Explaining deconversion from Christianity: a study of online narratives
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Authors
Wright, Bradley R. E.
Giovanelli, Dina
Dolan, Emily G.
Edwards, Mark E.
Issue Date
2011
Volume
13
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Journal Article
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Abstract
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.
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Citation
Wright, Bradley R. Entner; Giovanelli, Dina; Dolan, Emily G.; Edwards, Mark Evan. (2011), Explaining deconversion from Christianity: a study of online narratives. Journal of Religion & Society, 13.
Publisher
Rabbi Myer and Dorothy Kripke Center, Creighton University
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1522-5658