Hi

[Howard]

I was raised Catholic, was an altar boy for several years and at one time many years ago considered becoming a priest. Yes, I was an altar boy. No, I was never molested. In fact, the priest for whom I was an altar boy remains one of the men I most respect in my life. He was sincere and a very good man. I don't share his religious beliefs, but I don't doubt the sincerity with which he held them and applied them to his own life.

Looking back, I realize I never completely bought into Catholic dogma. I have a questioning mind and over the past 10 to 15 years, the questions came more frequently. The first step was to realize I didn't like organized religion, but ultimately I admitted that I just don't believe that God exists. I don't claim to know for sure that no God exists, but I have no reason to believe one does.

I've come "out of the closet" as an atheist to friends and family the past few years, though there are still some who don't know. As a liberal atheist living in the American Bible Belt, I rarely run into people who are openly agnostic and/or atheistic. It's nice to be among others, even if it's not in person, who won't look at me as if I'm some sort of space alien because I don't share their belief in God.

Howard

[Thumpalumpacus]

Hiyas.

[The Magic Pudding]

Welcome Howard
Those Catholics have some funny ways, but I know their are a lot of good people amongst them.

[Tank]

Hi Howard

Nice to see another mind find its way out from under the comfort blanket of institutionalised superstition known as religion. Hope to get to know you better.

Welcome aboard

Regards
Chris

[skwurll]

Welcome to the forum!

[DropLogic]

Welcome Howard!
I know how you feel in regards to family and friends.  Although I don't live in the bible belt...Ohio may as well be a southern state.  One thing the church does that nothing else can compare to is provide a place for people to consistently gather and socialize, albeit it for the worship of a cruel, demeaning sky daddy.

[wildfire_emissary]

Welcome Howard!

[Howard]

Thanks all. I signed up for this forum, made my introductory post and then was unable to do much else on here for several days.

Don't you hate it when life gets in the way of online activity?  

[Tank]

Thanks all. I signed up for this forum, made my introductory post and then was unable to do much else on here for several days.

Don't you hate it when life gets in the way of online activity?  

What is this 'life' thing you mention?