I am new here, and having a look around. So thankful that a forum like this exists. A place to to talk, vent, ask for advice etc. from others in similar predicaments. I often wonder about those that have had to endure this hellish experience all alone without even an outlet such as this. I have found 'talking' to be one of my best therapies. But it is hard to find someone who will listen. I have always preferred REAL talk..about things that matter, rather than frivolous nonsense...which is so common in religious circles. Even when I was one of them, I often thought 'and why aren't we talking about the lord, the bible etc...".. I was very religious. I trusted it with ALL my heart, soul, mind, and strength...for 43 years. I am convinced that those who trust the most...are hurt the most. I indoctrinated my 6 children VERY well. My youngest was 10 when I stopped going to church last December...after ceasing to believe the bible in Feb 2017, and realizing my religion was fake in April of the same year. My oldest would have been 33 last month. He died at the too young age of 25. I blame my religion. Very long, sad story for another day. I am looking forward to many conversations here. I am a busy mom so I will be hit or miss,.but will try to check in most days. Thanks for listening.
7
Enjoy being online again!
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Feel free to reply to any comment by clicking the "Reply" button.I actually often refer to my beliefs as realism rather than Atheist, based on the idea that what you see is what you get. We are born, we live our lives as best we can given the opportunities we encounter, and then we die. End of story, no magical, mystical overlord puppeteers directing things. If you are in the path of the tornado, your house disappears, if outside the path, it doesn’t. God didn’t have anything to do with it.
Barnie2years
Level 8
Dec 16, 2018
0
Welcome to the group. You will hear many stories, some like your own. You will also learn about fabulous organizations like Freedom From Religion Foundation and the Humanist that do a lot to preserve freedom of (and from) religion and provide support. Sorry to hear about your loss. Many of us have experienced the loss of a valued member of our lives so we can emphasize with our pain. You will find this is a very open group and we share a lot of personal stories.
JackPedigo
Level 9
Nov 23, 2018
1
Welcome to the community. I'm glad you found the courage leave the religious bs/god and start your journey of enlightenment. Like you I stopped going to church last December and stopped believing in the bible/god last February. I feel more accepted by this community than I ever did as a believer. Religion can be very hurtful, I'm sorry for your lose and how religion hurt you. Where you an catholic before you left the dark side? I'm glad I found this web site and I'm sure you are as well. I might have commited suicide if I didn't find this community of helpful people.
freedom41
Level 9
Nov 21, 2018
0
The religion is called free holiness. It would remind you of Pentecostal. But our sect was the only one going to heaven, lol. I became a member at the gullible age of 19 after knowing nothing but Baptist. My perfectionism caused me to fall in love with the more religious lifestyle. I would have lived like the Amish if I could have figured out how to combine the 2, thinking I would have been living closer and more pleasing to the almightyGod...Yes, suicidal thoughts have been a frequent visitor. I have pretty much decided, most of the time anyway, that there may be a chapter yet that I won't want to miss.
@Realist9 Thank you for your response. Since, you have 6 children, I thought you might be catholic. I grew baptist as well. In recent years I have tried different sects to find happiness, peace, and potential partner/wife. Which was a futile search using religious bs as a guide. I'm lucky I found this community.
Howdy and welcome here. I got my first college degree at a Lutheran college. Yet, it took my third time of reading that book from beginning to end to finally be done with it.
gsiamne
Level 8
Nov 19, 2018
1
I still haven't read the whole thing..I always felt guilty that I didn't really enjoy it as much as I should, lol. But I am still reading it..intrigued, for lack of a better word, with how much I can find wrong with it.
Yes, I think the previously most religious fall the hardest. So thankful for sites like this which offer companionship through your transition from belief to reason. My transition happened decades ago, but I still appreciate the support of conversation with like-minded folks. Welcome!
Julie808
Level 8
Nov 17, 2018
3
Bible Belt Survivors may be of interest to you. Welcome to the community.
sassygirl3869
Level 9
Nov 17, 2018
3
@Freethinkingxx yes it is run by a dear friend VictoriaNotes.
Welcome. I also was very religious and indoctrinated my kids. We have that in common. 
UpsideDownAgain
Level 7
Nov 17, 2018
2
Hi Welcome. Since you are new to the whole concept, may I suggest that you join this group: [agnostic.com]
I know I am talking about this person before asking her but I suggest you meet my friend here @VictoriaNotes who can probably relate to your situation and guide you as well. (hope you don't mind @VictoriaNotes ?)
Lukian
Level 8
Nov 17, 2018
1
Enjoy being online again!
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