Hello

[JimmyM35]

Hello All! My name is Jimmy, I'm 35 and from Oklahoma. I was raised Pentecostel. I never really bought in to the church or even asked to become a member or be saved. I was still a huge faker until my early 20's, I would go with my girlfriend whose now my wife. At this point in life I'd start to question family and friends beliefs. I would point out errors in the bible or problems with creationism. In Oklahoma this is never warmly received. It's even ignored by my own family and explained off as I'll come around. I can't even express or debate at work my own beliefs. I hear how atheist are talked about and only recieve bible verses or snarls if I make a sarcastic Jesus comment here or there. I'm successful and have worked for an energy company the last 7 years. We (Atheist) are definetley discriminated and looked down upon in the Bible Belt. I know it wouldn't help my career to bring it up with friends at work, so I don't. Still a huge faker or at least that's the way it seems. I have 3 daughters the oldest and youngest attend church with their mother. My middle one is the question asker, She is also an Atheist. I've never did anything but answer her questions and ask her to use her brain to research what she's being told. Just want her to ask questions and think for herself, would want the same if she was buying a house,car or into religion. This is deeply unpopular with mine and my spouses family. Guess I created an account to know that I'm not alone and that others feel the way I do. I'm a proud family man, veteran and Atheist. Unfortunately I just can't say all 3 out loud sometimes. I enjoy fishing, boating and OU Sooner football. I'm looking forward to hearing others experiences. Different beliefs have put a great deal of stress on my marriage. I fear that once the kids are out of the house the wedge, her fears of not being together in the afterlife will be too great. I feel it's a losing battle, just feel more and more like I have to be me and able to express my own beliefs. Thanks in advance for reading.