You wrote several things; I'll reply in brief:
>> I can't even say exactly when I
ceased to be a Bible-believing Christian. I know I definitely was one
when I was 12 and I definitely wasn't one when I was 18.>>
I more-or-less accepted the Christian claims at age 12 but, like you,
was quite convinced otherwise by age 18. It was at age 30 or so
I considered the claims in a mature fashion and finally, without
"liking it much," accepted them.
>> It may also be worthwhile remembering that, while no one could accuse
me now of being a Bible-believing Christian, some would, on the basis of
the ethical
system I follow, still categorise me as a Christian.>>
That's just a question of how one defines the word "Christian," of
course. I think the most useful definition would not include you; that is
not meant as a pejorative statement however. If you prefer the word
"Christian" to characterize yourself on the basis of the ethics you
follow, I'd have no quarrel with that but we'd have to find some other
word then which would characterize me but not you.
You sent a second note; I'll reply separately to that one.
Burgy
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