No, I'm not a new member.

#1 · #1 by **Tollens** » Dec 09, 2011 4:21 am

Haven't been on rational skepticism for a while now. I signed up a while ago, made about 100 posts, and disappeared. I was going through a hard time (had to get a restraining order, that really sucked) and still went to church off and on despite considering myself an atheist.

I'm finally doing better and came out as an atheist. Cannot tell you how good that feels just to be honest about it.

I feel like I need to be part of a community so I figured I'd be more active on rational skepticism. A hell of a lot better than a church group. I don't have to sit through all the crazy to feel connected to someone.

I finally gave up on religion entirely after reading "God is Not Great." It made me realize I was perpetuating something awful and I guess I felt guilty about it. I wasn't actively going to church or anything, I just don't really feel tolerant of religion anymore. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing yet.

I guess after saying all that I shouldn't feel offended if I'm regarded as one of the resident nutjobs. Sigh.

#2 · #2 by **Weaver** » Dec 09, 2011 4:44 am

Welcome back!

#3 · #3 by **Beatrice** » Dec 09, 2011 4:49 am

Welcome Tollens :cheers:

#4 · #4 by **jaygray** » Dec 09, 2011 7:52 am

Good to see you back! :cheers:

#5 · #5 by **katja z** » Dec 09, 2011 7:54 am

#6 · #6 by **MacIver** » Dec 09, 2011 1:42 pm

Tollens wrote:I guess after saying all that I shouldn't feel offended if I'm regarded as one of the resident nutjobs. Sigh.

We're all nutjobs here so you'll fit in quite well. Unless you're normal THEN you'll be considered a nitjob... :think:

Anyway, welcome back! :cheers:

I'm glad things are looking up for you.

#7 · #7 by **Ironclad** » Dec 09, 2011 1:56 pm

Welcome home.

#8 · #8 by **mindhack** » Dec 09, 2011 2:49 pm

Tollens wrote:I'm finally doing better and came out as an atheist. Cannot tell you how good that feels just to be honest about it.

I'm sorry to hear you've had trouble over this trivial "atheist" thing.

All American atheists whom feel they have trouble "coming out" (!) or that they feel they can't be honest about it should emigrate to Western Europe.

Consider this an invitation.

#9 · #9 by **Scot Dutchy** » Dec 09, 2011 3:03 pm

Yes welcome back.

Mind you it might get a little crowded here with all the Brits that will be deserting the UK after today. :lol:

**#10** · **#10** by **Tollens** » Dec 09, 2011 4:33 pm

lol I was actually thinking of emigrating... I am not okay with how things are in the states right now, but I guess looking back I wouldn't have been ok with it at any time. I'm ashamed that things like forcible sterilization and the Tuskegee experiment would ever be performed here. It's ridiculous that evolution is "controversial." And I'm not much of a fan of how things are run in the government.

Also thank you for the welcomes (again).

**#11** · **#11** by **james1v** » Dec 09, 2011 5:04 pm

**#12** · **#12** by **reddix** » Dec 10, 2011 3:57 am

You should sign up here. We need more... :plot:

.

**#13** · **#13** by **Blip** » Dec 10, 2011 11:23 am

Welcome back, Tollens, good to have you back on board.

**#14** · **#14** by **Tollens** » Dec 10, 2011 7:22 pm

reddix wrote:You should sign up here. We need more...

.

I'll keep it in mind. Looks like a lot of fun, but it's just a busy time of year for me. I'll take a look after I finish my final exams.

**#15** · **#15** by **Made of Stars** » Dec 10, 2011 9:00 pm

Gidday.