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encouraging ex-Christians
Rants and articles submitted by and for ex-Christians
By Lorena
When I was "saved" they told me that I could not lose my salvation. If I really received Jesus in my heart, then I was as good as in heaven already. However, they said, "faith without works is dead" (book of James); therefore, I had to show changes in my life to prove that I actually believed in Jesus.
So I set on a journey to be a "new creature." Along the way, I often noticed that some devout Christians went back to their sinful lives. I was particularly concerned about the substance-addicted ones. Alcohol and drugs are habits very hard to kick, and many fall away and go back to their sad lives, thinking that they have failed God and that there is no place for them in the church.
On the other hand, many who came from good homes had no problem following the rules and regulations. They became the pastors and the leaders. They were the examples for everyone to follow.
Now a Canadian, I grew up in Latin America and in a dysfunctional home. I wasn’t taught manners, neither North American nor any other type. In Canadian churches, I felt awkward. Always making mistakes, saying things I shouldn’t say, doing inocent things that, in the eyes of the pious Christians, were signs that I was a hidden in need of serious fixing.
In reality, I was a poor soul needing psychological help for the many emotional issues produced by my sad childhood. But in the eyes of the church goers, I wasn’t producing any fruit. The inadequacy I felt made me realize that I was no different from the homeless or the substance addicted. There was no place in the church for me either.
Several things started to become obvious to me at the time:
1) If only people that have been raised well can produce fruit, what kind of God would limit heaven to those who were lucky enough to be born in a stable home with good parents?
2) Didn’t Jesus favor people exactly like me? Wasn't Jesus on the side of the downtrodden? Why does an institution created in his name favor the well-adjusted only? (The mal-adjusted are just feel-good charity projects.)
3) The proper, well-dressed, poster Christians started to look, to me, like the Pharisees of Jesus' time, know-it alls with the power to run the religion. How do they dare to speak in Jesus name? According to the book, people like them had Jesus crucified. And if he were to come back, the religious would kill him again--of that I am sure.
4) Jesus, according to what's been written, spoke against religion. And people went ahead and created a religion about him. How strange…very odd.
Jesus may be a myth, or not. But regardless, the religion created in his name is just another ploy of the establishment to keep the masses under control and to give more power to the privileged—not worth following, that’s for sure.
Besides, if Jesus can't save people from serious addictions and emotional pain, what good is he anyway?
When I was "saved" they told me that I could not lose my salvation. If I really received Jesus in my heart, then I was as good as in heaven already. However, they said, "faith without works is dead" (book of James); therefore, I had to show changes in my life to prove that I actually believed in Jesus.
So I set on a journey to be a "new creature." Along the way, I often noticed that some devout Christians went back to their sinful lives. I was particularly concerned about the substance-addicted ones. Alcohol and drugs are habits very hard to kick, and many fall away and go back to their sad lives, thinking that they have failed God and that there is no place for them in the church.
On the other hand, many who came from good homes had no problem following the rules and regulations. They became the pastors and the leaders. They were the examples for everyone to follow.
Now a Canadian, I grew up in Latin America and in a dysfunctional home. I wasn’t taught manners, neither North American nor any other type. In Canadian churches, I felt awkward. Always making mistakes, saying things I shouldn’t say, doing inocent things that, in the eyes of the pious Christians, were signs that I was a hidden in need of serious fixing.
In reality, I was a poor soul needing psychological help for the many emotional issues produced by my sad childhood. But in the eyes of the church goers, I wasn’t producing any fruit. The inadequacy I felt made me realize that I was no different from the homeless or the substance addicted. There was no place in the church for me either.
Several things started to become obvious to me at the time:
1) If only people that have been raised well can produce fruit, what kind of God would limit heaven to those who were lucky enough to be born in a stable home with good parents?
2) Didn’t Jesus favor people exactly like me? Wasn't Jesus on the side of the downtrodden? Why does an institution created in his name favor the well-adjusted only? (The mal-adjusted are just feel-good charity projects.)
3) The proper, well-dressed, poster Christians started to look, to me, like the Pharisees of Jesus' time, know-it alls with the power to run the religion. How do they dare to speak in Jesus name? According to the book, people like them had Jesus crucified. And if he were to come back, the religious would kill him again--of that I am sure.
4) Jesus, according to what's been written, spoke against religion. And people went ahead and created a religion about him. How strange…very odd.
