Ex Christians Stories and links

Home > Converts Section > Eminent Christian Scholars >Ex-Christian sites

Leaving Christianity
Collection of Ex-Christian sites & Stories
[ Back ]

Preface

Over the years I have come to know and know of many ex-Christians most of whom were well-churched, their numbers including former ministers, apologists, missionaries, theologians etc. Why should such people leave Christianity? These people are the best versed in Christianity and yet they leave despite so much personal and professional investment in their religion, enjoyment of their time as believing Christians and social pressures to stay. How can this happen if the evidence for Christianity is so good? If supernatural Christianity is true, shouldn't they have known better?

But what if the history and philosophical and moral implications of the various branches of Christianity are very different from that which is traditionally taught? The painful fact for many Christians is that through research and thinking this is the conclusion to which they often come. Why else should all these people leave, contrary to their world-view, culture, professions, and heavy investment in Christianity? Why would God go to the trouble of incarnation and crucifixion only to allow genuine seekers to find Christianity untenable, or give "spurious" experiences and "incorrect" interpretation to those who spend so many years trying to be Christians? From our research and testimonies it is apparent that Christianity is not what we once thought it was.

I hope that these collected stories and resources will be of comfort to new deconverts. There is no "exit counselling" from the church and usually our Christian friends just want to find out "where we went wrong" rather than really listen and explore with us. It can be a great thrill to find fellow travellers in what is usually a very lonely journey with often few or no sympathetic people to turn to. I thought I was the first to deconvert from a genuine heartfelt Christianity until I discovered a few hints in books, some friends with similar stories and then the voluminous accounts on the Internet!

I hope to keep these pages fresh as I am still in the process of collecting stories and links and discussing this subject with various interested parties. Discussing religion can of course be very contentious and although primarily a resource for ex-Christians it is inevitable that some believing Christians, or others with different opinions, will surf here and wish to criticise this site. I have tried to avoid too much scornful material, although sometimes emotions rise in some of the reported on-line discussions - I am not from Vulcan! But if you think I have not been fair or really have missed something then I'd like to know. All criticism is welcome as long as it is not a knee-jerk at just reading a little of what I have to offer as such criticism is less interesting and causes too much repetition.

This site started partly as a FAQ when on debating lists and also as a collection of my bookmarks, so there is some of my own material here. However I don't think I have got the most to say, although I have included my own story with as much detail as I think is necessary for those who are interested. I am occasionally worried that I will one day be put in a corner by religious friends or relatives, so this is also my considered FAQ for any of them, rather than an emotional confrontation. Luckily it has not yet been needed - I have coped with carefully placed comments, so far! The bulk of the material is contained in the links to the writings of other people which is exactly the sort of information I wish I had found back in the mid 1980's when I was asking all those questions....

Contents

My Journey and thoughts
Why I left Christianity Includes notes for deeper investigation into what I read and thought.
Influential books - many with links to free on-line versions.
Asymmetry of Conversion My investigation into the asymmetry between the large number of well-churched Christians who leave Christianity versus the scarcity of those educated in the problems of Christianity who later become Christians. This also contains my essay on the resurrection and many further resources.
Selections of postings I have made to various newsgroups and mailing lists.
Crazy stuff from the bible.
Feedback discussions I attempt to discuss with those who raise interesting points with me. If you are planning to evangelize, please check that I have not already had the conversation about your points here, or elsewhere in part 1 of this site.
For a summary of my discoveries whilst researching and compiling this website, see my guest essay. (Off site). To compliment this summary, I have compiled a quotes page of great snippets lifted from some of the deconversion stories contained within, or linked from, this site.

The journeys and thoughts of others
Main Links Includes resources for study and links to hundreds of informative deconversion stories.
Reciprocal Links Includes both those in accord with my site and those in disagreement.

Study Resources
Some of the best places I have found for serious study.

