“As I embraced critical thinking in other areas of my life, I found this island of irrationality left within me that I needed to confront. That island was religion. At 2 o’clock in the morning staring at the ceiling above my bed, I could not help but confront that remaining island of pure irrationally. It was one of the most difficult things I have ever done as it meant walking away from my parents’ teachings, losing acceptance within societal norms, and realizing I would not see loved ones in an afterlife. I was on my own.

However, I was not really on my own. I found the CFFC and like-minded individuals who embraced science and reason in place of delusion and placebo. With the CFFC, I was able to realize that a much more rewarding and productive life can be found by thinking for myself, rather than relying on myths as a crutch.” - Anonymous

"I'm not able to attend most CFFC events, but I certainly give my time and effort when I can because I think having an organization that provides a community and voice to non-believers is important.

Knowing I'm not alone gives me valuable peace of mind. And CFFC's activities let the general public and local politicians know we're here and we matter." - Brandon Haught

“Since the age of six, I questioned what my mother said about what is stated in the Bible.

Nonetheless, I was raised in the Seventh-day Adventist and Baptist Churches. As an adult I was an African Methodist Episcopalian simply because my wife was. I was baptized and all the rest. I had stopped questioning.

Then I discovered New Thought churches, much more liberal in the practice of Christianity. I became a lay minister, chaplain, president of the board, Sunday school teacher, choir member, and co-founded Religious Science churches in Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. I became a licensed Unity Teacher and spoke in a dozen cities in five states as guest speaker. I was ‘all-in’.

And then September 11, 2001 occurred, and I thought ‘religious belief leads devotees to do this!’ At that point the veil of ‘Don’t question, just do as you are told and just believe; have faith’’ slipped from my consciousness. That mindset of the wondering, questioning, innocent but now senior citizen took over and my intellect pushed forth once again.

I had read the history of several religions and the history of the Bible and how it came to be. I knew the atrocities perpetrated in the name of religion...religions of all kinds, including the popular Christianity. I pondered why so many failed to realize their savior was a Jew. I questioned how Jesus is depicted often as blond with blue eyes and only had a three-year ministry...as a Jew. I wondered how the Christians revered Mary who had a one-night stand with God, got knocked up, and her husband did not object. She gave birth to what we call today, a bastard. I looked at billions of humans and decided God has more than one son...and more daughters than sons.

Of course, I questioned the Noah’s Arc story, the Creation story, and just about everything uneducated and illiterate people wrote decades after the occurrences. I questioned and I questioned and I questioned. I was a skeptic.

Fearful of what others might think, I stayed in the closet for years, not wanting their scorn.

Now I am out! Thanks to the Central Florida Freethought Community which became known to me because it was pushing government to abide by the separation of the government and religion.

It is comforting to be around like-minded persons who rely on fact not fiction, science not myth, thinking not ignorance.” ~ Choice Edwards

“The Central Florida area is our home. We work diligently together, both here and everywhere, to build bridges, foster healthy dialogues, promote the principles that everyone is equal, fight for our planet and environment, and guarantee that no entity may use government or its laws to gain power, influence, or assert dogmatic authority.

We are people fighting, loving, working, living, and learning together. We unite not in spite of but due to our shared desire to live free from religious-backed oppression, usurping, and warmongering – both socially and politically. We are a community of people from varying walks of life, cultures, faith journeys, and opinions whom have liberated ourselves from the confines of religion, dogma, and/or supernatural ideology by asking questions and thinking freely.

We adhere to mutual respect, freedom of thought, and the incumbent responsibilities to stay aware and active when any persons or rights are under siege, and when any entity or group seeks to encroach ideological dominion upon society and government (nationally and locally).” - Anonymous