Heretic Mick

Welcome Jon, and Congratulations!

It takes a lot of courage, honesty, and integrity to do what you've done. I can sympathize with some of the difficulties you are experiencing. But you are not alone and you have the support and respect of a lot of people here. It does get better.

Cheers,
Heretic Mick

Viti

I remember you John, though I am not sure whther to congratulate or console you. The truth isn't always attractive, but I would rather have it than a pretty fairy tale, myself.

openeyes

I don't remember you, but I still am happy for your deconversion, even though it's causing you pain for now. I really think you'll be happier in the long run.

Jon Curry

Thanks to all for the links and encouragement. I appreciate the kind words. I am proud that I have accepted this difficult truth. But what I've done pales next to what others have done. People like Dan Barker and Farrell Till. They did it when there was no internet and when their livelihood's depended on it. I cannot imagine. I truly believe I would not have allowed myself to look at it as these people did. Like I said, I probably wouldn't have bought the books.

But I did risk strain in my marriage and with my family. Fortunately for me my wife has been great. She's still a Christian and probably always will be. But she is not uncomfortable with my new found beliefs. My parents are another matter. I'm still not sure what will happen. I love them dearly and they love me as well. They also love my siblings and are afraid if I'm around I may end up leading them to hell. It's such a frightening prospect for them. How can they claim they love their children when they are willing to risk their eternal souls by allowing me to be around? This is the struggle my father has, and I love him for that devotion he has to his children. All my other Christian relatives and all my Christian friends (pretty much all of my friends are Christians) think he's crazy, but I don't. I think he takes Christianity more seriously than any of them, and I respect him for it.

It's been 6 months since my Dad discovered my beliefs and I'm not out of the family yet. But he struggles with it and it could still happen. It's funny. I want to say something like "keep me in your prayers." It's sort of programmed in to me. That's the way you end stories like that. God might exist. But I don't think he answers prayers. I'm on my own here. But better to know that then to hope an imaginary friend would help.

ziffel

Have you read christ-on-a-stick's amazing decoversion story?

http://www.iidb.org/vbb/showthread.php?t=72552

Also, another congrats and welcome to you, from another former Christian. You have it harder than I did with your family feeling so bad about things. Outside of the intial weird feelings and internal struggles, I had it pretty easy. Hanging out with like-minded people is a big plus.

Thanks for sharing your story, and I hope you stay around.

Jobar

I never interacted with you, but I do remember reading some of your posts. And I agree totally that bd-from-kg is one of the most powerful voices on this board (he still posts occasionally in EoG, I think.)

It can be very hard to exchange comforting lies for uncomfortable truths, but if you're brave and honest, the choice is crystal clear, isn't it? Congratulations on your bravery and honesty. :thumbs: I'm adding your name to the list of II deconverts, here.

Secular Elation

I vageuly remember reading a handful of your posts. Just wanted to chime in with the others in congratulating you on your deconversion. I know some aspects of it are tough. But I rejoice to know you have joined the ranks of those who live in reality. Welcome back.

Dark_Man

Congrats...

Hedshaker

Well done Jon Curry. You have my respect.

You have my sympathy regarding family and friends, that must be difficult. You should do a search on a poster here called Johny Scholar. As I remember, he was making a good living as a collage pastor (or some such) when he starded posting here, vigorously defending Christianity.

But slowly he lost his faith for very similar reasons as you. He carried on doing his job for a while, having a family to support etc, but it was eating him up. Not sure how he got on but it was interesting to read about his plight.

Anyway, stay true to yourself and good luck :thumbs:

Queen of Swords

Definitely. "To thine own self be true; thou canst not then be false to any man."