If you were raised Christian and you’re not sure what to do about that, know that it’s important that you give it some significant thought. Take seriously the great question of whether there’s a God. Ever since childhood, this question is the one that has had the biggest impact on your sense of self-worth and who you are in the universe. You were told that you were a sinner and that you needed to behave in certain ways and to believe certain things.
Do these make sense? Are you being asked to believe in things that the logical portion of your brain tells you cannot be simultaneously true, or things that are simply ridiculous? Do some of them go against your moral sense?
Free yourself and you will feel an enormous weight lifted off your shoulders.
You may also feel a sense of grief – this is the loss of a comforting story you once held dear, particularly as a child. But as an adult now, it no longer serves you to believe in fairy tales. Dropping the nagging voice telling you that you’re naughty because you’re not a better Christian will, indeed, make you feel better about yourself.
And you will find an enormous community of like-minded people out there. Look around your own city – there may be organized meetings (often on Sundays!) If you’d rather participate virtually, take a look at the Resources section of “God Hates Facts: Get Some Here” and you’ll find numerous websites and podcasts.
Along with personal relief, there is more good that can arise from coming out of the closet. You can do social good. Just one example: in the United States we need voices to stand against those who would mix religion into government. Take a look at the website for “Freedom From Religion Foundation,” a nonprofit organization that focuses its extensive efforts on promoting and maintaining the separation of church and state. Go to the page for “News Alerts” and you’ll see how much work there is to do to keep our constitutional right to freedom from public religion safe. That webpage includes great ideas for where you can jump in to help.