From Christian Beliefs to Atheism: A Personal Journey
I was a Christian for the first 19 years of my life, born and raised in a deeply religious household. In 1991, I made the decision to read the entire Bible cover-to-cover. Applying logical thinking to the contents of this rather thick book, my world began to crumble within weeks. My inner turmoil lasted several weeks, and I ultimately had to face the harsh reality of my findings, sharing them with my parents and abandoning Christianity.
The Revelation: Transforming Beliefs
The God of the Bible was no longer the benevolent and loving father I had been taught. Instead, I saw a God who was described as a 'homicidal maniac'. These highly unusual and contradictory beliefs, which I had previously taken for granted, led me to question everything I had once believed. I left the Church and the Christian faith, and have remained an atheist for over three decades.
Why Christianity Failed to Resonate
My parents also followed suit, leaving the Church and embracing atheism. As someone who was indoctrinated from a young age, it was incredibly challenging to break free from the lies I had been taught. When a whole community of people shares the same beliefs and values, it can be overwhelming to try and change your mind. In my case, I found myself unable to argue against the lies that I had been fed since birth.
The stark realization that I had been living under a veil of misinformation left a profound impact on me. My 50th birthday this year marks the 31 years since I let go of the Christian faith. Despite this, I have yet to encounter any evidence of a higher power or deity. My skepticism, although not entirely rooted in logic, has remained steadfast over the years.
Religious Beliefs and Human Nature
The Bible, a renowned religious text, draws a stark contrast between the divine and the human realms. It teaches that God has existed since all of time, having created everything visible and invisible, including the DNA and its various mechanisms. However, humanity, as the custodians of this creation, has faltered and made numerous mistakes. These errors culminate in the conclusion that we all have to die, according to biblical teachings.
Religious texts often promote singular gods such as G-d, described as the only true deity. The Bible clarifies that G-d is presented as a three-in-one entity: the Father, the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit, each uniquely divine. Despite the complexity of this doctrine, the core message remains the same: G-d, though unfair, will ultimately redeem His chosen people through His son, Jesus.
Personal and Societal Implications
For individuals like myself, who were raised in deeply religious families and communities, the shift from believing in the divine to atheism can be a lifelong process. The endless cycle of indoctrination, misinformation, and societal pressure can be incredibly challenging to overcome. As I continue to navigate life without the comforting presence of a higher power, I find myself questioning every aspect of human existence.
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that my skepticism is not solely based on logical reasoning. Rather, it is a product of years of exposure to contradictory beliefs and the struggle to break free from a life of misinformation. Today, I remain an atheist, and the conclusions I drew over 31 years ago still hold true for me. Whether or not others agree, it is a choice I stand by, rooted in my personal experience and the realities I have observed.