Happy Atheist Forum

I am curious to understand why people are atheists, or change their minds to atheism instead of, or after believing in religion.  I'm looking for trends.  If you have time, could you please answer the following questions:

Do you know tour IQ?  ... not procured from internet tests, please!

Do you have a college degree?  If so, what in?  And if not, why?

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? examples: Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive, other?

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist, what caused this change in thinking for you?

For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, when did you/what caused you to own these beliefs for yourself?

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?

At what age did you identify as an atheist?

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?

In your opinion, what causes religious people to question religion?

Have you ever been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking?  And if so, how?

What is your IQ?
No idea

Do you have a college degree?
No

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive?
Passive and introvert

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?
I don't know that any more. Perhaps history class.

For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, what caused you to eventually own these ideas for yourself?

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?
12 or 13

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
Never had any concerns, worked it all out by myself. The reactions from the people, whom I told that I'm atheist  were either mild interest or indifference.

At what age did you identify as an atheist?
17

QuoteAt what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?

Religious Brainwashing: How it's done (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=4629)

or when you see such dishonest nonsense like Sarfati's claims to a young Earth:

Genesis VS Science Part 2: Early Earth's Atmosphere (http://www.happyatheistforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=4624)

And we will just skip the whole nonsense of Earth being created before the Heavens ect.. :)

Being confirmed made me an atheist. Single most boring experience of my life, but it wasn't all for nothing, I got a lot of money. It's all gone now...

What is your IQ? (if you know it... not procured from internet tests, please!)
140 'ish

Do you have a college degree?
Yes, but I'm in the UK so it's not called a college degree.

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult?  Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive?
Incurably curious about nature.


For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?  
See below, but I never 'got' God or religion, it was just something other people did that was best ignored.

For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, what caused you to eventually own these ideas for yourself?
I was brought up in a neutral household. Dad an atheist Mum a Church of England protestant. Went to church with my Mum and got confirmed a) to keep my mum quiet and b) the girls in the confirmation class outnumbered the boys 4:1. Did I mention my interest in biology  :hmm:

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
Never needed to discuss it really. My Dad basically agreed that it was a load of rubbish and my Mum ignored 'difficult' questions.

At what age did you identify as an atheist?
As in actively taking it on as world view? 46 after reading The God Delusion. But in the UK being an atheist simply isn't an issue. People who go around discussing God are generally considered slightly soft in the head but mostly harmless.

Hello and welcome to HAF, periwinklefish.

Q) What is your IQ? (if you know it... not procured from internet tests, please!)
A) No idea.  I tested in the 98th percentile many many moons ago, but that was a lot of indulging and years ago, as I said.

Q) Do you have a college degree?
A) No.  I'm better educated than most who do have degrees that I know, but autodidacts are worthless in this society.

Q) What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive?
A) As a child, introverted, though certainly not passive.  I had a lot of run-ins with bullies-- fought and lost until I got big enough to kick a couple of their asses. As an adolescent, I was a geek and a nerd, though those terms hadn't yet really come into vogue back then.  (The bullies still liked to try me, but when they did, they generally regretted it.) I got good grades but hated school.  Got a job and left home as soon as I could.  Never went back to school and never regretted it. Much. As an adult, just a working class man with too much going on upstairs for my own good.

Q) For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?
A) The patent absurdity of religious dogma, and the often despicable behavior of church authorities. (I went to a parochial school for the first 8 grades.)

Q) For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, what caused you to eventually own these ideas for yourself?
A) N/A

Q) At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?
A) About the age of 9, maybe a little earlier.

Q) How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
A) I knew better than to blab about it.

Q) At what age did you identify as an atheist?
A) I was a staunch atheist by the age of 11.

Thanks for the replies..

Quote from: "periwinklefish"What is your IQ? (if you know it... not procured from internet tests, please!)

132-148 depending on the test (Mostly the linguistic part, as I have taken tests in English and Norwegian and a test for the gifted which was said to more accurately determine IQ over 140. Got below 140 on that one.)

QuoteDo you have a college degree?

Yes.

QuoteWhat were you like as a child, adolescent, adult?  Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive?

Inquisitive..? Yes, certainly. I was a bit of a book worm and very quick to learn. I also had a problem with my legal superiors who I considered to be my intellectual inferiors, or rather, they had a problem with me.

QuoteFor those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?

N/A

QuoteFor those of you who were born into nonreligious families, what caused you to eventually own these ideas for yourself?

N/A (No direct family influence)

QuoteAt what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?

First rejected as fairy tale at about seven. Conscious atheist from about the age of twelve.

QuoteHow did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?

Lost a friend to being an atheist, and I think I'm better off for it. Other than that, very little reaction.

QuoteAt what age did you identify as an atheist?

As stated, about 12.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"Thanks for the replies!  This really helps me.  I'll explain the reasons for my questions at another time as it's 3 am, here:)

BTW. I didn't specifically convert to Atheism.. I'm a realist/materialist. Atheism is a very small part of my current stance on the world around us. But I would imagine that you are formulating some kind of theistic argument. But I could be wrong because your nick is common in evolutionary biology

I don't remember believing in god or Santa Clause.
A curious ten year olds knowledge of history made religions seem... wrong.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"What is your IQ? (if you know it... not procured from internet tests, please!)

165 on the Stanford-Binet.  160.04 as determined by my SAT score without taking into account the age at which I took the test.  I found no age adjusted tables for SAT to IQ conversion.

QuoteDo you have a college degree?

No.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult?  Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive?

Inquisitive.  Autistic.  

Quote from: "periwinklefish"For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?

Not applicable.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, what caused you to eventually own these ideas for yourself?

The question is lacking.  I examined the idea of religion as a part of anthropology.  It takes no effort to "own" the idea that myths and make-believe are myths and make-believe.  I would guess I "owned" the idea for myself at age four years and seven months when I read Stranger in a Strange Land and had to ask my mother if people actually believed in God or if belief in God was a fictional element of the story.  

Quote from: "periwinklefish"At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?

Not applicable.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?

