Katnip, I'm impressed that at such a young age you have a good self-awareness. Growing up in a rural area in the midwest, I always knew something about me was different than most, but back then, I thought something was "wrong" with me. After leaving the midwest, I tried out a few churches over the years, but never got sucked into a cult. Even the Unitarians are too ceremonial for me.
Skepticologist, I don't know that I've ever needed to be sure. I think I just wanted a comfort zone, somewhere to fit in. I now have a circle of friends who also have no need to be sure, and I guess I'd consider agnostic. But, outside of this circle, it is difficult to be open. There is always a Christian who "pities" me. If someone tries to use scripture to pursuade me, I dread admitting that the bible is only a book to me. This REALLY isolates me from some people. Most people cannot believe that a person can be comfortable without a belief "system". I think it makes them uncomfortable and less sure, which is why they must convince me (in actuality themselves) that their belief is the "one" that is true. |