Breaking up with Jesus: a phenomenological exploration of the experience of deconversion from an Evangelical Christian faith to Atheism
Abstract
This study examines the experience of deconversion from an Evangelical Christian faith to Atheism in the UK. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six participants and the data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The resulting superordinate themes emerged: Process of Deconversion; Post Deconversion Issues; What Helped and Did Not Help. The findings are supportive of similar research conducted on deconversion but are from the UK, rather than from a largely American, perspective. The underlying reason for deconversion is found to be cognitive dissonance and, as such, deconversion is a rational and intellectual process. Helping professionals need to convey a non-judgemental attitude, being understanding, sympathetic, supportive and kind.Citation
Lee, K. A. & Gubi, P. M. (2019). Breaking up with Jesus: a phenomenological exploration of the experience of deconversion from an Evangelical Christian faith to Atheism. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 22(2), 171-184.Publisher
Taylor & FrancisAdditional Links
https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2019.1623767https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13674676.2019.1623767
Type
ArticleLanguage
enDescription
This is an Accepted Manuscript of an article published by Taylor & Francis in Mental Health, Religion and Culture on 10-6-19, available online: https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2019.1623767ISSN
1367-4676EISSN
1469-9737ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.1080/13674676.2019.1623767
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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/