I was brainwashed Catholic, in the deep south Bible belt since birth. In my twenties as I sat in church I stated thinking "these f###ing people are crazy". I realized that religion, like language, was developed over the years by people according to the myths, legends, and fairy tales they were subjected to in their part of the world. Hence, different religions and languages. Later governments used religion to control the masses.

I also believe that most of the big problems in the world are caused by each religions followers killing each other (and those of us innocents) over whos fairy tale is right. Lets face it the Christians are the worst TERRORISTS that have inhabited the earth. That can't even be argued.

My 5 siblings are all still devout Christians and think I am the Anti-Christ.

Lately I have watched many a show on TV that deal with ghosts and the paranormal (and I realize its television and you can edit however you want with todays technology) . After seeing dozens and dozens of these shows where seemingly normal people move into a house and THINGS start to happen like noises, voices, things moving, scratches, doors slamming, possession etc. I start to think that with ALL the people that this has happened to, and seeing some of the footage, I can only believe that ALL these people can't be crazy.

Herein lies my problem. On some of the shows, like Paranormal State, they have brought in the clergy to perform an exorcism on the "demon-possessed" and it seemed to have worked in MOST cases. When the priest touches the possessed body with the bible, holy water, or the crucifix, the demon freaks out, and fights, and wails, and screams. During the exorcisms the demons don't go willingly and things are thrown about the room, participants are thrown against walls, with unseen hands and all hell breaks loose (pardon the expression). Finally it seems as though the demon is conquered.

I've seen so much of this about ghosts and hauntings and demons that it is hard for me to believe that all these people are a part of a conspiracy, crazy, or lying. This can only lead me to believe that there are ghosts, hauntings and with a stretch EVIL DEMONS.

I have been an Atheist for over 25 years, and have never faltered in my beliefs, I could no more believe in a deity than I could convince myself a red ball was blue, until now, and I can't get past this. I can't believe there is such a thing as a deity, but watching these Demons freak out and capitulate when faught by priests, I can't help but ask myself why.

Can you believe in ghosts and not a Deity?

Can you believe in EVIL DEMONS and not a Deity?

Why do the Demons freak out when sprinkled with holy water etc?

I promise you I am not a religious person trying to back-door an argument for religion. I am Not. But watching these (again I know its TV ) things has stirred up questions that I don't have an answer for.

I would appreciate responses from other Atheists.