Are you an ex Christian?

What if you've tried, but the forgiveness just doesn't happen? How many of us have been hurt by people and buried our feelings only for the pain to pop up unbidden. It's easier said than done.

I was brought up to go to church and sunday school, was in the church choir and a bell ringer on Sundays . I started to question religion when I was around 16 and gradually over the years have gone from being a "not so sure " to a definite atheist . I must say it must be wonderful to have that blind faith and to be sure that there is something after but it is just too ridiculous to be true . This life is all there is .

Actually you could be right Atqui! I did consider myself the coolest kid on the block circa 1961,.and wasn't particularly worried about Christianity or lack of it when I was young, sort of took it for granted I suppose. It's only since I've aspired to old age that I've given it it serious thought. As for different denominations, I guess that's just a matter of choice. I don't expect God minds too much, and as I'm pretty sure he doesn't exist, I guess it doesn't matter anyway!!!

I am always amazed that different Christian groups make such a point about being the right and proper Christians, and not like the other lot.

So when the point is made about being a very specific kind of Anglican- and a HIGH one at that, the mine truly boggles.

As an aside, I was always amazed about the musical chairs between different Parishes- who would attend at a different Church in another village, and vice versa- depending on the Vicar- and how High the church was. And those who would drive miles to go to a Church with a proper Vicar, and not a .... woman (God forbid).

nigglynellie judging from your post here and on another thread, I'd have thought your answer would be"almost" !

Meant to say a High Anglican. Not awfully sure what the difference is, I think I did know once, but have forgotten!!!

I think I'm one of the people who have interfered in this thread. Sorry about that and will now bow out. I'm an Anglican and my answer to the OTs question is No!

Thought so x

granjura!Thanks . That is what I meant.

Perhaps evangelism in those around you could bring about a rebellion later in life; evangelism could be more like a cult than a religion and perhaps you were not allowed to think and question for yourself Atqui?

However, I think a lot of people may have rebelled well before their sixties!

When you forgive someone, it helps yourself, and not necessarily the other person.

Thank you those gransnetters who posted messages of encouragement. Unfortunately I can't forgive either my husband or his mistress, the German woman who wrecked my family. I think my self esteem, already damaged by being deserted by my father, was so damaged by their actions that my mind set has been permanently altered for the worse. I curse them both too often for comfort. Just can't "move on" to use the cliché. However, the love of my children and women friends is a great salve.

Reading Atqui's OP, I read the question differently, and assumed she meant ' are you one too and why'? But apologies if that was not the case.

If you have Tricia then I missed it too!

What do you mean, granjura? Have I missed something?

Hardly fair, granjura. The OP asked the question 'Are you an ex Christian?'.

To which there are two definite answers, and others somewhere in between.

A pity they felt the need to 'interfere' with this thread.

I agree; those who have unshakeable faith are to be envied... Provided of courses that it does not influence or affect anyone else.

My Granny believed implicitly in God, and was totally convinced that she would be re united with people she had loved. Her faith was an enormous strength and comfort to her, particularly on her death bed. My mother too but perhaps to a lesser degree. How lucky these two ladies and people like them were/are. I'm just not convinced and far less comforted.

I am a lapsed Methodist and now a non believer in gods.

I do find things like Buddist meditation helpful. It's the calming and empyting the mind which can be helpful it takes some practicing though.

I sometimes envy those who find religion helps them manage in life.
What to make of those rather muddled thoughts I don't know.

I was brought up as a good Anglican. Baptised, Confirmed, attended an Anglican Convert, married in church, baptised both offspring. Now, more years than I care to remember, I would describe myself at best 'a doubting Thomas ' and at worse, just doubting! Not quite an ex christian, but sadly over halfway there.

Brought up Catholic. Sexually abused at the age of seven by a priest's brother while the priest watched. My Church is now in the hills, mountains, & nature. I do however respect other people's beliefs.

As I believe I've said before-it's an anthropological matter-we all belong to groups-the uniqueness of Roman Catholicism is that it made a group on an universal scale."All roads led to Rome" Ireneus' contribution was to make Christianity political-a principle cemented by Constantine @ Nicea (325 AD ?) when he made it a state religion -a far reaching ploy to run his East/West empire. Unfortunately it had its dire weaknesses. Jews/Moslems/Gays/ + other deviants became "heretics".Unfortunates such as orphans/dispossessed etc. were placed at the mercy of the all powerful "powers that be" -many good others not so.Above all-perhaps Shakespeares' words are relevant after all "To thyself be true then thou cans't not be false to anyone"

I suppose I am, but I find it hard to let go completely. I am a spiritual person and I think there is more in Heaven and Earth than we'll ever know, to misquote Hamlet.

I still like to think there is something more but I no longer go to church. I was rather put off by the congregation, some of whom were quite cliquey and seemed to lack the milk of human kindness. There were certain pews reserved for regulars and when a shelter for the homeless in a nearby area was in the planning stages, many objected because it would affect the neighbourhood and property prices! That made me smile but it also confirmed that I am OK with doing 'religion' my way. I used to cherry-pick the parts of Christianity that spoke to me anyway, and they were values held by decent human beings, whether Christian, religious or not. I am not one for regular meetings anyway...not needing a 'community' as some people do.

I'll often pop into churches because I like the architecture and history of them, and I really enjoy hymn singing. I love the language and poetry of hymns. I think it's such a shame that these old songs, learnt word-for word during schooldays and regular hymn practices are likely to be forgotten when the present 'silver army,' propping up the Christian church, is dead and buried. I find that sad.

I m a chritian even though i dont beleave in the Virgin birth. Mathew, Mark, etc were born 10 yrs after Jesus death so, like the rest of the bible, a lot is hear say. Stories are repeated so many times that a lot is exagerated. Im sure there is a basis of truth in them. My daughter died age 43 in 2002 and I never blamed God. I dont blame him for the dreadful wars either Praying confuses me because, in war times both sides are asking for peace and victory.

When my husband died a very good friend took the service at the crematorium and many friends and family took turns to talk of Brians life. There was laughter and tears. I do believe in the after life so Im sure Brian was with us and laughing too. I hope this doesnt offend anyone. First time ivr written!