Not Worth Getting
Feeble-Minded Christians Upset
Kathy
From: "Kathleen Toms"
To: "Positive Atheism" <editor@positiveatheism.org>
Subject: love your site
Date: Thursday, June 07, 2001 3:12 PM
Hi, I have just spent the better part of the morning cruising your site. What a labor of love! I am a long-time atheist who recovered from an upbringing shrouded in the fear and brainwashing of Christian fundamentalism.
When I was finally set free at around the age of 28, my life began. I successfully raised a well adjusted non-theist son. I exposed him to most of the world's major religions, and encouraged him to decide for himself the truth about religion. I wish that my parents had done the same for me. It would have spared me a lot of emotional suffering. I now live in the heart of Georgia with my wonderful heathen husband of twenty years. We are surrounded by Christians. We have learned not to reveal our beliefs as it is none of anyone's business and it makes for a much more pleasant way to live.
After all, unlike the fundamentalists, we are not trying to convert anyone to our way of thinking. After finally ridding myself of the baggage of Christianity, I have come to find that there are actually many Christians who, except for their primitive belief systems, are quite lovely, charming people. I think a lot of the Southern Christian mentality is actually more about culture then dogma. I don't mind living among them for the most part. I do have my limits regarding how much I would let slip by before I speak up though.
Of course at times it gets a bit lonely for an atheist in the Bible Belt and it is at those times that I seek out others of like mind to bring me comfort and remind myself that I am not the crazy one. Of course it would be nice if this was a perfect world where an atheist in the Bible Belt could out herself and not have to use her maiden name when corresponding with other atheists. Sigh. I tried it once at work a few years ago (I am a nurse) and one of the other nurses, who I mistakenly thought was a very intelligent, open minded woman, almost had a nervous breakdown, screaming, tugging at me, and then telling me she would pray for my soul. I realized that it is just not worth getting feeble-minded Christians so upset and in such a panic like that.
So, except for a few close friends, most of the world assumes that I share their silly beliefs. I could care less what they think, if it gives them comfort. Life is good so I have no complaints. I enjoyed reading some of your advice to letters and appreciate the time and dedication you have made on the behalf of positive atheists. When I have the time, I'll be back to your very cool, creative, interesting site. Thanks for being there.
Kathy
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