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Hello. Pleased to meet you.

I just joined the community today. I will try not to ramble. I was raised as a christian, but I cannot say that I ever really believed. I would run to my upbringing briefly in rough times in my life, but that was about it. It was not until a few years ago when I decided to do some research into just what Mormons believed that I really rejected the idea of gods. I read about the Mormon belief and could not believe how ridiculous it was. I can still remember the day that I stopped and thought, "What's so different about their beliefs and the rest of christianity?" I have never looked back since then.

I have "come out" to most of the people I care about and they have not changed the way that they care for me.

About three weeks ago, I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. I have accepted it and am moving forward. I am told by so many people, "I'm praying for you". To this, I can only reply with a thanks, because I know that to them they actually think that they are helping. The most disturbing thing that has happened is when a family member actually said to me, "You better start believing in god and praying to him." That's really funny in hindsight.

I will not ramble on any further. Thanks for reading this. It's nice to be able to actually find a place where I will be able to discuss my beliefs and my new-found freedom.

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Permalink Reply by annet on September 8, 2011 at 7:55pm

Welcome aboard Alec. I came to atheism in a similar way, why is a magic hat any crazier than all that other stuff?

Sorry to hear about the MS, that sucks. What a wake up call to live life to its fullest every day. I won't offer to pray for you but I am willing to help if possible, like a donation drive for MS research or finding social services in a given area. Have you got a doc you trust and a solid support system?

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Permalink Reply by Alec Stewart on September 8, 2011 at 8:17pm

Thank you. Yes, I have found a great neurologist at the MS Center of Atlanta. I will start treatment in a couple of weeks. It was definitely a life-changing experience when the doc told me why I had suddenly went blind in one eye. But hey, it could have been much worse, right?

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Permalink Reply by Steph S. on September 8, 2011 at 8:27pm

My thoughts are with you Alec as you battle MS.

Alec welcome to the site -- we are here for you.

Yes, I agree the theists just think they are helping when they tell you they will pray for you.

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Permalink Reply by roland707 on September 9, 2011 at 10:25am

Hey! Glad you found us. Sorry about MS. You don't use loads of aspartame do you(Diet Cokes)? If so, watch a thing called "Sweet Misery". It's probably on youtube.

So, we're neighbors. Roll Tide. I have question. You're in Newnan maybe you know. Did Cecil Newton rebuild his church right after Cam went to aubarn?

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Permalink Reply by Pat on September 9, 2011 at 12:04pm

Welcome fellow heathen and apostate! Glad you're here. You'll find the discussions/feedback quite lively at times. There are plenty of postings, discussions and groups to keep your interest up in this place. Dive on in. And, sorry to hear about the MS. While you have my concern and desire that all goes well, the one thing you won't get here is prayers. Maybe information about new medical technologies, but no prayers. Hope to see you around.