As far as I know, my family are all Christians but not like active Christians. They just all say they believe in god and the bible and down everyone for things they themselves are doing. That being said, I've never been forced to go to church or anything like that. The closest any got to being forceful was my mamaw who gifted me a child's bible at some point in my childhood. I read the entire thing in 2 nights and thought it had some goid stories. But that's all they were to me, stories. It was never hard for me to reject the bullshit because it wasn't pounded into me from birth. It does seem like it's easier the less you are indoctrinated as a child.

OP's experience isn't dissimilar to mine. My parents and grandparents were fairly well on the fringe of churches and I later went in and out of several of my own accord. I've always had a far wider view than typical people. I don't see myself as a mug, I am proud of my observations.

At my age, I had been an adult atheist many years before the internet was even a thing. I had spent my life living in a small Bible Belt town, so it was a "godsend" (if you'll pardon the expression) when I discovered I could connect with other non-believers via computer. That was life-changing for me.

I think once a person begins to let go intellectually of their religious beliefs they struggle with the emotional aspects. Beliefs are bound with deep seated needs and fears and usually indoctrinated at a young age. Shattering of beliefs is traumatic. The Cognitive disruption and social rejection can instill anxiety and panic. I think it's a type of complex PTSD and profound betrayal that isn't really recognized or addressed.

Most can wrap their head around damaging traumas that are human caused and involve interpersonal violence and violation. Indoctrinating children in fear based religion, for the most part, is just accepted as "normal".

The anxiety, depression, grief, anger, and fear that one experiences as they break free from that type of emotional/mental/and sometimes physical abuse isn't addressed ... either personally or socially.

the Unknown God is the only way to go imo, as Jonah makes clear

I sent him a pm asking him to delete the duplicates. Additional private messages might be helpful since this is a new poster and probably needs some direction.

Nice read, please delete duplicates.

Posting this TEN TIMES??
That earns you a blocking.

Duplicate post much??

That was funny, thanks for sharing.

The alternative would have actually been much better had you not posted your rant 10 times for no apparent reason. Oh, and the correct spelling, if you want to label yourself, is "atheist."

Great post!! You're an entertaining writer.

My introduction to Christianity was as a toddler boy that wanted to be Tinkerbell not Peter Pan, so in good Mississippi tradition my Grandmother and father had a series of protestant exorcisms to drive out the "unclean" spirits. Between religion, shame, and humiliation I stuffed my transgender nature so far back into the closet I found the Christmas presents.
The problem with Christianity is their inability to accept reality as it is.
Our problem has been not standing up to their BS.

Multiple posts . . . .

Hello and welcome. Enjoy the site, and if you have time do check the groups, there is something for everyone. But posting on one page is generally enough, it will still show on the front page.

You posted this TEN goddamn times. TEN. Typically one is enough. Delete nine of them.