An Intro: I might be deconverting

[robvalue]

Welcome

Thank you for sharing your story. It's refreshing to hear of parents who weren't forcing their beliefs on their children. I'm fine with them sharing and owning their beliefs, but that is rarely the case. It's instead often presented as "This is what is true, little child who doesn't know any better and can't even think properly yet". Disgusting.

It is sad your dad hasn't been able to accept you being transgender. Sounds to me like he's in denial, for what reason I couldn't guess. But it's great he finally used your name.

As you're new to all this, I'll give you my list of useful links. You may find the rest of my website interesting too, as it's aimed at being user friendly for new (or potential) atheists. Technically, if you're unsure about god's existence, you are already an atheist. Whether you choose to describe yourself as such is of course up to you.

Please ask if you have any questions, and I wish you all the best in your pursuit of truth! I hope you stick around and enjoy the forum

[JayLugh]

Thanks everyone for the welcomes.

Another thing I didn't mention before is that my sister became an evangelical born again Christian a few years ago while teaching overseas. I'm not sure if she has continued in this since she came back home last fall, but she has told me on a few occasions that I am going to hell - not in an angry, mean way - I don't believe in hell, never really have, so I didn't feel like she was personally attacking me. I was curious and started the discussion with her about her beliefs, and asked her specifically, "do you believe I'm going to hell?" And she said yes. She would never use those words specifically to hurt me.

Interestingly enough, my dad is actually unhappy with her religious choice.

Religion is so... interesting. Kind of scary in the power it can have over people

[robvalue]

It is morbidly curious.

I'm so passionate about it because of the huge impact it has, worldwide. I think an attitude adjustment needs to happen. It's already happened in some areas, in England it's pretty much game for religion. But I'm fully aware how people in other places need support. That's part of why I'm here. Some people have a shit time of it, just for being atheist.

[The Grand Nudger]

I just like the stories, lol.

[ignoramus]

I'm in it for the sing songs!

Nothings honours Jesus more than what sounds like a choir of 100 wounded squealing pigs!

[Minimalist]

Well, with that I just can't resist...

[dom.donald]

It is morbidly curious.

I'm so passionate about it because of the huge impact it has, worldwide. I think an attitude adjustment needs to happen. It's already happened in some areas, in England it's pretty much game for religion. But I'm fully aware how people in other places need support. That's part of why I'm here. Some people have a shit time of it, just for being atheist.

For Christianity maybe.. but another storm is brewing.

[Whateverist]

It is morbidly curious.

I'm so passionate about it because of the huge impact it has, worldwide. I think an attitude adjustment needs to happen. It's already happened in some areas, in England it's pretty much game for religion. But I'm fully aware how people in other places need support. That's part of why I'm here. Some people have a shit time of it, just for being atheist.

For Christianity maybe.. but another storm is brewing.

Pray tell, what storm?

[Brian37]

Give into your dark side, we have barbecue kittens and nudity. Or, simply accept humans make up gods as a reflection of their own societies to which the adults pass down their claims to which they are born into.

Our planet has had 5 mass extinctions in it's 4 billion year history. Our sun is one of billions in the Milky Way galaxy. A galaxy so big it takes one ray of light 100,000 years to cross at the speed of light. A galaxy that is only one of 100s of billions in a 13.8 billion year old universe.

So knowing those scientific facts I find the simplest explanation as to why god claims and religions exist, is because humans don't want to face their finite existence. They are a result of flawed perceptions and a projection of human's qualities, desires, insecurities and narcissism. I see "all this" as a giant unthinking weather pattern as to which we are riding in in a mere blip in cosmic time.

[Ben Davis]

from the UK! This forum is full of people with diverse & fascinating backgrounds, interesting & compelling personalities and a wide range of knowledge. I think you'll have a good time here

Would you like some tea and biscuits?