This is my coming out. I am an atheist.
I was born and raised Church of Christ. We attended three to four times a week. I was baptized twice, once at the age of 12 and again in my early 20s. I attended a Christian school in junior high and high school. I have read the Bible in it's entirety multiple times. I know a thing or two about Christianity and it's many sects as a result of years and years of study. I believed in the verses in the Bible that claimed if I sought the truth, it would be shown unto me. “Seek and ye shall find”… I found the truth by adhering to these important instructions: “Think for yourself. Question authority.” Five simple words, spoken by Timothy Leary that opened my eyes and changed my life forever. I asked questions. Christians would say my first sin was to doubt in the first place. I no longer accept things on faith alone. I no longer accept that the Bible is the inspired word of the one true God, nor do I believe in the trinity, angels, or miracles.
I recognize that I may have a problem with intolerance toward religions, largely because I'm angry (about many issues but to name just one personal blow, this church baptized my child against my expressed wishes and without either parent's consent) and outraged by their numerous atrocities. I have resolved to keep my outrage from turning into hatred toward individuals, but I do feel my anger toward organized religions that teach hate, intolerance, fear, terrorism, slavery, etc. is merited and justified.
My husband and I have recently become members of the Unitarian Universalist church so that my children can learn about other religions and make their own educated decisions about belief, morality and social issues. Yes, a church that accepts everyone, atheists too.
Losing My Religion
God is Imaginary
10 Myths and 10 Truths about Atheism
One reason that believers reject evolution is disinformation practiced by their priests and pastors who informs them that have to be atheist to accept it, and as an atheist… go figure