I did a little bit of lurking and read a few of the other posts, and well, like them, I too was raised as a christian, moreso, a catholic.
I was enrolled in a protestant middle/high school for 2 years though.
I was forced to study the bible, and 2 different variations, 2 different dogma, 2 different viewpoints with equal blindness to dissenting viewpoints.
Because I learned both viewpoints, and absorbed copious amounts of information, I'm able to understand and debate my point whilst understanding the viewpoint of the typical christian. Using their own circular reasoning against them. (but then again, I was debating with teenagers, not experienced adults)
I make it sound way more dramatic than it sounds.
However, up until I went into college a few months ago, i was a regular at my catholic church.
I spent 5 hours each sunday in the youth group.
I was stealthy, i spent every moment hating their illogic, and blatant disregard for the fundamentals of science. They just thought of me as the kid who didnt talk. When they talked to me, I smiled and replied jovially. I did everything I was asked, and even spoke at the front of the church once, charismatic and smilling. I knew all the biblical facts and trivia, the priests and deacons were impressed by me, and even invited me to become a priest myself. (I obviously declined
They never caught on to my true nature, neither did my father.
Noone ever realized that I had believed science was my way of life, and that my surreptition was just an act. I guess I was good at it, but I didn't want to be hated, I liked that false friendship.
But it taught me a lot about the ways of christianity.
Its circular argument.
Its convoluted doctrines.
Its hateful splinter groups which bicker among eachother over authority.
Though I do dislike christianity, I accept some parts as logical.
Morality is an invention created by mankind in my opinion. We created these values ourselves.
I agree with some of the christian morals, such as peace among mankind.
I like those parts which promote general wellbeing in society, people should not steal or kill each other. (Unless this was a Fyodor Dostoyevsky Novel of course, haha)
I dislike the parts which go against the fundamentals of science and logic.
Such as miracles and acts of god, and perhaps creationism.
I'm not sure about creationism, maybe a sentient being did create the universe?
I'm not sure how to prove or disprove that, but evolution is a true fact.
I also think there is a god, or gods.
Beings which transcend humanity.
I just can't be sure. But one thing that can be certain, is that the god of Christianity is very implausible.
The god of christianity is based on human standards, and I don't believe that a god would act in such a way. How can I back that statement up... hmm...
Omniscience and Omnipotence just disprove themselves. Agh, I can't put my thoughts into words, it's 4:26 am here. >.o
I think I'm ranting too much, but there's my conversion story.
In summation: when science began to disprove religion.
I decided to choose the scientific route, and I havent regretted it since~
I was enrolled in a protestant middle/high school for 2 years though.
I was forced to study the bible, and 2 different variations, 2 different dogma, 2 different viewpoints with equal blindness to dissenting viewpoints.
Because I learned both viewpoints, and absorbed copious amounts of information, I'm able to understand and debate my point whilst understanding the viewpoint of the typical christian. Using their own circular reasoning against them. (but then again, I was debating with teenagers, not experienced adults)
I make it sound way more dramatic than it sounds.
However, up until I went into college a few months ago, i was a regular at my catholic church.
I spent 5 hours each sunday in the youth group.
I was stealthy, i spent every moment hating their illogic, and blatant disregard for the fundamentals of science. They just thought of me as the kid who didnt talk. When they talked to me, I smiled and replied jovially. I did everything I was asked, and even spoke at the front of the church once, charismatic and smilling. I knew all the biblical facts and trivia, the priests and deacons were impressed by me, and even invited me to become a priest myself. (I obviously declined
They never caught on to my true nature, neither did my father.
Noone ever realized that I had believed science was my way of life, and that my surreptition was just an act. I guess I was good at it, but I didn't want to be hated, I liked that false friendship.
But it taught me a lot about the ways of christianity.
Its circular argument.
Its convoluted doctrines.
Its hateful splinter groups which bicker among eachother over authority.
Though I do dislike christianity, I accept some parts as logical.
Morality is an invention created by mankind in my opinion. We created these values ourselves.
I agree with some of the christian morals, such as peace among mankind.
I like those parts which promote general wellbeing in society, people should not steal or kill each other. (Unless this was a Fyodor Dostoyevsky Novel of course, haha)
I dislike the parts which go against the fundamentals of science and logic.
Such as miracles and acts of god, and perhaps creationism.
I'm not sure about creationism, maybe a sentient being did create the universe?
I'm not sure how to prove or disprove that, but evolution is a true fact.
I also think there is a god, or gods.
Beings which transcend humanity.
I just can't be sure. But one thing that can be certain, is that the god of Christianity is very implausible.
The god of christianity is based on human standards, and I don't believe that a god would act in such a way. How can I back that statement up... hmm...
Omniscience and Omnipotence just disprove themselves. Agh, I can't put my thoughts into words, it's 4:26 am here. >.o
I think I'm ranting too much, but there's my conversion story.
In summation: when science began to disprove religion.
I decided to choose the scientific route, and I havent regretted it since~
Humanity has become too complacent, the only limits which exist are the limits we create.