New member from California

[Tennpenn83]

Hello from northern California, bay area. I hope to become an active member here and more of an activist in my community.

I have a very intense religious background and drifted away after reaching adulthood. I am currently writing about my experiences and hope to help others in the religion gain the courage to question and hopefully leave.

I don't like militant atheism, such as attacking others just because of their beliefs, but rather prefer intellectual discussion (if it is at all possible) with open and civil non-biased talking points. I know that this is generally almost futile but it is worth it to me.

Even though I haven't met any of you yet, I have read some of the threads and discussions. Thank you all for the opportunity to expand my knowledge and talking points already. If there is interest, I will make the next post about my personal story.

[Brian37]

Be sure to barbecue kittens, record the NFL without their permission, and rip the tags off of your mattress.

[Peebothuhul]

Hello!

[jerry mcmasters]

Howdy. Personal stories are always interesting, go for it.

[Emma]

Hi and welcome!

Please, go ahead and share your personal story.

[SYZ]

G'day mate, and welcome to TTA.

[jennybee]

Welcome!

[Tennpenn83]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I grew up in a fundamentalist mainstream Mormon household. I remember never being fully committed but wanting to do the "right" thing and become a faithful priesthood holder to make my parents happy. I believed in the church, but likely because I never knew anything else. Once I graduated high school, I remember having no desire to serve a mission. A "mission" being a 2 year commitment to the church going wherever they choose to send you. Both of my brothers served missions, but I chose not to and enlisted in the Army instead. After my army enlistment and a few years of other jobs, I went back to school and got a college degree in Physics and Engineering. These fields had always interested me and learning about how things actually work in reality instead of fantasy (bible), I finally was able to leave Mormonism behind.

Even though I have been out of the church for years, and don't believe in any religion, I still have problems leaving certain things behind. For instance, I still "feel" that homosexual relationships are wrong, even though I have rationally talked and thought about it and have absolutely no problem with them. I think about those who I know in those kinds of relationships and I talk with them and have no issues with how they choose to live their lives. But for some reason I still harbor some inner feelings from what I was taught as a child, that homosexuality is wrong, breaking the law of chastity, which is the worst kind of sin next to murder.

I still "feel" guilty doubting that there is a god of any kind. I am truly skeptical, and I don't believe in god(s) and argue against them. But the feeling of guilt remains no matter what. If I had not grown up religious, then I don't think that guilt would be there, as is the case with my wife. She is also a non-believer, but has not the slightest bit of guilt. It does not bother her. I still have roots that give me uneasiness even though I am logically sound, have a rational head on my shoulders, and don't make decisions without a good deal of thought.

Oh well, it is just me. I have a lot more than I have written in my essay but I won't post any of that until it is done. It is a work in progress and I want to make sure I have everything right before I even think of sharing it.

[Szuchow]

Hello.

Militant atheism however...

[Tennpenn83]

Don't get me wrong, I don't believe in religion of any kind, I think it would be best if it were simply eradicated from the face of the earth. I have found, however, that the religious are so brainwashed in their way of [not] thinking that it ascribes more irrational thoughts and intentions. Trying to destroy my family or friends' faith in terrible fashion (which I could actually do if they would but listen) would only alienate me from any further contact with them. Slowly, brick by brick, I can challenge one idea after another in logical, civil discussion, if that be possible.