I’ve done possibly the most difficult thing I have ever done in my life: come out to my mother about not believing in God.

We were speeding down the highway northbound to the town where the bulk of my family lives. That morning, the preacher asked me to read a couple of bible scriptures, one from first Thessalonians, and another from first Peter. I agreed, stood up before the congregation, took a deep breath, read the scriptures, sat down, and…

Another Church of Christ hosted an areawide youth gathering today, which the youth minister thought was a splendiferous idea, and got us there thirty minutes early, before anyone at all had arrived. There was nothing unusual: bland a-cappella arrangements of popular Christian rock songs (We all know God hates guitars, as well as fags and yeast!), crappy inspirational films, and overcast volleyball. 

The feature presentation of the evening was “Soul Surfer.” The…

I'm getting ready to "come out" to my family and church. I've written a letter to send to the church or any family member in the event that I cannot personally talk with them for fear of my own safety. I intend to go about this in the least dramatic way possible, and only use this letter if I have to. If there is any drama, it will be caused by the church or by my family- not by me. I played a very active role in the church (I'm their best worship leader, they keep saying), so I expect some…