I just completed my bio but I thought I would post it and maybe get some helpful feedback with the last part.
I grew up catholic and went to catholic elementary and high school, and even graduated from a jesuit university. From a very early age, I felt like the religious thing just didn't add up. The older I got and the more I searched for answers, the more skeptical I became about any type of religion. I believe in being a kind, loving, and accepting person to everyone, but I can't help be feel disappointed in people when I find out they're religious. Not just because I think the stories in the bible are so messed up and disturbing...and clearly made up by humans before humans knew anything about the universe, but because they choose to abandon common sense and reasoning, and then let that continue to spread to their children.
I've always been told I have such a great sense of humor...at times inappropriate, I'm sure, but I always try to be fun and find the humor in things. The only time I ever feel remotely offended by anything is when religious people go on about their beliefs. I don't know why it bothers me so much and I hate that it does. Maybe because it's the one thing in my life I've never felt I could be completely open about.
I am completely open and honest about my atheism, my sex life, my politics, and my bowel movements.....guardedly.....been around long enough to know that when enough people know enough about you...your going to find some that will try to hurt you......some for your own good....with this group I find like-minded people concerning religion, and I can be open and honest, and only lie occasionally about other things...a really fun place for me. Be good to yourself, and good luck
YAY! Another ATLANTA atheist! I've been trying to explain how pervasive religion is in every aspect of culture down here, and how many people feel comfortable enough to openly ridicule us when they encounter us.
But I fly my heathen flag with pride every single day.
Bring. It. On. ?
We should get a coffee sometime - it would be nice to be able to speak openly with someone for a change. ?
Oh, and welcome!
I also grew up Catholic and went through 12 years of Catholic school. I get annoyed with people who try to convert me because I had religion stuffed down my throat for so many years. Also, the Catholic church is mysogynist. I don't know about you but it took me a long time to believe in myself after being told from birth that I was the cause of sin in the world because I'm female,
Welcome aboard.
I have a somewhat different reaction when theists attempt to promote their faith (belief without evidence) over facts. I am an open atheist (not a theist) and anti-theist (openly criticize the ill affects of religion). Depending on my mood, I will usually engage them with a suitcase full of arguments that reveal the dishonesty of their position. My motivation for this response is I actually care about the health of society and find the dishonest faith (believe what you want) over reality a potentially devastating position for society. I've seen many theists loose much following the falsehoods asserted by theistic leaders. The worst loss that was a young woman. Her friends found her suicide note under her hanging body. It read, "I've killed myself so I can live forever with Jesus and my dead father in heaven."