Finding Your Moral Compass: How Atheists in L.A. Discover Meaning Through Unexpected Travel Adventures
Finding Your Moral Compass: How Atheists in L.A. Discover Meaning Through Unexpected Travel Adventures - Leaving Dogma Behind
For many people raised in traditional religious households, the journey to atheism often begins with leaving rigid dogma behind. Strict adherence to doctrine can feel stifling, causing some to seek greater freedom of thought and exploration beyond the confines of their faith. This departure from dogmatic beliefs opens up new ways of deriving meaning in life.
Shelly, 32, was raised as a devout Catholic but began questioning her faith after starting college. "I realized that so much of what the Church taught contradicted my own evolving beliefs about morality and ethics," she shares. "Once I started thinking critically about doctrine, I could no longer accept it wholesale without evidence."
Letting go of dogma wasn't easy. "At first I felt guilty, like I was turning my back on my upbringing," Shelly says. "But the more I read philosophy and studied other worldviews, the more validating it felt to shape my own perspective."
For James, 46, leaving dogma behind came after a long struggle reconciling his sexuality with his Southern Baptist roots. "I couldn't deny who I was, but I also couldn't accept a doctrine that condemned me for it," he explains. Abandoning those beliefs led James on a journey to discover his own spirituality outside organized religion.
Of course, some manage to balance religious tradition with more progressive views. But for many atheists, true intellectual freedom requires relinquishing doctrinal adherence altogether. This allows for open, evidence-based investigation of profound questions without the limits of dogma.
"I don't claim to have all the answers," says Shelly. "But my life feels more authentic now that I'm not constrained by prescribed beliefs. I can weigh each issue independently and come to my own conclusions."
Finding Your Moral Compass: How Atheists in L.A. Discover Meaning Through Unexpected Travel Adventures - Seeking Community Outside Traditional Faiths
For many who walk away from organized religion, one of the greatest losses is the sense of community. Congregations can provide built-in social circles, support systems, and a feeling of belonging. When that pillar of one's life crumbles, the isolation can feel jarring.
Fortunately, secular community has blossomed in recent years, providing fellowship without faith. "After I left the Mormon church, I really missed having a group to lean on," shares Amanda, 29. "I started searching online and found a local chapter of Sunday Assembly, which is like a 'church' for atheists. We sing songs and listen to inspirational talks, but it's 100% secular."
Amanda now co-leads the chapter and has found meaning in developing a like-minded community. "It's been amazing to watch our little group grow. We laugh, share ideas, and are there for each other during hard times. I didn't think I could have this without religion, but I do."
Others find community in humanist groups, which promote ethics and compassion without theology. James volunteers with his local humanist chapter, which carries out service projects like clothing drives and soup kitchens. "It's rewarding to give back and bond over shared human values," he says. "Our group is small but so enthusiastic. We really inspire each other."
For some, new communities emerge through skepticism and free thought groups. Mark, 24, relishes the critical thinking discussions at the weekly meetups he attends. "We debate everything from philosophy to science fiction," he chuckles. "It satisfies my need for deep conversation and stimulation."
Travel can also lead to surprising connections. Shelly bonded with a group of backpackers while staying at a hostel abroad. "We were all from different backgrounds but could relate about questioning religion," she shares. "It was amazing to philosophize into the night with these kindred spirits I'd just met."
Finding Your Moral Compass: How Atheists in L.A. Discover Meaning Through Unexpected Travel Adventures - Finding Spirituality in Nature
For those who've stepped away from organized religion, nature can become the new temple. Many atheists report profound spiritual experiences while encountering the natural world, whether trekking through a forest or gazing up at the endless cosmos.
"When I look through my telescope and ponder the billions of galaxies out there, I feel this tremendous sense of transcendence," shares James. "It fills me with a spiritual fulfillment that I never found in the pews."
The same holds true on a microscopic level. "Learning about quantum physics and the astonishing fact that we're all made of stardust just blows my mind," says Amanda. "I find tremendous spiritual meaning meditating on that."
For Shelly, her most transcendent experiences happen in the wilderness. "There's something magical about being out in raw, unspoiled nature away from civilization," she explains. "I feel this visceral sense of belonging, like I'm part of the fabric of life."
During a backpacking trip in Yosemite, Shelly had a particularly profound moment overlooking a pristine alpine lake at dawn. "It was so silent and still, just absolute peace," she recalls. "I felt incredibly connected to everything around me. It filled me with a sense of meaning that I can't put into words."
Mark finds spiritual sanctuary gardening at his urban community farm. "Nurturing life from the soil just feels sacred," he shares. "It centers me and reminds me of my place in the ecosystem."
Of course, nature's brutality has a place too. "Experiencing its raw power puts things into perspective," Mark adds. "Like watching a hurricane and feeling totally humbled by the forces that govern this floating rock we live on."
Finding Your Moral Compass: How Atheists in L.A. Discover Meaning Through Unexpected Travel Adventures - Broadening Perspectives Through Global Journeys
For many nonbelievers, travel opens doors to new worldviews that traditional religion often discourages. Immersing themselves in foreign cultures allows atheists to expand beyond the dogmatic confines of their upbringing. Different customs, values, and philosophies reveal diverse ways of finding meaning.
