Leaving The Fold: Testimonies Of Former Fundamentalists

by Edward T. Babinski (Editor)

This riveting new collection offers testimonies of former fundamentalists who became disillusioned with their churches and left. Presenting more than two dozen personal journeys, this book gives a clear picture of what attracts a person to the fundamentalist faith and what can drive believers away from their religion. Photos throughout.

Genres: Religion, Nonfiction, Christianity, Atheism, Spirituality

462 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Studied Biology at Fairleigh Dickinson University, Graduated in 1978. Lives in Greenville, South Carolina.

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

this very interesting book tells the stories, in their own words, of men and women who were fundamentalist Christians then left the religion to become something else – some became more liberal Christians, some agnostics, someone into the New Age movement and some became atheists. While a few of the testimonies were a bit dry, I really enjoyed reading about these different people's experiences with Christianity as well is why they left. I could relate to a lot of what I read. Now I am hunting down a lot of the books that were written by the people interviewed for Leaving the Fold, and reading them as well. This is a great book to read if you're interested in why people leave the Christian religion – although I should really say the fundamentalist Christian religion, as several of the people in this book still consider themselves to be Christian, just Christians of a different sort. Both believers and nonbelievers should read this book. Nonbelievers will find validation of their belief system, an believers will understand what leads some people to reject their faith.

[Jenny (Reading Envy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was actually written by a co-worker of mine, and I had to read it out of curiosity. Two of the stories reference Bob Jones University, a fundamentalist institution in the town I now live in.

[Jc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Studs Terkel-ish approach to American Protestant Fundamentalism and those who escaped its grip. Essentially this is a collection of former fundies, mostly former preachers from one church or another, each giving his own story as to why he/she no longer is part of that fold, and what they replaced it with in their lives. This is not an all-must-become-atheists screed, but a collection of articles by various authors who found the fundie viewpoint no longer relevant to their lives. Babinski groups the “testimonies” into those who are now, “Moderate Evangelical, Liberal, or Ultra Liberal Christians;” “Adherents of Non-Christian Spiritualities;” “Agnostics;” “Atheists” and those who “Played Major Roles in Liberalizing the Religion of Their Day.” An interesting study with many perspectives. Babinski also includes a good summary of the history and viewpoint of the American Fundamentalist movement.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have given it 3.5 stars if that was an option.

This book presents a collection of essays from a variety of ex fundamentalists who have left that brand of religion,some for atheism or agnosticism, and some for more liberal forms of Christianity.

I found the book thoughtful and insightful and it was an encouraging read during a confusing time for me. I liked that most of the writers presented a balanced and sympathetic viewpoint instead of the bitterness that many ex fundys express.

I did find that the writing tended to be a little dry and impersonal and the majority of writers were old men while I would have preferred a more mixed demographic. None the less it was a useful and interesting read.

[Shulamit "Shulie"]

Excellent collection of essays by former born-again fundamentalist Christians who left their faith for a variety of reasons, and who went on to believe in a variety of things: from atheism to liberal Christianity. Highly readable, and doesn't shy away from asking the tough questions. Recommended for anyone with nagging doubt, a thirst for truth, and a sense that they're alone in their search within their fundamentalist circles.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This contains approximately 30 narratives of people who have leave Christian fundamentalism. Some are a little dull, some involve personal squabbles or doctrinal fine points, but many are heartfelt and document difficult decisions.

Most of the people profiled are public figures to some degree. Very few of them are average Joes and Janes.

[Rob]

This author is mentioned in the book "Quotable Atheists" which is, itself, a large collection of quotes from notable atheists. I'm making it a point to read these books to gain more insight into Atheism.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good and interesting.