Today I spoke with Andre Forbes, who grew up in a Christian environment and was pushed from an early age to use his musical talents for church worship. Andre ultimately deconverted as the truth claims of Christianity fell apart, and he now uses his musical talents for secular messages.
We touched on many topics, including:
• Growing up in a religious bubble where people made up a lot of legalistic rules for the group to follow.
• Despite being very committed and devout in his faith, never feeling a closeness to god, yet still firmly believing the Bible's teachings were true.
• Admitting that the Bible and Christianity don't make sense anymore as an explanation of reality.
• Realizing that Christianity is a form of the "thought police."
• Concluding that Christianity is ultimately all about fear and punishment, and that when we escape Christianity, we can live without fear for the first time.
• Embracing the likelihood that we have one single life and no afterlife.
• Regretting the arrogance, ignorance, and stances against various kind of "sins" and "sinners" that he had while he was a Christian.
• Being slowly traumatized by the experience of strongly wanting for decades to feel god's presence and a strong a connection with him, and yet never seeing god make himself present in his life.
• Focusing heavily on being gracious and connecting with people who disagree with us and trying to avoid writing people off.
• Making sure he can clearly articulate his perspective clearly without insisting that others adopt his beliefs and worldview.
• Re-reading the Bible after deconversion and being appalled at the stories we used to think were okay and the ways we used to think of the Yahweh character as a good god.
• Understanding that while he was a Christian, there was a form of outward peace, but not a true inward peace of mind.
• The importance of not indoctrinating kids, but instead giving them information, respect, and the freedom to make their own decisions -- and for parents to respect whatever their kids decide.
Many thanks to Andre for sharing his story and insights!
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Connect with Andre!
andreforbes.com
YouTube:
@MusicManDre
Instagram
@MusicManDre
Drumless Music:
https://FreeDrumlessTracks.net
https://YouTube.com/FreeDrumlessTracks
Atheist Allen (animation):
https://youtu.be/cm4W4IcIYR8
Super Saints Be "Way Too Deep" (animation):
https://youtu.be/qe5ZSw1LFy8
Godless Gospel Project:
https://godlessgospel.org/
Disconnected (short film):
https://youtu.be/0PdEc40eDwg
Old Life in Christianity:
.....
GA Mass Choir on BET:
https://youtu.be/uD4R4Vk_TdY
FAMU Gospel Choir / Clark Sisters:
https://www.youtube.com/watch
Troy Sneed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch
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Check out the other projects I'm working on and find other ways to connect with me:
https://linktr.ee/harmonicatheist
Tim may be reached on FB (preferred) at: harmonictim
Or by email at: [email protected]
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Thanks!
--Tim
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Ending music by Kazuya / Eyal Raz, "Friends"
https://artlist.io/royalty-free-music/song/friends/2825
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qbqNO6DdAQ
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If you are facing emotional distress, please call 911 or the National Suicide Hotline
1-800-273-8255.