Reply #36: I had similar experiences...

[susanna]

...I was always a free-thinker, so my departure from the church was pretty much expected from the family. My nuclear family was part of a larger fundamentalist family; we were not as rigorous as the others, and were taught to think for ourselves (big plus for me).

Still, the lessons you learn from all your family haunt you, especially in dealing with fundamentalist religious principles. For example, I know that each and every aunt and uncle and cousin think I am going to hell; it does wear on you.

A book I found helpful was "Ten Things I Learned Wrong from a Conservative Church" by John Killinger. Refreshing look at someone who took the journey. All the best to you as you embark on your own path. :-)