New Here: Christian to Agnostic

[Ellen Brown]

I double spaced my paragraphs instead of single...hope that helps

I see similarities in our two paths. I see a Creator, and wonder about Jesus Christ, though Islam makes the most sense to me these days, though they have their own problems.

Much peace. May we both be guided.

Ellen

 

[danieldemol]

Welcome to RF, I’m a liberal believer in God so couldn’t entirely relate, but could empathise with parts of it.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I can't speak for others, but being an 80's Christian kid was filled with a lot of, what I now consider, Christian-style urban legends that were used to control..most of it for reasons why we couldn't participate in pop-culture, music and movies.

The Satanic Panic set up a list of rules that strictly prohibited not only D&D, MTG, and heavy metal, but even after that craze the spirit lived on and even Pokemon was targeted.
Welcome from a fellow Christian (Southern Baptist) [eventually] to Agnostic.

 

[peaceful_rebel]

The Satanic Panic set up a list of rules that strictly prohibited not only D&D, MTG, and heavy metal, but even after that craze the spirit lived on and even Pokemon was targeted.
Welcome from a fellow Christian (Southern Baptist) [eventually] to Agnostic.

Pokemon? Crazy! Yes...all of those things you mentioned I was warned against as a child/teen and of course Ouija boards, tarot cards, big league chew gum and candy cigarettes, any "secular" music (somehow adults still listened to oldies without guilt) and even, at one time, Cabbage Patch Dolls. There was a lie that spread around that the makers ran out of names to name them because there were so many in production and one of the higher ups found an ancient book of witches names they used. Of course, each of the dolls came fully possessed with an evil spirit, so Christians should not buy them. All of the people in my church believed this and not only forbid kids from getting them, but also threw away the ones their kids owned. Also, did you know movie theaters have "rapture-proof" ceilings?

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Pokemon? Crazy! Yes...all of those things you mentioned I was warned against as a child/teen and of course Ouija boards, tarot cards, big league chew gum and candy cigarettes, any "secular" music (somehow adults still listened to oldies without guilt) and even, at one time, Cabbage Patch Dolls. There was a lie that spread around that the makers ran out of names to name them because there were so many in production and one of the higher ups found an ancient book of witches names they used. Of course, each of the dolls came fully possessed with an evil spirit, so Christians should not buy them. All of the people in my church believed this and not only forbid kids from getting them, but also threw away the ones their kids owned. Also, did you know movie theaters have "rapture-proof" ceilings?

LMAO!! I forgot about Cabbage Patch Dolls being targeted. It's funny, but sad at the same time that so many people believed all that, and so many people still do (did you know the makers of the Monster energy drink made a pact with the Devil and the M on the can isn't an M but 666 in Hebrew?).

 

[Patriottechsan]

Well OP I just joined today & related my experience like you did on New to the Forum. Patriottechsan. I relate in many ways. You might want to read my lengthy too post. We came out differently. Nowadays there is a place I enjoy reading for apologetic answers for what may appear contradictions etc. It is www.apologeticspress.org. Its has so many topics in so many academic & faith areas. You might enjoy it.

 

[Sirona]

A very insightful opening post! Welcome on board!

 

[Vinayaka]

It does feel freeing but also lonely, especially since my new town has a small population and the majority is Christian and attends church. My kids feel it too. Just like a lot of things I have presented to them over the years, once they were able to be home alone I let them choose whether to go to church or not. I did not want them to be forced to participate in something unless they believed. My daughter was 12 when we started attending our last church and she felt very at home in the youth group and soon decided to "get saved" and be baptized. Unfortunately she started hearing things she disagreed with and started feeling uncomfortable so she decided she was done with it. It only took her 5 months where it's taken me 35 years. I guess I'm doing something right.

I did read your first post. Heartwarming to see that you've grown, and don't seem too beaten up emotionally from all those years of tough experiences. Agnosticism is a safer saner place I think. As to wanting a community, there are clubs and such in small towns that are outside of faith, like drama, or sports teams, that can be rewarding, and find a sense of family. As a kid, I remember fondly our little group of neighbours who played pick-up ball half a mile down the road from the church every Sunday morning. So that can happen, if like minded people can be found.

Best wishes.