I appreciate the responses thus far. I read through some threads on this board and it shall be very interesting to read and participate. Thanks for the welcome.
At the moment, just as one aspect, I am particularly interested in spiritual experience--has anyone had similar--how shall we say--experiences of the presence of God after "deconversion"? I mean, have you been able to "sense God's presence"--whether or not defined in that way anymore--in a similar manner, similar feelings, experience, etc?
You know, there were plenty of times singing praise songs at church or by myself when I felt close to God as an evangie. And I miss that. Of course, there are plenty of times I felt disconnected and empty, too, but at least there were times of deep internal peace/love/connectedness--to someone other than myself, greater than myself. I'm wondering if I could look forward to the same type of experience again, even in a different context, different interpretation, different filter if you will--but still a connectedness to a personal, loving God, still a deep, subjective, but real-in-the-gut type thing.
And I look forward to reading more threads on this board! It seems like a neat place. Thanks for making me feel welcome.