Atheists and Other Freethinkers

Come to the March AOF general meeting and hear stories from our panel presentation about their evolution of thought from supernaturalistic to naturalistic worldview. A period of time will be made available at the end of the presentation to ask questions and share your own stories.

Internet web sites such as http://extian.net and http://www.ex-christian.net state four general stages that people leaving a supernaturalistic worldview go through: Deconversion, Leaving the Church, Pain, and Healing.

“Deconversion begins with questions that are unsatisfactorily answered. If a question arises that cannot be answered then the answer is that 'only God knows.' Many times there are other catalysts working as well, such as being a social outcast.”

The hardest stage is leaving the church. “It’s hard because there is a certain amount of security with the familiar sights and sounds of the faith.”

Many who have left the church feel pain, the third stage. “The ex-tian typically feels betrayed and hurt. Loneliness and depression is not uncommon. Questions about coming out are frequent.

The final stage is healing, resolving painful emotions and unanswered questions. Online communities like http://extian.net and http://www.ex-christian.net help with this by offering social networks.

Refreshments will be provided, and the event is open to the public.