I'm not at the point where i would call myself an atheist but i am at the point where thru research i do believe it to be a bunch of BS. Maybe well intentioned BS but ultimately BS. We've been lied to about the Bible and Jesus. Bible is full of some bad crap and there is no historical evidence of Jesus doing the things he's credited with.. I've been studying hypnosis for over a year now and i can tell you that preachers use the same techniques that hypnotists use. They on your emotions and confuse you in order for the suggestions to drop down into the unconscious mind with no resistance. A hypnotist can tell someone that his finger is on fire and touch the person and a blister will show up. This is what preachers do with the holy spirit and emotions. They get people to expect it and people imaginations believe it and it really happens

I have recently had an enlightenment also and can see thru all the BS. Were you a christian or were you always atheist. I'm a former christian but i wouldn't say i'm atheist just skeptical of organized religion in general.

One of the first reactions is usually, "Oh, you are just mad at God."

Be prepared for push back, it can come when you least expect it and can be ugly! It is never smooth sailing, even when we are secure in our position!

Just part of the process. You will grow more comfortable disclosing over time, if necessary. Sometimes it isn't worth the hassle. Most Christians will talk your ear off trying to "save" you after you disclose, so pick your battles. Who wants to hear that drivel if you don't have to.

It's great when someone understands.

Change takes courage, and those that can't change the way they think can't change anything. As a Canadian I find the reach and pervasiveness of conservatism almost unbelievable. The fear of not only atheism but also socialism is astonishing and comes a complete lack of education and the predominance of superstitious thinking.

It's a long road. What most happy people find is that, in the end, you are alone. And your aloneness is your freedom. Youth is usually very dependant, very social, and most subject to suffer and be misled. As you grow stronger you will find yourself more independant and more alone. Figure out what you want. Not what everybody else wants for you, but what do you want? Become that.

I'm glad you didn't lose close friends over your views. I agree with you regarding younger people being open and more accepting of non belief.

I'm happy this has been your experience so far...

most people claim to believe because they were taught that I would believe those who were honest to start with. Some will agree with who ever is around

Congrats, but you’re still going to hell

You are having better luck with that . If I told my friends it would not go so well.

The truth is that not many people are interested in the religious opinions of someone else. It’s just not that big of a deal. When you decide not to live a lie though, you project poise and self confidence and people will admire you for that.

My daughter had some trouble when she announced there was no God in Religious Education some years ago. Over the following two lessons, there were very few believers left.
That was a proud mum and dad time.

That's something I never had when I came out as an atheist. Support is so important.

Careful