I am all too aware that I am 7 years late to this party, but coincidentally enough my beliefs from that time may fit the bill.
I too was born into a Christian family. Although I did not go to church regularly due to my parents’ work, I was still exposed to religion a lot. My family was always happy to tell me about what they believed. I was told Bible stories since I was in diapers, and I began reading them myself soon after. I was even a huge fan of VeggieTales (and maybe I still am).
Yet, as far back as I can remember (I think my diaries can testify I was as young as 6 or 7) I put God into the same bin as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. I can’t recall my exact line of reasoning, but it was probably because all three consisted of fantastic tales full of morals, and all big kids knew the latter two were fake, so why not the first?
I don’t remember ever being exposed to atheists or their beliefs, but I do remember the moment I realized all these people really DID believe in God. I remember the shock. All those years I had thought they were pretending to believe in God like they still pretended Santa came every year. Everyone knows Santa is a big fake, but apparently the same idea didn’t seem to apply to the other big bearded guy who makes miracles.
I suppose I am what could be considered an innocent atheist. I chose my side on the Christianity/Atheism war long before I was even aware of such a dividing line.
I may write a full post on this to include further details and context. Because even after years of self reflection (honestly not too impressive since I’m currently a young adult) I can still agree with my younger self’s conclusion.
I am all too aware that I am 7 years late to this party, but coincidentally enough my beliefs from that time may fit the bill.
I too was born into a Christian family. Although I did not go to church regularly due to my parents’ work, I was still exposed to religion a lot. My family was always happy to tell me about what they believed. I was told Bible stories since I was in diapers, and I began reading them myself soon after. I was even a huge fan of VeggieTales (and maybe I still am).
Yet, as far back as I can remember (I think my diaries can testify I was as young as 6 or 7) I put God into the same bin as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. I can’t recall my exact line of reasoning, but it was probably because all three consisted of fantastic tales full of morals, and all big kids knew the latter two were fake, so why not the first?
I don’t remember ever being exposed to atheists or their beliefs, but I do remember the moment I realized all these people really DID believe in God. I remember the shock. All those years I had thought they were pretending to believe in God like they still pretended Santa came every year. Everyone knows Santa is a big fake, but apparently the same idea didn’t seem to apply to the other big bearded guy who makes miracles.
I suppose I am what could be considered an innocent atheist. I chose my side on the Christianity/Atheism war long before I was even aware of such a dividing line.
I may write a full post on this to include further details and context. Because even after years of self reflection (honestly not too impressive since I’m currently a young adult) I can still agree with my younger self’s conclusion.