#non-religious

[dandthegods]

My First Story

So I got published last month! So here’s the link to the kindle/ebook version of the story and the book it was published in:

Dark Mirrors: An Anthology of Horror (The Dark Series) https://a.co/d/aWJZ0yz

it would mean a whole lot if people would check it out and maybe buy a copy. I don’t do this for the money I just like to tell stories!

[healingmyshadow]

Embracing Vulnerability

What triggers feelings of vulnerability and how do you react or respond to these feelings?

To my understanding, feeling vulnerable means to feel exposed. So when I feel exposed and vulnerable, I believe I tend to get a bit defensive - or at least that's how I've been told I come across. I put up artificial walls since my natural ones are knocked down. I have never really given much thought to how I react or respond to feeling vulnerable, but I suppose that is my reaction: to put up a wall.

The more I think about this, the more I realize that it is definitely okay to put up walls, it's just not okay to be a dick about it. Just because I am defending myself doesn't mean I need to react defensively toward others who may not have any idea what I'm going through. I need to be considerate of others during my own moments of vulnerability. It is a good time to practice self-awareness.

[himalayancrest]

10 Countries Where People Don’t Follow Any Religion

Introduction

Religion plays a significant role in the lives of many people around the world, shaping culture, traditions, and personal beliefs. However, there are countries where a substantial portion of the population identifies as secular, atheist, agnostic, or non-religious. In this article, we will explore 10 such countries where religious affiliation takes a back seat, and people prioritize secularism or non-religiosity.

1. China

China, with its rich history of spirituality and philosophy, has seen a surge in secularism, with a significant percentage of its population identifying as atheists or non-religious.

2. Japan

Japan’s religious landscape is diverse, but a significant portion of the population adheres to a mix of Shintoism and Buddhism without strong religious convictions.

3. Sweden

Sweden is known for its secular society, where individuals often prioritize secular ethics and social values over religious beliefs.

4. Czech Republic

The Czech Republic has one of the highest rates of atheism and non-religiosity in the world, with a majority of its population identifying as non-religious.

5. Norway

Norway, while historically Christian, has seen a decline in religious affiliation, with many Norwegians considering themselves secular or non-religious.

6. Denmark

Denmark embraces secularism, and a significant portion of its population follows a secular lifestyle, focusing on social welfare and personal freedom.

7. France

France has a strong tradition of secularism, or “laïcité,” where the separation of religion and state is a fundamental principle.

8. Netherlands

The Netherlands is known for its religious diversity, but a growing number of Dutch citizens identify as secular or non-religious.

9. Estonia

Estonia has a high percentage of non-religious individuals, with a focus on secular education and a secular society.

10. South Korea

South Korea, despite its strong religious traditions, has seen a rise in secularism, especially among the younger generation.

Conclusion

These countries exemplify the growing trend of secularism and non-religiosity worldwide. While religion continues to be a significant part of many cultures, these nations demonstrate that a diverse range of beliefs and lifestyles coexist, emphasizing the importance of personal choice and freedom in matters of faith and spirituality.

[bunnyamyrose]

religious trauma (healing journey) | things that I remember

• being pressured to get rid of my mermaid things (I was worried back when my husband was getting me a mermaid tail, but I’m really glad that I have it, it’s one of my childhood wishes fulfilled ✅✓)

• internalizing the view of fairies being demons (I love [benevolent] fairies 🧚‍♀️ maybe some fae creatures could be seen that way, though, lol — although some people might/would disagree that those creatures are actually of the fae)

• experiencing comments/lectures about fantasy creatures like elves being bad/evil/demonic (something like that) in the past

• that the Irish folklore book that I read as a kid/teen and gave myself my Irish name based on the princess in one of the stories was gotten rid of (I found a book online a while ago that might’ve been the same book, I have to find it & look at it again)

• having property of mine destroyed for seeming occult/witchcrafty/“demonic” or for having occult/“demonic” symbols on it

• that the authentic Irish cup and saucer from my aunt who passed years ago was destroyed for having an “occult” symbol on the bottom and replaced with something else

• having to deal with aggression and harassment about veganism being “unbiblical” or “demonic” (or whatever), being accused of being “brainwashed” for being vegan and “questioning/judging g-d” for even questioning something(s) in the Abrahamic b*ble

