I grew up atheist surrounded by fundamentalist Christians who were always dragging me along to church, trying to save me, and telling me about their beliefs. I had no faith. I found a lot of the bible stories very interesting but none of them really seemed believable. I felt lonely a lot and thought I might feel better if I could just drink the Kool aid or communion wine. I learned later that you can have community without faith and was less lonely. But the lesson was there--i stuck to what I knew was true. I wasn't trying to get anyone to quit their religion. It seemed to be working ok for most of them. I was the weirdo and did not join in prayer circles, but we coexisted. I didn't insist they make room for me.

I did get in trouble for wearing a shirt that read the Satanic Army (spoofing the Salvation Army logo), and pointed out it was hypocritical that dozens of kids could wear their God themed shirts. That was probably my only battle and it was short lived.

I got drafted into debate club in high school, where I had to argue for things I found heinous. When I was in college I got interested in different religions, political systems, and philosophies. I thought I was looking for my "thing" but fortunately I found an education instead.

Because of my upbringing and being deliberately taught critical thinking, I question new ideas and I consider my gut and life experiences.

I was actually happy when the whole Boomer asshole, "special snowflake" discourse started a few years ago. I was glad people were being more careful with what they would say in terms of sexism, racism, ableism. I thought it would make people more thoughtful. But now people just seem very credulous and fragile when it comes to any ideological questioning. What are people so afraid of?