Leaving Islam – irreconcilable differences

[DidYouPackThePassport]

In my previous post I owned up to the deep disquiet I’ve been feeling about my faith; how I suppressed it, and how I tried to recapture my earlier conviction through reading and research.
Ironically, my quest only unearthed more reasons to hold it in question. This wasn’t a dip in devotion – it was a derailment.
Leaving Islam - irreconcilable differences

Are you just trying to promote your blog?

Yes, totally! The idea of opening a dialogue for a marginalised, repressed community never crossed my mind, I swear.

For some reason, probably demographic, Mumsnet does not offer the same rich ex-muslim dialogue that Twitter does

from a quick skim - no religion will accept criticism of its core tenents (not saying that the atrocities being committed in the name of Islam are its core tenets!).

so you don't believe any more. Fortunately I see that you are in Canada.

I'm not Muslim, but there are some ex-muslims here. Was in a thread with someone who said they were just the other day.

There are plenty of ex-believers here from other religions and I should imagine you share many of the same feelings with them.

I know there are extra considerations here as Islam (currently) is associated with violence - generally and to those who want to leave, but of course most religions have gone through those phases. Christianity used to be associated with oppression, torture and murder.

I'm an equal opportunities agnostic/atheist/skeptic/generalpartypooper so would welcome more ex-anybelief. Some Christians have said that it's only Christianity the skeptics give a hard time to but culturally that's what I am more familiar with. Ex-Muslims would offer a breadth of debate we need.

There are many (ex)muslims in the UK living a lie because they can't face hurting their families or risk the harm they may come to at the hands of those families and their communities. None of this gets any easier when they face marriage to another muslim.
A decade ago no-one was familiar with the concept of honour-killings or FGM but heightened awareness means these issues now receive more attention helping voiceless individuals escape abuse.
As I said in my post, I'm lucky - my mixed-race marriage was already rejected by our families and we're on an expat posting in Canada. I'm free to voice my thoughts publicly, and help raise the profile of apostates from Islam.
Rejecting the beliefs of all those around you is lonely and daunting. Realising you're not alone is a HUGE reassurance and can be the difference between staying true to yourself or buckling under family pressure.
Thanks headinhands for your openness and encouragement.

From my research, I came to realize the very many similarities between Islam & Catholicism.

IMO, better to be an atheist than subscribe to either of them.