• a christian pastor saying that my husband (before we were married) should not marry me until/unless I “stop being vegan” along with other awful things — and I literally tithed hundreds/thousands of dollars to that organization

• being called “rebellious” and “disobedient” since childhood and into adulthood, even though I tried to explain over and over that I wasn’t trying to be and my view(s) of things

• being treated like I “should know better”, as well as being blamed for personal things even though I was a kid

• a christian pastor saying negative things about me, because I didn’t shake his hand (I wasn’t trying to be rude/mean, I generally prefer not to shake hands)

*pls do not reblog/repost*

[anonymousdandelion]

A general tip for students who are sending those dreaded Religious Absence Emails to your professors: Rather than asking permission to take the day(s) off, politely let them know that you will be taking the day(s) off.

In other words, consider not saying this:

"May I miss class on [date] so I can observe [holiday]?"

It's not that there's anything wrong with the above, per se. But because it's phrased as a request, it risks coming across as optional — a favor you hope to be granted. Problem is, favors are not owed, and so unfortunately asking permission opens the door for the professor to respond "Thanks for asking. No, you may not. :)"

Instead, try something along the lines of:

"I will need to miss class on [date] because I will be observing [holiday]. I wanted to let you know of this conflict now, and to ask your assistance in making arrangements for making up whatever material I may miss as a result of this absence."

This is pretty formal language (naturally, you can and should tweak it to sound more like your voice). But the important piece is that, while still being respectful, it shifts the focus of the discussion so that the question becomes not "Is it okay for me to observe my religion?", but rather, "How can we best accommodate my observance?"

Because the first question should not be up for debate: freedom of religion is a right, not a favor. And the second question is the subject you need to discuss.

(Ideally, do this after you've looked up your school's policy on religious absences, so you know what you're working within and that religious discrimination is illegal. Just in case your professor forgot.)

[emmajaydecashmere]

I've been to church as a kid it was hell. I didn't have a choice I wasn't old enough to stay home.

My parents made me go to church. Yet, I never believed in your "god".

I don't want to live in a life where I'd be scared of an imaginary being (yeah, see how delusional that sounds?)

Yall say "god bless you" with what?? A death of my family members? Eternal life once I'm dead?

Yeah, yall can believe in your skydaddy that's fine. I don't care, but don't tell us we're going to hell because we don't believe in what you believe in.

[pepsicandle]

yes asexuals can fuck but we need to not forget that allos can possibly not fuck ? entirely too many times I hear people saying "lol you're probably ace" to people that are literally just celibate . like guys . please . stop acting like the asexual = no sex i thought we were far past that guys

theres so many reasons to be celibate from religious to health (both physical and mental) and all the way to just not wanting to and it can very much have nothing to do with attraction

(not to mention it feels weird to see as a celibate aroallo but that's a separate topic)

[alienbycomics]

A comic I made last year about how my past selves would react to seeing me now 🏳️‍⚧️

[konigsblog]

TW: RELIGIOUS THEMES, STEPCEST, INTOXICATION, DUB-CON/NON-CON. DEAD DOVE: DO NOT EAT. MDNI 18+

Stepbrothers Simon, Kyle, and Johnny who force their religious, younger stepsister to get drunk with them. They continuously force alcohol down your throat until you're pathetically and drunkenly crying into Kyle's chest while Johnny rubs up against you.

Kyle cradles your skull and pushes his beer against your lips, getting lost in your half-lidded, drunken eyes. You don't even feel Simon slip inside your leaking cunt, or remember how you got into this position, with Johnny behind you, Gaz in front of you, and Simon beneath you. All you remember is feeling lost, absolutely dumbfounded when you couldn't find your cross necklace around your neck.

[what-shitfuckery-is-this-ew]

everyday i cry cause God made me genderfluid but not a shapeshifter

[jesuistrestriste]

im convinced that art donaldson loves thighfucking— any type of non penetrative sex, really. i think that man would be eager and willing to fuck your thighs, feet, tits, hell even your underarm. its a different type of vulnerability and intimacy…. i hc he picked up the fetish when he started watching porn, figuring it wouldnt be as wrong bc it’s not “real” sex…..

ooooh my god. yes. he does.

when you’re too tired to let him stick it in properly, he’ll ask if he can slip it between your legs or your breasts or against your tummy. all he needs is some skin-on-skin contact and he’s set; plus if he doesn’t come inside you, you two don’t have to worry about birth control. and that’s a win-win, is it not?

