Julia Sweeney: Letting go of God

The speaker reflects on childhood experiences, including learning about the age of reason at seven, discovering the truth about Santa Claus, and finding out her real birthday. She also recounts an encounter with Mormon missionaries, comparing their beliefs to her own Catholic upbringing, and questions the nature of belief and feeling God's love.

What did the father mean by the 'age of reason'?

What was the significance of the 'age of reason' in the context of the narrator's upbringing?

How did the narrator feel about the concept of Santa Claus after learning the truth?

How did the narrator's parents explain the Santa Claus myth?

What was the narrator's conclusion about their brother Bill's age in relation to the 'age of reason'?

What was the narrator's reaction to finding out that they were not turning seven on the expected date?

What did the narrator realize about their birthday celebrations?

What did the narrator think about the Mormon missionaries' beliefs?

What was the narrator's perspective on the gifts given to men and women according to the missionaries?

How did the narrator feel about the concept of God loving them with all His heart?