Why I LeftI didn't deconvert so much as stray. I knew as soon as I went to the United States Naval Academy that I would not spend my only plebe summer time off -- Sunday mornings -- going to church. And then I just never started going when I had more time. I knew that the church was not for me anymore; there is too much symbolism and ritual, and these things do nothing for me. Also, I cannot believe that any God would care about Christian rituals, or those of other religions. Why would God need us to praise him? Maybe I place too much stock in peoples' abilities to be happy without constant praise to believe that God would need any kudos at all.

My husband and I went on a bed n breakfast retreat to Intercourse, Pennsylvania. We were inspired by the Amish lifestyle and the beauty of the countryside. And by the constant rain that weekend.

Therefore. . . we stayed in our pleasant room and decided to read the Bible, freshly, with an open mind. I was surprised to find that many of the passages made me angry. If there is a God, NO WAY did he dictate that stuff. I remember something about how a fellow who falls for his servant girl has to treat her nicely and should not take her against her will. Geez!

I mean, maybe that was written for the ancient-style mentality. . . but wow! Give the servant girl some credit! As a woman with a brain that usually works, I know that there is no way any god would consider it necessary for me to be sumissive to any man simply due to his sex. Some of the contributors to that historical document had a lot of pride.

If there is a God, I believe that his or her greatest wish is for us to enjoy our short time on this earth, and, by golly, be POLITE to each other! (Which pretty much includes a cessation of killings in the name of God or religion.)

So, here's my advice to anyone who wonders about the nature of his or her own NATURAL opinion: READ THE BIBLE. You might find it obvious that the books were written by a bunch of men who brainwashed themselves or just needed attention. Or you might decide that I'm a dummy. Either way, y'all have a nice day, and good luck to us all dealing with these brains! :)

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