Jesus may be a myth, or not. But regardless, the religion created in his name is just another ploy of the establishment to keep the masses under control and to give more power to the privileged—not worth following, that’s for sure.
Besides, if Jesus can't save people from serious addictions and emotional pain, what good is he anyway?
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that so many have seen the
how they had been trapped
in myth and superstition.To
be free is grand.
For example, President Reagan's father was a drunk who mismanaged the family's money. He ended up a well-known actor and POTUS.
I think Beethoven had a bad childhood too.
You bring up the other point I hate about Christianity. According to you people, everybody is the same and should turn out the same.
It ain't so. There are levels of dysfunction and different people react to the same circumstances in different ways.
Actually, you are just saying the same crap I heard for years in Christian churches. Saying that to a hurting person is the most insensitive thing someone can ever do. I am going to say to you the same I told the pious Christians:
Have you walked a mile in my shoes?
That know-it-all attitude of yours so typical of Christians makes you believe that you know everybody.
Lorena
And my life hasn't been exactly flower petals and happiness either. We may be more alike then we think.
You may not be trying to be an ass, but you are being one. Because you have no idea what it is that I suffer of.
And your comment also includes people who suffer of destructive addictive behaviours. Basically you are saying that we suffer because it is our fault. You are saying that if others have overcomed their problems, we should be able to do so as well.
You think you are giving us hope. But you are not, because when we were christians,we tried very hard with little sucess.
You are saying that if you can do it, why can't I? Well I don't know but it isn't any of your business. And if you want to help, you are definitely using the wrong method.
Lorena
Don't pay attention to MQ59, he never learns. He's like a sticky lolly wrapper that won't shake off, thinking he's defending his religion, but really he's defending what has hurt people like you.
To hang around a site like this for so long and not have realised it's purpose or learned how ridiciulous chrisitanity is just shows how thick he himself is.
Isn't it funny how salvation and money go hand in hand?
I've never heard any preacher say, Be sure to leave your money and wallets at home.
Also Jesus never spoke of receiving any money himself, but now church is big business, churches have to have big stained glass windows, and a PA system and choir robes, it's live entertainment, mostly theatrical nonsense.
Anyway, this guy I knew died and was a alcoholic and stayed drunk most of his awaken conscious days, and the preacher got up and told everybody what a good Christian the alchy was...lol Got to get them into heaven some how...lol
Funny how Christians are more concerned with other peoples souls, than their own.
Like you said, it's none of their damned business, ever! TC, Ben
It's not your intentions that are under criticism, it is your actions, your words, your insensitivity.
That's the thing about Christianity, intentions matter more than actions. I can be a great humanitarian, but if my intention is serve humanity and I'm not a Christian, then off to hell I go.
However, no matter what I do in life, as long as I say a sincere salvation prayer somewhere along the way, off to heaven I go.
It's really screwed up thinking.
When I was a youngster I was considered "bad". Also disfunctional family that appeared ideal on the outside, rageaholic/alchoholic behind closed doors, and here I was, an avowed atheist who didn't get along with authority, who couldn't do the social thing, or any other thing that society at large thought "good". Strange, I never had any brushes with the law, didn't do booze or drugs, but I was "bad". The "good" kids "experimented", but that was all right, just "growing pains". I left for the army after escaping school (1965) and didn't see most of those people again until 1998.
I returned for my father's funeral, performed, wore my tux with all my military decorations. People were shocked. Somehow, I hadn't wound up dead in some ditch or alley, a degenerate wino or junkie, nor did I die under a hail of police gunfire for some unspeakable crime. Damn! Were they disappointed! I had a great wife, no divorces, two great sons, and (the people in my parents circle are largely military) medals that most of them didn't have. I had done all this without their jesus or church, without their kind thoughts or good wishes, and in spite of their predictions.
I'm not rich, powerful, or famous, but I did all right, and it really annoyed some of them. Most because I wouldn't stay in the box they thought I should be in.
Treat people well, treat yourself well. My best to you, Lorena.
Lorena, I have heard this many times: you are saved by faith, BUT.........you have to show your faith by your "works". This is just a full-circle. It means that one is not really accepting god's grace, much less his love. They have to get behind it and push. In spite of their slick, tidy, coat-and-tie religion, they do not trust god. They trust religion.
My little challenge to christians: toss your bible into the nearest dumpster and simply trust god. Any takers? Fat chance.
