******Anything beyond scientific reasoning was heresy. I would call it "knowing" that a higher power does not exist. ******

Interestingly, science DOES indeed prove "higher power" but not in the religious context. Controllers have realized that by separating the twins of Science and Spirituality, they can maintain division and dissonance amongst the masses.

But when I refer to science proving higher power, this higher power is but the power of quantity. So even if one refuses to accept the dictated beliefs of divinity, if we looked at the universe as a connected whole and sighted the collective commonalities (relationship) of everything contained within the universe, we DEFINITELY sight higher power...just not in the personified presentation of rulers and controllers.

In your journey of life, I suspect that you cannot say that your atheist family is cursed or under the wrath of God for not 'believing in "him" can you? Somehow, I bet you people still loved and respected and cared for others, yes?

Actually, IMO, you are able to have a more firm sense of reality than someone who was raised in just the opposite scenario. They would not be able to present science in their home under the heresy card as well.

The key is BALANCE. Ma'at although presented as a diety by Kemetians, exists EVERYWHERE in the universe. Every atom and molecule is held together by the force of ma'at which is balance, order, peace, love and truth.

Love, BTW, is but the human acknowledgment of 1+1...something needing something else...relationship...combination...communion.

Thats all I wanted to say at this time but I wanted to say that there is perhaps much we can learn from each other. I was not raised atheistic but I was raised as a "closet pagan". That means I was raised to go through the motions as indoctrinated christians but was taught the truth behind the religion. And when I say pagan I mean overstanding the relationship of every component of self/earth/universe with itself. Also pagan represents any lifestyle/belief outside of the semitic/abrahamic umbrella. That means outside of those BIG-3 Mesopotamian-centered belief doctrines, THE ENTIRE WORLD'S indigenous cultures are pagan. But we were taught that those beliefs were demonized and inferior. Much semitic religious acceptance is because of the instillment of that mindset via the fear of death by a vengeful, wrathful, spooky God-figure, a la the Grecian concept of Zeus and his association with thunder and lightning...understandably very spooky natural occurrences.

I was raised 'in the closet' for social-political reasons. As you know, those under the semitic umbrella (xtianity-islam-hebrew) have been instilled with fear and hatred for pagans. Pagans could probably receive more scorn than Farrakhan in Salt Lake City.

BTW, there are MANY who overstand truth but play along with religious status quo for the reason I mentioned. All I am saying is that if you feel you need to include religious concepts do not DENY or IGNORE knowledge that you have observed and experienced just to fit in or have comradeship.

NEVER DENY TRUTH or you will always justify truth denial for social or egotistical comfort.

I also want to presume that coming from a family like that, you somehow were able to develop a strong sense of self and your accountability/responsibility to forward your own destiny and not so much of a preoccupation with if something is divine will or not. I am curious.

-always