From: Uncle
Chad
Date: Jan 31, 2007 11:59 AM
As many of you are aware, I was very nervous yesterday in anticipation of Nightline's broadcast of The Blasphemy Challenge in which I expected to be featured. I was afraid that my immediate family would see it or possibly a relative or a friend of the family would see it and inform my folks about it. I WAS featured and, as of now, my family is unaware that I was on national TV for 10 seconds, blaspheming God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit. However, through this turmoil of anticipation, I've developed an understanding of what I was hiding from and the purpose of the challenge. I was afraid of how my family would react, yet I posted the video originally to "come out of the closet" as an Atheist. I see the contradiction. My family is aware of my serious doubts about Christianity, but I have decided to eventually sit them all down, explain that I love them and would never want to hurt them, that I have done much thinking about religion and, at this time in my life, I hold the conviction that no religion is perfect and that the bible is not the perfect word of any God. I then would have them watch The God Who Wasn't There and discuss it with them. This seems to be the most appropriate approach. I might do this tonight or a month from now - I'll do it when it feels right. That's really the problem I was facing with being featured on the news - it was neither the right time nor way for me to come out to my family, so I kept it a secret from them.
I want to thank everyone that sent me a message in support of my situation. It meant so much to me to know you cared and, in many cases, could empathize with my situation - you were raised in a Christian home and either went through some bad experiences coming out to your folks or you remain in the closet in fear of hurting the ones you love.
I've learned from this experience and will act on it. As for what I'll do next, I'm going to return to what I believe I do best - making fun of Creationists! I'll be putting out one of two videos on YouTube within the next few days (it's gonna be gooood!) Again, thanks to all that supported me and to everyone that reads this that's a rational thinker and proudly proclaims themselves as such!
In Reason, -Chad P.S. I've attached the video of last night's Nightline - pay close attention at 2 minutes30 seconds ;)
YouTube Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_n_UBK_Ex8
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