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I’m Still Angry at the God I Don’t Believe In
Who banned 7UP and Disney movies
I’m tired of processing the wounds of a strict religious upbringing — and grateful for the friends that do the processing with me. These are friends like Stig.
“I wasn’t allowed to drink 7UP as a kid,” Stig said. “Fido Dido was on the label, and my parents said he was evil.”
I had to admit even I’d never come across that rule. And there were some wacky rules in my childhood.
It creates a tight bond sharing anger towards a God you don’t believe in.
At the time of the 7UP conversation, Stig and I had just met. We were at an emerging church event for those decompressing from the regular church. We bonded over the weird rules imposed on us as children who were brought up in Evangelical Christian households.
Nearly a decade on, we’re still friends. It’s a tight bond to be angry together at a God you no longer believe in.
These days, Stig is an atheist who still goes to church. He’s got lots of friends there. His wife is a Christian. His kids have friends at church.
I’ve still got a faith, although quite a different one from what I was brought up with. But for the past few years, I can’t…
