How to convert an atheist

[*Deidre*]

I was a Christian all my life. Leaving behind religion has brought me more peace than when I was in it. I'd never "go back."

That said, no one convinces anyone towards or away from faith/religion. (unless you were indoctrinated as a kid, like me) It's a personal choice and while I think religion breeds a lot of bad stuff and it's really little more than fables and folly, I don't begrudge people to live as they wish, free to choose either path.

But, I would never go back. That was a bridge worth burning. lol

Do you begrudge people who actively lie to children (pretending certainty about such obviously subjective sentiments that comprise religious belief) and instill within them faith, which is pretty much the exact opposite of inquisitive critical thinking? Because I think that's a HUGE problem in the world and it affects us ALL.

I agree with you however, I was raised in a Christian home, and I'd like to think my parents at that time, weren't malicious in their indoctrination tactics. lol That sounds so wrong.

But, honestly. They grew up with it, their parents grew up with it, so on and so forth. The indoctrination of me as a kid, was something that had probably been passed down for generations. As a kid, you don't know any better, you don't know you have a choice in the matter.

I don't regret growing up that way, btw. Nor experiencing a life as a Christian adult. It wasn't until I started unraveling the Bible for myself, and looking at Church history, and realizing that what I believed really was just based on hearsay and at worst, lies...I decided to start making some changes. That process was painful, yes. But, do I blame my parents for their choice to raise me as a Christian? No. They didn't do it out of malice.

Hard to explain. When you've been deep into the faith all of your life, you think that you're coming from a place of love when you try to get others to convert. Perhaps, that is why I cringe when I see it trying to happen on here. For I remember that being a main tenet of the faith--'go make disciples of all nations.' Christians are CALLED TO witness their faith in the hopes of assisting people into converting.

Have you always been an atheist?