Not applicable.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"At what age did you identify as an atheist?

When I first learned the term's definition, age four years and seven months.  However, it wasn't of much importance to me because I was unaware of its importance to the culture I live in.

Thanks for all the replies so far.  I am not compiling information to form a theistic argument.  This is purely for my own curiosity and interest in the reasons why some people take a religious path and others not.  The IQ question seems invasive, however, I wonder about these statistics.  Personality types, I think, could also be a factor.  And I'm interested in demographics.  Are your parents religious, and would you consider them fundamental'?  I know there are some good books on this subject.  Anyone care to recommend any?  I would like to do a little discovering on my own, first, before I read them.

What is your IQ? (if you know it... not procured from internet tests, please!) Here, just to be fair... mine is 130. I'm sure most of you are smarter than me:)

158

Do you have a college degree? If so, what in? And if not, why? I majored in biomedical sciences, have a BS in nursing, and an associates in psychology and art.

I do not but i'm currently pursuing a degree.

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive, other? I was introverted and passive/easily disciplined but at times inquisitive, tenacious.

Hyper, curious, extrovert and arrogant.

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales? Me.. it was one concept in my anthropology class: man needed and created religions.... all of them. Since that time, I still have a hard time understanding why this fact doesn't "do it" for everyone else.....

For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, what caused you to eventually own these ideas for yourself?

I come from a religious family, it was hearing the story itself from my grandparents when I was about 4

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?

Four years old.

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?

They prayed I would realize the "truth".

At what age did you identify as an atheist?

About 14

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?

Chicago Illinois, still living here.

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?

At four when I visited my grandparents, seldomly, twas quite rare as my parents were fairly secular despite being christians.

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?

All of them, mildly religious with the exception of my grandparents who were deeply religious.

What do you think the single most important thing is, in being successful in getting the religious to think rationally?

I'm not quite sure, perhaps having a complete scientific theory for the origin of the universe, they always poke holes in the big bang, CERN better find the higgs boson ASAP.

Have you been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking? And if so, how?

I have convinced several people over the years that fundamentalism is stupid and to think rationally however i've never convinced anyone that theism is BS nor have I really tried, I don't mind people being theist, it's their choice and as long as they are rational and by extension respect the legitmacy of science there is no harm in theism.

My deconversion from Christianity was brought about by the conjunction of outside events, the application of reason to my thoughts, and a hard-nosed skepticism my dad (probably unwittingly) instilled in me.

All the rest of your question I prefer not to answer.

What is your IQ? I've not had a test since high school, but I think it was somewhere between 125 and 135. It could be higher or lower now.

Do you have a college degree?  If so, what in?  And if not, why? Yes, Psyh, fun.

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? Hungry, confused, horny, curious. That's for child, adolescent and adult.

what was it that tipped the scales? An argument with my freshman biology AP teacher was the turning point in my life.

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god"? Freshman year of high school.

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns? I didn't speak about it with anyone. For years.

At what age did you identify as an atheist? 14, I guess.

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location? United States.

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church? I went to church from a couple of months old until I was a teenager and stopped.

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious? All of them were and remain quite religious.

What do you think the single most important thing is, in being successful in getting the religious to think rationally? Apply their logic directly to something nonreligious.

Have you been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking?  And if so, how? Unintentionally. I'm not an atheist preacher or missionary, it's not my responsibility to deconvert people. That said, I've been a part in people's perception shifts.

What is your IQ? I haven't been professionally tested since I was in preschool.  

Do you have a college degree?  If so, what in?  And if not, why? professional degree in architecture

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? inquisitive introverted creative gullible

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?  
I never had a scale tipping point I slipped out of organized religion before I dropped theism altogether.

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?
I don't remember seriously questioning god in general till college...I guess I must have been 21 or so.

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
At what age did you identify as an atheist?
I never felt the need to have a coming out moment; if it came up in discussion fine...no bad reactions other than from my mom and she seems to have gone into denial that it's just a phase or something.
Um...either 24 or 25, didn't mark it on the calendar or anything like people do with being "reborn."

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?
Oklahoma City
Dallas area...um, 26.

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?
Birth often more than once a week once I was old enough for choir

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?
Mom very religious, Dad didn't go to church except on Easter (now know he is nonreligious) Grandmother very religious, Grandfather religious (maybe very, he didn't like to talk about emotional subjects like religion),

What do you think the single most important thing is, in being successful in getting the religious to think rationally?  
I think most are afraid to question their belief because the bible says to trust God with all your faith and that to do otherwise is bad.  In order for me to explore my questions about religion I first had to convince myself that a loving god would be understanding of the questioning and would take me back the minute I realized I was pursing folly.

Have you been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking?  And if so, how?
I don't know and don't particularly try anymore unless I think the person holds onto a potentially dangerous belief.

What is your IQ? (
I have no idea

Do you have a college degree?
diploma of higher education in Graphic design and
bachelor in photography

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult?
 shy. Kept to myself.

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales? I believed in a god. I wasnt very religious. I learned about the world through science

For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, what caused you to eventually own these ideas for yourself?
my family is not non-religious.

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?
I dont remember. Late elementary I guess

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
I didn't bother to tell them.

At what age did you identify as an atheist?
somewhere between 15-17.

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?
I grew up in Limassol cyprus. Lived 7 years in Athens for my studies. Now I am back in Limassol

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?
Church for my family meant only two times a year: for easter.
I stopped going about 10 years ago when I told my dad I'm an atheist., He was ok with me not going to church cause he is not religious (he's not an atheist)

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?
my mom believed in a god. Nothing special though. My dad believes there's "something" but he thinks religion is a joke

What do you think the single most important thing is, in being successful in getting the religious to think rationally?
I can't think right now... Stop hindering the progress of science I guess?

Have you been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking? And if so, how?
No. I don't bother.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"I wonder things like....  Of people with IQ above 120, what percentage are atheists?

I seem to remember reading a study showing it to be higher than that of IQ-ranges 95-105.

QuotePersonality types, I think, could also be a factor.

