I’m an atheist because I could no longer continue to do mental gymnastics. I kept arguing with my own mind, trying to convince myself that the faith that my parents followed, was the only true way. Eventually I had to look myself in the mirror and admit I saw things differently. No, I was not destined to be less than all men given all the men I successfully competed against in school, in my profession etc. No I could not believe that I was miraculously born into just the right family to have just the right faith to save me from hellfire. No I could not accept that ancient books that were supposedly written by a god, who created the universe state things about the universe that are demonstrably false. No I could not accept that women were to blame for male lust and sexual violence and so needed to be covered up. No I could not accept that my future had already been written but I would be punished or rewarded for how my life turned out. I could go on and on. The mental energy required to keep supporting religion was just too much for my brain. I had to let religion go and set my brain free. Life is more beautiful ever since.
Fay
Michigan