Reading the Bible saved me from being "saved": Biblical errancy was a problem for a long time, but the straw that broke the camel's back was the general assholeness of Biblegod - I just decided that he was not worthy of worship. I realise that he does not exist, that he was simply a product of the times of his writers, but if he did exist I would defy him, for I am more moral than he.

It wasn't so much of a concept or phrase that made me turn a strategic corner, but an event. A bunch of us were out witnessing at a mall, and I sweetly asked a lady if I could ask her a question. She approached me real friendly & helpful-like, as if she expected me to ask for directions. I asked, "Do you know where you will be ten minutes after you are dead?"

The look she gave me spoke volumes, and I read it all: disgust at my deceiving her (which until then I had not realized I was being deceptive in my approach), disgust at my asking such a personal & nosy question, disgust at my rudeness, disgust at my assumption that she needed my religion, etc etc. She turned away in disgust, and I suddenly felt disgusted with myself. I felt ashamed. I felt immoral. It was definitely a consciousness-raising experience. I suddenly saw myself as others saw me, and it wasn't nice.

Before that I had always been a questioner anyway, but now my eyes became more open. When I read the Bible I saw it with fresh eyes, and discovered what an asshole Yahweh was. After that it was only a matter of time till I finally let go.

Details