Michael Slick
Hi, I became a member of the "Church" in 1977 when I was baptized at the age of 19. I came into the church on my own. I was raised in Allentown, PA by a very good family who were a typical upper-middle class family. We went to the Presbyterian Church. When I was in 7th grade I came across the theory of evolution. I decided I was an atheist, but I had my doubts about that, which led me to look into religion in high school.
Being young, naïve, and vulnerable I was sucked in by GTA’s charisma, then later by some very good friends I found in the Church. About 1980-1981 I was leaning towards leaving the Church, but I met my ex-wife in church and we were married. I blame myself for what happened in the ensuing years. I always had my doubts about the Bible being the word of God, and about the authority of the church. I was confused. My marriage had its ups and downs. We had 3 children and now 2 grandkids. My wife was very much into the church and it’s activities, but I was slowing dying inside because I saw the manipulation and the rank stupidity of ministers and lay member alike. I left the church back in 1989, but I was drawn by into it, even as to go so far as moving to Big Sandy to attend AC. My ex had a "mental" affair with a local church employee. It was the worst time in my life, we ended up getting divorced in 1995. She married the person that she had the affair with.
It was very sad and traumatic, I missed my kids very much, and I was thrown into the world for the very first time. But I have learned to deal with it. I studied the Bible up and down, Isaac Asimov’s writing about the Bible were very helpful. There is no way the Bible is the word of God, but I know from experience that it does little good to argue about it, people get very upset and defensive about their beliefs. I feel that comes from an insecurity of themselves– they have doubts too, but they could not live without thinking there is a God and Jesus. Such silliness.
I am very content with my life. I live alone, have a few acquaintances. Relationships are difficult at my age (45), everyone is so set in their ways. Here in the Bible belt, society is polarized, either they are very religious or they are poor white trash. Neither one is for me.
I am optimistic about the future. I believe I gained a lot from being in the church, and that we all can help make the world a better place. I am a very open person– feel free to write as you wish.
Thank you,
Michael Slick
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