Well, this year has been amazing. Leaving a church that didn’t like us showed me how important it is to know yourself. Traveling to Pakistan and India taught me about who I am and introduced me to some new things, people and possibilities that I want to pursue. Reading science and psychology books opened my mind to a new way to look at the world. And from those things sparked a me that has been kept quiet and hidden for, well, ever. And a peace, joy and love came with it that I’ve never experienced before. So….all that to say…people its time for me to be honest and expressed the feelings I’ve had since the spring. Thanks.
Simple Truth
and trying to obtain it.
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
Google+
YouTube
Girl… You ROCK!! Not only are you a fantastic self learner, but you are a WONDERFUL person it seems to me!! Your candor is something that is sooo very respectable!! You’ve been in a tough position and I think you’ve handled it very well!! I’d be proud to have you as a friend!!
…. A fellow Non-Believer 
thanks! how sweet are you!?
Heard your phone call on the thinking atheist podcast and you should be so proud of yourself. You are an inspiration to every person struggling with religious belief and hope that you continue to post on this blog which I am now going to follow avidly. I have a philosophy background if you ever have any questions about religion from my perspective I’d be happy to help.
You are an amazing person and such an inspiring role model. Congratulations on stepping into that peace and joy of life. No rude things coming from this direction. And I would be honored to be a friend.
I am a recent resident of Charlotte and was perusing the CAA website. I found you and your story and felt so bad for you. However, after seeing this video, I know you will not only survive, but will thrive. I wish that I had your wisdom and courage decades earlier, as it would have saved me alot of regrets that you will not have now as you live your young life. I wish you and your family the best in the future. Should you wish to view my background and worldview history, see my blog ratioprimoris.blogspot.com. Know that there are many of us out there, most of whom are still in the closet
Thanks guys, you’re awesome
I got your website after you appeared on Seth’s show and bookmarked it. Been checking every now and then. I decided to drop by and watch to see how you were going to finally let yourself come “out of the closet” so to speak. Bravo to you for doing this. I can tell it is choking you up a bit, but now you don’t have to hide anymore. To me, the greatest obstacles that atheists have is the fear. Fear of reprisal, fear of being ostracized, fear of even just being harassed. Overcoming it is really an accomplishment and worthy of respect, but to do so on a public forum like this, is a step beyond that. It helps others who are afraid as well.
Non-believers (Atheists, Deists, Pantheists, and all non-practicing types) have reality on their side. The facts will back us up, and what we say need not be anything but truth to prove our point. But non-believers do not fear being wrong. Many would be glad to be proven wrong. What they fear is the resentment of others for speaking the truth and being honest. They also fear the inevitable pain that their loved ones have to go through.
Too often we forget that the families of these closeted atheists believe in the God of the bible, whose only unforgivable sin is non-belief or non-acceptance. They fear that your soul will go to hell, and the book fortifies that fear. How cruel it is that the only unforgivable sin is one you cannot choose to not commit? I can imagine life as an open atheist being like watching your family weep over your death, despite you standing, waving your arms, screaming that you are still alive, and yet they choose to ignore you and continue grieving for you.
As painful as I can imagine that being, it is worse to lie to them, and to subject yourself to hiding that part of you. It may take time but I’m sure many will accept that if God exists, and indeed he is benevolent, he would not condemn you for that which he has given you. He will not condemn you for your logic and reasoning.
And do not be afraid to talk with them, tell them what you have learned, and tell them you are still open to hear what they have to say, as long as they are willing to listen to you as well.Those that are truth seekers usually pride themselves on open mindedness, though being open minded does not mean accepting anything. Any value worth keeping can stand up to scrutiny. And yours will. Theirs, not so much.
Most of all though, tell them you love them, no matter what they say. When they say you will go to hell, it may sting, but remember, they are trying to help you because they love you. Even if misguided, even if spoken in anger, remember that it is fueled by love.
The religious often have one misconception about atheists, That we are sad and we need help. We are not sad, we are worried. For you, and the feeling of guilt you will have for us. We worry because we care about other people. Because we know…
…we are all we’ve got.