Overview

At some point in their lives most people reach a point where they question their religious beliefs. Many will find satisfactory answers within their faith and be content to remain there. But others will dig deeper as questions lead to answers that lead to more questions and yet more answers that may conflict with what they've been taught. Some of these seekers may turn to other religions where they find a home. And yet there remain those who have found that the only path they are compelled follow leads them away from everything they have known. For whatever reason and through whatever process, a person who loses their faith faces many difficulties including the loss of friends and family who cannot understand their choices. It can take great strength to turn from what they've known and forge ahead into a new life. The stories herein are written by those who made the decision, despite the challenges, to follow a new path. These men and women are from many countries and their religious backgrounds cover multiple Christian denominations, Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, Orthodox Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Sikhs. The intent of this anthology is to assure those who struggle that they are not alone and to offer hope to the seekers while providing some understanding to others who may wonder how someone may choose to leave their previous beliefs behind and follow a new path.

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9781941052686

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"Taking New Paths is an essential read for anyone seeking to gain a balanced understanding of why people question religious belief. Drawn from a wide variety of faith experiences, this book documents the common experiences of those who find that long held ""truths"" may indeed not be grounded in fact. It provides insight into why someone would come to that conclusion. How does one cope with it? What replaces one's beliefs? Do they indeed need replacement? Taking News Paths begins answering those questions. -Isaac Carmignani, former Jehovah's Witness Current Pew research shows that American religious practice and identification has dropped drastically in the last decade, and for those brave enough to walk away, this book serves as a manual for deconstruction and deconversion. It's a roadmap to a new kind of religious redemption... freedom FROM religion. The stories are candid, heartfelt and inspirational, and they create a new community to which the ""nones"" and ""dones"" are invited to belong.- -Dr. Terri Daniel, Educator, Hospice Chaplain, Founder, The Conference on Death, Grief and Belief Matheson's collection of essays is a must read for anyone experiencing a religious faith crisis, especially for those who were once the most committed. As a former true-believing Mormon, I immediately connected with the stories of Casey Corbridge and Brady. Both share compelling stories of pain, loss, and bewilderment that so often accompany those who find themselves in the maelstrom of losing the faith. Fortunately, the reader will also discover that the storm does pass with time, and a fresh journey of hope and renewal awaits. -David Hubble, former Mormon This is a wonderful collection of escape stories! It shows that learning to think for yourself-to rebel from ideological mind control-is not only courageous. It is beautiful. -Dan Barker, Founder and Co-Chair of the Freedom From Religion Foundation"

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