Religion
was a powerful influence on my life from childhood. Without it I did
not believe that I could truly be happy. When I was young I did not
question its truthfulness even though as a young adult I did try to
break away from its embrace. I became a willing victim of its emotional
blackmail and the subsequent damage to my self esteem. At some point
motivated by a love for truth I just wanted to know the depths and
history of not only my own indoctrination but other view points. This
desire to learn became my salvation and it was a traumatic and painful
journey that all questioning Adventists or fundamental Christians will
relate to.
