Christianity On The Spectrum What Happens to Ex-Christians After They Leave Christianity?
Jan 4, 2026
Dive into the experiences of autistic ex-Christians and the complexities of their deconversion journeys. Factors like cognitive dissonance, educational experiences, and abusive church dynamics play significant roles. Discover personal stories, including Luke's own path of questioning. The discussion highlights gender differences in deconversion, with women often facing gradual transitions. Examine the emotional aftermath and long-term outcomes, revealing various paths like becoming an angry atheist or a curious anthropologist.
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Luke's Post-College Deconversion
- Luke shared that his deconversion happened shortly after college once contextual pressures eased and he could ask hard questions.
- He described intellectual/philosophical doubts as his main driver, aligned with Jon's model.
Cognitive Dissonance Pressure Cooker
- Autistic deconversion often follows a 'cognitive dissonance pressure cooker' pattern where sensitivity and lower tolerance cause rapid breakdowns.
- Jon explains an inciting event frequently triggers a cascade that leads to deconversion.
Apologetics Can Accelerate Doubt
- Interest in apologetics correlates with higher deconversion risk because pop-apologetics often exposes gaps and opposing arguments.
- Jon argues apologetics can backfire for autistics due to black-and-white thinking meeting messy evidence.
