Hello from a former Baptist

[formerbaptist]

Hello. I joined this site to get support as I complete my "coming out" from religion. I was raised in a Baptist church, and we went to church Sunday morning, Sunday night, Wednesday night, and any other night something was going on. The days we weren't at church were spent with people that went to our church, or someone who had similar views. Baptist religion was all I knew. I was even homeschooled through middle and high school after attending a Christian school through 6th grade. I was around religion all the time, and I felt no reason to question anything. I wish I questioned things sooner, but I am glad to have a lot of my life ahead of me to live religion free.

I started questioning religion after my brother in law started questioning my beliefs. I started looking at sites like evil bible and God is imaginary.com. I read 'Biblical Nonsense' as well. Even though I was in church and even tried to read my bible, I never saw the contradictions or evil things contained in the bible. Now, I can't believe that anyone could possibly believe in a book that has so many stories about soldiers keeping virgins for themselves, a God that kills for ridiculous reasons, and other passages - like Ezekiel 23. In addition to the glaring lack of evidence of anything supernatural in the world.

This has been somewhat of a painful process for me. I will pretty much be losing any friends that I have. I will be starting over to a certain extent. But, I have kids, and I don't want them to have to grow up under religion the way I did. I have not totally cut off from my church. I think that will happen soon though.

I am looking forward to getting to know some people through this site - hopefully even some people who have been through a similar situation. I wouldn't mind hearing some stories of coming out from religion to very religious family members. I look forward to the support as well, from more people who share my lack of belief.

[Something completely different]

Welcome from a German atheist!

Yes a GERMAN atheist. In the brief time in which watched christian american media I have oftern heard lines such as "without atheism no Hitler" "Hitler was atheist" "nazis were atheists"

So I might be a bit of a chock for you as a former baptist.

[Nine]

Welcome!

[formerbaptist]

Haha. A lot of what Americans believe is tainted by religion. Since I have been looking into atheism, it is amazing to me how much of what I was taught simply is not true.

[Minimalist]

Glad they let you up in time.

Welcome.

[rexbeccarox]

Hi! Welcome!

I don't know if this helps, but I come from a very religious family and I never actually "came out" or made any kind of announcement. Instead, I let it just sort of emerge with time. Like I would bring up interesting scientific stuff at dinner, or for example, I asked my family to tune in to the skeptic podcast I started with my roommate. I wouldn't say they exactly approve of my atheism, but no one has shunned me either. With my family and friends, I treated my non-belief as just something about me, and no big deal. If it's a possibility for you, I would go that way. It reduces the shock factor, IMO.

[formerbaptist]

Glad they let you up in time.

Welcome.

Haha -glad they let me up as well.

---

Hi! Welcome!

I don't know if this helps, but I come from a very religious family and I never actually "came out" or made any kind of announcement. Instead, I let it just sort of emerge with time. Like I would bring up interesting scientific stuff at dinner, or for example, I asked my family to tune in to the skeptic podcast I started with my roommate. I wouldn't say they exactly approves of my atheism, but no one has shunned me either. With my family and friends, I just treated my non-belief as just something about me, and no big deal. If it's a possibility for you, I would go that way. It reduces the shock factor, IMO.

I honestly would love for that to be an option. And it might be for a short period. But I was very involved in the church attend. I have given up many responsibilities. However, it will be a big deal to family members when I walk away. I will have to confront the issue at that point.

[Minimalist]

I will have to confront the issue at that point.

If you are in the bible belt you could try wearing an Obama T-Shirt. They'll be so pissed about that they won't care that you're an atheist.

[rexbeccarox]

Yeah... it doesn't really work for everyone. I was always resistant to church and religion anyway, so no one was surprised when they realized I was a non-believer. Sorry about that. And good luck to you.

[Cyberman]

Hello and welcome from me too!