...As can personality disorders, I suppose.

QuoteAnd I'm interested in demographics such as...  Were your parents religious?

No. Apatheists as far as I know.

QuoteAnd would you consider them 'fundamental'?

LOL! Not in any way imaginable...

QuoteWhere do you live, Where did you grow up, and at what age did you move to your current location?  For instance... I moved from Dallas to Boulder at age 24.  (It couldn't have been soon enough.)

Northern Europe. Moved to my current location at the age of 22.[/quote]

What is your IQ?
At least 135.  I was never told an exact value, but this was the cut-off to get into the extended learning program in school.

Do you have a college degree?
B.S. Cell Biology

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult?
passive, silent, thoughtful as a child; apathetic and wild as an adolescent and young adult; passive, curious and sad now

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?
The first time was when a Christian family my parents tried to help scammed them and completely trashed our home when they were paid to be caretaking it. They were hired partly because they were Christians and needed a new start. The second time was when believing relative who worked with Behavior Disordered children told me a story of a little boy they worked with who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and believed that Star Wars was real.  It seemed ridiculous to me that a person who lives in a fantasy world based on angels being real with an anthropomorphic deity that grants wishes and prayers is considered less delusional than someone who lives in a fantasy world based on Star Wars.

For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, what caused you to eventually own these ideas for yourself?
Having internet access and finding out I wasn't alone in my atheism and wanting to understand what the big problem was about evolution and other scientific ideas to believers.

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?
14

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
I was told to not ever say there wasn't a god out there listening to me. Incidentally I had also been told I was free to choose whatever belief I wanted as a child.  I guess this changed when I was told not to believe.  I was later given a book on Buddhism.

At what age did you identify as an atheist?
34.  Just hadn't really understood or cared about the label before this.

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?
I grew up mostly in the rural midwest, but lived abroad when I was young and was born overseas.  I currently reside in rural Oklahoma  

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?
I went to a Catholic Church once when I was a child at my grandmother's behest.  I attended a Southern Baptist Church when I was a teenager for a few months at the request of a boyfriend.

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?
My father was not very religious, although he has become more so now.  My mother was religious and very superstitious and believed in all kinds of things like ESP and telekinesis and the like.  She dropped this as I was older and became more Christiany, but now seems less religious.  We didn't attend church and my parents were occasionally critical of churches.

What do you think the single most important thing is, in being successful in getting the religious to think rationally?
Authority or perceived authority of the person requesting the rational thinking. I personally haven't tried to convert anyone, but I do speak my mind when religious people have argued with me.

Have you been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking? And if so, how?
Nope.  I feel that people should be free to believe what they want, but they must respect the rights of others to do so as well.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"What is your IQ?

I don't know for sure, but Internet tests have placed it between 140 and 150.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"Do you have a college degree?  If so, what in?  And if not, why?

No. I'm 16

Quote from: "periwinklefish"What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult?

As a child I was very introverted. Today I still am in a way, but mainly because I don't enjoy interacting with most people rather than just people as a whole.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?  

Specifically, it was the debate over rights for the LGBT community. In general it was this realization that God was just like any other authority and should be questioned. I really rejected Christianity (my previous religion) on an ethical basis before a scientific one.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?

8th Grade so... 13. Ironically that's the age I was baptized at.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?

My parents responded in different ways but I believe thy both came from a view point that it was just a phase and I would "find my way back"

Quote from: "periwinklefish"At what age did you identify as an atheist?[/b][/u]

13. But almost 6 months after I started the process.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?

I have always lived in Maine.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?

Always have. Every Sunday.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?[/b][/u]

I'd say thy were all deeply religious but in a mild way.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"What do you think the single most important thing is, in being successful in getting the religious to think rationally?  

Getting them to realize their doubt for themselves. It's basically like the premise of Inception. An idea is most powerful if it is self generated.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"Have you been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking?  And if so, how?

Yes. My best friend is from a Catholic family. He has always been a VERY liberal Christian and I think that just my openness about my atheism caused himto examine his beliefs and eventually to change them.

What is your IQ? (if you know it... not procured from internet tests, please!)  In my senior year in high school, the school psychometrician tested me and said I had 125. I don't know  now.

Do you have a college degree?  If so, what in?  And if not, why? Yes. Bachelor in Secondary Education. M.A. in Educational Management. Currently, taking up my Ph. D. still in Educational Management.

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? Introvert, introvert, caring respectively.

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?    I was a Herbert Armstrong type of Christian, then became a deist. But science books and HAF helped a lot in my "de-beliefing."

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ? 16. Fresheman year in college.

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns? They pitied me. And started casting demons out of me.

At what age did you identify as an atheist? 29. I wish people here would call me an atheist rather than a Satanist or an anti-Christ.

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location? I never left my hometown here in the Philippines. I just moved to a new house adjacent to my parents'.

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church? Since I was born.

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious? My entire family is religious. So is my wife.

What do you think the single most important thing is, in being successful in getting the religious to think rationally?   Lead by example.

Have you been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking?  And if so, how? Yes. Two of my students. I refuted every argument for their God's existence Socratically. They didn't become atheists but I guess I made sekptics out out of them. They have themselves to thank for that.

What is your IQ? haven't had an official test since grade school - it was 140 then.

Do you have a college degree?  If so, what in?  And if not, why? Several associates degrees in applied marine sciences, B.L.A. in biological psychology

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? very argumentative and defiant.

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?   I was attending Catholic school, and I was in 7th grade. It was a day that we had to attend a mass and everyone was reciting the nicene creed (http://www.beginningcatholic.com/catholic-nicene-creed.html) and I had this totally surreal, scary moment where I was suddenly in a room full of robots. It freaked me out and I decided at that moment I didn't want to be a part of it anymore.

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ? I don't remember exactly but maybe around 10 years old. No later than 12. Probably around the time I started menstruating.

