On How to Flourish After Leaving Religion | Daryl Van Tongeren

Americans today are leaving religion in record numbers. 

For many, the faith, practices, and institutions that once provided comfort and guidance no longer fit their beliefs and values. 

Today’s guest, Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren, a psychologist scientist who engages big existential questions to promote human flourishing, 

And author of the powerful book: Done: How to Flourish After Leaving Religion

calls this departure ‘The Great Disillusionment.’ 

His research and writing brings attention to several important, but often difficult questions that arise when people are no longer served by traditional religion: 

• How do they find new meaning and purpose? 
• How do they process the grief that often accompanies religious or spiritual change? 
• And how can they navigate challenging relationships with people who do not support or understand? 

Today we’ll explore this complex terrain as we discuss:

•  The changing landscape of religion in the US and beyond, 
• Why leaving religion can be so hard, which Darryl will reflect on through the lens of his research, but also through sharing the tragic story of losing his brother. A loss that left him questioning, and wrestling with his own relationship to the religion he was brought up in and had built his life around for many years. 

And finally, the possibility that Daryl writes about so beautifully.

In his words:

If you are rethinking your religious beliefs, have experienced religious loss or struggle, 

or have undergone a significant religious change, 

you are not alone. 

By understanding how people before us have left or transformed their religion, 

And using their wisdom as a guide,

we can discover new ways of finding peace, engaging with the transcendent, 

And ultimately crafting a flourishing and meaningful life.

For more on Daryl, his books, research, and other offerings please visit darylvantongeren.com

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Did you find this episode inspiring? Here are other conversations we think you'll love:

• On Awe, Wonder, and Everyday Miracles | Jonah Paquette
• On Listening and Attending to the Soul | James Hollis
• The Transformative Power of Humility | Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren

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