Former Christians - What made you turn away?

I find it interesting that "continuing believers" answering this question think that people must leave the church because of lack of knowledge. I was raised in the church, went to Christian school, Bible Study, all my friends were Christians: I was SOLID. Could have quoted theory and verses until I was blue in the face, and had plenty of ties keeping me in.

But I always had problems with doctrine (misogyny, homophobia, etc), and when I finally went to seek out answers to my questions, I realized the church didn't have them for me. In fact, all of the strong, real life basies for the morals I had passionately espoused for my whole life turned out to be complete myths (abortion causes serious health problems and is evil, homosexuals can't have healthy relationships and are evil, women can't be trusted to be accountable for their own spiritual well being, --does that mean they're evil?...).

So, I left. I believe in God. I believe the Bible provides a good, overreaching theme for life (like most religious books), but I realize that it was written and edited by men, within the context of a certain period of time, and therefore, take things with my eyes open.

As for helping others not go through what I did: people have to eventually seek out their own ansers and come to their own conclusions. I would say I hope they see the light that I did, but you obviously hope for something different, so. The advice I would have for you is be honest and don't force it. If whomever you are trying to keep tied to you thinks they can come to you in open discourse/that you aren't trying to manipulate them into agreeing with you, they will be less likely to leave in anger at any rate.

It just isn't acceptable to me to believe in a faith run by people who can't prove they interact with and speak for God.

I was raised Roman Catholic. From early childhood my parents tried to forcibly instill a belief in God and the church. I went to a parochial school. I participated in the sacraments and went to church regularly, but never willingly. This sort of indoctrination without consent was what really turned me off.

I was taught the teachings of the church but none of the explanations really made any sense to me. The answer to "why" invariably involved the words "Bible" and "God says so". For me, that just isn't enough.

I don't mind that things are a mystery, but if you are going to do something, at least be able to justify it with logical reasoning backed by solid, practical, experimental data.

In the end, I've found contentment with not knowing whether there is a God or gods. I don't feel the *need* to know and have been happy ever since. God isn't important to me, God can do just fine without my help. What's important is what I do with my time while I'm alive and how I affect those around me.

If you want to help a friend out, my advice is Don't unless your friend asks for it. Heed the following quotes:

"Food only looks good to the hungry man"

and

"Often too helpful a hand is a hindrance"

Cheers!

I am christian and I guess that most of those who converted to other religions did not know about their faith that much in the first place or were going through a very rough phase and such circumstances.

Love can play a role too, some use the influence on their partners and how romatically attached to them.

I am not against any religions by the way..but there is no obvious reason for "Christians" to change because it is already good and is all about peace and loving.

I have actually been a Christian from thwe age of 12. I decided to take a different spin on this question. Hope no one minds. I HAVE CONTINUED IN THE FAITH, and do not regret it. I have had multiple battles throughout my life and have seen Jesus do MARVELOUS THINGS in my life. I want to encourage any one to read Beth Moore's book, Breaking Free, as I find that those who turn away from their faith often did so because the foundation laid for their faith was never firmly established. TEACHING FROM CHILDHOOD HAS BEEN SOLID FOR ME. tHANK GOD FOR THAT. BUT, IF YOU HAVE HAD NO MORE THAN THE SUNDAY SERMON I CAN SEE WHY YOU MAY HAVE TURNED AWAY. THE KEY IS BUILDING A FRIENDSHIP WITH JESUS. HE REALLY DOES DESIRE RELATIONSHIP OVER FORM. However, that said, you need to attend a church where you can connect not only with God but other CHristians TO STAY STRONG. Christ brought me through epilepsy I am healed and have no more seizures!!!!!!! Jesus is real . As real as a string of Christmas tree lights. You know how they sometimes lose the connection. and you have to push them in a bit for light to happen. That is what happened.

The Bible states, You will seek me and you will find me when you search for me with all your heart and I WILL BE FOUND OF YOU. King James Version. No apology, I think it is the easiest to memorize. I will be praying for those who have left their faith in Christ, that Jesus will reveal HImself once again to be the ONLY WAY TO GOD's Saving Grace.

I want to meet you in Heaven ONE DAY. Jesus Loves You!!!!

Former catholic.

I realized that there is no need for religion and that the idea and concept of god is flawed. I have also heard copout answers in order to keep people from asking more questions about god. The superstutious rituals, are also a turn off.

In short the whole idea of religion is why I turned away, and I am glad that I did.

You do realize that the true purpose of religion is to exploit the ignorance of mankind

What made me "turn away" ("wake up" is more like it): the realization that all religions are hoaxes, perpetrated by people who want money and power over others, and to keep the general populace under control.

The Catholic religion is the most hypocritical. Perverted priests, church-sponsored gambling, and the largest single trove of amassed wealth in the world (in the Vatican Museum) while millions are starving.

Religion is for gullible fools and preys on the insecurities of mankind. Many millions have murdered or themselves perished in the name of some "god," and of course it continues today.

If you want to "help" then persuade others not to believe in all the lies they are told.

I just didn't buy into what was being said to me as a child. Even then I could see the hypocrisy going on. The Christian religion didn't feel right to me so I never did, like the rest of my family, stand in front of the congregation and accept the Christ as a savior. I left shortly thereafter and found my own path and now am much happier in it.

The "Christians" I know are the most hypocritical , least trustworthy, manipulative, self-righteous, mean-spirited, backstabbing, gossip-mongering, power hungry, lazy dorks I've ever imagined. The Ten Commandments don't even enter into their daily lives or thoughts. Your relationship with god is your business. It's not a competition to see who can be the most "Christian". If you know a young person that is Christian tell them to take responsibility for themselves and their faith.

I am a Christian who no longer attends church. I know I ought to, it is a good thing to a attend regularly, but I've never felt comfortable there. People are almost always friendly and welcoming; it isn't the members, it's me. I feel very uncomfortable worshipping publicly. I prefer to study and pray alone.

I weighed both sides of the decision and found that even if there is a god he would rather me be true to the ability to reason things out than a follower for no reason.

If we have freewill he either doesn't exist or he wants some of us to be antaganistic towards him.