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I used to be a Christian; now I'm an atheist. What does it matter? My life hasn't changed.
Thank you for your insightful, honest question. There are really two parts to this question.
First, there is an objective truth as to whether God does or does not exist. If God exists, there are ramifications to us as individuals. It means that we have to grapple with the wonderful gift God has offered to us: the payment for our sins in Jesus Christ. As we accept this gift and decide to follow Jesus Christ with our lives, we experience His love and forgiveness, as well as the blessings from following His ways. Of course, if we decide to reject His gift of payment for our sins, we have to make that payment ourselves, spending our lives and eternity separated from God - in the great fire or hell.
The second part of the question relates to this in that you say your life hasn't changed much. I believe that all people, Christians and non-Christians, experience many of the blessings of God without realizing it. God is still involved with His creation, the world and its inhabitants. Therefore, even though someone is not a follower of Jesus Christ, they are able to enjoy the sunshine He created, the trees, beaches, snow-covered paths in the winter (at least in some locations of the world!). If your life has not changed much, it may be because God has not left you, although you are questioning Him, and you are still experiencing His blessings.
On a personal note, there was a time when I turned my back on God. My life changed some, especially some of the activities in my life. However, like you, my world didn't blow up or anything. Over time, it did, however, become less meaningful, and I returned to God desiring the excitement and significance He alone offers in this world - a lasting significance, extending to eternity. The world, however, offers short-lived excitement, lacking lasting significance.
The last part of your statement opened another issue; religion being the salvation in a person's mind. Here I would like to point out that religion is different than the person of God. Religion is man's view of God which can be erroneous. However, God himself, revealed in the human person of Jesus Christ, is who offers salvation. It is the person of Jesus Christ that I love and follow. Salvation comes by faith in Him, not in giving credence to religion.
I hope you continue to think about these things, because God still loves you. Even though you have moved away from Him, He is still there with wide-open arms!