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comment by d_e_solomon
(had to break up my comment for length)

I hear you with regards to r/atheism being valuable outlet for atheist teenagers in conservative areas. The problem is that if it's to be a safe place for teenagers, it has to be a safe place for all atheist teenagers. I am curious where all the anger comes from though. When I was sixteen, I had a pretty ugly fight with my mother in regards to my reading books on alternative religions. I was furious and hurt, but I don't think I was ever rabid and angry at religion; more angry at my parents. Maybe it's a displacement issue.





kleinbl00  ·  4715 days ago  ·  link  ·  
I grew up in a town that was 60% or so mormon. We had 13 churches and 2 bars. Fundamentalists are oppressive, period, and even well-meaning faithful are a hindrance to open-minded kids attempting to figure out their way in the world. It's antagonistic. I get it.

My parents weren't even part of it. My mom is a superstitious animist and my father is a devout atheist. If he weren't I'd probably be some grand dragon or other in the Masons by now; his dad is like a 17th degree something or other.