The World’s Largest Coalition of Nontheists and Nontheist Communities!
Hello to everyone.
Hello. Please allow me to introduce myself. My name is David and my wife and I live in Smiths' Grove. I grew up in Franklin and have been recently remarried for about 1.5 years now. We both work in Bowling Green and love our jobs and life. I was raised in a strong baptist family and was indoctrinated with the fear of eternal damnation. I can remember as a child sitting in church thinking, 'this is crazy and I don't belong here', but when I asked about it, I was told, of course, "the devil is working on you and you need to be saved!" So, being young and naive, I continued to go. OK, lets flash forward here.
I was about 21 when I met my first wife and her family was also baptist. We married and started going to her church and after several years, I thought I wanted to join that one, and leave my childhood church behind. One day the preacher ended the sermon with "opening the doors to the church for new members" and I thought this was my time. So, I walked my happy ass up front to where the preacher was standing, and in front of the congregation of about 60 people and told my story of how I was "saved". Here comes the good part!! Many years prior to this moment, something happened in the church in which I grew up in and other members left to start the one I was planning on joining. Politics, if you will. I was completely unaware of this fact. After telling my story in front of the congregation, I mentioned the other church. I heard gasps within the church like I had said a four letter word and knew something was wrong. Remember, the politics happened when I was a child and this church had been established for many years with members from the other church. OK, I'll get to my point. I was told that "they wouldn't accept any new members from church A just on a letter from them. Son, you will have to be rebaptised in order to be pure and become a member here. We don't feel like the preacher there is sound enough in his belief for your baptism to be pure."
People in the church started talking among themselves and I stood there in total humiliation. Frozen, I didn't know what to do or say. The preacher asked me if I would be willing to be rebaptised in order to join the church.
I knew right then and there, at that very moment, that I didn't belong in the church of hypocrisy. "No, Thanks". was my only reply and I walked out and have never set foot into another church. Who are they to judge what I thought was my "faith" or others. I pondered this question for many years and that's why I'm here.
When my second wife and I met we dated for several months and we were sitting on the front porch of her house and the subject of religion came up. We had the sparks, attraction, and other things that form the initial stages of falling in love. "I don't buy into that", was her response. I knew right then that she was the one I would spend the rest of my life with and we married a year later in Jamaica.
We/ I have some very good friends that are theists. There are a lot of people that would never speak to us again if they found out. Even though they might have just came over for a glass of wine or a beer, we would no longer exist. Everyone I work with is full of religion. Some of them are "preachers" and I totally agree with them. LOL. I feel like life is less stressful now that I've given up the religious dogma and can enjoy life to the fullest. Thanks for your time and have an awesome day!
I was about 21 when I met my first wife and her family was also baptist. We married and started going to her church and after several years, I thought I wanted to join that one, and leave my childhood church behind. One day the preacher ended the sermon with "opening the doors to the church for new members" and I thought this was my time. So, I walked my happy ass up front to where the preacher was standing, and in front of the congregation of about 60 people and told my story of how I was "saved". Here comes the good part!! Many years prior to this moment, something happened in the church in which I grew up in and other members left to start the one I was planning on joining. Politics, if you will. I was completely unaware of this fact. After telling my story in front of the congregation, I mentioned the other church. I heard gasps within the church like I had said a four letter word and knew something was wrong. Remember, the politics happened when I was a child and this church had been established for many years with members from the other church. OK, I'll get to my point. I was told that "they wouldn't accept any new members from church A just on a letter from them. Son, you will have to be rebaptised in order to be pure and become a member here. We don't feel like the preacher there is sound enough in his belief for your baptism to be pure."
People in the church started talking among themselves and I stood there in total humiliation. Frozen, I didn't know what to do or say. The preacher asked me if I would be willing to be rebaptised in order to join the church.
I knew right then and there, at that very moment, that I didn't belong in the church of hypocrisy. "No, Thanks". was my only reply and I walked out and have never set foot into another church. Who are they to judge what I thought was my "faith" or others. I pondered this question for many years and that's why I'm here.
When my second wife and I met we dated for several months and we were sitting on the front porch of her house and the subject of religion came up. We had the sparks, attraction, and other things that form the initial stages of falling in love. "I don't buy into that", was her response. I knew right then that she was the one I would spend the rest of my life with and we married a year later in Jamaica.
We/ I have some very good friends that are theists. There are a lot of people that would never speak to us again if they found out. Even though they might have just came over for a glass of wine or a beer, we would no longer exist. Everyone I work with is full of religion. Some of them are "preachers" and I totally agree with them. LOL. I feel like life is less stressful now that I've given up the religious dogma and can enjoy life to the fullest. Thanks for your time and have an awesome day!
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by John D on -
Welcome David. Perhaps one day more of your friends will learn the truth about you... and possibly they will start to think it is "okay" to be an atheist.
