Newbie here :)

[BlackBow]

Hello, I'm new to the forums and want to introduce myself. Ok so I was never part of a real religion. However I had strong beliefs in
the paranormal such as ghost, psychics, chakras, souls, spirit guides, astral traveling a whole bunch of crazy stuff like that.
But for the past year or so I have been seeing videos on youtube that made me question my beliefs. GoGreen18 was definitely
someone who really got me thinking.
I always doubted and didn't believe the bible. But I followed some ideas from it such as the belief in Jesus. I only went to church
once in my life but strongly believed in Jesus and God. At around 14 I became very spiritual, that's when I got into meditating and even
attempting to communicate with spirits. I know it sounds crazy but I was into that stuff.
But I just lost all faith in that stuff and started becoming down to earth. I stopped believing in the nonsense when I realized even though
I don't support the bible I had the same mindset as Christians. I looked down on those who didn't practice what I did. I saw them as "not as
evolved as me". I had a holier than thou attitude. But as I said, watching youtube videos about atheism humbled me and my beliefs. I admit,at
first these videos upset/angered me and hurt me. But it was for the best. I started accepting the fact my beliefs are most likely false and there may not
be an afterlife. Lately I started accepting these as facts and I found a strong sense of freedom from it. I honestly thought that spirits and
spirit guides were watching me ALL THE TIME. I know it is quite silly but it was more serious than it sounds. Imagine going to the bathroom,
showering, and other personal business while genuinely believing someone is watching you. It got to the point I couldn't even dance in my
room by myself which sucked because I loved to do that. I felt like this for nearly a year. But now I'm free!
I also feel a little afraid from leaving my beliefs. In a way it's scary to let go of these long held beliefs and think of dying as the end of your, well,
everything. Plus I'm scared of what others think of me, I feel as though they will think I'm "evil." and I plan to stay closeted about this for a while especially
towards my mom. So I thought I would join an atheist forum to feel accepted and get support.

[Jax]

Plus I'm scared of what others think of me, I feel as though they will think I'm "evil."

Don't worry... It feels so good to be evil.
Even Pope Benedict has an evil side.

[Kayenneh]

Hi there! Welcome to the forums! ^_^

[Epimethean]

Welcome to you, and props for how brave a step it is for you to do this.

[BlackBow]

Thank you everybody for your kind welcomes

[Faith No More]

Welcome. From the testimony I've heard I think it's natural for anyone to be apprehensive about leaving their beliefs but you will become more comfortable with it over time. I understand your need to stay in the closet on your beliefs but I suggest once your comfortable with your new identity that you tell people. We need to show people that not all atheists are demonic, morally absent, murdering baby rapers.

[Minimalist]

Plus I'm scared of what others think of me, I feel as though they will think I'm "evil."

Until you start throwing rocks at the heads of "unbelievers" you will never be "evil."

Hi, there.

[BlackBow]

Thank you Minimalist and FaithNoMore. Your words help :]

[JohnDG]

hello, you were a very wierd kid.

[BlackBow]

hello, you were a very wierd kid.

Tell me something I don't know lol