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?[/b] I don't really remember the reactions when I questioned god. I asked lots of questions as a child. I would constantly argue about everything. When I told my parents I didn't believe in god, they let me switch to public school (in the middle of 7th grade) but I still had to go to CCD (like sunday school, sort of) so I could be confirmed in 8th grade. I wore a black dress and heavy eyeliner   After that, they left me alone about it. I would often ask them if they *really* believed that Jesus was god and rose from the dead and all that. I considered my parents reasonable, intelligent people and I just couldn't/can't understand how a reasonable person could actually believe that. They answered with a weak "yes".

At what age did you identify as an atheist? about 14 or 15

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?[/b] I grew up in New Jersey, and I currently live in the same town I grew up in. I moved back here when I was 27 (I'm 30 now). There were almost 10 years in between when I lived in various locations, mostly around Florida and the Caribbean.

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church? [/b]6 years old, catholic school. I went whenever they took us during the school day. My family didn't usually go to any weekend services.

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious? all were mildly catholic.

What do you think the single most important thing is, in being successful in getting the religious to think rationally?   I'm not really sure... I don't try to change people's religious beliefs usually. It's been my experience that it's a waste of time unless someone expresses interest and asks you questions. In that case, answer their questions and point them to as many resources as possible. Ultimately it's their decision and, imo, an atheist who doesn't come about their convictions on their own is just as useless as a mindless Christian.

Have you been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking?  And if so, how? Not sure if this counts, but it's the best I have: Before committing to a long term relationship, I told my partner that I couldn't be with someone who believed in God. (As a bit of background, I moved in with him without knowing him very well) He was raised Baha'i and still carried the membership card in his wallet. We had a series of emails where we talked about religion and he eventually confessed to agnosticism and that was good enough for me. The rest is history.

What the hell, I'll take it.

QuoteWhat is your IQ? (if you know it... not procured from internet tests, please!)  Here, just to be fair... mine is 130.  I'm sure most of you are smarter than me:)

I don't know.

QuoteDo you have a college degree?  If so, what in?  And if not, why? I majored in biomedical sciences, have a BS in nursing, and an associates in psychology and art.

Nope. I'm still in the 9th grade.

QuoteWhat were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive, other?  I was introverted and passive/easily disciplined but at times inquisitive, tenacious.

I don't know. I can't call myself anything without having doubts if that's what I truly am.

QuoteFor those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?   Me.. it was one concept in my anthropology class: man needed and created religions.... all of them.  Since that time, I still have a hard time understanding why this fact doesn't "do it" for everyone else.....

I don't know. Probably just age. I think my brain just naturally grew out of religion.

QuoteFor those of you who were born into nonreligious families, what caused you to eventually own these ideas for yourself?

Definitely not applicable to me.

QuoteAt what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?

Ehh...probably eleven, twelve? I'm not exactly sure, but I think it was when I was starting to become a teenager.

QuoteHow did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?

I don't think I ever told anybody I was questioning Christianity. My mom is still trying to reconvert me after I told her I was an atheist though, by making me read the Bible and go to church and all that shit. My dad seems kind of saddened by it, but I think he accepts it for the most part. Nobody else in my family knows, I don't think. The friends that know don't really give a fuck.

QuoteAt what age did you identify as an atheist?[/b][/u]

This year -- I'm fourteen.

QuoteWhere did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?

A small town next to Seattle, where I still live with my parents.

QuoteAt what age did you start and how often did you go to church?

As far back as I can remember; usually once or twice a week.

QuoteOf your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?[/b][/u]

I would say my mom is deeply religious, and my dad is mildly-to-deeply religious. I don't really know my other "caretakers'" religious views.

QuoteWhat do you think the single most important thing is, in being successful in getting the religious to think rationally?  

Teaching them to think rationally would be a good start.

QuoteHave you been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking?  And if so, how?

Not that I'm aware of, no. I don't really talk to people about it outside of the Internet -- it's kind of an awkward subject.

What is your IQ?
Close to Kylyssa last time it was tested.  I shy away from letting people know, the number intimidates too many, causes problems.  Makes people over compensate and subconsciously degrade me when they speak to me or show me anything.

Do you have a college degree?  If so, what in?  And if not, why?
BSCrE (ceramic engineering) minor in Psychology (emphasis on deviant psychology, helped me understand my family   )

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive, other?
Insatiable reader, nerdy, geeky

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?  
I read the bible.  Several times at the request of the church when I had questions.

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?
between 9 and 11

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?  
"read your bible, the answers are there"

At what age did you identify as an atheist?
somewhere in my mid teens

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?
Birth until 11, 2 to 3 days a week  Edit to Add: that was when the church basically tossed us out because my mom and dad filed for divorce, they sided with my dad.

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?
My family is fundamental pentecostal.  All of them.  I'm the black sheep even though my brother is the drug addict, thief, etc and is currently sitting in jail.... again.

What is your IQ?
No idea

Do you have a college degree? If so, what in? And if not, why?
I'm currently majoring in Electrical Engineering.

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult?
As a child, I was pretty quiet, obeyed my parents most of the time.
As a teen, I was pretty withdrawn and geeky.
If you consider the age of 20 as being an adult, then I'm a lot more open to try new things (tried weed for the first time a couple weeks ago), a lot less shy and I'm a more relaxed person.

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?
I was never really that religious at any point in my life.

For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, what caused you to eventually own these ideas for yourself?
My parents are Buddhist, but I pretty much developed my own opinions of religion and made up my mind.

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god"?
Maybe when I was like 12 or 13.

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
Everything acted like they didn't know what I was talking about, others didn't really care.

At what age did you identify as an atheist?
15 or 16.

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?
Northern Virginia, which is a pretty liberal area. I still live there, but since I'm in college I'm further down south in Virginia (I live in an apartment).

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?
I've never been to church. I have been to a mosque a few times with one of my friends that is a Muslim. He's not like a fundamentalist freak or anything though.

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?
Both of my parents are only a little religious (unless you don't consider being a Buddhist to be religious).

What do you think the single most important thing is, in being successful in getting the religious to think rationally?
When there is a common goal to work towards.

