What is being an Atheist like?

[Bob Kelso]

Hi, I'm Connie, I'm new to these forums and atheism in general. I actually am Christian, and have been raised that way my whole life (baptist denomination). Being in the church is hard for me since I'm transgender, but I'm not leaving yet, because I still believe in God. However, I am willing to get some insight on to what atheism is like, from atheist themselves. I'm, how should I put it...educating myself on atheism. So, wooo!

My questions:

1.) Why are you an atheist?

2.) What is life like for an atheist?

3.) There is no God. How do you cope with that? How do you find purpose and meaning in your life?

4.) What are your thoughts on death?

5.) Has being an atheist changed your life in any way? If so, how?

Those are all my questions for now. If I have anymore, I'll be sure to ask.

Connie

EDIT: I just realized I made a typo with the numbering of the questions. I fixed it now.

• After considering my indoctrinated faith for a time I found that I had been led to atheism via a lack of evidence for my faith and because I would no longer allow my morality to be constrained by it's ridiculousness. 
  
• Not so different from your own I would suspect, sans the religiousness of course. 
  
• You need a deity to find meaning? Rather sad if you'd think about it. 
  
• It's a natural part of things, I doubt I'll mind it any more than I did the time before I was born. 
  
• I lead a better life, morally speaking, and I have quite a bit more time on my hands without all the religious affairs that needed attending.