Main Links

Testimonials page on the Secular Web. Some very heartfelt and well written accounts.
Ex-Christian stories
Collected deconversion stories This is a zip file (189kb) of deconversion stories in TXT, RTF and HTML formats mainly from the ex-Christian mailing list archives. Unless specific permission has been given to publish these stories I have removed references to full names.
List of Ex-Christian webring sites. Most of these sites contain deconversion stories.
List of Leaving Born Again Fundamentalist Christianity Webring sites
Deconversion stories emailed to me or found from personal websites not on the ex-Christian webring.
The Ex-tian homepage Mailing list and resource for ex-Christians.
The ex-Christian mailing list archives.
The Secular Web's ex-Christians page. I now maintain this page myself. When I adopted this page I was asked to try to give preference to papers that are archived on the Secular Web but also to link to the good stuff that's out there. So it's mostly a high quality subset of my site. Well worth investigation for good quality material.
Walk Away. Resource for ex-fundamentalists. Also includes personal testimonies about leaving Christianity and details of books containing many more such stories. If you never were a fundamentalist, don't feel these writings will be irrelevant - there is much here common to Christians and ex-Christians of all kinds.
exchristian.org This is a database (started end Nov. 1999) where people may post their stories about losing their faith in biblical Christianity. It uses a form to enter descriptive keywords and either the text of the story or a URL. Hence readers can then search for ex-Christians with similar backgrounds to themselves.
USENET Testimonies. This page contains testimonials from ex-Christians extracted from Usenet.
De-conversion stories collection on the Positive Atheism website.
Books by (and about) ex-Christians
Excerpts From Losing Faith In Faith: From Preacher To Atheist by Dan Barker
Why I Left The Ministry And Became An Atheist By the ex-Methodist minister G. Vincent Runyon
The Reverend Don Cupitt explains how the scales fell from his eyes This is a section from the link below:-
The Sea of Faith Network The SoF Network explores the implications of accepting religion as a human creation. Many senior current and past churchmen (and women) are part of this organisation. Examples of transitions from traditional Christian to Sea of Faith non-realist are available in the accounts from Anne Horner, Jude Bullock and others at Personal essays. Also see my comments on Cupitt.
The Very Reverend Andrew William Ussher Furlong. Dean of Clonmacnoise in Ireland who (as of December 2001) has been suspended by his bishop for his progressive views. Andrew Furlong's Articles are available, both at his main link above and at The Center for Progressive Christianity. Furlong's transformation is outlined at Treasure In Earthen Vessels: Reflections of a Reformer. The parish was meant to have closed the website. However, I still found it working on December 31st 2001 because although the main site is down they appear to have forgotten to remove Furlong's pages. Anyway, if they do ever disappear, the Dean's publications can be found in the theology section of Anglicans Online and at Furlong's articles in the TCPC library].
John Dominic Crossan. A leading scholarly member of The Jesus Seminar and a former Monk and Priest, Crossan explains why his scholarship led him to see religion as a purely human creation.
Marcus Borg another prominent scholar of the Jesus Seminar, describes his journey.
Gerd Lüdemann The German Lutheran theologian's reasons for leaving Christianity and the fall-out that this brought to his career. Also see Gerd Lüdemann at the Secular Web.
Dr. Michael Goulder Notes from an interview with this ex-Priest and renowned biblical scholar.
From Fundamentalist to Humanist by Robert M. Price. Also see his Beyond Born Again.
Why I am agnostic The famous freethinker Robert Ingersoll describes the research and thinking that led him to agnosticism and the joy that this new world view gave him. Ingersoll's other writings are also available.
Why I Quit Going To Church by Robert Hughes (With Answers to Critics and Correspondents).
Joseph McCabe: Fighter For Freethought Short Biography of the famous ex-monk by Issac Goldberg.
Farrell Till's deconversion story
Deconversion stories from The Skeptical Review. 29 testimonies including many from ex-ministers, missionaries etc.
22 deconversion stories from letters to Dennis McKinsey's Biblical Errancy magazine.
James Buckner describes his deconversion and includes correspondence with his family after they found out he no longer believed. It is a powerful example of someone who decided to confront issues fully and candidly with those who expressed dismay at his loss of faith. He has included his Tough Questions for the Christian Church at his site. Also don't miss these Tough Answers for the Tough Questions by John Love-Jensen.
Resource Center for Freedom of Mind. Some ex-Christians, particularly those from fundamentalist backgrounds, have discussed elements of cult phenomena in their churches. Steve Hassan is an ex-Moonie leader and has been involved in educating the public about mind control and destructive cults for over twenty-three years. A number of people on the ex-tian mailing list have remarked on how useful they have found Steve Hassan's writings. His site links to Walk Away (see above) and his Cults and Groups of Concern includes the Worldwide Church of God, the Vineyard, Jews for Jesus, Marantha Campus Ministries and many others.
Non-Believer Former-Members of the Worldwide Church of God
Former Christian Priests and Missionaries who have Embraced Islam.
Testimonies of Jews who returned. Stories from born-Jews who converted to Christianity (often at the hands of the "Jews for Jesus" organisation), describing why they finally left Christianity, returning to the religion of their birth.
Charles Kluepfel An ex-Catholic examines the liberal side of Christianity.
Einstein explains why he rejected religion. I realise that Einstein was of Jewish descent, rather than Christian, but he is often quoted as if he was a theist, so this link is to dispel that mistake.
The Secular Web. The largest and most heavily visited nontheistic web site on the WWW. You can find vast resources of information about secular thought here. There are also writings of notable non-Christians including people who have left Christianity on the historical biographies page.
Freethought ring list.
ex-Christian books sold at Internet Infidels bookstore. Also see my main book link.
Other helpful resources recommended by ex-Christians
The Unitarian Universalist Association. Some ex-Christians, who have wished to maintain the community and structure of their old Christian fellowship without the dogma, have enjoyed being a part of this non creedal religion. Apparently very laid back and thoughtful - includes liberal Christians, agnostics, atheists and others - and I am told the sacramental drink is coffee....
Study Resources.

