Hi, my name is JoJo

[Jojo77]

Hello,
You can call me JoJo. I am new here and new to the whole athiest life. I would not call myself a whole hearted athiest, but probably on the brinks. I am searching for answers. I grew up with a very very religious backround specifically in the charasmatic denomination. There are a number of reasons why I have gotten to a place of questioning. One, because of an even that happened long ago as a child that I happened to recall recently. It has stripped all that believed in. yet, in reading some posts here I realized some simalarities in my experience thus far. The last ten years I "walked away from God" I actually felt more rest and peace not being confined in this box. Being around people who believed in prophecy has been an unerving experience for me as well. Anyways, back to my point. So lately, I have youtubed the truth behind religion or christianity and have been utterly shocked to my findings of the parallelism with other previous religions and the pagans. So here I am looking for more answers, and hopefully meet some friends to help me along the way. . . any suggestions of references, articles, books, videos to help me out would be of much appreciation. I look forward to learning and meeting new people. Thanks,
JoJo 

[xSilverPhinx]

Welcome!

I can't recommend any books, since the only one I've read was the God Delusion (which could've been better than it was ) but there are plenty of good Youtube atheists and videos discussing atheism...

[Tank]

Hello Jojo

I'm sure you will find plenty of people here who can appretiate the situation you find yourself in and advise how they moved on. Tristan Jay is currently struggling to come to terms with his past and present world view in what appears to be a similar fashion.

As we are all unique rather than guess where you seek infrmation/help it would be helpful if you can explain what you would like to understand from joining here.

Welcome to HAF  

Regards
Chris

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[OldGit]

Welcome, Jojo!  You have come a long way on your journey and you will find a lot of support here.  I could name some books, but you'll get the same ideas soon enough by following the discussions here.

[DeterminedJuliet]

Hi there,

I was raised Catholic and becoming atheist was a pretty slow process for me (though, it was the best thing I've ever done). Everyone has to find their own way, so to speak, but I hope you find this a helpful place.

Take care! 

[Jojo77]

As we are all unique rather than guess where you seek infrmation/help it would be helpful if you can explain what you would like to understand from joining

In response to your question Tank, what I would like to understand more about is, evolution. Although, as someone else stated, I am sure just being here and reading posts, I will gain a whole wealth of knowledge. Thanks for your response.

[Tank]

As we are all unique rather than guess where you seek infrmation/help it would be helpful if you can explain what you would like to understand from joining

In response to your question Tank, what I would like to understand more about is, evolution. Although, as someone else stated, I am sure just being here and reading posts, I will gain a whole wealth of knowledge. Thanks for your response.

You're welcome. I'm a bit of an evolutionist myself

I assume you've found the Evolution Resources in the Science section, if not it's a good place to start.

[OldGit]

Many of Richard Dawkins' books are excellent on evolution.  The Blind Watchmaker is worth reading; you can download the whole book from here, free.

[Good and Godless]

Hi JoJo-

I'm a fairly new atheist, and like DeterminedJuliet, I was raised Catholic and came to the [real] light slowly.  But now I am certain and happy to be here.

Anyway, I've been reading The Portable Atheist: Essential Readings for the Nonbeliever.  It is a collection of essays and readings edited by Christopher Hitchens and thoroughly enjoyable.  I strongly feel that anybody who is on the fence would have trouble not jumping over to the atheist side after reading this.  The readings range from scientific evidence to moral justification for atheism, and it's been very validating.  Anyway, thought I'd pass it on.

Welcome!

[Jojo77]

Many of Richard Dawkins' books are excellent on evolution.  The Blind Watchmaker is worth reading; you can download the whole book from here, free.

Thanks !!!! 

[Jojo77]

Hi there,

I was raised Catholic and becoming atheist was a pretty slow process for me (though, it was the best thing I've ever done). Everyone has to find their own way, so to speak, but I hope you find this a helpful place.

Take care! 

Thanks so much!!! Finding our own way is what makes us unique and strong   ; )

[Jojo77]

Hi JoJo-

I'm a fairly new atheist, and like DeterminedJuliet, I was raised Catholic and came to the [real] light slowly.  But now I am certain and happy to be here.

Anyway, I've been reading The Portable Atheist: Essential Readings for the Nonbeliever.  It is a collection of essays and readings edited by Christopher Hitchens and thoroughly enjoyable.  I strongly feel that anybody who is on the fence would have trouble not jumping over to the atheist side after reading this.  The readings range from scientific evidence to moral justification for atheism, and it's been very validating.  

Anyway, thought I'd pass it on.

Welcome!

Hi good and godless,
Thanks for your response and suggestions. I will definately take a look. Now there is already so much to read...i should not be bored for awhile. Lol

[OldGit]

Thinking about it, a better start to evolution would be Dawkins' The Selfish Gene.  You can download it free from here.
(You have to right-click and save it.)

[Too Few Lions]

So lately, I have youtubed the truth behind religion or christianity and have been utterly shocked to my findings of the parallelism with other previous religions and the pagans. So here I am looking for more answers, and hopefully meet some friends to help me along the way. . .

hi JoJo, welcome aboard. Christianity's just rehashed ideas from earlier religions and philosophies, but they don't ever tell you that in church!

[xm1]

So lately, I have youtubed the truth behind religion or christianity and have been utterly shocked to my findings of the parallelism with other previous religions and the pagans. So here I am looking for more answers, and hopefully meet some friends to help me along the way. . .

hi JoJo, welcome aboard. Christianity's just rehashed ideas from earlier religions and philosophies, but they don't ever tell you that in church!

Hi JoJo.

So right now my current relationship with christianity is to view it as an affliction or disease.  I feel the most effective treatment for this sickness, at least for me, is a study on the origin and evolution of this religion through history.  More damning then books about the evolution of life or the origin of the universe, the actual history of the bible and its believers has got to be the most effective path to atheist enlightenment.  But like you, I have only gotten to this information through youtube videos and following threads on forums.  I think anyone who has a strong religious background is in desperate need of an authoritative compendium of all things considered about how christianity really happened.