Name: Cody RobinsonDOB: 1985Location: Denver, COLabel: AtheistFormer Religious Affiliation: Protestant Christian (Non-Denominational)
My Story:
I was raised Christian and, at times, felt like I was the most devout person in my immediate family. Sometimes even going to church when no one else from my family would. My de-conversion happened very gradually the more I thought about it. I’m not even quite sure when it happened but it was sometime in high school. My doubts started happening the more I actually learned about religious history. I just couldn’t comprehend the inconsistencies nor could I understand the blind faith as I learned more about science and the natural world. Eventually, I became a full blown Atheist.
I feel that I was pretty lucky in having a group of friends who did not care one way or the other. I majored in theatre and that group of people are very accepting and open minded. Even my religious friends did not treat me any differently. My mother has also been very supportive of me and defends me constantly. She has to do this because the rest of my family is very religious and has not taken kindly to me being an atheist. But, things for me are good. I count myself as one of the lucky ones and I just want people to know that no matter what happens that there is a large group of people out there who support you.
Tagged with: Atheist • Christian • Colorado • Denver • Non-denominational • Protestant
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I need help. Im 13 and am going to be in high school next year, if i tell people im atheist, i will lose ALL of my friends. This has caused me to hide my non-belief.
Brendan,
I know how unnerving it can be to come out to your friends and family. I have experienced some backlash from my family in particular. Luckily, I did not have this problem with my friends, I had already surrounded myself with very open minded people so my coming out was not a huge issue in my circle of friends. You may have heard this before but anyone who doesn’t want to be your friend based on your non belief doesn’t deserve to be your friend in the first place. If I were you, I would start surrounding myself with a new group of friends who are going to be accepting of you no matter what. High school is the perfect time for this. I can honestly say that out of all my friends from middle school there’s only one that I’m still in contact with regularly. Get into some extracurricular activities at school such as music, theatre or art. These people are extremely accepting of everyone no matter their personal beliefs. I was a theatre kid in high school and majored in acting in college and I had friends that ran the gamut, from conservatives, xtians, Jews, liberals, gays, lesbians, straights and they could care less that I’m an atheist. If you still feel uncomfortable coming out then just wait for college. That was the most freeing time of my life so far and even though I’m mired in debt, I wouldn’t trade that experience for anything. It gave me the confidence to be who I am with no regrets.
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner but I hope this has helped, feel free to contact me anytime you need a friend to talk to. You can find me on Facebook if you’d like. Good luck and stay strong my friend!