Why Christians Deconvert
Critical thinkers vs cry babies
Occasionally updated and edited.
Copyright © 2009
There are two general reasons why people replace Christianity with a naturalistic world view: The first is intellectual and the other is emotional.
The first is primarily observational while the second is mostly experiential.
Intellectual deconversions focus on logic and generally hinge on observation of nature and science. Emotional deconversions focus on one's feelings and often involve emotional responses to inconsistencies noted among Christians.
The cause of one's deconversion is often revealed in their post-proficuus world view; particularly their approach to Christianity.
Those who were prompted by intellectual inquiry to abandon Christianity tend to form intellectual arguments. Others may say nothing at all, but rest quietly, content to be free of supernatural delusions.
Those who were frustrated emotionally tend to be more abrasive in their response to Christianity and could be described as bitter. Some seem to be obsessed with causing Christians to feel guilty for their bad behavior. Their attitude seems to be, "See what you made me do?!" Emotional deconversions are frequently disingenuous.
Sense and sensitivity
Active Christians who deconvert typically site both reasons for their deconversions, each confirming the other. Inconsistent behavior among fellow Christians, for example, may cause one to question the supernatural in general, Christianity specifically. Subsequent observation of natural science, biblical textual criticism, or some other intellectual field will confirm their feelings. That observation will, in turn, heighten their emotional sensitivity to Christian behavior. The cycle continues until they can no longer find a rational or emotional reason to remain connected to the Christian paradigm.
March 7, 2009