You said "If you die a second after committing a mortal sin, your sorry ass drops into hell." Yes, that cracks me up. It's just like a big game of musical chairs. All that matters is where you're standing when the music stops. If there's no time to file an appeal, then "Sorry Charlie, it's the grill pit for you." Nice system. So well thought-out.
If I made you laugh, then you made my day.
3) The proper, well-dressed, poster Christians started to look, to me, like the Pharisees of Jesus' time, know-it alls with the power to run the religion. How do they dare to speak in Jesus name? According to the book, people like them had Jesus crucified. And if he were to come back, the religious would kill him again--of that I am sure.”
I think that you didn’t go to the proper place.There are many people who claim that they are Christians but they are not.So you should follow what the bible says about Jesus.No matter what people even your pastor say.
“4) Jesus, according to what's been written, spoke against religion. And people went ahead and created a religion about him. How strange…very odd.”
Jesus didn’t talk against religion he came to clarify things that were misunderstood .Christianity is not a religion ,it is a relationship with God .You have to follow the leadership of The Holy Spirit that dwells in you .You should go deeper in you relationship with God and look for real Christians to guide you.
• 1 the belief in and worship of a superhuman controlling power, especially a personal God or gods. 2 a particular system of faith and worship. 3 a pursuit or interest followed with devotion.
Christianity:
• the religion based on the person and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Sweetie, you have a religion, disquise it how you wish. Now I am going to get you to put your money where your mouth is. I am an atheist, a lesbian, and I am deeply in love with a woman. Does your god condemn me? If so, baby, guess what? You have a religion.
It is so funny to listen to you. Without god, you say, the meaning of life is to get married, have kids, and work at the office for 25 years. Where do you get that? I believe in no god, and the sun on my flesh is just as warm, and my beloved's touch is just as sweet. I am sorry that you allowed your life to get so screwed up and your only recourse was to go crawling and whining to your jew god. If you sunk to selling your body, then I am not surprized that you went crying to the jew-zoo.
Listen honey, you are talking to people who just grew up, that's all. Why don't you try it?
Might be better to do some research into the organizations you're giving money to and make sure that your money is going to the proper place rather just give blindly.
There are various "charity watch" organizations that keep an eye on admin salaries, where the money goes to, etc.
About you not having a religion: you talk about salvation. Salvation from what, hell? What is that but religion? You talk about getting into heaven--what is that but religion? Sorry, but thee hath a religion, like it or not. We have been there; done that. You can't bullshit the bullshitters.
Let me clue you into a few things. Do you know where this "relationship" crap comes from? During the '60's, it was cool to talk about your lovers as your "relationships". There was a spin-off from the hippie movement back then, called "jesus people" and otherwise known as "jesus freaks". They picked up on that stuff and began to talk about their "relationship" with the lord. I defy you to locate any use of the word "relationship" in reference to jesus prior to the '60's. It aint there.
No. It doesn't make it false. The faulty theology based on fables and folktales make it false.
Make no mistake. It was the fundamental beliefs of christianity that led me away from the church not the people.
Yes, a lot of them are assholes. But there are assholes everywhere. What is outrageous is that the religion promises to change people but it doesn't.
Whoever was bitter continues to be bitter and whoever was noble and nice continues to be nice.
I have to say this again.
The people in church suck but if the theology had been right, I would still be there. My article was meant to point out the inconsistencies in the teachings of Christianity and you fundies intead of addressing the main issues are clinging to periperal stuff that isn't even important.
Lorena
Stuff like this is what pists me off.
You know it all right? You are a christian and you know all things and all people.
How do you know that my relationship with god wasn't deep?
How do you know that I didn't hang out with "real" christians?
I think I did hang out with "real" christians, because they all had the obnoxious know-it-all attitude that you have.
Lorena
Are saying that this deity desires a relationship with you and others like you? To WANT something is to LACK something and from what’s written about this god, it says it is perfect. Since it is perfect, how can it lack or want. If this being in perfect, it indicates it lacks nothing. It Can Not be lonely and Does Not need to be loved or have a relationship with.
A Relationship is to be on equal footing; therefore, you Can Not have a love relationship with someone who is Not your equal (according to your bible). If you do Not have a guaranteed eternal soul like your god, then you are worthless as a companion. If this god cannot respect your rights to exist independently, and the right to chose something else (or nothing) other than it, then it Do Not want to have a relationship but a dictatorship.