-
Permalink Reply by David Robinson on -
Thanks for the welcome John D. Perhaps they will, but in my area, it will only invite conflict if the truth be known. I keep a low profile with my thoughts. I know I shouldn't do that but it's a very religious area.
-
Permalink Reply by John D on
-
Oh... don't be too brave about coming out. I am open with my friends... but I am lucky on that account. I don't tell too many people at work... it's just not worth it.
-
Permalink Reply by The Nerd on -
Wow, what a powerful story! I wonder that they don't see the abundant diversity in Christian theology as a sign that perhaps there isn't a Holy Spirit to guide us all.
-
Permalink Reply by Dave Rogers on -
Welcome Dave. Walking out of that mind prison took guts and you should never look back. I wonder how many wanted to actually follow you out but were too scared?
After reading so many stories like yours of atheists living in the Bible Belt, I know I am very fortunate to live in the relatively godless Northeast. It's extremely rare that religion ever comes up with friends or coworkers.
Good luck keeping sane in KY and enjoy the sanctuary of a reality-based community here.
-
Permalink Reply by David Robinson on
-
"Mind Prison" I like that! I will never look back. Living in the bible belt does have its challenging moments, actually it can be somewhat entertaining as well. Take care and enjoy your day.
-
Permalink Reply by Michelle on
-
David, I enjoyed your story. It took a lot of strength for you to over come the brain washing attempts made when you were a child. It kind of reminded me of the movie, "Jesus Saves".
It's emotional abuse to tell a little kid they are headed for hell. Geez.
Are you in the U.S.? I used to live in Bowling Green, Ohio. If you are in B.G. Kentucky, I've been there too. It's a really pretty part of the country; but, I don't know if I could handle the holy rollers!
-
Permalink Reply by David Robinson on
-
Thanks Michelle. Yes, its Ky. It really is a nice area. I totally agree with you. It's horrible to tell a child that, but understanding the religious, as I'm sure you know, its all about fear and if your that scared then, as a child, you will believe the dogma. Enjoy your day!
-
Permalink Reply by David Robinson on
-
I thought my wife and I were the only minority in the county. "Blowing Green" had me laughing! Take care.
-
Permalink Reply by Humanist Mark on -
Hey David,
Welcome friend. I think we're on each others friends list already but I wanted to welcome you here properly. It's funny how people that once called us "friend" will turn away when we mention the word Atheist or Humanist. As a Jewish Humanist(No God) I understand your story too well. When I first asked a Rabbi about a morning prayer that I had conflict with I was told to simply "read it" without thinking about it. Isn't that exactly what every minister, rabbi, and priest hope we do? Of course it is because when we begin questioning we often find answers or don't find the answers we hoped to find which ultimately changes our course. That's what happened to you, me, and everyone else here. I'm glad that you found this site and hope we can each help you on your journey.
Mark
-
Permalink Reply by David Robinson on
-
Thanks Mark and welcome also. I have yet to experience it but I'm certain my hardcore theist friends would turn away very quickly. As for asking questions, even as a young child, I would ask them that nobody seemed to have answers for and was also told to not think about it, or I was putting too much thought into. I would also hear, that your not supposed to question or understand it. Excuse me, but if I'm supposed to read/study the bible in which I'm supposed to live my life by and is the essence of life, then I want to understand it to the fullest extent. If it's that important then why not understand it. That disturbed me early in life. I was also told that you can't take it literally. Yet again, why not? I never wanted to believe in the bible just because the bible told me to do so. It also disturbed me that I never really received an intelligent answer for that question. I can't fathom how this is so difficult for theists to understand! To me it seems like a redundant infinite circle. Why? Because the bible says so? Why? Because the bible says so. Give me a freaking break. Take care mark and enjoy your day/ upcoming weekend.
Support Nexus
Click to Buy Amazon items and help A|N
Advertisements
Latest Activity
- Top News
- Everything
Joseph Edwards VIII replied to Atheist Andrea's discussion Are you open about being an atheist or are you in the closet?
Joseph P replied to George S.'s discussion Closing arguments Thursday in Pa. priest sex abuse trial in the group Atheist News
Ruth Anthony-Gardner replied to Ruth Anthony-Gardner's discussion Much better than a wheelchair in the group Hang With Friends
Chris G replied to Sentient Biped's discussion Learning to Embrace Climate Change in the group Eco-Logical: A Group for Environmentalists
abraha tekleab amanuel replied to Atheist Andrea's discussion Are you open about being an atheist or are you in the closet?
sk8eycat replied to Steph S.'s discussion Rattlesnake Kills Pentecostal Pastor in the group Hang With Friends© 2012 Atheist Nexus. All rights reserved. Admin: Brother Richard.