art moans into your neck, thrusting himself shallowly between your thighs as you squeeze them together, and his tip strokes your clit every now and then. his strong hand grips your hips and he mewls as he feels himself dribble pre down the inside of your pretty limbs. he fucks himself with your thighs, and lets you do whatever you want.

but—sometimes you’ll lazily scroll on your phone while his hips jolt and his cock kicks against your warm flesh, and it only makes him more hot. more eager.

he wants you to pay attention to him!

just because he’s not actually having sex with you doesn’t mean that he wants you to disengage.

so he’ll fuck your thighs until his balls are slapping your skin and your frame is being shaken up by the force of his movements. he’ll whimper and groan, fingers digging into the softness of your body, while he tries to warn you about the mess he’s gonna make.

as he cries out, his load will squelch and mush stickily between your legs, but he’ll keep himself buried there until he’s too overstimulated to keep his pelvis rocking.

such a little freak.

[playfully-sadistic]

Guys, shut up, listen: subs that get off on the most depraved, vile, disgusting, therapy-worthy dirty talk from their dom but are too shy and embarrassed to reciprocate equally, so they just whine like your words punched their brain's turn-off button.

[healingmyshadow]

Personal Boundaries

What are some of your personal boundaries?

1) Do not go through my personal belongings.

This is because growing up, I never was entitled to privacy. Things like my plushies, laundry, spiritual paraphernalia... that is my energy, that is my space, that for my eyes and/or use only. If you need something from me, just simply ask me. I am not some asshole, I will share with you! Unless something is deeply personal or offensive, I'll gladly and always share what I have of myself and my things.

2) Don't draw attention to my weight or my body.

I am allowed to do this because I have my consent to do so. If I am drawing attention to my physical body in any way, shape, or form, that is me making a joke, observation, or otherwise remark about myself because I give myself permission to. People on the outside of my existence other than my lover(s) are not allowed to do so and I do not give my consent for them to do so.

3) Do not compare me to other people.

This is because I would often be compared to people with terribly offensive habits or straight up compared to people who have severe disorders and learning disabilities. I would be compared to people who were considered "lesser" and told that I am like them. This is preposterous and downright insulting to all involved for various, obvious reasons. I will not be compared to anyone better or lesser than myself as I am only and will ever be myself. If that is something that offends you, exit my life.

[threepandas]

Bad End: Eve

You know how most Otome games are vaguely historical? Usually some non-specific mishmash of European countries? But fluffier and with more bows? It had once "gotten" to me, I think. I remember looking for outliers. Non-joke ones. Something that wasn't just "but this time with hats!"

I found one.

And now? Now I'm not sure if I curse that day or thank whatever force of nature lead me there. I guess... I guess it depends. Would I still have ended up HERE? If I had not found it? If so, then I genuinely and actually fucking rue it. Like... like actual "you'll rue the day! Bwahaha!" Type rue it. That's me. Ruing.

But? If it was always going to happen?

Then I guess...

I guess I'm weirdly glad. Because at least I have some fucking idea of what's going ON. Terrible, as it all is. Fucked, as the situation is. At least I'm not... not confused. Blind and at the mercy of those around me. Ignorance truely isn't bliss. All it does is leave you to try an fill in the blanks yourself. Usually with something far worse.

Not that the situation could GET much worse, by much.

I was in an Otome game. NOT a flower, high society, and dragons kind either. No. I? Was in a Dark Sci-Fi otome game. "Fate of man" was thrown around a lot. Power of luuuuv~ and such. Also, you know, HORRIFIC ethical violations. Human experimentation. Cataclysmic events and humanity "starting over".

All the high drama sci-fi concepts you could expect. It was a romp. Had good art. I'd had fun! Which is why I remember it so clearly.

Less fun when you're IN IT.

When you AREN'T one of the characters you KNOW will survive.

In fact, are one of the characters you know WON'T fucking survive. And will probably die MESSY. Horribly. Cause see, our BELOVED Harem collecting Protagonist? She? Was AN Eve. "AN".

Take a wild fucking guess what THAT project is about.