How can one have a relationship when it clearly shows that the other party dictates and controls through tyranny, using bully tactics and threats? If you play such games with people’s lives, I would call you insensitive, conceited, insecure, selfish and manipulative.
This threat of eternal torment might scar you into obedience, but it does nothing for me and it most definitely Do Not inspire any love. If your god is real, in the way it is described to owning everything, why should it be so upset about what I don’t give it?
Just in case you are confused about religiosity, here are all the religious words you used to identify what you stand for:
Christianity
God
Jesus
Christ
Salvation
Prayer
Heaven
Luke 21: 1-4
Pastor
Tithe
Church
“A better place”
In an abusive relationship, you will definitely come away with that. Get some counseling.
Annoy said: Now I have hope and a purpose.
It took a book that was written over 2000+ years ago by Bronze Aged men to find hope and a purpose? Wow, how shallow. Everyday experiences in life do not count much for you and so your life is cheapened without you’re made up stories.
Annoy said: Yeah, you can have a great job, house, wife and 2.3 kids but what does it all mean?
What it means is that hard work and education does pay off. It means that it is good having a companion who is your equal and who respects and loves you and having children will guarantee that the human race will somehow continue. These things are very healthy bonds to have compared to your bible god’s threats of damnation (if you don’t love me back)
Annoy said: If there is no God, then the meaning of life is to get married, have kids, and work at the office every day for 25 years then die???
Sorry to bust your bubble, but many are continuing their lives without your religion or your god beliefs. What you are really saying is:
1) I have found a placebo
2) My placebo is my god beliefs
3) Therefore, everyone else should try my placebo
4) If you don’t try my placebo, then you will be left without hope and purpose just like me before I found my placebo.
Yeah, have a wonderful time wallowing in your self pity.
OK, Sweetie, I DIDN'T get married. I've been "living in sin" (as you holier-than-thou types might say) with my man for nearly 20 years, and we have a good, strong, committed relationship that shows every sign of lasting until death parts us. Whereas two of your marriages ended with the man leaving you. So much for the advantages of being in an "institution created by god."
It's somewhat refreshing to hear somebody say that they have no claims to make. I take that to mean that you will not be making dogmatic assertions about this or that supernatural entity; that's good. If you truly desire an honest (and I presume civil) discussion, there are a few things you can do to significantly increase the odds of that happening. You've already done one of them by NOT coming off as possessing all the answers, as many Christian visitors do. I suggest that you also adopt some name other than "Anonymous" by clicking on the "Other" button when you post. It gets very tiresome trying to disentangle all the various anonymous posters. Finally, I suggest that you try to be very specific in who you are addressing, so that participants don't need to read through all the comments to figure out who you're talking to.
Good luck.
I posted this, but it apparently did not stick.
You said exactly what I meant (well, minus the criticism of God, but I imagine you understand what I'm referring to).
Thanks for the clarification.
Christians absolutely know that all this is true beyond a shadow of a doubt!
I know no such thing. Therefore, I know less than the Christians.
after leaving i began to see that i didn't know how to protect myself. For me it was a boundries or not knowing them. Learning these tools in church was never going to happen. Many of these people were so dysfunctional themselves steping on many others personal as well as phcological boundries. How could anyone like that teach me anything ! I only learned that due to my sins i was now going to be mentally ill as a punishment. that is a lie right from the pits of hell!!! I almost died from the stress put upon me by these unloving people. I know know that all i needed to learn was proper boundries. God's love is free to each one of us no matter what religion you are! Love keeps no records of wrongs!!!
How could i have believed that there was a real rapture? or that if my car broke down it was because of spiritual warfare! The devil did it! How stupid could i have been ? why didn't i walk away from them when it didn't make sence? I could have saved myself and many others a great deal of hurt! That's why i know that these beliefs are not true. Many times we were manipulated into going to church or bible studies as you can't be a good christion if you don't attend these functions. I was lead down a path of destruction by false teachings. I thank God for allowing me to see the truth in the mists of masive lies. Just recently i attended a funeral and the paster there was manipulating the crowd by making them feel guilty and fearful about there relatioinship with God. Then she wanted everyone to say the our father- I didn't say it as i was aware of her manipulation.
"After being a Christian for almost four years you begin to know the lingo -- hey sister! Praise God! The Lord! Spiritual warfare! THE DEVIL! the rapture! post, pre, trib, you know the way they think (teachings)- The body language -- if that's not a cult I don't know what is!!! It's taken me along time to even get to this point emotionally. To even see that they are wrong!!! I am finally free from the lies! "
Dano replies; That's, OK Anonymous. Welcome aboard! Hit the "OTHER" button, make up a catchy screen name, and stick around, Nothing has changed. You still are a member of the human race.
