: About Me

I was born into a fundamentalist, pentecostal home. My father was very adamant about his beliefs in God and the Bible and since I had no reason to doubt him, I accepted his beliefs as true.

I was "saved" at the age of 9 or so and baptized in the Holy Spirit at the age of 11. By the age of 14 I had begun playing the guitar and singing gospel music in church. Over the next 30 years I was completely committed to church and was a Sunday School teacher, youth group leader, worship team leader, singer, musician, church board member, instructor in a private Christian school and even preached a few sermons.

Since high school, however, there were always questions in the back of my mind that didn't seem to have answers. No one I asked seemed to have answers either. Eventually I did my own research and came to the conclusion that the reason no one could answer my questions was because they were afraid. Fear of the unknown has kept millions from discovering the truth about our universe.

About five years ago I did an extensive study of where the Bible actually came from and who actually wrote it. This led to other discoveries and a rejuvenation of my interest in science. Inevitably I came face to face with my faith and realized that faith and fact are not the same thing. Additionally I discovered that the Bible is not infallible nor is it the actual "Word of God." This was a relief to me because now I could pursue the truth at all costs and didn't have to worry about some deity punishing me for asking questions.

I currently live in a small town in Oregon and have four children as well as two step-children. In total my wife and I have seven grandkids and another one on the way.

I am an artist, musician and teacher and am building my own business. I am an art stone engraver and am enjoying being self-employed and creating beautiful art in stone.

I continue to study and research all things religious, supernatural and scientific.

My passion is ...

Art, Music, Teaching, Birdwatching, Astronomy, Hiking, Family

I know too much about ...

Birds

My parents always told me ...

Be nice and respect other people.

My childhood ambition ...

To be an astronaut.

My favorite memory ...

The birth of each of my children.

Why I write ...

To expand my horizons and broaden my knowledge.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Anything on the origins of the Bible, religion in general, Richard Dawkins, Michael Shermer, Sam Harris, science and nature magazines. I listen to all kinds of music including jazz, pop, classical, fusion and world music. On TV my wife and I watch American Idol but I love PBS and the Discovery channel.

My first job ...

Planting trees.

My best moment ...

Marrying my best friend.

My inspiration ...

My wife and kids and the wide open universe.

Religion & Spirituality > Atheism & Agnosticism Freethinker's guide to Easter and Christmas: The end of Christian mythology

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With the advent of the Easter season we are once again reminded of the impact Christianity has had on our society. At Easter and Christmas theologians, pastors and religious teachers make an extra effort to convince us that these celebrations are actual events commemorating the coming of the savior of humanity. The problem is they have absolutely no evidence for their claims. Christmas, Easter, Christianity and the gospel story are all fabrications of a much different culture than the one we now live in. Don't believe me? Well, then, let's start by having a little peek at the Book of Books...

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