Julia Sweeney's Discussion Forum

Other than Julia's LGOG, this is one of my favorites. There used to be an audio link to Fritz Williams telling his story, but now it's just text. But it's still powerful and wonderful and a great example of courage and integrity.

http://www.baltimoreethicalsociety.org/Conversion.php

Brad (good to see you back here!), that is a terrific, deeply moving story. Similar to Bart Ehrman's in the sense that both Ehrman and Williams's transitions were triggered by serious, intense study of Bible texts in their linguistic / cultural / historical context.

It's very much a pleasure to see your posts again, too, Jeff!

Ehrman and Williams do have a lot in common, not least attendance at Princeton Seminary.

I'm happy that both men point out specifically that life became not less fascinating and worthwhile after they ceased clinging to god fantasies, but even more invigorating and precious.

I doubt if they were in seminary together, because I think Ehrman is considerably younger than Williams, but I wonder if they know each other?

wonderful story. I identify with many points this gentleman made and find hope in the fact that a man of the cloth made such a peaceful and fulfilling renunciation. I find that those who "let go" of God seem, almost always to find more bliss. Especially over those that have their belief stricken from them, like those who hate God for some happening in their life. I really took to his quoted comment, toward the end (I'd love to copy and paste but I don't have a mouse, just a touch-screem and copy and paste is more trouble than it is worth on one of these) about organized religion and its stifling effect on its parishoners. Thankyou for sharing this.

Excellent.
It is interesting how, though many arrive at a similar conclusion, the paths taken are so varied and unique.
Yet, I can relate to some aspects he mentions in his story, such as the eventual feeeling of interconnectedness, though I took a much longer time reaching this.
Authenticity would be a word I would use. Authenticity of Life.