Arrived in AZ this week from MN where there are quite a few groups of freethinkers etc. I was hoping that casa grande would have a community to get to know and perhaps set up periodic meetings for discussions and community action events. So glad I discovered this site. Yael S.

My blog at darwinchandler.com contains a couple of posts about my background and journey out of religion. Hope you might be interested in my articles there.

I understand.......ex Pastor myself. It's quite a journey. Love the liberty I have experienced in my choice. No more heaviness in all its characteristics.

Welcome, sir. I hope you benefit as much as many of us have from this forum.

How the hell did that happen? How do you go from lifer to non believer? Did it happen in a instant or slowly over time?

Welcome!

I'm far from AZ, but I cannot imagine how hard this journey has been for you. I read a couple of books written by former clergy. They'd given up their livelihoods, friends, and families to embrace reality rather than keep up a dishonest façade.
I have utmost respect for you, Sir.
Welcome.

It is lonely but so much more acceptable. What do they say? Once you see it, it cannot be unseen.

Welcome Ex-Father! I attempted my personal run at religion at 19, when I announced to my family that I was entering the seminary. My father made sure it didn’t happen! I was wisked away to a remote seashore location for 3 months to air my head out. I am grateful he did! Unfortunately the same summer at the same location I discovered “that”, lol. THAT cleared my head right away!

I wanted to be a pastor at one time. I started the classes, studying the bible, and before I knew it, I was out of the church and trying to find a new imaginary best friend. I imagine it sucks being in AZ. I grew up in Riverton, Wyoming, and it was a scary place to grow up. I'm grateful that I've never had to go back. New York is much easier.

Welcome

How interesting. Tell your story in a nutshell "Pastor-turned-atheist"? I know I'm intèrested! Welcome BTW.

Have you checked out the Clergy Project? Not sure if they only accept people still in the clergy, but your experience may benefit others struggling to leave.

Welcome to the dark side Chandler. Youre among friends.

The women don't do "that" here either. Sorry

Welcome fellow heathen. I’m in Tucson.

Welcome! this is a great place to be. Please lend your knowledge and experience. Your contributions would be very much appreciated, in particular due to your background. We do have a new "testimony" section. I will take the liberty of saying we would all like to know your story.