Have you been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking? And if so, how?
I don't believe so. I don't really try to change people's minds since I don't care how they think. I believe that people need to make up their own minds rather than having someone else lecture/preach to them.

What is your IQ? Haven't taken one since I was 18. Not sure if I'd do a whole lot better now, but back then I think I got like a 127.

Do you have a college degree?  If so, what in?  And if not, why? Working on it. For the past 7 years now.  Majoring in Geography.

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? As a child? Energetic, curious, creative, happy. As an adolescent? Lazy, illogical, depressed, stressed, athletic. As an adult...still lazy, partially insane, curious (again), content (but not happy), and (depending on the time of day) drunk.

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?   Believe it or not - The DaVinci Code. Although my political and morally conservative values had begun to slip sometime before this, after reading this book I began to wonder...what if the Church is really hiding secrets like this? How much of their past have they covered up? How much has the bible and the story of Jesus been edited since the original version? Basically, I began to wonder - what is there that the Church doesn't want me to know? Thats when I began to research the true story of Christianity and, eventually, religion as a whole. I ended up taking waaaay more religious studies classes than I should have, and eventually found out the dirty little truth about all religion - they're just another unnecessary creation of the human imagination.

For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, what caused you to eventually own these ideas for yourself? N/A

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ? 14 - When I went to Church camp, and everyone around me kept talking about having this wonderful religious experience interacting with god the entire time they had been there. I had no idea what they were talking about. ?Unless god was the 2 sophmore cheerleaders staying in the room next to mine...in which case I had quite a great experience myself.

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?I didn't. I live in the bible belt. I would've been beaten, most likely, had I tried.

At what age did you identify as an atheist? Still have trouble identifying as one, even though I know I am. I prefer the term Non-Theist.

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location? Grew up in Florida Panhandle, Mississippi and Louisiana. Live now in FL Panhandle again. Not by choice. Will be moving after I graduate.

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church? My mom was a church choir director...so fairly young. Pretty sure I was baptized as an infant. Went to church fairly regulary until age 15, when my mom deconverted and left the church. I was still a Christian until I was about 20...but I don't think I've been to a church service since I was 18.

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?[/u] Dad is religious, Godparents are deeply religious, Stepdad is...not very forthcoming...but is a math professor, so he at least has some brains, and Maw is a good 'ole fashioned dirt-worshipping tree hugging environmentalist atheist hippie.

What do you think the single most important thing is, in being successful in getting the religious to think rationally?  Not wasting your time. Let them figure it out on their own.

Have you been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking?  And if so, how? No, but then I really haven't tried all that hard either.

What is your IQ? (if you know it... not procured from internet tests, please!)
140 or so...

Do you have a college degree?
Working on it (Political Science)

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive?
Inquisitive

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?
Increased self-confidence led to less need for "the holy crutch"


At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?
14

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
Worked it out mostly on my own

At what age did you identify as an atheist?
Round 16

What is your IQ?
They said I had an identical...idetist... something memory, but I don't remember.  (130)

Do you have a college degree? If so, what in? And if not, why?
BS in Social Psychology.  Will be eventually going for a second in either physics or meteorology (depending on where the military moves me next)

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive, other?
Inquisitive and argumentative.  I was one when I wasn't the other.

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist.... what was it that tipped the scales?
I met an Egyptian named Horus (in a book, not in real life, I'm not crazy) while reading about Egyptian mythology.  Then I met some Indian named Khrishna (is that how you spell it?).  Once I saw that the Jesus story had ancestors, I realized that I couldn't make up my mind which one was supposed to be my savior, so I decided not to be selfish, and I sent them on their merry way to save others.  There are a whole lot of souls they could save instead of waiting for me to make up my mind.

For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, what caused you to eventually own these ideas for yourself?
N/A

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?
30

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
Haven't as of yet, just had my tipping point a month ago, and I've been in another country.  I think that's a conversation to have in person.

At what age did you identify as an atheist?
33

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?
Illinois, Arkansas, and 27

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?
Since I was baptized as a baby.  Every Sunday until the age of 12, then most Sundays.  After high school, it was on and off for the next 12 years (six denominations as member, many others as observer).  

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?
My Mom and Dad were deeply, in that they considered God in everything, although since my brother and I got out on our own they don't go to church at all and seem to have allowed more secular things into their home over time.  Nowadays I'd say they are mildly.  My wife is mildly, and I'm not so sure how she will handle this, except that I know she won't stop loving me or want to divorce me or anything.  Maybe she'll join me.

What do you think the single most important thing is, in being successful in getting the religious to think rationally?
Their attitude and place in life.  You can tell them anything you want, but if they're not able to think rationally to any degree, they can explain away anything you tell them since in their mind, God is all-powerful, therefore they can use that to make any truth.  (He put dinosaur bones there to test us, right?)  It's just like a drug addict or alcoholic.  An intervention won't even convince them there's a problem unless they're in a place in life where they are open-minded enough to listen and understand.

Have you been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking? And if so, how?  Not completely out of Christianity, but I was able to convince him that homosexuality is not a sin, women should be equal, and there's an opening in the Bible to reach heaven by works instead of grace.  (That may be the one that eventually gets him.  What's the value of accepting Jesus as your savior if that's not the only way in?)  The next step would be to mention the stories about man-gods like Jesus that predate his existence.  If doubt can be thrown on the divinity of Jesus, a Christian is pretty much left with the realization that he's not really Christian, he's a Jew from 2000 years ago.  Of course, God could have planted those stories in other religions to test our faith .

1. I got my IQ tested when I was 10.  If I remember correctly I got in the 150's.  I also found out I had A.D.D.  Joyful.

2. I do not have a college degree...yet.  I am currently a student at Florida Institute of Technology for Aerospace Engineering.  Freshman.

3. As a child I was pretty inquisitive.  I used to ask my teachers at Sunday school the questions like, "Who created God" and stuff like that.  Really just simple curiosity, but they didn't like that.  I became an atheist in my childhood as well at age 11.  I believe I have also stayed pretty inquisitive throughout the years as well.  

