Hello Busty. Regarding Bank's reason for becoming an Atheist, I would say that I became an Atheist for mostly the same reasons. So if Banks is being blinded, influenced and controlled by Satan, then I must be too. I don't feel the least bit blinded or controlled. In fact, after 30 years plus of studying various religions , trying to find one that makes any sense, I now feel totally at peace with myself as an Atheist. One thing I have noted....in one post you say Satan will be destroyed...in another you say that he will be locked up for a thousand (human) years. Locking him up will not destroy him will it? Just an observation!
Reading your posts, and having exchanged posts with you in the past, it seems to me that there must be some payback for you for your absolute faith, apart from the Eternal life etc, etc. I think I mentioned before, that I have a friend who was a JW, who has now left the church. She is happier than she has ever been. She had to end her marriage to achieve this happiness as she was controlled by the Church and her devout JW husband. She said to me that she feels that most of her female ex-friends (they do not want to know her now) are in a sort of insular bubble, completely enclosed and enfolded by the JW Church. This gives them some sort of comfort and feeling of safety, but it completely closes them off from all sorts of experiences. She is so happy these days...she says it is as if she has escaped a prison and found her wings. She says that none of her friends would have the courage to leave because they would be cast adrift.
I would like to ask if you have any close friends who are not JW's? Do you join in any activities socially with people who are not JW's?
I hope you won't think these are impertinent questions!