Question: How many of my fellow atheists had a religious upbringing? If one had one, when did it wash out?

[rurallib]

24. 12 years of Catholic schools and parents that purported to be very religious

but were very hypocritical in their behavior. Drinking, partying, swearing and running around - their behavior and that of the priests had me questioning by the age of 12. Molested by a priest at age 14.

Some to whom I have told my story seize on the molestation as the motive behind becoming atheist. it had only a little to do with it. The molestation only served as an example of how 'religious' used their religion to justify almost anything.

Like many, as I matured in high school the questions on the BS of religion caused me to question all they tried to sell me. I wasn't buying.

I tried some protestant religions but they were even more bullshit that Catholicism. Never really took a firm stand until my late 30s because I never really gave religion much thought until people tried to push their version on me and I had to take a position.

Had one person I had to work closely with for about 5 years who was very religious. I finally told him one day to leave his gawd at the door or we would have problems.

When our kids were young we had them go to Sunday schools for about two years. I fancy stopped that realizing that it was probably doing more harm than good. Had talks with them through high school and beyond where I told them I don't believe but you can do whatever you want. Told them they should at least learn about religion and its history because it was probably the biggest influence on humanity there ever was.

I have two brothers and their wives that seem to be pretty religious. I avoid talking religion with them because I am afraid they would go bonkers if I said I was atheist.