4. I was never really too religious, but I kept trying to make excuses for their being a God.  I thought things like maybe God was dead, and prayer would revive him.  And then I thought that maybe he was alive, but he just didn't care.  I remember thinking, if I planted an extremely large garden with trillions and trillions of flowers in it would I care if one of them died?  Eventually, I realized that all I was doing was making excuses and came to the conclusion that there was most likely no God.

5. I really got to read other questions before I delve into the ones before it.  This is most likely the question I should have answered to instead of the one above.  Anyways, my parents weren't very religious.  We went to church every once in a while but that was it.  Everything else is in answer #4.

6. Age 11

7. I grew up in southern MA.  Literally 10 min north of Rhode Island.  I moved to Florida for college, and then back to help out with some family stuff, and then I will be moving back down to Florida again.

8. I don't remember when I started going to church.  But I think my family went something like twice a year.  Christmas and my grandfather's mass.  I continued going to my grandfather's mass after I became an atheist just because I felt as though I should pay some form of respects.

9. My dad is somewhat religious.  He doesn't like the church because he believes it's corrupted, but he does believe in the trinity and stuff like that.  My mom is less religious.  She is probably more agnostic in her views.  But when I first became atheist she was more religious.  She was convinced that it was a phase and I would go back to believing.

10. Logic and Reason

11. I'm pretty sure I have converted three people, though honestly, not on purpose.  I don't go around seeking to convert people.  I figure, to each their own, and that's really it.  Don't get me wrong, if the topic comes up I will give my view and my reasons why and whatever comes from that just happens.  One was a co-worker while I worked in high school.  Another was a close family friend who I actually just "converted" a few months ago.  I honestly feel kind of bad about that one because he is in his 40's with a wife that is a pretty strong Catholic.  And my last one was a deacon of a church in Oklahoma.  I met him online and me and him had some friendly debate and such.  Eventually he became an atheist.  I'm actually friends with him now on facebook too.

It was a gradual progression for me. Mid-teens, I started to ask myself and people around me questions about religion about the things that didn't make sense. Gradually I was certain that religions were man-made. Then questions revolved around the creator and the final result, here i am, as an atheist.

Do you know tour IQ? ... not procured from internet tests, please!
I think I took one in high school and scored around 130.

Do you have a college degree? If so, what in? And if not, why?
Nope. I’m in Canada and have a diploma from a 3 yr Construction Engineering course from my local College (not the same as a University Degree).

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? examples: Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive, other?
Inquisitive and passive.

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist, what caused this change in thinking for you?
N/A

For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, when did you/what caused you to own these beliefs for yourself?
When I started to realize that most of the people around me had beliefs and religious faith, I though there was something wrong with me because I didn’t. I was mad at my parents for not exposing me to religion, because clearly it was important and something everyone else was doing (I was in my early teens at the time). Once I started doing some research of my own I was glad that my parents let me find out for myself and make my own decisions.

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?
4 or 5

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
Mostly my mom, who was raised Catholic, but does not choose to be a part of it any more. She agreed with me and said she didn’t have the answers either.

At what age did you identify as an atheist?
14, but went back and forth between being an atheist and an agnostic. For years I wanted to believe in spirituality and simply decided I didn’t know, so couldn’t make a decision. I am an atheist now, as there is just too much suffering and evil in this world for me to believe anything else.

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?
Have lived in Southern Ontario, Canada, since birth.

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?
I was baptised when I was two as my dad wanted it. By the time my younger brother came along, both parents were sort of done with religion (my dad alwasy had guilt though, and was always very superstitious). Other than that, I've only been in churches for other peoples weddings/christenings etc… (about 5-10 times total).

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?
Very superstitious father (Eastern European), but non-practicing in his religion (Orthodox). My mother was raised Catholic but hadn’t gone to church regularely since before I was born.

In your opinion, what causes religious people to question religion? N/A

Have you ever been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking? And if so, how?
Nope. I don’t usually try. People can believe what they want.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"Do you know tour IQ?  ... not procured from internet tests, please!
I don't know officially, but I believe I am smarter than at least half the people, so average or above...

Do you have a college degree?  If so, what in?  And if not, why?
Yes. Human Development and Family Sciences with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. For brevity's sake, elementary school teacher. I don't use my degree, as I am in management of a window manufacturer.

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? examples: Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive, other?
Child: Big imagination, precocious, fat. Adolescent: Athletic, cooperative, compliant, fat. Adult: Bored, frustrated, fat.

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist, what caused this change in thinking for you?
The more I learned about science, the less I believed in religious and spiritual nonsense.

For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, when did you/what caused you to own these beliefs for yourself?
N/A

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?
Early 20's

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
I spoke with three people about it mainly. My little brother, and two of my closest friends. Bro was helpful (as well as like minded), and both friends would mentally spar with me about it even though they are a staunch non denominational Christian and the other is one of the Mormonest dudes I know.

At what age did you identify as an atheist?
Mid 20's.

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?
Grew up in the bay area of California (1-9 yrs old) and Central Oregon (9-18 yrs old). Live now in the Willamette (will-am-ett) Valley in Oregon. I moved here summer of '10 from Southern Oregon, or as I call it, Satan's asshole.

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?
Started from birth, went begrudgingly every Sunday until I moved out and went to college.

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?
My mom is deeply religious. Dad is quietly religious. Maternal grandparents met whilst in the Catholic convent/monastary, but quit to have a shit load of kids (9). Paternal grandmother and step-grandmother were both Catholic. Paternal grandfather went to church because his wives made him, and I think is secretly an atheist/agnostic, but have never broached the subject with him officially. I do remember asking why he didn't verbally say prayers when we had dinner; he just sat quietly.

In your opinion, what causes religious people to question religion?
Knowledge of science, logic, deductive reasoning, courage.

Have you ever been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking?  And if so, how?
I've never really tried, so, no. To each their own, as long as you don't fuck with me.

