I grew up in a fundamentalist Christian home, where we prayed at every meal, followed a “Biblical” lifestyle, and attended church at least three times a week. My father was a pastor for many years. Our denomination was called “Foursquare” which is a close cousin of the Assemblies of God. I went to seminary from 1980 to 1982, with the intent to go into mission work. Then I began having doubts, and began failing as a student.
For a more detailed version of my story, you can read the four blogs I’ve posted on the subject.
In 1985 I renounced my faith. The subsequent emotional breakdown was more than I could bear, however, so I ran back to the church. In 1995, I finally broke free from my religion forever.
Now I am an atheist, dedicated to exposing the fallacies and dangers of Christianity in our society. I do not hate Jesus, nor do I hate Christians. I am outspoken because I believe that Christ’s followers have an agenda that is, in the end, the antithesis of what Christ preached, and destructive to our society.
I live in a random beach community, California.
Email me at jim(at)etchison(dot)com
Jim, I sincerely hope that you find happiness and peace in your lifetime.
It’s important that we all can feel that we are doing the right thing. That in itself is beyond some. Some people don’t care about right and wrong at all. Some people live for themselves and themselves alone.
Wherever this road takes you, I hope you find what you are looking for. To know that you were once a Christian who loved Jesus gives me a hope that one day you will turn back to the lover of your soul and find rest.
By: Ted on November 24, 2008
at 2:54 pm