Hello all. I was raised in a Christian home, church regularly, pretty loving church experience growing up - then lots of ups and downs as an adult with my Christian beliefs as I attended different non-denominational churches which all had their own system so to speak (very confusing and disappointing). I've probably been deconstructing my Christian beliefs for the last 10-15 years. The reasons are not unique - I basically got tired of all the hypocricy, intolerance of some groups, judgmental, confusion about what the Bible is really saying. The final force that drove me on the final step of deconversion was the church's issue with the LGBTQ community
Although I myself am not a gay person, I could no longer be part of a group who is so divided on LGBTQ people, treat them like sinners and pretend to love them, and/or are downright against them. I even went to a church who affirm this community, and they were a very loving church. However, even their affirmative stance was not enough for me to continue to believe. It was there that I realized I don't like church and I don't believe anymore. I only came out this past year as a non-Christian (to some) and am realizing I need to be part of a community with like-minded people who are not religious and caught up in that trap. Since I have admitted to myself and others that I am no longer a Christian, I feel free, happy, authentic, and excited to be alive and not feel confused and guilty all the time! "Freedom in Christ" is such a fantasy, along with all the other bullshit. I'm glad I'm here, and I love this little site and community. Hope to get to know you all better.