kix4trix (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

You should have been way more rude and tried to reason with these kids about what they are doing. You let them go to grow up like that. I've never been religious in my life and im extrememly angry with anyone who is religious. Its the fact that somebody else is comtrolling how they think. You know first hand that it is child abuse. You should be angry. Don't feel bad.

agnosticman77 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

Don't be so hard on yourself. I am a former youthie too. I still carry the scars. It's natural.

KerryPanda (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

I live in a small town in Southern England and we are often doorstepped by Jehovahs Witnesses, usually two smartly dressed young American men. Its not the asking that bothers me, and they are always polite, its the frequency of the calls and the persistence, capped off with pitying smiles for me when they finally accept they haven't got anywhere!

8journey8 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

It's been over a year since I turned in my ball and chain, and they can't control me with their pompous looks and sanctimonious speeches any more. I am calming down. But still. The anger is there, and sometimes I just want to throw a rock out the window when I pass. I wouldn't give a gumdrop to their cause. I'm getting better..but on youtube I can't watch christian videos. It is disturbing to see their mindless zealotry and convoluted reasoning. So glad it's not me! Don't worry, you'll be OK.

8journey8 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

The bitterness is a natural phase of deconversion, I think. I cannot even calculate the thousands of dollars I have given to churches. I was an insipid idiot, trying to do the right thing. After tithing my GROSS income, the church would have various missionaries, and reps from the central organization come through with their hands out as well, always with the promise that god would return it a hundredfold. Hah! And I would feel GUILTY if I didn't turn my pockets inside out. Continued...

jlburnitt (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

There is no bigger complainer about a smoker than an ex-smoker.But I've learned, with time, you mellow out.

IWantToBelieve2887 (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

I, honestly, would have done the same thing. They don't need support to spread even more lies and infect more young minds with their delusory garbage.

saxmanchiro (December 31, 1969 at 6:59 pm)

I am very proud that I have never given ANY money to ANY church. It makes me smile that I have never helped promote religion, Many charities exist that are not church based. I donate to them. I am always cordial to others when they solicit my money but quickly tell them, 'No thanks'.Love the baby seal analogy. You are not off base. It's only off base to others who are indoctrinated. Not a major asshole in the least. It's your money and you decide what you spend it on.