Rebirth Defect: My Journey From Catholic Altar Boy to Teen Atheist to Adult Christian Metal Evangelist and Back to Atheism

by Stephen Hines

Okay, let’s get one thing straight. I didn’t write this book to de-convert anyone. Honest. So, if you’re a devout Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Mormon, Catholic, Scientologist, or whatever, you just keep on doin’ what you’re doin’. No offense, but, as long as you’re a good person who doesn’t try to shove your beliefs down my throat or protest at military funerals, I really couldn’t give a rodent’s rectum about your spirituality. It’s none of my business. Go to church. Don’t eat pork. Worship Ganesh. Pray your rosary. Do…well, whatever the fuck those batshit crazy Scientologists do. Jump on couches and pretend you’re on Oprah? Whatever. If it keeps you from going on a multi-state killing spree armed with grenades and an Uzi, knock yourself out! For your information, I wrote this book, well, for your information. That’s it. Over the years I’ve been asked more and more how I went from being a Catholic to a teen atheist to a rabid Bible thumper (with a mullet!) to a (somewhat) mild-mannered atheist and I’ve always said, “It’s a really long story. I’ll write a book about it someday. I promise.” Now, after repeating this oath a bazillion or two times, frankly, I’m tired of stalling. So, instead of procrastinating more or becoming rude to (mostly) well-meaning folks who are just curious, here ya go. I done wrote a book about it. So if this book offends you, don’t launch a campaign to re-convert me. Don’t carpet bomb me with hellfire and brimstone e-mails. If you’re really pissed off, I’m so nice I’ll give you a list of names and home addresses of all the people who’ve pestered me for the story contained within these pages. So go bother THEM! It’s their fault this book exists, not mine! Incidentally, if you feel so inclined, you can pray for me. That’s cool. Whatever lights your altar candles, pardner. That’s none of my business either.

334 pages, Paperback

Published July 17, 2016

About the author

Stephen Hines was spawned, and currently lives, in Ohio. When he’s not infiltrating the system by teaching high school English, he’s holed up in his home writing. To date, he’s published two graphic novels (Valedictorian USA: Vol. 1 and Zombie Fabulous), a young adult novel (Hocus Focus), a one-shot surrealist horror comic (Icon-O-Plastic), and two complete comic book trilogies: Zombie Fabulous and The Soccer Mom Killer. His prose memoir, Rebirth Defect: My Journey From Catholic Altar Boy to Teen Atheist to Adult Christian Metal Evangelist and Back to Atheism, was released in 2016. He also released a mini-album of original music called The Punk-Metal E.P.

Reviews

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think anyone raised in church, and eventually decided to leave the church can relate to this story. I'm always curious about why people leave, and even more curious about when they go back to church. I laughed, and could totally relate to the judgemental Christian police. I highly recommend this book.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader, I've read many books over the years but none like this. This book carried me through so many emotions, and I appreciate the raw style of Stephen's writing. In a world where everyone tries so hard to be PC, it's rare to read something so real. Whether you agree with his thoughts and beliefs or not, this book makes you think about where you are in your own journey. The truth that he portrays so well is that it doesn't matter if you believe in God or not, it's about how you live your life and treat others. His blunt representation of mental illness hit home for me and emphasizes the importance of increased awareness and treatment for those suffering. Mental illness knows no boundaries and affects people from all backgrounds. I am so glad that despite the struggles and ignorance that he faced, that Stephen came out in a better place. I am especially thankful that he decided to share his life with the rest of us.