Former believers, did you feel religion scammed you?

[catfish]

You mean was I aware of the Bible?

[Bad Writer]

Deflection noted.

[catfish]

Deflection noted.

Lack of reading comprehension noted. Hint, your answer was in the sentence of mine to which you responded.

[Tonus]

I was under the impression that catfish is not a Christian. Is that where this line of discussion went off the rails, or am I missing something else?

[Faith No More]

He is a Christian only in a very loose sense of the word. If I remember correctly, he does not believe Jesus was divine and enjoys calling himself a Christian to irritate atheists and Christians alike.

[Bad Writer]

I get a little grin on my face whenever he posts, but then I die a little inside when I respond.

[Faith No More]

He likes to bait people. It's best not to bite.

[LastPoet]

I'm sure that catfish in the real life is a decent guy. He just thinks we are all out to get him. Nah. Won't bite.

[HenWladFyNhadau]

I feel embarrassed that I used to be a christian. I also I feel jealous for those that were never in a faith. Is there anyone else that feels this way?

Absolutely! For 16 yrs I went to services every Sunday, joined children's and young adult groups, etc. My mother was even a Sunday school teacher so I heard it at home, too. I remember being 5 yrs old and my mother telling me that Jesus Christ was going to return. Boy was I excited...more excited than if Santa, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy wouldve all been invited to my birthday party. I remember the wonderful magical stories we were told every week...The creation, the flood, the exodus, daniel and the lions den, david and goliath, the resurrection...
As I got older all that magic faded away as I actually started reading the bible that was given to me as a gift from the pastor on the day I became a confirmed member of the church. They told me to read it...I blame them. I read every disturbing, violent, sickening, and contradictory thing in that so-called holy book. My whole (fantasy) world came crashing down.
I have a child of my own now. I don't force him to go to church. One of his friends is the son of a pastor. His friend tells him about his views...or should i say the views of his father because hes certainly too young to be thinking this way for himself. My son dismisses them as silly. I wish I would've had that kind of sense when i was his age.

[Bad Writer]

The above is why it's so important to teach our children to think for themselves. I almost cannot believe some of the success stories I hear about how theists one day drop the shackles of religion and see the forest from the trees. I'm doing all I can to make sure my daughter has the same opportunities for learning that your son has.