Christianity On The Spectrum Answering the Ex-Christian Autism Interview Protocol - With Aella
Dec 28, 2025
In this engaging discussion, guest Aella, a writer known for her explorations of sexuality and her background as an ex-Christian, shares her path from a Calvinist upbringing to deconversion. She highlights the role of autism in her religious journey, reflecting on early doubts, a pivotal philosophical argument that challenged her faith, and the aftermath of leaving Christianity. Aella also critiques the church’s social impact, weighing its benefits against the harms of guilt and repression, while discussing her current beliefs and connections within the rationalist community.
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Early Devout Childhood And Rapid Exit
- Aella says she was very religious and lost her faith at 18 after wrestling with doubts in adolescence.
- She describes being raised deeply Calvinist with frequent church activities and homeschooling.
Autism Can Amplify Apologetics
- Aella links apologetics and autism through literalism and disagreeableness, which can amplify doctrinal zeal.
- Jon agrees autism acts as an accelerant, producing intense apologetics phases in youth.
Pressure Cooker Model Of Deconversion
- Jon's 'cognitive dissonance pressure cooker' explains rapid autistic deconversions as a cascade after an inciting event.
- For many autistic people the personal-relationship rupture produces faster, more complete belief collapse.
