former aethiest? any willing to share why they decied to quit?
112702
quit atheism or quit religion? be more specific
1097065
Hi Don,\nI met the SaltyFry once, a few weekends ago. I was walking to the corner market for a loaf of bread when I had to pass by a neighborhood church. I was somewhat acquainted with the structure as it was always mentioned in the newspaper's community section. Known as "The loft," folks would gather there on Thursday evenings for poetry readings.\nHowever, this day happened to be a Saturday afternoon and a pair of gentlemen greeted me as I walked by. They invited me inside to sample an hour of their presentation. Ok, I went inside and found myself to be a prospective new recruit for their brand of religion.\n\nMost of the pews were filled with hooded monks chanting a haunting rhythm. There were others who like me, were wearing their regular denims. The service began like most others that church-goers would be familiar with. A grand master of ceremonies led the group through some songs and gave a sermon. Near the end of the hour it was time for their ritual of "laying on of the hands." Some of the parishioners would come forward and ask for prayers for their ailments or for a sick grand mum who fell down in the tub. All the hooded dudes whose faces could not readily be seen would all place a hand on the person and their combined energies were presumed to have a strength and expedite a solution to the problem.\n\nOK now, there was another new guy in the pews who was watching eagerly. I recognized SaltyFry from a wanted poster viewed earlier at the post office. When he saw a chance, he approached the ring of conspirators and described how he was always moving around and never able to settle down. The hooded goons closed in upon him, all to make a physical connection. The master of ceremonies began a prayer, a dogmatic mix of logic and pure hocus-pocus. I immediately saw the effects of the procedure as the tension went out of SaltyFry's body. When the beseeching was near an end, the master asked, "Are the brothers ready?"\n\nA suspenseful few moments passed until he almost shouted, "NOW!"\n\nOn that cue, the brothers began to pummel their hapless victim. Continually delivering blows over head and to the solar plexus until SaltyFry was down on the floor getting stomped. After another minute, the grand Pooh-Bah decided the treatment administered was sufficient to induce a relaxing calm that would assuage the nervousness of SaltyFry for a long, long time.\n\nI can't say for certain if SaltyFry got the comeuppance he deserved as I had a loaf of bread to buy and some other errands to do that day. I hope for you Don, that you do find a sense of closure to this difficult episode of life.\n\n-Zealnik
918155
I use to be a bartender and have had people who don't really associate with me much anymore because of it. I also have some family members disappointed because I left the Catholic religion to become a born again Christian. I also use to read tarot cards and play with ouija boards and such, and have burned them all, but I have a friend who still does automatic writing and we don't speak much anymore due to my changes in life. I have told her the truth, but she insists she knows it all. \nThrough all this, I have lost some friends, but have gained alot more. I even have old friends back in my life that were Christians when I was reading and all. They stayed away from me because they were scared of it and I now realize that they were right when they tried to tell me the truth. They knew that someday I would find the truth. Just have patience with your friend, and pray for her to see the truth. I am still praying for friends that have not seen the truth. I have witnessed the Lord Jesus to some, but they still are not there yet. Jesus does say in the Bible that we will be disliked because of His name. I hope this helps you. God Bless.
