I'm an atheist now, but I used to believe in God.
I was brought up in a Jehovah's Witness family. I believed in God because I was told I had to, and because i was taken to a long brain-washing session every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening.
As I grew older, and developed a sense of my own self-esteem and independence, I made a conscious decision to consign all those years to the dustbin. What a waste of sundays and wednesdays! I truly wish i could have them back, and spend them going fishing, bird watching, playing judo, practicing the piano, or some other interesting activity. Unfortunately those Sundays mornings and Wednesday evenings were stolen from me forever, and I can never have them back.
i'm convinced that the majority of people who belive in God have the same reason that I used to have: their parents, families and peer groups told them that they had to. That's why religion is so eminently heritable. Children in Christian families tend to be Christian, and there aren't many Muslim parents with jewish kids.
mick
This message has been edited by mick, 04-27-2005 03:45 PM
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