Explaining deconversion from Christianity: a study of online narratives

This article examines the written narratives from fifty former Christians. In these narratives, drawn from an online community of deconverts, the writers described their experiences with and explanations for leaving the Christian faith. Several themes emerged as to why they left, including: intellec...

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Bibliographic Details
Authors: Wright, Bradley R. Enter (Author) ; Giovanelli, Dina (Author) ; Dolan, Emily G. (Author) ; Edwards, Mark Evan (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Creighton University 2011
In: The journal of religion & society
Year: 2011, Volume: 13
Further subjects:B Ex-church members
B Converts from Christianity
B United States; Religion
B Religious attitudes
B Internet; Religious aspects
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Description
Summary:This article examines the written narratives from fifty former Christians. In these narratives, drawn from an online community of deconverts, the writers described their experiences with and explanations for leaving the Christian faith. Several themes emerged as to why they left, including: intellectual and theological concerns, a feeling that God had failed them, and various frustrations with Christians. The writers gave little mention to non-Christians as pulling them out of the faith. These narratives emphasized external, rather than internal, attributions for the deconversion. They also identified primarily "push" rather than "pull" factors as the cause of deconversion. While some narratives outlined the costs and benefits of deconversion, others told of seeking moral rightness regardless of the cost.
ISSN:1522-5658
Contains:Enthalten in: The journal of religion & society
Persistent identifiers:HDL: 10504/64291