You were born "Cult free", and that's the way human nature designed us to be, and the way every man and woman was for several million years, until certain people elected themselves "Shaman"and "Priest", and "preacher", and found out that they could control the masses by pretending to know all about "God"
Now that you have discovered that you know as much about what created us as any person that ever lived or is living today, you can walk with your head held high.
The next time one of these religious robots starts preaching to you, you can tell him to "Stick it where the sun don't shine," and you will know that all of the quilt and fear they are peddling, in an effort control you has no effect any more.
Dan (Cult Free)
I became weepy-eyed when I read your story, because it relates so much to me too. My family is under the conviction of the religious mental disease called religion.
They are so self-righteous and judgmental towards anyone that does not jump through the same religious hoops that they do, their aim in life is to; Please Jesus! So I finally brokedown and told them that I no longer believed in Jesus or the Bible God and they sunk down deep inside, and by saying what I said, it just confirmed their silly childhood beliefs more and they became more introverted towards me and my wife or anyone that does not go around announcing their love for the imaginary jesus, the donkey chaser.
But just let a preacher or a church member walk up to them, their demeaner completely changes, their eyes start glowing and instant praise starts comming out towards the preacher and his family and they will ask about the church members, like they have this deep full concern for their well being.
As quick as the preacher leaves, the religious switch gets turned off and there's no longer a respect towards me and my wife, not like the well deserving preacher got, anyway!
Also the preacher has been blatantly rude to me in front of my parents, because I do not lick his ass, most all of them are arrogant SOB's, with their head swelled by the members.
It's the same in the community that I live here too, so I know completely how you feel, but you have friends here, we all know just what you're going through, there's a couple of anonymous posts above yours, saying the same thing, people are slowly coming around to realize it's all a hoax and a religious put-on.
Please click on my name and read my blog and tell me what you think, I think you'll agree we see things alike. Also click on Lorena's name she has a wonderful blog and offers much insight and wisdom.
My dear friend you're certainly not alone, this is a wonderful website to read and keep in touch with us heathen outcasts, (we're not heathen, really it's them).
Churches and religions are a lickity-lick ass club, that's all they have ever been.
it's so hard when you lose family members to intolorence. If these teachings were the truth would they not become more tolerent and loving of you ? I now believe that at some point in the church things were broken down and true love has become masked in self rightiousness and false belief. legalism seems to be the norm! I believe you are the ones that the bible talks about - brother and sister will be seperated. only they think that they are right but in truth you are. there eyes have been closed for now to religion and wrong belief. Your family does not need to be treated like dirt. you may have to step away for awhile and hope they come to their sences (we did). good luck!!
My particular story is irrelevant in this discussion. No doubt each of us has lived a life that has been "hell" to us individually without comparing it to how hellish someone else's life may have been. A study of the Bible and research of its teachings while including a study of contemporary culture at the times of its authorship is very revealing of God's love of all and acceptance of all who will accept Him.
The faith/works discussion was confusing to me until it was explained to me as follows: A doctor can call himself one and may have all the skills, but if he never uses his skills how would anyone know he is a doctor (aside from the Dr before his name). A mechanic can call himself one, but if he never uses his skills.... The analogy can be repeated endlessly. The entrapment in Christianity comes when someone believes (or more likely is taught) that, beyond a few universal qualities that separate all "nice people" from the not so nice, every Christian should fit into a single mold (look, behavior, speech, etc.). Not everyone is a doctor, mechanic, artist, scientist, waitress, etc. Just as there exists diversity in occupations, so the individuality among Christians should be welcomed and seen as an asset.
From my experience, generally Christians are, like everyone, constantly seeking to improve their lives on all levels, including the spiritual level. But many churches find it easier to control their members by either directly or indirectly communicating a legalistic set of standards under the guise of being "more Christian" (not necessarily found in the Bible), and disassociating anyone who doesn't naturally fit within those standards. It isn't right. Just like those junior high and high school cliques that operate on a policy of exclusion and emotionally scar the objects of their attack, so such legalistic churches severely scar those who are seeking to understand the God of the Bible.