Newsgroups/Mailing lists If any of these links below don't work for your browser, or your server does not have any of the newsgroups, then you may wish search for them at Google Groups (was Deja News).

Ex-tian This list is for and about ex-Christians. Hot topics here include coming out of the closet as an ex-Christian, how to deal with the family around Easter and Christmas, etc.
Leaving Born Again Fundamentalist Christianity E-Mail List This consists of ex-fundamentalists and those who are interested in walking away from born again fundamentalism or who aren't sure and have questions about whether to leave. This is a support group and is not intended to take you away from spiritual beliefs in which you are comfortable and in which you wish to stay. This list was set up by Mike McClellan who introduces his reasons for leaving fundamentalist Christianity which also leads to his website born again fundamentalism exposed.
exChristian email group.
XCharismatics From the mailing list intro: "I've spoken in tongues, healed and been healed through the laying on of hands, heeded prophesies given to me by others, been subjected to hours long exorcisms, and was taught to beat my own children in order to exorcise them. I've been out of the Movement for some twenty years now and I still wake up in a cold sweat and a frustrated rage over what was done to me and my family. If any of this rings true to you, then maybe we should talk."
Exit Fundyism
Ex-Christian Support
soc.atheism - provides a forum for discussion of the social aspects, ramifications, and benefits of being an atheist. Also discussed is what leads one to atheism.
alt.recovery.religion
alt.recovery.catholicism
alt.recovery.fundamentalism
alt.recovery.christian.abuse

Also don't miss the Internet Infidels Discussion Forum. Particularly (for ex-Christians) see the "Secular Lifestyle & Support Forum"

Reciprocal Links in accord with my site.

Adrian Barnett's collection of deconversion stories. Don't miss his main site Wasteland of wonders which contains Adrian Barnett's excellent essays etc. on religion and the problems with it.

Losing my Religion.com "A support site for those leaving the Christian faith"

The Joy of Disillusionment by David Crews.
David wrote to me: 'The Joy of Disillusionment is directed at the same audience - those going through that especially difficult and lonely transition out of organized Christianity. I offer a philosophical, positive and hopefully helpful analysis of the new worldview of the recently de-religioned person, as well as some poetry and even a "revised" parable.'
I was very impressed with the way David identified and discussed some of the most poignant issues that confront a new ex-Christian, or those in the process of this awakening. I found his writings not only warm, humane and even "spiritual" but also purveying the real heat of the thoughts and emotions that so many of us have gone through. I am sure many visitors to my site will find David's quality writing to be very helpful.

Reasonworks.com "Audio Tapes and Articles for Agnostics, Atheists, Skeptics ... and Even Curious Religious Folk!" By former Mormon Mike Earl et al.

Honest Intellectual Inquiry Extensive book list, reviews and links. "The title link will take you to my review, a summary, the actual source, and/or some other information on the book." Don't miss the Christianity and the bible section.

The Skeptic's Annotated Bible. "This easily navigable site contains the entire text of the King James Version of the bible presented from a skeptic's point of view. It identifies the bible's absurdities, cruelties, sex and vulgarities, insults to women, injustices, foul language, false prophecies, and contradictions. Verses are classified using a four star rating system, with cross-referenced links and attached notes."

Steven Carr's home page "This page is designed to provided information about atheism and about specific religions. There are detailed examinations of Christianity and Islam and a set of links to the world's foremost source of secular information - The Secular Web" Steven also says, "It is my aim to provide space for anybody who disagrees with me or believes that they have a rebuttal of what I say." Steven also has engaged in some high quality debates. His sections on The Gospels - Eyewitness Records? (1) and (2) as well as his discussion of The Resurrection of Jesus are particularly interesting.

Other people who kindly link to me include:-

Ex-Christian.net
The Hundredth Sheep by Curt van den Heuvel.
The Lowdown on Christianity - Why You Don't Want to Teach It To Your Kids
http://www.drinkme.net/index.html
Secular Spirituality. " Secular Spirituality strives to be a supportive and informative resource for people who are seeking to cultivate a nontheistic, world-centered spirituality."
Benefit of the Doubt by Dave LF.
On Christianity by Bernette McColley.

