Having Autism Is One Reason I Ditched Xtianity
I (a 39-year-old female) was diagnosed with autism in early childhood. Even though I turned out to be higher-functioning in several ways, I practically got punished for it (having autism).
My mom, having a tendency to be overprotective, and having to be cautious in certain places because my hearing was heightened and therefore loud noises triggered me, and people thinking I should live in a group home and/or be in special education... are just a few ways of how I practically got punished for something I didn't choose. My family had to overcome hardships and challenges as well because of my diagnosis, and I feel terrible for them. They love me and wouldn't change a thing, but I still wish they didn't have to endure their obstacles.
On one hand, my autism wasn't preached to me and/or my family as the result of sin, a punishment, or the work of "the devil." On the other hand however, I was taught that "God" creates us how we are, or at least allows us to be how we are, nothing happens unless he allows it, and everything works out according to his plan. In other words, me being autistic and having to overcome those hardships (and my family's challenges as a result) was part of "God's" plan, and he created me this way, or at least allowed me to be this way.
Besides the typical "just trust and have faith in his plan," "you'll find out the reason/s when you get to Heaven," and other similar canned responses, another claim given is that Goddy dearest gives people disabilities, challenges, or whatever else, "to bring himself glory," as well as teach others and serve as examples. Ah, so in other words I was an unwilling guinea pig... How wonderful! (*sarcasm*)
So yeah, this is just one of many reasons why I finally left Xtianity (and religion as a whole) behind for good. If in fact there was a reason(s) for my autism (and countless other things), I'd have no desire to wait until after I die to know the reason(s), I'd want to find out right now.
My mom, having a tendency to be overprotective, and having to be cautious in certain places because my hearing was heightened and therefore loud noises triggered me, and people thinking I should live in a group home and/or be in special education... are just a few ways of how I practically got punished for something I didn't choose. My family had to overcome hardships and challenges as well because of my diagnosis, and I feel terrible for them. They love me and wouldn't change a thing, but I still wish they didn't have to endure their obstacles.
On one hand, my autism wasn't preached to me and/or my family as the result of sin, a punishment, or the work of "the devil." On the other hand however, I was taught that "God" creates us how we are, or at least allows us to be how we are, nothing happens unless he allows it, and everything works out according to his plan. In other words, me being autistic and having to overcome those hardships (and my family's challenges as a result) was part of "God's" plan, and he created me this way, or at least allowed me to be this way.
Besides the typical "just trust and have faith in his plan," "you'll find out the reason/s when you get to Heaven," and other similar canned responses, another claim given is that Goddy dearest gives people disabilities, challenges, or whatever else, "to bring himself glory," as well as teach others and serve as examples. Ah, so in other words I was an unwilling guinea pig... How wonderful! (*sarcasm*)
So yeah, this is just one of many reasons why I finally left Xtianity (and religion as a whole) behind for good. If in fact there was a reason(s) for my autism (and countless other things), I'd have no desire to wait until after I die to know the reason(s), I'd want to find out right now.
Anyone see where I'm coming from there?
