John Marriott

“When one considers deconversion narratives...it becomes apparent that a common thread woven throughout the stories of ex-Christians is the role of the church in their deconversion. Time after time, former believers claim that being wounded by church leadership or rank-and-file believers was the catalyst that started their deconversion. Therefore, if deconversion necessarily means no longer believing the claims of Christianity are true, it appears being mistreated by fellow believers has the power to elevate doubts and uncertainties to critical levels. Undoubtedly, experience shows the body of Christ has an unfortunate practice of executing their own wounded. Rather than coming alongside struggling believers and helping to bear their burden, the testimony of former believers indicates that, all too often, we (the church) add to it.”
― John Marriott, A Recipe for Disaster: Four Ways Churches and Parents Prepare Individuals to Lose Their Faith and How They Can Instill a Faith That Endures