Speaking of Psychology Why people quit religion, with Daryl Van Tongeren, PhD
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Oct 23, 2024 Daryl Van Tongeren, a psychology professor and author of "Done: How to Flourish After Leaving Religion," dives deep into the rising trend of people departing from traditional faiths in America. He explores the psychological motivations behind this shift and the challenges faced by those re-evaluating their identity. The conversation sheds light on how individuals can find meaning and navigate spirituality outside organized religion, along with the intriguing role of psychedelics in contemporary spiritual exploration.
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Four Reasons People Leave Religion
- Four main reasons drive people to leave religion: cultural stagnation, religious abuse, adversity without sufficient explanation, and problematic labels.
- These reasons reflect conflicts between personal values, negative experiences, and evolving perceptions of religion.
Religious Residue Challenges Post-Departure
- Leaving religion causes lingering effects called religious residue, making it hard to fully disengage.
- Formerly religious people often feel less meaning, struggle with relationships, and face identity challenges after leaving.
Religious Deconstruction Process
- Religious deconstruction involves questioning and wrestling with beliefs, leading to either reconstruction or de-identification.
- Deconstruction is a process critically shaping how people maintain or leave their religion.