from the UKIt saddens me to read that humanity has lost another mind to irrationality but I would never challenge your freedom to believe as you feel you should. I hope you don't mind if I ask a few questions.
The symptoms you describe in your 'Christmas experience' are consistent with known forms of clinical depression; did you seek any medical advice? Also, how did you end up rationalising that the Christian version of the Abrahamic god was the cause & solution to these episodes?
You say you had a simplistic view of Christianity; did you have much interaction with other atheists? I ask because the statistics demonstrate that atheists tend to have a greater knowledge of religion than the religious; certainly, many members of this forum demonstrate this on a daily basis. I'm wondering how you address that conflict between your statement and the facts?
Your views on Christianity also intrigue me. it seems that you're picking & choosing aspects of the bible which feel comfortable to you; your position necessitates dismissal of much theology, including some direct statements/instructions from God himself. Given the nature of your conversion, your direct personal experience of God, do you feel any cognitive disonance between your practice and the rules laid down by the bible?
Sum ergo sum
