Mississippi Atheist in the House

[Brian]

Hello. My name is Brian (as my name may lead you to believe), and I'm an atheist from Mississippi. I'm 15 years old, home schooled, and I'm hoping to get a G.E.D. when I'm 16.

I'm very much into computers. I've studied many aspects of computers, from hardware, to software and operating systems, and I spend some of my spare time programming. I'm certified as an A+ Computer Technician, Linux+, and I'm going for a couple other CompTIA certifications (Network+ and Security+) in the near future.
I also enjoy many other fields of Science. I study some Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, and I've spent many hours looking over the Internet for study materials.

One of my favorite pastimes is thinking. I could think for an hour on one subject, as long as it really sparks my interest.

Here's my story of transitioning from Christianity to Atheism, from faith to logic.
My transition from Fundamentalist Christianity to Atheism was a bit less bumpy than other stories I've read, but I still had many big hurdles to jump to get here. The biggest threat I had was Hell; the single greatest brainwashing mechanism of any cult, "believe or suffer", reared it's face every time I began think of God's existence.  When I finally grew up out of that, I had to pretend to be "normal" when around everyone else, never speaking of what I think every night before I sleep. Coming out was another one of those unpleasant steps towards showing my true self. Acceptance from anyone but my family and a few of my friends has yet to be seen, sadly.

[curiosityandthecat]

Great to have you, Brian. You're just more proof that greater education leads to less need of religion!

[NoFearNoLimits]

Welcome to the forum.  I was raised Catholic, so I know what it's like to be afraid of burning in hell    That's where I got this name from.  When you realize there's nothing to fear, you see things how they really are.

[rlrose328]

Wow, Brian... speaking as a mom of an 8yo (and future 15yo), may I say I'm proud of you?  I hope that's not demeaning in any manner.

You are very wise to have put all of that together on your own.  You have a good mind and it sounds like you are putting it to good use.  Congrats!  I look forward to learning more about your point of view.  

[SteveS]

Hey Brian, great intro!  Welcome to the board and congratulations for your personal courage.

[myleviathan]

What up?? Welcome.

[dodgecity]

Hey, Brian, very touching story. I am glad you found your way here. Welcome.  

[PipeBox]

Greetings!  Great introduction!
You remind me of myself when I was your age (4 years ago), going for tech certifications, having interests spanning many subjects, having great intelligence while wrapped up in the faith.  All of this with one crucial difference.  You made the right choice, and I took 4 more years to do the same.  I always kept religion in a little box where logic wasn't allowed to apply because I was taught to do that after I started asking some hard questions.  And I foolishly, unquestioningly didn't apply logic to matters of faith in any overt way for the duration of high school.  You were wise to do so and get out early.  

Hope you like it here and stick around.  

[jcm]

welcome computer dude!