I hope that this post doesn't come across as pious or superior. It sounds as though Christians with a strong opinion aren't exactly welcomed here! HAHA! ...and I can understand why. Like I said, I have been there. My hope however, is that those of you who read this will ponder seriously some of what is written, applying an open mind. Best to each of you!
I wish I could defend all the accusations -- but the truth is, I have seen them myself.
Christianity - true Christianity should not be confused with churchanity.
I struggled for years - alcohol had a grip on me - my former lifestyle caused me all kinds of grief in areas of lust.
I strived, I pushed, I worked, I yearned to be a "good Christian" and I failed everytime. FINALLY I accepted who I am - and I accepted what JESUS was wanting to do for me. I quit STRIVING and started TRUSTING. I am a new creation -- not perfect by any stretch -- but slowly and daily being transformed. Still probably more of a worm than a butterfly -- but I have freedom from addictions that I could have never get free from in my own strength.
Folks, I'm sorry that the church has wounded you. BUT look again - one more time -- Has Jesus let you down??
Remember what Jesus said, "Not everyone who says Lord, Lord, will enter the Kingdom of Heaven - only those who do my Father's will."
I'm convinced that many people who go to church have never discovered a RELATIONSHIP with the Living Lord - -
I also question all the bitterness.
I don't think that unbelief causes bitterness -- but dissapointment causes bitterness.
I don't beleive in elves, or little green men with four leaf clovers, or Santa Clause -- but I have no emotional war going on against such things. Just the fact that you HATE God -- kind of sends the message that you beleive he exists.
I don't hate god because I don't believe in it! You cannot hate what does not exist.
I never had a personal relationship with jesus because he is an imaginary figure!
Everyone was forced into the belief system that they are in, it takes an open mind to absorb and comprehend that christianity is a mythology just like all other religions past and present. We here consider ourselves to be lucky to have been "shown the way", so to speak!
Who told you to start drinking in the first place? Who was it?
YOU!!!!!!
Now you can get drunk on jesus, they are both useless.
Just stay drunk on jesus and you'll keep your mind fooled until YOU, decide to quit, just like we did, we quit our bad habits and gave up on jesus. It's the very same affect, mental escape from reality, that's just what you were doing with alcohol.
You're now hiding from the fear of death through religion.
"Christianity - true Christianity should not be confused with churchanity."
Many of us here have made similar statements in the past. This being your first time visit, you are probably unaware of how many Christians come here talking about True Christianty™ and how we never experienced it. Such assertions are asinine.
We have tasted of the vine and it is sour.
"I struggled for years - alcohol had a grip on me - my former lifestyle caused me all kinds of grief in areas of lust."
If Christianity has made your life better, I'm glad for you provided you don't take the Great Commission to the extremes that most Evangelicals do. No one has the right to intrude into the lives of others, tell them how to live, demonize those they don't like, or impose their beliefs on the nation through our governmental system.
"I'm convinced that many people who go to church have never discovered a RELATIONSHIP with the Living Lord..."
Another common Evangelical talking-point. Many have had that relationship (or at least believed so), but found it to be dysfunctional and unsustainable in the face of reason.
"I also question all the bitterness."
You shouldn't. Many of us poured ourselves wholeheartedly into our spiritual lives, only to find we could no longer believe. In the process of deconversion, many experienced the loss of friends and family who could not or would not understand.
"Just the fact that you HATE God -- kind of sends the message that you beleive he exists."
Not exactly. Pointing out the injustice and cruelty of the biblical God does not necessarily imply belief. It's rather like an attitude of incredulity. How could a supposedly loving and just God allow, or in some cases perpetrate, injustice or cruelty on his creation? It's the realization that all that talk about a God of love and justice is bullshit.
Ummm, if that tooth of yours falls out, do you believe that if you leave it under your pillow at night, that money will appear the next morning? What?....no?...you don't believe it? Oh, okay.....so you must "HATE" the tooth fairy then, right?....::eyeroll::
Oh good, but I'm curious---where will we heathens spend eternity then?... since you are no longer a "Christian", and thus, no longer believe in salvation as Christians know it?
"I am a follower. I ask your forgiveness for what I did as a "christian" a lowly xtain, bah thew spit on the ground!!!
Next he'll be self-electing himself a Prophet or Apostle or Disciple or Angel of God! All angels are male, BTW!
You very rarely hear of women self-electing themself's religious titles, ever wonder why? Because the Bible was written by men, for men, to save men, to control men, women and slaves are excluded and always have been excluded, why can't people see this, I do not understand!