RE: free at last
July 24, 2013 at 5:30 pm
(This post was last modified: July 24, 2013 at 5:30 pm by Slave.)
I didn't want to read and run, as I can't really answer your last question with any kind of authority. When my de-conversion happened, I didn't feel the need to reveal the fact to my friends, however as you have been in a position of relative wisdom on religious matters in the past (and I take it your friends see you as a kind of mentor in that regard), I can see why you might feel you should.
The best way to tell them I would say, is to wait until they either bring up religion around you, or ask you directly. This may seem less evasive than seeking to inform them directly as though you were proselytizing; which let's face it, believers always think atheists do when they announce their atheism. Or, you could just be totally blunt about it and tell them "hey, by the way, you know how I was a big believer in Christ and was a worship leader and all that? Well, surprise! I am an atheist! Ha-ha, fuck your Jesus!". Either way, they won't be happy. And you will lose many of them as friends.
I did see this process as a sort of cleansing though, and I'd encourage you to view it in much of the same way. The friends you had who truly appreciated you as a person, and not just for what you believed in, will stand by you no matter what path you take in life. De-conversion is a blessing in disguise, in this regard. Regardless, welcome to the forum, your intro was a good read. I just joined tonight myself.
The best way to tell them I would say, is to wait until they either bring up religion around you, or ask you directly. This may seem less evasive than seeking to inform them directly as though you were proselytizing; which let's face it, believers always think atheists do when they announce their atheism. Or, you could just be totally blunt about it and tell them "hey, by the way, you know how I was a big believer in Christ and was a worship leader and all that? Well, surprise! I am an atheist! Ha-ha, fuck your Jesus!". Either way, they won't be happy. And you will lose many of them as friends.
I did see this process as a sort of cleansing though, and I'd encourage you to view it in much of the same way. The friends you had who truly appreciated you as a person, and not just for what you believed in, will stand by you no matter what path you take in life. De-conversion is a blessing in disguise, in this regard. Regardless, welcome to the forum, your intro was a good read. I just joined tonight myself.