I remember the exact moment I took a look around and said "wow...what complete bullshit." I was at a Wednesday night youth service. We were discussing secular/non-Christian views on Christianity. The youth minister talked about Gandhi for a few minutes, making sure to mention his good works and non violence. Everything was going well... then the youth minster dropped the famous “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ" quote. At that point, the guy sitting in front of me loudly stated something to the effect of "pft who the hell was Gandhi anyway? Just a brown guy in a diaper, right?" I was the ONLY person to stand up and tell him how ridiculous he sounded. After that I seriously began to question the rigid Southern Baptist doctrine I'd been raised with. That led to questioning everything else and realizing that it's all a load of bullshit. It's been a little over 10 years since that service. I can say that I'm much more content and at peace with myself than I was back then.

Do you know your IQ?
No

Do you have a college degree? If so, what in? And if not, why?
BA in psychology, minor in sociology. In the middle of an MA in counseling.

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? examples: Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive, other?
Passive, quiet, creative, inquisitive, kind.

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist, what caused this change in thinking for you?
Not applicable

For those of you who were born into nonreligious families, when did you/what caused you to own these beliefs for yourself
Not applicable

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?
I think immediately, when I first learned of "him". I wondered how we knew about god, and my parents didn't really answer. I mostly avoided the topic until I was in my late teens, when I realized I felt quite differently about spirituality and religion than my peers.

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
Most did not take me seriously, others felt I was being rebellious. Now, my mother feels I am simply following the beliefs of others (my boyfriend, namely) and my father spends his time worrying about my spot in hell or if I will turn into a lesbian.

At what age did you identify as an atheist?
21

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?
Grew up in the same lower middle class area of the Midwest my whole life.

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?
I have attended church only for funerals and weddings, with the exception of three or so trips to a shoddy Baptist job with a friend's parents at around 9-11 years old.

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?
Both of my parents are "religious if you ask" types. They don't discuss god unless someone says there is no god, or asks them if they're close to god. Then they are, heh. My grandmother and some other family members who live in the south are extremely Christian, and when I visit they try to get me to announce the lord as my savior, and admit I cannot be a good person without doing so. Annoying, really, and I've never told them about my atheism.

In your opinion, what causes religious people to question religion?
A growing awareness of social issues; empathy, humanity. Study of cause and effect, desires for freedom of choice and thought.

Have you ever been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking? And if so, how?
Not at all. An acquaintance of mine flitters between atheism and hipster spirituality, and when I offer my arguments against the supernatural, she buys it, until it's cool to believe in the paranormal and god(s) again. Yikes.

Quote from: "periwinklefish"Do you know tour IQ?  ... not procured from internet tests, please!

No, but it would be somewhere in the above average spectrum.  

QuoteDo you have a college degree?  If so, what in?  And if not, why?

No. Started one but you could say I ran into some problems...was always wanting to leave anyways.  

QuoteWhat were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? examples: Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive, other?

Quiet mostly. I would also spend lots of time reading (since we didn't have cable or any other form of entertainment) and watching many hours of wildlife footage and astronomy videos.  

QuoteFor those of you who were born into nonreligious families, when did you/what caused you to own these beliefs for yourself?

I was born into and raised in a nonreligious family, though my parents were never atheists, but more like non practising agnostics or something of the sort...a lot like those who believe for the sake of belief. As for me, I believed in an intelligent creator up until more or less 11 because there was little reason to question theistic or deistic creation (really was never a part of my life, even though having gone to religious catholic schools with mandatory religious study classes) and accepted the answer because everybody believed in it. At that stage I would call myself a deist and not a theist however, the bible was always a collection of fairy tales to me, even in my young years.

I would describe my growing lack of belief in a god and in contrast growing anti theistic beliefs to have come slowly as if naturally (not through interaction with atheists - I was never deconverted) as the following couple of years progressed, and the more I learned the less space there was for the initial reason I had to believe in a god.

QuoteAt what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?

Christian Theism at around 7. I was in a catholic school at the time. Deism at around 11.

I'm an anti theist: I deny the existence of personal gods, but not anti deist because that sort of belief system does not have the impact worth fighting in daily lives.

QuoteHow did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?

Some were shocked (but only slightly) other shrugged it off. Not really a big issue.

QuoteAt what age did you identify as an atheist?

11 or 12.

QuoteWhere did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?

Brazil, The US, South Africa and India. I live in southern Brazil now and moved here when I was 21.

QuoteAt what age did you start and how often did you go to church?

I can count the number of times I've attended a church service on one hand...sometimes I wonder if I should attend a chruch meeting, just to know better what it's all about. I've also been meaning to read the bible fully for some time now, but it's low on my list of priorities.  

QuoteOf your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?

Both were nonreligious but my mother's a born again christian now.

QuoteIn your opinion, what causes religious people to question religion?

Glimpses of reality mostly I would say.

QuoteHave you ever been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking?  And if so, how?

I have no idea.

Do you know your IQ? ... not procured from internet tests, please!
I do not.

Do you have a college degree? If so, what in? And if not, why?
No. I'm not out of high school yet.

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? examples: Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive, other?
Early on I was passive, but then I was (and still am) argumentative.

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist, what caused this change in thinking for you?
I really enjoyed science in school, and I began to realize that God's miracles don't make sense.

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?
Around 10 or 11.

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
When I told my two closest friends I discovered that they were both atheists as well.

At what age did you identify as an atheist?
12

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?
I live in the suburbs of Boston and always have.

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?
Around 5. I went about once a month.

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?
Both my parents were mildly religious.

In your opinion, what causes religious people to question religion?
I think it's when smart religious people start applying their knowledge of science and logic to God.

Have you ever been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking? And if so, how?
My friend, whom I'd talk to about my atheism, was a Jew and is now a deist.

