Taq writes:
The difference is that we can show that those processes actually exist, and that the evidence is consistent with those processes. You can't say the same for a belief in deities.
That's a big difference. Should have more than one sentence. Where's my colours and bold font?
This is where it comes down to your highest priority for the motivation behind your beliefs.
Are you trying to get an accurate representation of the truth as best we can? Then this is a significant point to understand.
Do you have an alternative higher priority? Then this is not a significant point.
Alternative priorities could be:
-peer pressure/fitting in
-personal desire/comfort
-fear of backlash/authority figures
-just don't care/not an overly important concept for living your life
-love for other people who have alternative priorities and you don't want to upset them/respect for other personal relationships
-personal need to have "all the answers"/uncomfortable with "the unknown"
-personal drive to always "be better than the Jones's"/my God is more powerful than your God
As an atheist, I do feel extremely philosophically limited, though. There's a lot of bullshit out there and I find myself unable to accept most of it.
But limited in some sort of "cannot attain certain levels of personal growth" sort of way? No. That's just a human thing.
Some people are better at basketball than others.
Some people are better at spiritual growth than others.
Being an atheist isn't a factor... it may possibly be a byproduct (quite possible that those who are not good at spiritual growth may lean more towards atheism)... but just "being an atheist" is definitely not a contributing factor to limiting yourself in any way. Philosophically or otherwise.