I became a fundamental-minded Christian as an adult; studied
hard, taught Sunday School, sincerely followed the Bible as
best I could for nine years...but never had any real peace.
I always wound up back at the same two questions:
-
Why would God make such an unjust system of existence (Hell,
suffering, etc.) when He alone had the power to make it different?
-
How could God flood the whole world, detroying most of his
creation, when, as the Bible teaches, it accomplished nothing?
I realized gradually over several years that the only possible
answer was that the "God" of the Bible did not exist.
Since I was willing to accept this, it began to seem obvious
that much of what is condemned as "sin" is merely
the typical range of human behaviors. I am a good person and
I can say that without pride...and for the first time in many
years without a bunch of guilt heaped upon me for not "loving
the Lord" enough!
Details
| Sex |
Male |
| Location |
Texas, US |
| Age I Joined |
10 |
| Why I joined |
Scared of "Hell", wanted to go to Heaven, wanted "peace" |
| Age I Left |
45 |
| Why I left |
Studied for degree in Bible, began to see serious flaws within, completely illogical and horrible things "God" is supposed
to have done disqualify the Bible as the "Word of God".
Islamic system is equally ridiculous, best we can do is promote
civilization and respect each other's individuality UNLESS it
harms/hinders another. |
| What I was |
Independent Baptist, fundamental conservative, judgmental, homophobe
(not any more) |
| What I am now |
Governed by logic, reason, and kindness |
| Recommended reading |
"love thy neighbor" does not mean invite them to church,
it means be kind and help when possible., website: positiveatheism.org |