Did you say "breeding a better race of humans"? Ding ding ding! With humanity currently fucked, they want to FIX the problem by FIXING humanity. And of course, fuck ethics! Volunteers? Why use those?! Let's horrifically mad scientist our way to atrocity-ville! Make it all the more "God rightfully punishing us for our unforgivable sins" when we get wiped out!

Fffffffuck YOU, plot! I have to live here too!

You may, in fact, be picking up a slight note of stir crazy. A "wow, this lady rambles like a mother fucker" vibe. You would TOO, if you were stuck in a FUCKING TUBE. All I can do, day in and day out? Is wake, think, observe, then go right back to sleep. I can't even eat! I got a TUBE for that!

I... I miss showers.

Everything is GOO.

I'm an Eve. And if it weren't for the air tube controlng my breathing? I'd laughing hysterically until I died. And no, not in the "oh how funny" way. God. Oh... oh god. What a way to die. NONE of the Eves survive "the program".

Those IDIOTS are so OBSESSED with making bigger and bigger, better and better, FUCKING JUGGERNAUTS? That the Adams? Have long since reached the point of "mindless killing machine". UNSTABLE is putting it lightly. There is sexual dimorphism and then there's literal incompatibility.

But GOD FORBID the scientists admit that THEY are the ones with the inferior product.

It... it was even part of the game's plot. The scientist who made "Eve" HID her while HE made an Adam. I do not have that luxury. Somewhere, there is an unstable BESERKER being told I'm his "wife". That we're going to be HAPPY together. That he'll get to put his bruising, blood soaked hands anywhere he WANTS... just after he WINS me from the other Adam's.

Got to prove HE'S the best specimen, after all.

It makes my skin crawl. All I can hope, is that I can either provoke the bastard enough to kill me before they have a chance to stop him, or? I use my own enhanced strength to snap my neck. Maybe bite my tounge. Like HELL am I letting an Adam get near me.

The hiss of laboratory doors.

"Perfection at last..." Comes a relieved sigh. "All those HIDEOUS specimens. Why they make me suffer them, I'll never understand. We should have terminated them months ago. My poor project, they really think they're WORTHY of you..."

There's a derisive laugh. The scientist strolling into the lab I've been developing in, familiar. I watch him casually shrug off his lab coat and dump is bag. Hang his coat over the back of his chair. Turn, as he does each day, to STARE up at me. His eyes are a pale, pale purple the likes of which I've never seen before.

They're HAUNTING.

There is almost a red tint to them, though maybe that's the lights. The goo. I can never tell. He always looks ENTRANCED by me. Floating, visored, connected to far too many tubes an' wires. I'd think it was the fact that I was naked if it weren't for the way his gaze doesn't seem to drift lower then my shoulders. Seems more entranced by the way my hair moves, as though under water.

I've never once heard him talk about me lustfully.

But that doesn't mean he doesn't SCARE me.

"Let's begin, shall we? Time for your daily doses, mmm?" He says, voice dangerously affectionate. As though i had CHOSEN to do this to myself. As though he were merely reminding me of my morning medicine and not the hell ahout to come. "Going to be good for me? I know you shall, you always are."

He turned back to his desk, his computer. A few keystrokes... and I could feel the pod above me begin to hum, as it awoke. Oh god. Oh god it never got easier. From the corner of my eyes, bright chemicals slide down thind lines and into my veins. Like lines of lava. Bolts of electricity and pain. It was... AGONY.

My muscles seized. Brain screeched, first to the screaming I wish I could make... then static. With the long practice of daily pain, it took me far away. The click, click, click of keys. The sound of his voice, so terribly PLEASED, as I hung there and just TOOK it. No restraints, no strugging, no damaging myself. Just unbearable fire in my veins and a brain far, far away.

"Good girl~"

Distantly a phone rang. He made an annoyed sound, but picked up regardless.

"What. I'm in the middle of- ...Excuse me? I'm quite sure I did not hear you correctly. I said 'NO'. She's not-....I will NOT BE-...What. Are you out of your god damned MIND? That pile of scraps you call a project is coming NOWHERE near my-! ....you think you're clever, don't you?"

"Fine. You want to TALK? Let's TALK, Anderson. I'll be there in five."

From far away, past the pain, I watched him chance down at something at the screen. Back up to me. He hung up the phone but did not pause the program. Instead, calmly rising from his desk. Shrugging on his lab coat. Rounding the desk and striding towards my bio-tube.