191341
Hello The Great an... :)\n\nI was not raised in a Chrisitan home..my dad was an alcholic..my mom used to abuse us with a belt..If I listened to my mom and my dad, I would still be an atheist..\n\nI was not afraid of going to hell (I did not believe it existed)..I did not believe that heaven existed either (God was not real to me)..\n\nI tried the Wiccan religion..it had no answers for my drug addiction..or for taking away the feeling of loneliness..I did not like the idea of any god or godesses'..for if they were real, my life would not have a hell here on earth..\n\nI also tried Buddism..it said you have to find yourself within to change..that was the problem I was having..I could not change my self..No matter how much I tried.. :(\n\nI could not have followed the marjority..because before I asked Jesus into my heart, I did not even know that Christians were the marjority..I did not even want to know..I hated Christians..because they were sicky sweet..telling everyone that Jesus Loved them..they did not know how to have fun in life, they lived boring lives..\n\nThen one day, I just could not take life anymore (I was going to kill myself that day)..\n\nMy brother came over on Sundays to take my children to Church..he asked me if I wanted to go..I told him I was not dressed, he said he would wait for me..So I went to the Jesus Freaks Church (that is what I called them)..I cursed the Pastor..all he did is tell me that he Loved me and so did Jesus..I said I would be coming back next Sunday to curse him out again..\n\nThe following Sunday before I was able to say anything the Pastor asked if anyone wanted to be baptised that afternoon..before I knew what I was doing, my arm went up into the air..I was baptized that afternoon..\n\nThe next morning I was quoting scriptures from the Bible (I had never even read it before)..my oldest daughter came down the stairs and I said to her, I Love you and for the first time in my life, I felt Love for my little girl, she came running to me and we hugged each other, I was crying, because you see, I used to abuse my little girl.. :(\n\nI was immediately set free from drugs, greed, hatred, anger, self pity, lust, and fear of what tomorrow may bring..\n\nNo one, had ever able to give me total peace within my heart..or given me a reason to live..nor have they ever been able to fill the emptiness within..\n\nUntil that one day on August 28, 1978..when I asked Jesus to be the Lord of my life and forgive me of my sins..for if one asks with a sincere heart, your sins will be washed away and you will feel as clean and as white as snow..a veil shall be lifted from your eyes..then and only then will anyone believe that:\n\nJohn 3\n\n16  ¶ For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.\n \n17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.\n \n===========================================================\n\nThank-you for asking this question.. :)\n\nIn Jesus Most Precious Name..\nWith Love..In Christ..
961465
why would i want to change anyone's mind? if i were a jehovah's witness, then it would be part of my spiritual job, wouldn't it? you sound like you're venting and maybe you're angry--perhaps you should check it out and see what's bothering you about this forum. Peace
768271
Non religious to Christianity: A friend took me to church with her and I liked it for a time.\n\nChristianity to Agnostic: People of the church were disappointing.  They judged a lot more than "enlightened".  I was considered a trouble maker for asking questions.  I found that any place that tries to hide answers has a reason to do so, and that's never really a good thing when they're taking your money.\n\nAgnostic to Atheism:  Over time, I just felt that the concept of God was not logical and not for me.  I prayed so hard for many weeks for him to allow me to believe in him.  I was miserable for a time after realize he didn't exist, but I began living for myself and being truthful to myself and I just became happier than I ever have been.\n\nThis entire process was over the course of ten years.
1170432
in one entry for 5/22/06 it said something bout im that could have been the reason for him leaving... and not coming back. but if thats not  the real reason he left then maybe we aren't suppose to know cuz they would have told us why he left if they wanted us to know. but i'm a lil bit of an artic monkeys fan. wow aren't they still too new to the music world to lose a member of their band? isn't it too soon? thats omg thats weird but hopefully the band will recover.
332921
answer yourself honestly the question ..why am I doing it? there's a reason or reasons behind every users use. you may need a counselor or rehab to help you discover this.make a list of the pros to quitting ( more money for better things for one) what are you trying to cover up by being high? what do you gain from doing it over and over? these are things only you can answer an only to yourself .be honest an discover what better things can be in store for you by quitting.\n\nps. a relationship with God does help.he fills many gaps in people's lives
1079982
Once I was asked “Have you found Jesus?” I replied “Damn? You guys just keeping losing him” (and probably your faith as well). And while I appreciate your thought and intent the answer is “No Thanks”.  I am pleased that you have found a path but with all due respect, do not try to drag others along! (Usually kicking and screaming).  Make you a deal! I’ll attend a service with you if you attend one with me! Neither will probably convert but I’ve seen yours before. You attending mine may uplift you and at least give you a different perspective.
