I am also a former catholic, Simone. But I "left my religion" a long time ago...I was twelve precisely. It was during a Sunday mas, when the priest was giving his sermon. He went on saying that the place of the women was to be at home for her husband; that she should have his delicious dinner on the table for when he arrived and not wear "stay at home clothes; you should dress everyday like you are going to a party, be beautiful for your husband so he can appreciate you. Some BS like that! It was there and then that I had my "awakening"! From then on I never went to a mass again. Very difficult, coming from a super catholic family (especially my granny that worked closely with the church). But I am lucky to have a father that, beside being catholic, he was always open-minded and always told me that God is nature. From his point of view, I found my own point of view in God and religion. Eventually all of us (mom, dad and me (my brother was never religious, used to called himself an atheist but that was before he became a father, hehehe!) ) in my home stop attending the masses and following the catholic traditions.
I still like to go to churches when there's no mass. Especially the catholic ones. They have a special energy. I like it.
That is "Losing my religion" story. ;)

After that sermon that opened my eyes (Is this priest saying that women must be men's servants?) I slowly started seeing that Catholicism was based in power, fear, sexism, etc. How could I respect a doutrine where (between lots of different kind of abuses) women where seen as second class citizen? Well, it is not only Catholicism...

What a beautiful "awekening" you'd had, Simone!! Mine was a bit more...blunt! Hehehe!

..:):):) it is so long time now since I had left religion.
...........leave it and stay away from it just freely.
,...and don't even worry cause weren't gonna do you any good anyway.
....just fabrication for control ,and nothing els.
-true and important teachings of christ,mohammad,ect... were distorted.

I kind of rebelled against my parents catholic faith when I was 12, but continued on, just for my mom's sake until I was around 20. Then I simply could no longer stand all the preaching! Total hellfire and damnation! I never go to church any more, except to marriages and funerals for family members, but even then, as rarely as I go, I find it difficult. I feel that just because a person was born into a religion, one does not need to die in it! We owe it to ourselves to be able to look into the religious allegations and make our own decisions. I do not regret ever leaving the faith of my parents. However, I became a seeker, and spent a lot of time studying different things. At one point, I almopst became a Buddhist, but didn't. Some things there were not right for me. Now! Here I am! I feel at home among others who had the guts to dissent!
Peace and love to you all, my fellow lightworkers!
Marie

Aah, curiosity leads us on! At one time, I read a lot of books about ufo's, then I found something about Lemuria, and read that too. I read a copy of Project Blue Book, and came to the conclusion that if even one event remained unidentified, then ufo's and an alien presence was real, even if the US airforce debunked everything! Then, I found Sitchins books about the Annunaki, and Sumeria, and read all those things. I learned about a spiritual group called 'Eckankar' and followed those teachings for a while, acheiving the third initiation. Then the whole group here fell apart, due to some folks trying for power. I have not been associated with them for a long time. So, here I am! I am probably some kind of an oddball, and practice reiki on my cat. It helps her, and I know it works! So much for me...I have a house full of books on a number of topics, and a large library on gardening. My curiosity knows no bounds! Peace to you all
Marie

Hello, my name is Shane. I come from a fundamentalist christian background that i have freed myself from. I always knew something wasnt too right, but only stayed in from a sense of duty. Now, i think for myself. I have learned that following your own heart is the best thing for one to do. You dont need someone outside yourself to validate your personal feelings. I come from a strict baptist fundamentalist upbringing where people are accustomed to invading your heart and mindspace to validate your beliefs and feelings. I know how it feels when friends and family disaproves. But, i dont care. The things i have learned about all of creation have filled me with wonder, awe, and joy. I can surely say that all of creation is a glorious, wonderfull, and joyous place to be and its so good to exist in it all. Theres literally infinite things to enjoy and an infinite amount of time to enjoy them! Wonderful! I have an oovoo account, just message me if you would like to text chat or video chat if you are having a hard time leaving your religion. May Love, Light, Joy, and Peace be upon you all.

Hi everyone,
As for Simone said: And here we are! He he, this crazy place called SoE learning about UFOs he he... who would have ever thought?...I always knew one day I'd be involved with that. I just didn't think it would take so long. Well, better awake later than never, right?
Much love

Wow Madonna! That must have been hard for you, as most Jehovas are so brainwashed! You are not alone, so know there is lots of support here!
Peace and light,
Marie

Nothing to add dear Simone, just wanna let you know that I found you a lovin warm heart and I will thank you for that......

I believe in Jesus, but not the church or what the church (es) have done with his message, over the centuries
I am a spiritual alchemist at heart , A seeker and a love for people and for the first time in my life , am quite at peace with my beliefs.. and have come to realise no one can take away my poetry, unless I give it away :-)

to quote a verse from my own poem

Is freedom not walked in bare feet?
The shiny stone a child secret
that he might joy for the first time
and bless the Angel with song
these deeper things of heaven for the child