Dear Dad and Sunny,

I know hearing me tell you that I’m no longer a Christian was heartbreaking news to the two of you, especially you Dad. I’m sure you felt like somehow it was your fault, that maybe you weren’t a good role model or that you didn’t send me to church or bible study often enough. The truth is, you did your best and ultimately in the end it was my decision to be a believer or nonbeliever. I felt like both of you would have been more accepting of me if I was coming out to you as a gay rather than as an Atheist.

I’m upset that you two tried to guilt me into believing that Christianity, the Bible, God, Jesus, and, the Holy Spirit are real. Sunny, you shamed me for raising my children as nonbelievers. I understand why you guys tried to use guilt and shame to convince me that I was the one wrong.  You took the only path you knew, using the main technique the church, all it’s followers, and leaders do;guilt and shame.

Dad, you asked me when did I become so smart. To answer that question frankly, it was the day I took control of my own mind. The day that I recognized that I was being manipulated by superstition, guilt, rituals, and shame. The day I stood up to the church, it’s followers, it’s leaders and you. It was the day I knew 100% who and what I am. The day that I accepted the fact that I am an Atheist.

You guys called me arrogant. I don't believe I am.  I am however, for once in my life confident about the truth. I no longer believe in false teachings and the tall tales of a self fulfilling book written by man to control men. I am no longer a marionette. I am in control of myself and my destiny. I freed my mind. I took it upon myself to seek out the answers to the questions gnawing at me. I found scientific and rational answers, along with evidence to the questions I have always had about Christianity and the Earth. I embraced the knowledge and felt the weight lifted from my shoulders. I know with every ounce of my being that I no longer have to carry the burden of my brother or sisters sins with me, because sin does not exist! I have been reborn a nonbeliever. I am responsible for me and my actions. I accept the truth and know that I only have this one life to love, to teach, to be kind, to respect, to question, to seek answers, to know, to be decent, to be heard, to forgive, to be an Atheist!

With Love,

Lisa