Greetings

[Morde Vascoth]

As it was encouraged to do so, I'm introducing myself to the forum. Until about three years ago I was a Christian. I was brought up Church of Christ; yet, I was always a bit more liberal than many of my fellow church-goers when it came to the translation of scriptures.

The Christian faith never really sat right with me. I seemed to justify what I was taught and what the scriptures seemed to say. It was probably my attraction to the community I had. The church I was attending for about 20 years was a very supportive group of people. I enjoyed the feeling of belonging.

Several years ago, that changed. I could no longer talk myself into believing in the Christian god. No more could I excuse the lies and deception I felt had been thrown my way all my life. Walking away from that community was one of the hardest things I've done.

Since then, I've watched countless YouTube videos of debates and dialogue from Christians, atheists, agnostics, Muslims, and more. I plan on doing more reading via audio books. Dawkins, Hitchens, and Harris are my favorite debaters. Somewhere in all of my YouTube viewing, I came across The Vegan Atheist. Eventually, I decided to subscribe to the channel. Yesterday, at the end of the video I was watching, there was an invitation to visit this forum. Thus, I am here.

Ever since leaving the church, I've longed for a community. Sure, I have my friends and family. Unfortunately, almost none of them are on the same page as I am when it comes to religion. Living in the "Bible Belt", I'm definitely the odd one out. So, I'm hoping to find more education and perhaps validation through the community here.

As far as diet goes, I'm currently a meat-eater. However, I'm becoming more and more conscious of the consequences of such a lifestyle. Honestly, I would like to go vegan today; yet, I am intimidated by the commitment. That may make me seem like a weak person... well, in some ways, I suppose I am.

In any case, I appreciate this forum and hope to learn more about religion, non-religion, atheism, vegan diets, and more. Thanks!

Sincerely,

Vascoth

[Insert name here]

Hello! Welcome to the forum, my transition from Christianity was a little similar to yours, except for it being hard to leave the church community, mainly because my family hardly went to church. I am also considering a vegan diet, I just can't do it right now because of various reasons, regardless, I hope you find what you are looking for here.

[EquALLity]

Nice to meet you, and welcome!

Several years ago, that changed. I could no longer talk myself into believing in the Christian god. No more could I excuse the lies and deception I felt had been thrown my way all my life. Walking away from that community was one of the hardest things I've done.

Was there anything in particular that caused you to question the religion more? Something maybe that motivated you to take the next step and finally break yourself free, after an entire life questioning?

Somewhere in all of my YouTube viewing, I came across The Vegan Atheist.

Have you watched any of his videos on veganism, or just religion?

I've never been to the 'Bible Belt', but from what I've heard, it doesn't sound very pleasant. The only time I've spent in the south has been in Disney World, so I don't think that counts for much. I hear it's a whole different world down there.

After all, they want to hang flags up at state buildings that represent racism.

[Morde Vascoth]

I'm in the process of writing down path from Christianity to atheism. It seems important to me to put my thoughts together in written form. The quick answer to what brought me out of Christianity is this: an in-depth study of the Bible.

Sure, I've studied the Bible before. Only, this time, the given answers and responses to the challenges of scriptures didn't satisfy my questioning mind. The answers didn't fit the question. Answers like "no man can fully understand God" and "God works in mysterious ways" weren't really answers. They dodge the question and fulfill none of my curiosity and desire for knowledge and understanding.

Most of my YouTube video viewing on serious topics have been on religion. It's been This Week Tonight videos that brought my attention to the meat industry. Also, one of my best friends has taken to a vegan diet. A couple conversations with him has me thinking about it as an option for myself.

As for the Bible Belt, it's really kind of nice. Most of the people down here are quite friendly and hospitable. Sure, there are the sub-cultures that are ignorant and backwards in their thinking and ways of living. Yet, for the most part, it's nice. The biggest issue that I'm faced with is that where I live, I'm in the religious minority.

Seriously, I counted the number of churches in the town where I live. There are 48! That comes to about one church building for every 900 people in my town. That's more than the number of schools in my county! So, yeah... I'm a bit on my own given that for most of my life I've socialized with the religiously affiliated.

It's not that bad, though. I have ample opportunities for religious discussions. Those are quite entertaining and fulfilling.

Thanks again for the welcome and I look forward to more discussions.

[brimstoneSalad]

Welcome Morde, glad you joined.

I know what you mean about the commitment being intimidating. There's an easy fix: Just work on cutting back and eliminating animal products, without going "vegan". Then by the time you aren't eating any meat, it may be an easier commitment to make to formally say you are; or just stick with not using any labels (some do for years).

I hope you like it here!

[EquALLity]

I'm in the process of writing down path from Christianity to atheism. It seems important to me to put my thoughts together in written form. The quick answer to what brought me out of Christianity is this: an in-depth study of the Bible.

Sure, I've studied the Bible before. Only, this time, the given answers and responses to the challenges of scriptures didn't satisfy my questioning mind. The answers didn't fit the question. Answers like "no man can fully understand God" and "God works in mysterious ways" weren't really answers. They dodge the question and fulfill none of my curiosity and desire for knowledge and understanding.

Most of my YouTube video viewing on serious topics have been on religion. It's been This Week Tonight videos that brought my attention to the meat industry. Also, one of my best friends has taken to a vegan diet. A couple conversations with him has me thinking about it as an option for myself.

Ah, I see.

As for the Bible Belt, it's really kind of nice. Most of the people down here are quite friendly and hospitable. Sure, there are the sub-cultures that are ignorant and backwards in their thinking and ways of living. Yet, for the most part, it's nice. The biggest issue that I'm faced with is that where I live, I'm in the religious minority.

Maybe there are quite a few closeted skeptics around you, and you don't know, because they think that they're in the minority and don't want to talk about their actual beliefs because of it?

I don't know, maybe they're nice, but still. I mean, Rick Perry was Governor of Texas for a decade and a half, up until just recently. Him getting elected and staying in office that long makes me pretty skeptical about the general culture there. People can be nice, but still vote for Rick Perry or someone like him.

I hear they have those radical Christian billboards there too, and then there are the creation "museums", etc..

And when you look at those maps... http://www.isidewith.com/map/50_/suppor ... arriage#z5

Seriously, I counted the number of churches in the town where I live. There are 48!

Oh my.

It's not that bad, though. I have ample opportunities for religious discussions. Those are quite entertaining and fulfilling.

Yeah, that sounds fun.

[TheVeganAtheist]

Welcome to the forum. Thanks for a great introduction.