Reciprocal Links not in accord with my site.

G. Zeinelde Jordan Previously a member of various freethought/atheist societies, he became a Christian. Our lengthy exchange is available in our discussion of the resurrection.
IN THE WORD Ministries by Mark McFall. Mark appeared in my feedback. Later he invited me to discuss "Apologetics In Practice In Light Of Evangelical Atheism (The Need for Quality Apologetics)."

Non-reciprocal sites that disagree with mine.

William J. Murray's page Madalyn Murray O’Hair's son.

Interactive Area

Feel free to email me with any other collections of deconversion stories you know of, feedback or links to other sites I've missed that you think are particularly relevant. Also I would be glad to arrange reciprocal links to your site if it is relevant and especially if it disagrees with mine. I will also put up your own deconversion story if you wish, although now it is probably better to send it straight to the exchristian.org database to enable other readers to easily search for ex-Christians with similar backgrounds to themselves.

If you want to leave a message for everyone to see, then please sign my guestbook. Note that if you are writing to convince me that Christianity is true, please check that I have not already discussed your ideas to your satisfaction on my pages or in my feedback discussions.

Guestbook started 11th July 1999
Sign My Guestbook View My Guestbook

How consistent are your beliefs? Check your Tension Quotient!

If you used to be active in an atheist organisation and considered yourself well-read in arguments against Christianity and yet subsequently became a Christian, I would be very interested if you could email me to explain, or put resources that convinced you in the guestbook if you would prefer to stay anonymous. See Asymmetry of Conversion for the background to this question.

If you are an ex-minister then you may wish to email Dan Barker at the Freedom From Religion Foundation Inc. Dan is currently engaged in writing a book about former clergy who are now unbelievers. He is also an ex-minister and ex-missionary who has written a popular book about his deconversion (excerpts are available). I wrote to him in December 1999 to enquire about the progress of this and to maybe give him some more leads. He replied that he has over 20 stories so far, and is hoping to get a few more. The ones he has represent a wide cross section of belief: Baptist, Roman Catholic priest, Seventh Day Adventist, Pentecostal, Episcopal, Church of Christ, and so on. Dan may well be interested in your story of why you are an ex-Christian and ex-member of the clergy.

The Ex-Christian Webring

[ Join Now | Ring Hub | Random | << Prev | Next >> ]

This Freethought Ring web site is brought to you by Steve Locks.

Adrian Barnett's collection of deconversion stories. Don't miss his main site Wasteland of wonders which contains Adrian Barnett's excellent essays etc. on religion and the problems with it.
Losing my Religion.com "A support site for those leaving the Christian faith"
The Joy of Disillusionment by David Crews. David wrote to me: 'The Joy of Disillusionment is directed at the same audience - those going through that especially difficult and lonely transition out of organized Christianity. I offer a philosophical, positive and hopefully helpful analysis of the new worldview of the recently de-religioned person, as well as some poetry and even a "revised" parable.' I was very impressed with the way David identified and discussed some of the most poignant issues that confront a new ex-Christian, or those in the process of this awakening. I found his writings not only warm, humane and even "spiritual" but also purveying the real heat of the thoughts and emotions that so many of us have gone through. I am sure many visitors to my site will find David's quality writing to be very helpful.
Reasonworks.com "Audio Tapes and Articles for Agnostics, Atheists, Skeptics ... and Even Curious Religious Folk!" By former Mormon Mike Earl et al.
Honest Intellectual Inquiry Extensive book list, reviews and links. "The title link will take you to my review, a summary, the actual source, and/or some other information on the book." Don't miss the Christianity and the bible section.
The Skeptic's Annotated Bible. "This easily navigable site contains the entire text of the King James Version of the bible presented from a skeptic's point of view. It identifies the bible's absurdities, cruelties, sex and vulgarities, insults to women, injustices, foul language, false prophecies, and contradictions. Verses are classified using a four star rating system, with cross-referenced links and attached notes."
Steven Carr's home page "This page is designed to provided information about atheism and about specific religions. There are detailed examinations of Christianity and Islam and a set of links to the world's foremost source of secular information - The Secular Web" Steven also says, "It is my aim to provide space for anybody who disagrees with me or believes that they have a rebuttal of what I say." Steven also has engaged in some high quality debates. His sections on The Gospels - Eyewitness Records? (1) and (2) as well as his discussion of The Resurrection of Jesus are particularly interesting.