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Greetings and Salutations.

Where to start off? Introductions must be in order my name is Ryan Hlawek. 18 and living in the small town of Gilbert, Arizona.

I was born and raised strict Southern Baptist, in a near cult like atmosphere. From an early age I was always afraid of my "Church.
If you could even call it such. Warnings of eternal damnation and hellfire were common occurences as well as the thought that their god is an angry vengeful being.

When I hit fifteen years of age I dove into reading books highly criticized by the church, Nietzche, and Hitchens, the two most widely loathed authors. I always doubted the existence of any sort of god, but reading the works of authors who were also atheists made me sure of it.

It's a struggle in this town to find a like-minded group. Seeing as this town is mostly those of mormon descent.

I must say I am excited to talk to everyone.

Thank you.

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Permalink Reply by Steve on January 31, 2010 at 11:53pm

Hi, from an old f--- living in Queen Creek but working in Gilbert. I have met a lot of non-believers in Gilbert.
There is the Phoenix atheist group which meets in Tempe frequently. You could give them a spin.
I went once quite some time back but, after work, I found the journey too far.
Steve

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Permalink Reply by Kalypso on February 1, 2010 at 9:54am

Welcome to A/N Ryan. Glad to meet you, so to speak.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan Hlawek on February 1, 2010 at 9:12pm

Steve:

I've heard about them, and attempted to attend one of their meet ups. But the distance is a bit of a hassle, and thank you both for your greetings.

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Permalink Reply by Pangea Girl on April 5, 2013 at 5:29am

Hello! Nice to meet "the younger set"!!!

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Permalink Reply by Alyson Mitchell on April 5, 2013 at 7:36am

Many greetings, Ryan! Welcome to the Nexus. I'll be your bartender this evening. What'll it be?

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Permalink Reply by booklover on April 5, 2013 at 7:53am

Hi Ryan! Glad you found us! I'm sure you will like this community!~ Melinda

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Permalink Reply by The Flying Atheist on April 5, 2013 at 2:27pm

Welcome, Ryan. I'm always glad to see new people join our ranks, especially younger persons such as yourself who have not only denounced religion, but have taken the next step forward and have joined a like-minded community with a cause. Your participation is valued. --Carl