I am not a Christian today because Christianity is based on Bad History
First I should clarify and say that the version of Christianity which I ascribed to is based on bad history. There are Christian denominations that make a serious effort to address the flaws in the conventional “Christian Story,” but that is not where I came from.
The Bible Canon
Ultimately a decision was made as to what writings are to be the Word of God, and what writings are not the word of God. This process was very human, very political, and not Divine. The Bible is the product of Jewish Tradition and Christian Tradition, not the mind of God.
Forgeries
“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables…” 2 Peter
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God…” 2 Timothy
These two citations are some of the strongest words in the Bible claiming authority for the Bible; and both of these citations come from writings that were forged! It is true that some documents in the NT are indeed ancient and reliable authentic Christian documents. It is also true that documents in the NT are flat-out forgeries: written by someone else who specifically claims to be an apostle!
When I realized, despite my protests, there were forgeries in the Bible my confidence was deeply shaken.
Miracles Aren’t Historical
This is difficult for a believer to grasp. Miracles are by definition a-historical. If they occur, they happen outside the purview of history.
I believed the best and most honest study of history would confirm and establish the teachings of my Church. On examination, it was not so.