Do you know your IQ?
I'm not sure but I'm thinking it would be around 500, more or less  
Do you have a college degree? If so, what in? And if not, why?
No. I'm still a senior in high school, silly! I'm going to college, though. I'm undecided as to what degree I should go for. Really, really undecided.
What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? examples: Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive, other?
As a child, I would say introverted and shy. During my leisure time, I would be outside with the animal I had at the time, helping (or observing, same difference) my father do yard work, or collecting lady bugs. As an adolescent, introverted, shy, bratty, passionate, and argumentative. I'm constantly classified as too mature or too immature (mostly), depending on the person. I'm the last kid out of four. I think that says more about me than previous labels.
For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist, what caused this change in thinking for you?
I grew up believing there was this huge, white-bearded god that looked after me. After my dad's death, I began to question god and realized that religion had many contradictions and flaws so I became an agnostic theist. Then, I got more into it and became an agnostic. I know agnostic only pertains to the amount of certainty, rather than belief in god but I decided that I didn't need to choose between theist or atheist and could have my own meaning for it. Finally, after a painfully thorough examination, I arrived at the conclusion that I don't believe in a god.
At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?
13
How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?
When I became an agnostic theist, my catholic sister said I couldn't because I hadn't even read the bible (which is one of the most contradictory things she's ever said) and my deist sister was proud. When I told my family I was an atheist, my catholic sister told me I didn't have the guts to become an atheist. My deist sister was a bit disappointed it seemed and now, she makes fun of how important this topic is to me. My mom says that it is wrong and I'm going against my dead father. My catholic brother and I would just have discussions about it because we're both very passionate about this issue and we're not very close so it was more casual. My sisters and mom are much nicer than it seems... except when it comes to this particular topic, I guess.
At what age did you identify as an atheist?
17
Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?
Los Angeles, California; Klamath Falls, Oregon; 11 I'll be leaving in 4 months, though.
At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?
Since birth; I think about every Sunday but it gradually became less and less.
Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?
All are mildly religious. My definition of "mildly" is not accepting of other views but you can still live with them tolerably.
In your opinion, what causes religious people to question religion?
I think most people question religion but they reach different conclusions. You grow up with a certain label and you're exposed to enough different ideologies that you're forced into self-analysis. I think many people just give up on searching for the answer and go with what they feel comfortable with or they look for confirmation of their beliefs rather than the actual answer.
Have you ever been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking? And if so, how?
No. I've caused others to think about it and express their lack of confidence in their beliefs but I'm pretty sure it wasn't enough to convert them. When dealing with this issue, I'll argue my point and everything but I don't really try to convert them.

Quote from: "YaarghMatey487"I remember the exact moment I took a look around and said "wow...what complete bullshit." I was at a Wednesday night youth service. We were discussing secular/non-Christian views on Christianity. The youth minister talked about Gandhi for a few minutes, making sure to mention his good works and non violence. Everything was going well... then the youth minster dropped the famous “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ" quote. At that point, the guy sitting in front of me loudly stated something to the effect of "pft who the hell was Gandhi anyway? Just a brown guy in a diaper, right?" I was the ONLY person to stand up and tell him how ridiculous he sounded. After that I seriously began to question the rigid Southern Baptist doctrine I'd been raised with. That led to questioning everything else and realizing that it's all a load of bullshit. It's been a little over 10 years since that service. I can say that I'm much more content and at peace with myself than I was back then.

I had a very similar experience, also around 11 years ago. I was Catholic at the time, 14 years old, in my Wednesday night Catechism class. We had gotten onto the subject of different religions, and I was one of the few people in the class who didn't grow up Catholic. In my early childhood, I regularly went to a Mormon church with my grandmother, and later attended a Baptist church with my aunt for several years. I knew a lot of people in both of these churches, including good friends and family members.

After discussing for a while what many other religions and sects believe, our youth leader in my Catechism class tells us that "all these other religions might have good intentions, but the Catholic church is the only religion that is right, and the rest will unfortunately go to hell, but that's their fault because they know the Catholic church is the only true church and they choose to believe otherwise."

This struck me particularly hard, because this guy just condemned 90% of the people I knew to eternal pain and suffering. It made me start thinking about how some religions have this "we're right, you're wrong" perspective, while others are much more lenient and accepting of other religions. Every different religion claims to be the Unadulterated Word of God, yet every one of them preaches a different message.

It was also at this time that we were being prepared for Confirmation, which is the Catholic (and several other religions') rite in which you pledge your ultimate allegiance and obedience to the church. I thought, "How can I pledge allegiance to a church when I disagree with certain doctrines it teaches?" I was thinking particularly of the one that had been eating away at me about the church's stance on people of other religions going to hell. I decided this internal struggle would not possibly allow me to do such a thing. It was then that I left the church, and decided that the chaos of organized religion (how's that for an oxymoron?) just wasn't for me. I became somewhat of a deist for a while â€" I guess it was a good transition â€" before coming to terms with the silliness of it all, and I haven't looked back since.

Do you know tour IQ? ... not procured from internet tests, please! - I do but I don't see any reason for disclosing it.

Do you have a college degree? If so, what in? And if not, why?- BA in History and Political Science

What were you like as a child, adolescent, adult? examples: Argumentative, tenacious, inquisitive, passive, other? - I am and have always been an inquisitive asshole.

For those who were religious and at some point became an atheist, what caused this change in thinking for you?- Youth group. (I have a whole post dedicated to this event)

At what age did you start questioning the existence of "god" ?- Proactively? I'd say 13

How did those you spoke to about it react when you told them your concerns?- I didn't really talk about it with anyone until I went to college.

At what age did you identify as an atheist?- Officially 22

Where did you grow up? Where do you live now, and at what age did you move to your present location?- I grew up in Georgia and have escaped that backwards, nationalist, racist, homophobic shit hole. I moved to Nashville 2 years ago.

At what age did you start and how often did you go to church?- My family attended to church when I was very small but we moved to another town when I was 5. I voluntarily went to church on and off until middle school. From middle school- junior year of high school I attended church fairly regularly (voluntarily) with friends.

Of your caretakers, how many were: nonreligious, mildly religious, deeply religious?- my parents/family are mainly from what I call the "holier than thou" ilk.

In your opinion, what causes religious people to question religion?- recognizing general douchebaggery?

Have you ever been successful in causing a believer to change their thinking? And if so, how?- I have a friend who started mildly questioning his beliefs... I may have emailed some atheist literature.