Are you an ex Christian?

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"

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

If you have Tricia then I missed it too!

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.

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.

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

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!

granjura!Thanks . That is what I meant.

Thought so x

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!

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

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

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).

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 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 .

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.

Granjura, Christians are people , being high church has not a jot to do with faith , just a preference for smells and bells services , why not drive to a church which holds a service one likes ? The faith is the same , I am low church Anglican and enjoy evangelical services too , at times I worship in a cathedral which is high church

As for not being comfortable with women priests , no different to preferring a male or female doctor , or male or female news reader, the news is the same

For once I agree with you annibach. Christians are people, and how you worship is entirely a matter of preference. My cousin was a Roman Catholic, and when he died had an RC funeral which was absolutely fine. My parents were buried in the village where they lived which was low church, again absolutely fine. If I had a choice I would choose High Church, but if I hadn't, and felt the need to go to church, somewhere else would be fine. I have absolutely no problem with women priests, but some people do; It's just a matter of choice and nothing is written in stone.
Sorry, I'm supposed to have bowed out of this thread! Slight senior moment!