian minister) asked me if I wanted her baptized. He was also sure to mention that brother had his son baptized by my dad. I offered both a thank you and a decline.

[@annasalmans5523]

Thank you for making this. I am not Mexican, but I married a Mexican man from Querétaro before I left Christianity.

[@TheAtheisMexican]

@@annasalmans5523 and thank you for posting! Are you still married and his religion still play a part in his life? Feel free to tell me that’s too personal of course.

[@annasalmans5523]

@@TheAtheisMexican Yes, I am still married. Our relationship is difficult sometimes, but I feel we still love each other. He still believes in La Virgen de Guadalupe and Dios Hijo and Papa Dios. One of the things that led me down the atheist road was reading of El Milagro de Tepeyac. I listened to the poetry of the account in the Nahuatl language. I visited the Sierra Madre Gorda Reserve where my in-laws live and got to participate in some of their traditions passed down from my husband's Otomi ancestors. It's a strange mix of Catholicism and native beliefs. I started seeing things from a different perspective after learning Spanish and some Nahuatl and Ñhanhu . I went through PTSD and an identity crisis after realizing that the god I believed and loved for so long was not real. It's all so complicated and I used to be such a simple person.

[@TheAtheisMexican]

You have some really incredible stories to tell, my friend. Also, thank you for the reading recommendations. The way indigenous traditions have melded with Catholicism in so many parts of Mexico has resulted in some fascinating art and music and other practices. I am so happy you commented here, but I also send my love for your struggles. I think one of the reasons religion can be so attractive to people is how it offers simplicity in a world full of complexity.

[@previouslyowned]

Good, thoughtful stuff. Great to see you again, Miguel!

[@TheAtheisMexican]

And it is also great to see you, Will. Miss you!

[@bmljenny]

It's great to see and hear you again outside the workiness of LinkedIn, and thanks for starting this channel. Another ex-Catholic here - we are legion, aren't we. I was only about 9 or so at confirmation, so not a whole lot of deep thought went into it. I started losing my faith bit by bit in high school as I observed the hypocrisy in the Church, especially as other denominations seemed to try to relate with the modern world. By late high school and early college I was involved in my parish and a college club for the social justice activities but thoroughly divested from the dogma. I wonder if Catholicism loses more people because the hypocrisy is so stark - preaching concern for "the poor" while sitting on hoards. The anti-feminism, the homophobia. The obvious corruption in the hierarchy. Preaching against lustfulness while... well, yeah. ANYway, I'm so glad you're speaking about your journey.

[@TheAtheisMexican]

You were Confirmed at nine? Wow, that is young. As I am going to consider in these videos, I think the first things to erode my faith was my attendance at an extremely diverse public school system in suburban Maryland. Also, the seeking of community via subcultures worked its magic as well! I think the elements you bring up are certainly part of the equation, particularly the hypocrisy of Roman Catholicism's obsession with money. Interestingly, that is a lot of what led to protestantism, which evolved in the US into the many fundamentalist denominations--all of which are experiencing drop off for much more intense reasons.

[@bmljenny]

@@TheAtheisMexican Yeah, Quebec did things a little differently. It was Catholic public school, and while it was certainly not all white kids, it was all church all the time. Church was across the street. One of my classmates' dad worked at the factory that made Communion host, and she'd bring un-consecrated scraps of that stuff to school for snacks. Poor girl, that stuff is terrible.

[@TheAtheisMexican]

@@bmljenny I fear I am giggling a bit at that host-as-school-snacks story. It reminds me of all the people who say they "live Jesus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner" and how sad and gross that sounded--just like an eternity in heaven sounded boring and bland. Regarding the compare/contrast between USA and Canada, I have found it both interesting and terrifying that Catholicism in the USA can and has actively billed itself as the progressive denomination when compared to evangelicals.

[@enoynaert]

Good luck on your channel.

[@TheAtheisMexican]

@@enoynaert thank you! The nerves are running high, but this is great to hear!

[@medge42]

Why does you tube need a new atheist channel? More voices, yes, but the main reason is because you want to. That is enough. Good luck. PS: I know a number of offsprings of priests they are mostly atheists.

[@LidiaGonzales-Rangel]

Im going thru deconstruction from Catholicism and it's very depressing.

[@TheAtheisMexican]

@@LidiaGonzales-Rangel What would you say is hardest?

[@LidiaGonzales-Rangel]

Not feeling comfortable with revealing it to my family and friends without fear of rejection.

[@TheAtheisMexican]

@@LidiaGonzales-Rangelomgoodness, this is me still. ❤ I hope you can find hope and kindness. Please feel free to reach out.

[@LidiaGonzales-Rangel]

@@TheAtheisMexican Thank you

[@medge42]

I've been on meds for a while, my upbringing was not good; it involved abuse, rape and others. This isn't what made me an atheist though, like you I can't pin point the time or event that made me an atheist.

[@TheAtheisMexican]

@@medge42 I would love to discuss more about when you became an atheist and what reasons helped you decide on that for yourself. Regarding some of the other hardships you have experienced, all I can say is that I am in awe of the resilience that you clearly have. Thank you for sharing such difficult things.

[@medge42]

@@TheAtheisMexican I'd like that too. I'm off on holidays overseas for the next 7 or so weeks. I'd like to keep our conversation private, at least at first. Need to figure out how to do that. Via Facebook perhaps?

[@TheAtheisMexican]

@@medge42 Absolutely privacy is important. I don't use FB, but I'm on Reddit at www.reddit.com/user/ComprehensiveLime857/ or Insta at instagram.com/miguel_hifilmfest/