Apostate: Stories of Deconversion

Summary

Can you feel your faith slipping away? Are you or a loved one questioning what you’ve always believed?

You are not alone. Come on a journey with others who have lost their religion but have found themselves.

If you’re wondering whether there’s life on the other side of deconversion, or if you’re trying desperately to understand a loved one who is losing their faith—this book is for you. Edited by philosophy of religion scholar, Sarah Bacaller, with a foreword by Bart Campolo (the first humanist chaplain at the University of Southern California), this book offers gripping insights into the deepest aspects of the deconversion journey. It will encourage anyone who is looking for the courage to question what they believe, or who is growing beyond previous versions of themselves.

While Christian apologists do their best to warn us about the sinful perils of the slippery slope, this book answers the question, “What do ‘apostates’ themselves have to say?” It explores why people leave behind a faith that has shaped every aspect of their life and identity. Furthermore, these stories show that having the courage to ask tough questions, to confess cognitive dissonance, and to commit to the pursuit of authenticity is not a sure-fire road to hell, but instead can lead to newfound liberty and hope.

In this book, you’ll hear from:

• Twenty-one people from all walks of life who have found the courage to question their faith: dairy farmers, surgeons and servicemen, ministers (and minister’s wives), stay-at-home Moms, business owners and more

• Women who have refused to accept theological justifications for their oppression

• Fanatical Young Earth Creationists who have transformed into science-loving atheists

• Children of missionaries who have deconstructed their faith and the colonialist impetus

• Individuals who have navigated the challenging relational terrain of deconversion within a Christian marriage

Each contributor shares their emotional, intellectual and relational journey out of Christian faith. If you’re looking for candid discussions of controversial issues such as young earth creationism, politics, the role of women in the church, heaven/hell and more … look no further.

Don’t fear the apostate … walk alongside them. Listen to them. Buy Apostate: Stories of Deconversion as a companion to your journey today!

Narrated by the book editor, Sarah Bacaller.