I'am 68 and was exposed to the First Free Methodist by my mothers father who was a sinner from Kentucky, lost a child, changed his life to become a practicing minister.

When my family attended the church he preached at we were immersed in his  beliefs as written by his church doctrine. We spent many hours at his side and with his wife, grandma who reinforced her beliefs to turn the other cheek, and be kind to others.

In a conversation one afternoon while walking to church I asked grandpa if there Is a God? He pretty much redirected me by saying if there is his belief and life style gets into heaven and an eternal life. If there isn't he will have lived a good life.

During my teen years and in college I read about religion, enrolled in a class on religion and philosophy.

Never have I looked back but inward. Before going to Vietnam I truly believed that if there's a good God who's can't win a fight with a satan a supposed fallen angle then I'd fight to go to hell and confront satan.

I mean why not kill the bad guy!

It sounded dumb but logical.

Now at age 68 soon to be 69 I've accepted my inward comfort of trying to treat people the way I want to be treated but forget the selfish attitude of getting to heaven.

Mythology is a great story.

I try to enjoy what time I have remaining love my family, friends, and community members, but accept the fact I can really only influence those close to me by treating them the way I want to be treated.

Man needs are best met by good science and when we have bad science we tend to have bad mythology and most of all bad religious indoctrination.

I am very happy to say being older allows me more time to share with wife and family and friends. It's a comfort being free to accept life as it is without a God.

- Charlie Fink