I was never a devout theist and lost all respect for “faith” when I was in early grade school after figuring out many of their “faith” claims contradicted with reality. Over the years though, I have become increasingly aware of the damage faith (belief as facts things that are not supported by evidence) is to our civilization. As a result of this sad (but enlightening) realization. My outlook and who I am has changed as I am no longer tolerant of any faith claim asserted as fact as I have learned to value truth as a paramount dictate of a healthy understanding of reality. This leaves me very disillusioned with our current political plutocracy.

Absolutely!

My late partner's daughter once told her "mom, you have changed and I don't recognize you" (since she got out of a debilitationg marriage and moved to the NW). her answer was: "No I have not changed because I finally get to be who I really am". That is my answer as well except I get to be who I really was underneath but never really recognized it.

I do have a problem with the link as it seems this person may be an atheist but she doesn't seem like much of a humanist. Her take on guns is typical conservative and Christian.

The problem is that people....in their induced ignorance....believe every stupid thing their pastor / priest / deacon tells them....Why they tell them these things? Because they are very scared of the rise and spreading of Atheism; they see their "golden hen" flying away from their pockets.

Not really sure one just becomes a non believer. It is more like maturing into a healthier state of mind.

Well, every meaningful change in your life does not have to traumatic or in a rush. Suddenly you find yourself saying things you did not think before and willing to try others you never imagine. That is called transformation and growth. Cheers!

I'm still in a similar leaning but have changed it somewhat since dropping religion. If anything I'm more of a critical thinker than I ever was when I was religious. But yet many things did not change.

Becoming A-theist simply means that you now reject the belief in the existance of god(s), nothing more and you can (and most likely will) remain the person you always have been. It will surely make a difference in how you view the world and reality, IMHO.

Great I'll stay a liberal political and social advocate fighting hate, anti-immigration and this crooked Republican Congress. Can't wait till November-we will vote them all out. Impeachment is coming.