692135
Hi Michael,\nI don't know if a phone number will be of any use any more.\nI met the Laray D. Taite once, a few weekends ago. I was walking to the corner market for a loaf of bread when I had to pass by a neighborhood church. I was somewhat acquainted with the structure as it was always mentioned in the newspaper's community section. Known as "The loft," folks would gather there on Thursday evenings for poetry readings. \nHowever, this day happened to be a Saturday afternoon and a pair of gentlemen greeted me as I walked by. They invited me inside to sample an hour of their presentation. Ok, I went inside and found myself to be a prospective new recruit for their brand of religion. \n\nMost of the pews were filled with hooded monks chanting a haunting rhythm. There were others who like me, were wearing their regular denims. The service began like most others that church-goers would be familiar with. A grand master of ceremonies led the group through some songs and gave a sermon. Near the end of the hour it was time for their ritual of "laying on of the hands." Some of the parishioners would come forward and ask for prayers for their ailments or for a sick grand mum who fell down in the tub. All the hooded dudes whose faces could not readily be seen would all place a hand on the person and their combined energies were presumed to have a strength and expedite a solution to the problem. \n\nOK now, there was another new guy in the pews who was watching eagerly. I recognized Laray D. Taite from a wanted poster viewed earlier at the post office. When he saw a chance, he approached the ring of conspirators and described how he was always moving around and never able to settle down. The hooded goons closed in upon him, all to make a physical connection. The master of ceremonies began a prayer, a dogmatic mix of logic and pure hocus-pocus. I immediately saw the effects of the procedure as the tension went out of Laray D. Taite's body. When the beseeching was near an end, the master asked, "Are the brothers ready?" \n\nA suspenseful few moments passed until he almost shouted, "NOW!" \n\nOn that cue, the brothers began to pummel their hapless victim. Continually delivering blows over head and to the solar plexus until Laray D. Taite was down on the floor getting stomped. After another minute, the grand Pooh-Bah decided the treatment administered was sufficient to induce a relaxing calm that would assuage the nervousness of Laray D. Taite for a long, long time. \n\nI can't say for certain if Laray D. Taite got the comeuppance he deserved as I had a loaf of bread to buy and some other errands to do that day. I hope for you Michael, that you do find a sense of closure to this difficult episode of life. \n\n-Kobb
1098267
My entire family is Catholic and I was baptized Catholic.  I attended church every Sunday until I was almost 17.  \n\nReasons why I stopped going:\n1. I finally realized it just didn't mean anything to me\n2. I sat there and thought about everything but what was going on (many times about things that probably shouldn't be thought about during mass - ex. "Wow that guy in the third pew is so attractive!!"). I spaced off for the entire hour.\n3. I don't want to disrespect the people who actually care about the religion. I felt like I was making a mockery of them and their faith by being at mass and spacing off the whole time.\n\nI honestly don't think I'd consider going back unless I had a huge life-changing experience that made my faith much, much stronger. I believe in God, but I don't really like the idea of organized religion. Maybe I would if the church became a lot more liberal toward many social issues, but it's not likely.\n\nHope this helps!
76808
With a passion. Their doctrine is wack, and with a little down in the Bible study on your own, they could see that. But I have nothing against them personally. On the contrary, the few I have known I love dearly--and miss since they have moved away. I weep for them because their doctrine leads them away from some awesome fellowship and truth.
939137
a)  Nope.  100% Neo-pagan, which makes sense since I'm Wiccan.  The next closest matches were New Age and Buddhism.\nb)  I've explored all three.  I was raised Protestant.\nc)  I'm extremely happy with where I am in my life.  I would advise anyone else to look at what they truly believe - not what they have been told to believe, but what they actually think "explains things" when they look at life and how it works.  I was very unhappy until I finally let go of the fear that I would be punished if I said, thanks Jesus, but I'm going over here.  Thus far, things have been much better since I realized I was on the wrong path.  Above all, I think maintaining a balance in life helps breed happiness.
237070
Dude, you're back!!!  I have the same problem, but he is much more forceful about it.  I just argued as an atheist and basically told him his views were bullsh*t.  He got so pissed off that he took the rest of the day off and was granted a transfer to another shift.  The rest of us had a party!  Other than that, bring in your own boom-box and jam it louder.
974912
Is there anyone in the group that you can trust? I would try to talk to one of them to see if they can tell you what went on, if anything. That's pretty freaky-no more pot or outings...
444700
Yes. \nI hesitated about what to do. If I decided to quit, I could not get any money. So, I made their life so difficult and the business so bad that they put me out of the company and I asked for a good exit package. With that I bought a small flat and set up a Foundation. I do my best to have a great working atmosphere. It goes very well.
744187
I left Christianity (i.e. Roman Catholicism - RC) because my RC grandparents were murdered in 2002 by their own RC sons and daughters.  Those animals were never arrested because they held influence with the RC church and the town officials where I lived in.\n\nI embraced Islam in 2004 and never regretted my decision.  I'm definitely happier now as a Muslim.\n\nPeace.