"Hmmm, honestly, it should have been spaced out over a few more days... but you can take it. Endure a bit longer for me, would you, darling? Daddy's going to go deal with something for just a moment, he'll be right back, my perfect girl. Be good."

He leaned forward, pressing his forehead to my tank. One hand splayed next to it like he badly wished he could touch. Could stroke skin. Hold his creation close. It was not the first time he had done this. Small, covetous, little actions like he wanted to crawl inside my skin and STAY there. Like he cursed the glass that separated us.

He pulled back. Shifted to the side and kneeled. He... had hidden something behind my bio-pod? When? Apparently before I had become aware. Because I had not known about it. A black shoe box. I watched him open i-GUN. Thaaaat was a gun! Fuck. Well at least? By the time anyone thinks to look in on me? The overdose will probably have killed me?

There is a cold, terrible smile on his face as he rolls to his face. Tucking the gun into an inner pocket. It has a silencer. He leans forward one last time. Lightly kissing the glass of my pod, as though heading off to work and not to very obviously kill somebody. The pain continues. Builds. I watch him leave.

With nothing to anchor myself on... time blurs.

I think? There are alarms? Red lights flash. Then they stop. There is shouting at one point. But then silence. An explosion? Or am I hallucinating? Pain. My nerves are on fire. I don't want to have SKIN. Please... please make it STOP! Calm foot steps? Come to kill me? Please come to kill me. Make it STOP.

The lights died a... time? Ago? Emergency lights on now. Generators in the room are loud. Why can I still hear the feet? Footses? Words. H..hurts. please.

Click.

The pain eases to a stop. Aching but nothing new. Over? Oh, thank god. I can sleep now, right? But... sound? New. At my feet. Gurgling. Wha-? The very top of my head feels cold. Then my forehead. Then my temple's and ears, cheeks, jaw... wait. Is? Is the tube...DRAINING? I open my eyes.

When did I close them?

He's back.

Standing right in front of the tube. Blood staining the hem of his coat, lingering marks of his massacre cleaned but not quite scrubbed from his body. There are little off red stains on his cheek, from what must be blood splatter. They look like tiny freckles.

I'm... I can't...

I reach as the tube down my throat is pulled almost carelessly away by the machine. Choke, suffocate, as the same is done for my air tube. But then it's done... and I can BREATHE under my own power. Gasp and splutter, as the goo sloshes around my knees. Then it's gone. And the tube I've been leaning my weight against is roughly pulled away.

I collapse forward, my muscles having never actually supported me in this life.

Arms catch me. Wrapping me in a possessive hug. A hand immediately burying itself in long uncut hair, even as the other wraps itself around my torso to lean me against his body in a cradle. My face is pressed to his neck by the hand in my hair, cradling my head and neck. I can feel breath against the goo wet crown of my head.

"Finally~" he breaths out, whispering it against me like a sigh. "My beautiful, perfect girl. My darling creation. It took so LONG. Those retrobates interfering at every turn, lusting after you like ANIMALS, trying to keep you from me. Then, worst of all, trying to toss you to some pack of savages? Oh, darling~ Daddy's been so worried for you."

"But we'll be okay now, won't we? I finally have you. All fresh and finally finished. My perfect Eve. You can pick any name you want, of course. You and I will be leaving this ugly little place. Daddy has PLANS. A fresh new world, just for you, sweetheart."

He laughed, his hug tightening in a way that would have left bruises had I been a normal human. Kisses were pressed to my temple. A cheek, rubbed against my hair. He seemed... seemed GIDDY with it. That nothing could stop him now. There was no glass in his way. I could not move yet. My muscles twitched when I tried, but that was it. I wasn't even sure I could talk yet, if I tried.

"Aaah~♡ Welcome to the World, Darling. My Perfection. My Eve. This time no snakes or Adams to tarnish you. To get in your way. Just you and your Father~"

"FOREVER~♡"

Next: ->

[aiirlane]

chosen messiah ; forced martyr

[leroibobo]

some images from the cave homes of gharyan, libya. communities of jews who made their homes in underground caves have been known in the maghreb since before the 1st century. when spain invaded tripoli in 1510, tripolian jews, both toshavim and sephardic, fled to gharyan and dug out cave homes for themselves. the houses today are occupied by non-jewish libyans or rented out to tourists.