deconversion

I have only been here a couple of days. I think I found this site when I tried to think of something to google and tried "former Christians" or something like that. The thought never really occurred to me that there were others out there who were dealing with this - I'm not sure why. There has been no one to talk with about what's on my heart except my spouse, and the change has not been as painful for him. So I find myself on Facebook but not writing, talking to friends but not talking about all of this, and it has been lonely.

I am reading as you guys respond to each other and offer empathy and support...it is so encouraging. I have been leading a support forum for cancer survivors for about four years, so I know the online support thing pretty well. Even though every situation is different, we have a LOT to offer each other here. The information about "how I made it through" different situations is priceless for people who are just starting this journey. Even the way you think about different things now that you don't believe in god can help people who don't know what to think yet.

It has been surprising to me how devastating the loss of god has been to me. It has been so hard that I have tried not to think about it for a long time. Reading the messages here is really helping me to get myself together much quicker than I would have otherwise.

More than anything, it is just nice to know that I am in good company, that maybe there is some hope in this change.

So thank you.

Mary

Hey Mary, welcome to the conversation. This site really has helped me too. Every atheist I ever knew prior to this were the typical "I've never believed in God and think all religious people are nuts" type. It was unspeakably refreshing to finally meet people who understood how it was on our side and could empathize with the conflicting emotions we all experience. Even when you're not looking for direct advice, sometimes it's nice just to have a sounding board for your frustrations, knowing that the people there will understand and not judge.