Maria, 38, was transformed by her first solo backpacking trip across Southeast Asia. “Growing up very sheltered as a Jehovah’s Witness, I thought my beliefs were the only truth,” she shares. Her journey exposed her to new spiritual practices. “Like when I participated in a Buddhist meditation retreat in Thailand—it was so eye-opening to clear my mind and just be present.”
Encountering different outlooks compelled Maria to question her own assumptions. “Staying with a Hindu family in Bali, I saw how their faith brought them meaning,” she explains. “I realized everything I’d been taught about other religions being wrong or ‘tools of the devil’ was so misguided.”
For David, 48, global adventures revealed diverse political perspectives. Visiting Cuba humbled his American exceptionalism. “It really hit home how heavily our thinking is shaped by where we happen to be born,” he reflects. In Israel and Palestine, he gained new empathy for the Palestinian side he was raised to condemn.
“Travel taught me that reasonable, moral people can look at the same issue and come to wildly different conclusions,” says David. “I had to stop seeing the world in simplistic good versus evil terms.”
Of course, keeping an open mind is essential. “Check any cultural superiority at the border,” David recommends. “Be humble, don’t judge too quickly, and recognize your limited understanding as an outsider.”
Shelly agrees. “I try to appreciate each place and tradition for what it is, not what I wish it was.” For her, travel is an exercise in constantly challenging preconceived notions. “I might strongly disagree with certain practices, but I always seek to understand the cultural context behind them.”
Expanding perspectives ultimately reveals common ground. “Despite surface differences, most people want the same basic things—health, family, purpose,” Maria observes. “Recognizing our shared humanity makes the world feel so much smaller.”
Finding Your Moral Compass: How Atheists in L.A. Discover Meaning Through Unexpected Travel Adventures - Volunteering Locally for Greater Purpose
For those who have moved beyond traditional religion, volunteering offers a powerful way to cultivate meaning and community while making a difference close to home. Local activism provides many of the same social and spiritual benefits as religious congregations, just without the theology.
Shelly found her sense of purpose reignited after leaving the church by tutoring immigrants working toward their GED. “Helping people gain skills and confidence reminded me why I used to love church mission trips,” she shares. “Now I could contribute meaningfully without having to promote any ideology.”
Volunteering with his local Pride organization gave James a new chosen family after being shunned by his biological one. “Marching in the parade, passing out condoms, registering voters—we’re saving lives out here,” he says. “My fellow volunteers are some of the most inspiring, courageous people I’ve ever known.”
For Amanda, volunteering with Planned Parenthood felt especially profound after growing up pro-life. “If someone had told me 10 years ago I’d be an abortion clinic escort, I’d have been mortified,” she reflects. “But getting to support and empower women during such a pivotal moment—it’s changed me completely.”
Mark finds spiritual nourishment volunteering at his neighborhood food pantry. “Bagging groceries seems like a small thing, but the gratitude I see reminds me of our shared humanity,” he explains. “Plus, unloading trucks together every weekend has given me a little community. We chat about life while getting the job done.”
Of course, collective social action also fosters meaning. Maria joined local organizing efforts to pressure lawmakers for paid family leave policies. “Campaigning alongside fellow mothers reawakened my passion for social justice that got lost in all those church potlucks,” she chuckles.
Travel can provide unexpected opportunities to give back. David spent a week volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Thailand. “Shoveling massive amounts of dung was back-breaking. But knowing these rescued creatures would get to live out their days in peace—nothing has ever felt so right,” he shares. “It reminded me what really matters.”
Finding Your Moral Compass: How Atheists in L.A. Discover Meaning Through Unexpected Travel Adventures - Trying New Things and Breaking Routines
For many who have stepped away from the confines of religious tradition, trying new things and breaking out of comfort zones becomes a vital part of personal growth and fulfillment. Shelly shares how leaving her faith compelled her to push beyond her boundaries.
"As a devout Catholic, there were so many activities and interests that were labeled as sinful or dangerous," she explains. "Once I started questioning doctrine, it was liberating to finally explore things like sexuality, psychedelics, even taboo literature."
Of course, diving into the unfamiliar carried some trepidation at first. "I was pretty sheltered growing up, so everything felt forbidden and risky," Shelly says. "But facing those fears helped me understand myself better."
James found himself similarly boxed in by the rigid gender roles of his fundamentalist upbringing. Walking away empowered him to embrace his full identity. "I started experimenting with makeup and women's clothing, going dancing at gay clubs, even joined an LGBT rugby team," he shares.
For James, expanding beyond conventions he'd internalized was an act of self-love. "I'm still shy in some ways, but I don't let rules dictate how I'm allowed to live and enjoy life anymore," he says. "There's something spiritual about honoring your authentic self."
"After leaving the Mormon church, I had all this free time on Sundays and no structured community activities telling me what I should be doing," she explains. "So I just started trying random new things every weekend."
From comedy and improv classes to city scavenger hunts to Korean spas, Amanda's Sundays became a time for growth. "Stepping outside my habits and comfort zone opened me up emotionally, mentally, and socially," she shares.
While many associating atheism with hedonism and indulgence, that's not universally true. "For me, it's more about presence, being fully conscious and intentional with how I spend my finite time," Mark reflects.
He challenges himself to put down his phone and be fully immersed while playing with his kids. He explores new genres of music, theater and books. He samples unfamiliar flavors at the Greek and Thai restaurants in his neighborhood.