You cannot instantly change minds. You can only plant little seeds. Like a grain of sand in the oyster. A little thought that lays in wait.

I never really bought into the belief in any god. The older I got the more unanswered questions keep popping up. One big one is why is a person a believer in the cult they are? These days it is easy to answer they were born into it and was brainwashed it is the only right one. So back into history and find out how their ancestors became indoctrinated. Well it is because people of that belief invaded their country and forced down their throat! If they did not take it they were killed because they were already enslaved. All you have to do is read history to realize this is what happened.

I think it is iportant to keep the pastoral and spiritual side of religion separate from the business side. The various denominations have adopted the model of governments that existed during heir inception. The Ctholic denomination adopted an imprial structure. Protestants look like they employ the business model. All organizd religions have a strong secular overprint. The Gnostic perspective seems to cultivate a perceptivess leadin to enlightenment. It is hard to organize a religion around that. Elaine Pagel has written some comprehensive books that I found to be a good starting point. If by Agnostic you mean Gnostic then I think yu may be on your way back to the roots of belief.

Thank you for sharing your story. Lots of commenters here wouldn’t leave the Uber driver a tip. As in most service jobs, the wages stink and workers rely on tips: the nice ones who go out of their way to please; the angry or depressed ones who carry a weight we no nothing of; the proselytizers of god or veganism. be annoyed. Tell them to mind their own business. But to be so offended as to deny a worker of their pay...are all agnostics and atheists so unforgiving of service people who think differently and dare show themselves?

I hope you not only DIDN'T tip him, but that you registered an unwanted conversation complaint.

Welcome to the frontline of reason.

I have a friend who consistently says that if she attended church she’d burst into flames; she’s ace

Just so you know danBarker, co-president of Freedom from Religion Foundation was also a minister in the Pentecostal church. The group has a sub-group that helps people who are leaving religion find help. [ffrf.org] They have chapters all over the country (even Hawaii) and have a great annual convention. It is the largest and most active such organization dedicated to this topic in the nation.

Next time, instead of letting ignorance raise your blood pressure, simply tell him you prefer he drive & keep his opinions to himself...these people's minds are Closed.

Welcome! The polishing your horns and brushing your tail made me laugh out loud. Hard row to hoe leaving the church in your community. Stay strong.

Welcome. The difference between us is that I came out of a white Pentecostal church that way. Since most people claim folks like us are "angry at god" I am starting to say I am no longer a believer because years ago Jesus would not bring me a pony.

Welcome

Welcome and I too love the answer about questioning the driver about the personal question. I know I wouldn't tip him 20% either .

Welcome. It is great to see some more racial diversity here. I can never understand why people would continue to follow a doctorin which promotes slavery, hatred and fear.

Welcome aboard.

Very bold of the driver to enter into a discussion about religion. Probably thought it was safe and most people would respond with an affirmative answer. I dislike such presumptions being made. It happens much too frequently for my taste.

Welcome here! And Yes, logic, reasoning and critical thinking are the things that are taught to not use while reading the bible.

Welcome to the asylum. Enjoy your stay.

Why on earth did an Uber driver question you about something as private as religion? I learned long ago that the very best response to a question like this one is....(Looking shocked) "Why would YOU ask ME something so personal?"