It's estimated that about 2 percent of the world's population is atheist. For many years, Jennifer Fulwiler, was part of that group. She grew up in a happy atheist home. Religion, she thought, was based on a fairytale and Christianity was down right dangerous.
JENNIFER FULWILER
Something Other Than God, Author
'Yes, I saw Christianity as something dangerous and I really wanted to encourage people to let go of this dangerous belief system.'
In her book, 'Something Other Than God' she shares her journey. Everything from indifference to intrigue and eventually joy. She says everything changed when she and her husband had their first child. She started asking more questions, that atheism could no longer answer.
JENNIFER FULWILER
Something Other Than God, Author
'Atheism says that human life is nothing more than randomly evolved sets of chemical reactions-and that really didn't resonate with my experience as just being alive and encountering other people.'
After reading all kinds of religious books, she says to much of her surprise, she found truth in Christianity. Eventually she and her husband became Catholic. Looking back, she says her life is now completely different.
JENNIFER FULWILER
Something Other Than God, Author
'When I was an atheist, I thought the meaning of life was to have as much money as you could, I wasnâ??t just greedy, but you can do what you want and make yourself happy. I noticed there was something one more thing I thought I needed to complete my happiness. If I just get this promotion. If I get the new car, if I live in the right place. I was always seeking one more thing.'
Since then, her faith has grown and so has her family. She still keeps in touch with some of her atheist friends. They may disagree on what the truth is, but they respect the fact that she found faith through reason.
JENNIFER FULWILER
Something Other Than God, Author
'I think Catholics sometimes are a little bit afraid to have friendly dialogues with them, because they might think 'I don't want to look into these atheistic arguments too much because it might shake my faith and I may not like what I find.' I always encourage people in the words of John Paul the great 'be not afraid'. Ask every though question, explore every possible avenue you can and it will only make you more confident in your Catholic faith.'
It's been a long process to get to where she is now. But, she says it was all well worth it.
