4 reasons I’m glad I came out as an atheist

[cbayer]

http://www.salon.com/2015/03/21/4_reasons_im_glad_i_came_out_as_an_atheist_partner/

SATURDAY, MAR 21, 2015 05:00 AM MST

I never expected I'd take such pleasure in shattering people's assumptions about the nonreligious
WENDY THOMAS RUSSELL, ALTERNET


(Credit: Jiri Hera via Shutterstock)

This article originally appeared on AlterNet.

Coming out of any proverbial closet can be hard. For those of us who have hidden part of our identities from people we know and love, finally revealing that thing can be daunting. Fear and anxiety, no matter how ungrounded, have a way of clutching our hearts.

When I decided four years ago to write a book aimed at secular parents, I knew that it would require that I disclose my atheism to my friends and family. My own parents were comfortably secular themselves, which no doubt made the task a whole lot easier. But I had plenty of other loved ones who felt strongly about their faith and would surely be offended or uncomfortable with my stance — not to mention worried about my daughter’s eternal soul. So I definitely felt that sense of coming out of a closet.

I took a few days to send a bunch of e-mails and make a few phone calls. And while no one disowned me in the process, the revelation did hurt some people I love, at least a little. And that made it hard.

But now, four years later, I can candidly say that, for me personally, being “out” has been one of the most surprisingly gratifying choices I’ve ever made. Here’s why.

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[1handclapn]

1. i am impressed with your decision.. i know how difficult that is.

especially here in a land based on the principals "Freedom from Religion"

I am a Spiritualist, I am a Core Shamanic practitioner and I live on the buckle of the Bible Belt.... I will stay in my closet for now.. where it's safe. when I was getting ready to move here 9 years ago my 88 year old Baptist mother said, "you be careful.. I think they still burn witches down there.

[cbayer]

2. Welcome to the religion group, 1handclpn.

There are a lot of people here with very different positions on religion.

I didn't write this article, just posted it here, but I am also impressed with what she has done.

I am sure your mother is/was glad you didn't get burned at the stake!

[hrmjustin]

3. Welcome to the religion room.

This is the link to the interfaith room http://election.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1264

And the Prayer Cicle.http://election.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1225

Check us out if you like and again welcome.

[Lordquinton]

4. What a wonderful personal story