Hello everyone!

[MinnesotaMike]

As you probably observed, my name is Mike and I'm from Minnesota. I have decided to join this forum as a means of engaging in intelligent conversation with other like-minded individuals, as there are very few without religion (at least openly) in my area.

I guess I've always questioned claims presented to me, perhaps as a pessimist, perhaps as someone critical. My earliest memory of playing the rational antagonist (if such a thing exists) was when I was about eight years old. Much to the chagrin of my parents, the notion of Santa bringing presents to absolutely every household on earth never sat well with me for fairly obvious reasons. I spent a couple of weeks gathering information and calculating the velocity Santa would need to be traveling, and determined that it was impossible for him to accomplish his task in the time allotted. When confronted with my findings, most adults would all tell me the same thing, probably to keep from spoiling it for the other kids:

"You just have to believe it."

Can you believe that?

Looking back, yes, it was meant to be an exercise in fantasy to spice up an otherwise boring holiday for the young. But having a well-prepared argument shot down for no apparent reason was quite disappointing. Such was my experience with a religious upbringing. Personal experience of engaging in rational discussion with someone religious indicated that it was well... impossible. I decided it was time for personal discovery, and to see just how fast Santa would need to be moving all over again. When I was 15, I decided to take a temporary break from Christianity (which wound up being permanent) and admit my uncertainty despite the threat of eternal torture. Eventually I got around to lightly studying other religions, then examining the validity of biblical claims. This lead me to Thunderf00t's "Why do people laugh at creationists" series on YouTube, which lead me to Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, and The Atheist Experience show based out of Texas. I learned the difference between Gnosticism and Theism, and then donned the label of Agnostic Atheist. In summary: No, I won't just believe it.

I am really looking forward to the HAF, and hopefully contributing as much as I take, as such is my ambition in life.

[Tank]

Hi Mike

Good to see another free thinking mind in the world.

Thank you for taking the time and making the effort to join in this little corner of the Internet. We have an anti-troll measure that limits new members to posting in the 'Getting to Know You" area of the forum for their first 10 posts. So have a look around the "Laid back Lounge" and get some posts down. Any questions, then ask them here 

Welcome to HAF.

Regards
Chris

[Medusa]

Welcome Mike. You and I were the same age when we decided to get out of Christianity. I guess I just turned down the dark alley of Satanism with the other black cats! 

[The Magic Pudding]

Hello Mike

Minnesota home of Lake Woebegone where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.  I wish to continue believing this so none of those Santa sums thank you.

If you meet a member called Ihateyoumike, don't take it personally. 

[Evilbeagle]

Hey Mike, welcome to HAF. Hope you get comfy here.
I'd like to think you'd not find a nicer bunch of nuts anywhere

[hismikeness]

If you meet a member called Ihateyoumike, don't take it personally.  

Nope. Take it very personally. He's on my list...

Welcome. The more Mikes the better, I always say!

[xSilverPhinx]

Welcome!

[Black36]

Everyone hello