Well, as I'm pretty new here, I figured that this is as good a place as any to talk about my (dis)belief.
From an early age, I was raised Christian. I didn't know why or how, just that some guy named Jesus gave up his life for us and therefore I should worship him. Oh and his father/brother/spirit too.
Growing up, pretty much everything was a "God works in mysterious ways" indoctrination. I love my parents, but I look back now with half-amused horror that I could have ever believed my parents' kiddie stories that lightning was angels going bowling and rain was God taking a shower.
I guess that I started drifting away from Christianity when both my uncle and best friend's dad passed away in quick succession. I started asking "Why" to my parents who would have replied that this is the way God needed it to be. Now, I realize that they would have replied the same way had they lived, they merely balanced their lives on the whims of this "creator"
Starting in 6th and 7th grade, I started rejecting religion completely. This was also the time that I actually learned what the name of my sect was (Episcopalian). At this time, we were not only studying ancient mythologies like Greek and Egyptian, but also the development of the Abrahamic faiths as well as some Hinduism and Buddhism. Faced with all these choices I started wondering what the chances were that any of those beliefs were true. Finally, at 14, I just firmly rejected all religions from my life. They just didn't make sense to me anymore. One of the biggest reasons that prompted towards me making my own decision was Michael Shermer's "Why People Believe Weird Things." That led me to "The God Delusion" and so on.
Now, I've come to a conclusion: Faith is good, Religion is not. I'm fine with people having a relationship with their "God(s)" just as long as they don't feel apt to designate a theology for themselves or anyone else based on their faith. That is the point where perfectly fine faith becomes the tyranny of organized religion.
Today, I try to stay away from attacking religion. I've had some great discussions with my grandmother who happens to be a methodist pastor. I don't really go to church except for Christmas (because I like the free candy canes and chocolates they give out).
I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.
- Stephen Roberts
I'm a polyatheist - there are many gods I don't believe in
- Dan Foutes
™ Version 4.2