Quasimodo wrote:emilysmith wrote:The departure from faith is a very interesting process to me. I don't think there are many people who understand it very well. Religious people, especially, seem to be at a disadvantage when it comes to understanding. It is easy to villainize and stereotype, but the flaw always comes from the point of view that the departed must have something wrong with them. It is yet another example of what lies beyond some people's ability to comprehend. darrickstevenson is no exception... making villains of atheists, claiming that religion prevents alcoholism and incest.
For the record, I know plenty of atheists who do more service for their fellow man than any LDS I ever knew. That is saying something, too, because my ward growing up made it a point to help out the community, at large.
Hi emily,
Departure from faith is an interesting topic (maybe worth a new thread if your up to that). For me, why people convert to a faith is the most interesting.
My own thoughts (no good facts or data to quote) are that people that are raised in a religion may find it very difficult to leave because a rejection of that faith could also be a rejection (maybe subconsciously) of their parents beliefs and thus a rejection of their parents. Psychologically a very hard thing to do.
But, why do people convert to a religion (I think I'm probably talking Mormon since we're on this board)? Is it a desire to follow the strong personality of a charismatic leader? The need for a community to belong to?
From an agnostic's point of view, it's a little puzzling.
My opinion on why most people join the Mormon church is for one or both of two reasons: they are financially poor and welcome an offer to help them in this respect, or they are socially poor and welcome a potentially ready-made social network.
I'd be curious to know what percentage of people that leave the church join another versus those that completely lose their faith in a God.