ju'iblex

The majority of the people on these boards have at some stage in their lives deconverted. I personally just grew out of the idea of theism at a very young age, so i have no idea what this experience must be like. Im just curious what led you to deconversion, and/or what kind of thought processes happened during that time, if anyone's willing to share.

Samhain

Well, before my deconversion (mind you I was never really 'big' into xianity, but mostly just called myself such as a sort of safe-factor I guess and a means of social acceptance) I was beginning to be introduced to new ideas as I was taken out of private fundy school and placed into public school. New friends, new music, new ideas, etc. Thinking to myself "Wow, there really is life beyond that xian BS that I've been fed for so many years". So I started examining a few of my beliefs, picked up a book called The Stranger and it was all over for me

A while after my deconversion I fell into a sort of depression due to a failed relationship, and found that the only thing which gave me any peace of mind was writing, reading, studying philosophy, debating, and applying reason. So, now, here I am, years later, defeated my depression (which seems such a trivial topic to me now), of course, a bit scarred, but generally happy and in active pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.

enemigo

Wow, thats what did it for me too. Growing up, I wasn't very religious, and I didn't go to church. But I was brought up to believe in God. Then, in a high school english class, we read The Stranger and I promptly dropped my theistic beliefs. I guess public school is good for something.


richard

tommyc

This seems a strange concept to me. Among most social circles I have encountered in Britain, a young person would be far more likely to hide there interest in religion. At a young age, especially in the comprehensive school system, you would be seen as very strange by your peers if you had a religious persuasion.

tommyc

In fact, I would go as far as to say you would be ridiculed by your peers if you attended church, or started talking about God at school.

HelenM

I guess it all depends where you live and what social circles you move in.

Kids in school can be brutally cruel if you don't agree with them about something.

love
Helen

tommyc

Yes, of course.

Would i be right in thinking you could be ridiculed as a child (even bullied? not sure this works along with Christian principles) in school in parts of the US for being an atheist?

yahwehyadayada

Yes, you would be right. Believe it or not, bullying & xianity are not mutually exclusive; not just for other kids, but for teachers & school administrators, too.

tommyc

I find this an absolutely repulsive concept. It is excusable that children, by their very nature at that age, would tease others for differing values and belief. However, adults awarded with the responsibility for teaching the children some moral and social values, along with their regular education, should.... oh bollocks, its just too ridiculous to contemplate.

Samhain

tommyc:

You must also remember, I attended a christian private school for the whole of my elementary education. When I began in junior high I found that there were still many theists, and, while I was never outspoken on the subject I would always answer in the affirmative in regards to being a christian, and it was always met positively.