Deconversion psychotherapy available on Zoom or in-person
Faith systems give many people a sense of certitude, solidity and comfort in a universe that is inclined towards entropy, a state of decay. Many hold faith systems through familial heredity and others for existential reasons of their own. Faiths have been held favourably throughout human history, but there have also been those who did not subscribe to such systems of belief throughout history also.
A faith system is not something that should be challenged or torn away from somebody, once it is 1) personally and privately held, 2) helpful to a person's internal, existential sense of emotional and psychological stability. And 3) not used to harm or oppress another person. Further, a person, at any age, who does not subscribe to a system of faith is entitled to freedom from such faith systems and organised religions.
However, although secularism increases gradually with each new generation - a recent study suggests that the majority of children born in the early 1990s (Gen Z) claim to hold no religious affiliation at all - a rhetoric exists in our culture that does not look favourably upon scepticism, the questioning of faiths/ faith systems, and agnosticism/ atheism.
Generalisations are asserted when those who do not look favourably upon atheism or agnosticism discuss either label. In short - although more nuanced definitions exist subjectively among each individual atheist/ agnostic you meet - an atheist does not believe in any gods; and an agnostic, via the original usage of the term, claims a centrist position of not knowing. A lack of sufficient, convincing evidence is often the reason for disbelieving god claims, or adopting an agnostic position.
In the US, there is a growing organisation known as "Recovering From Religion" founded in 2009 by Darrel Wayne Ray. However, Irish people who are going through a departure from an engrained, (possibly) once deeply held faith system are in need of a support of their own.
Although ultimately necessary for the restoration of ones autonomy oftentimes, deconversion can feel scary, overwhelming and ensnaring in the sense that the old strictures and practices one learned within a faith system seem to have kept one safe, free from worldly worries, and protected from an "outside world" that seemed lawless; many faith systems teach their members doctrine and practices that give a sense of ritualistic purpose to each day, at particular times of the day, and teach about the fortitude that comes from having faith in a god and/ or religious system. However, this form of teaching does not equip an individual for life outside of and without such a belief, or system of faith.
Many people experience a process of deconversion on many different paths - whether it be on a path of gender transition, discovering ones sexuality, after a prison sentence or after leaving a religion, for example. However, with time, patience and practice - as well as trusting oneself and pushing comfort zones incrementally - it is fully possible to regain your capacity to think freely, challenge old practices, views and beliefs, and regain a shame-free, inquisitive, explorative, fulfilled mindset.
The utility of believing in something to avoid the consequences of not believing it (if it turns out to be true) raises many valid questions for people who do not subscribe to a belief system based upon claims of faith.
To reiterate, those who find a belief system helpful are welcome to it and those who do not are free to act as they choose. Rhea Askins is here and ready to help you if you are leaving religion behind and feel isolated, lost, scared or in danger of re-entering a system of faith that negatively impacted your mental health.
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