by Darrel Ray, Ed.D, President, RfR Board As I read religious recovery comments from time to time, I see a pattern of thinking that might contribute to the problems people are facing. Many people say that they caused pain in others when they left religion; pain for their families, friends, and former church community. It may not seem to be a problem when saying this, but believing the idea that you caused pain in others actually feeds into the overall… Read more
April 20, 2019
The Sky without God: Ditching the Baggage of Belief
April 20, 2019 By RFR
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My belief in God, and my introduction to religion, began when I was four or five years old. Instilled in me was a sort of non-denominational conservatism. I knew that I was supposed to honor my mother and father. I knew, even then, that I was supposed to be sweet, chaste, and innocently compliant. There was a heaviness to these responsibilities that fell in step with my genetic predisposition toward anxiety. God was to be my champion against all the… Read more
April 3, 2019
My Pilgrimage to Mecca made me an Agnostic Ex-Muslim
April 3, 2019 By RFR
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I am a 27 year old Pakistani woman. Just over two years ago I was a strict conservative Muslim who did not even think about questioning my religion — in fact, 25-year-old me would have been appalled at who I am now. This is the story of how I realised Islam was another man-made religion. The “Perfect Musalimah” Phase I started wearing the hijab, praying, and fasting regularly when I was around 14-15. Nobody forced me into it, but my… Read more
March 6, 2019
If I Can Break Free From a Cult After More Than 40 Years — So Can You
March 6, 2019 By RFR
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On a cold January day in 1973 I was born into a mind controlling doomsday cult. Growing up as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses you are not allowed to celebrate Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, or Halloween. A Child’s Life as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses I remember one time when I was around 4 or 5, we were in the supermarket, and this sweet little old lady asked… Read more
February 20, 2019
The Garden of Eden Story isn’t about the Fall of Humankind
February 20, 2019 By RFR
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One of the most important epiphanies I had about the Bible had to do with the garden of Eden. I was taught that it was the beginning of a great cosmic war between God and Satan, which ended with God sending Jesus millennia later to finally cleanse us of Adam’s sin. I realized that this idea is Christian gloss which has absolutely nothing to do with Genesis in its original context. The story of the garden isn’t even about original… Read more
February 11, 2019
I’m Now Suspicious of…
February 11, 2019 By RFR
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Reposted with permission from The Journey of Doubt I’m now suspicious of any ideology with invisible claims that need to be believed in order for them to work. I’m suspicious of any teaching that threatens eternal torture – a monstrous idea that cannot be disproven and so has mentally tortured millions. I’m suspicious of any belief system that touts faith as a virtue and fails to realize that faith is what flew the planes into the twin towers. I’m suspicious… Read more
January 29, 2019
Recovering from Religion Fall Excursion: Embrace Your Nature
January 29, 2019 By RFR
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Recovering from Religion celebrates 10th year with first-of-its-kind weekend getaway Mars Hill, North Carolina, January 29, 2019 – Recovering from Religion announces its first-ever weekend religion recovery experience in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina. “Embrace your Nature” will be a weekend of support, fellowship, encouragement, and learning for anyone experiencing negative effects of doubt or disbelief. The September 20-22, 2019 event combines a retreat setting, fall weather, supportive volunteers, mental health professionals, and a schedule of workshops and speakers…. Read more
January 12, 2019
Eternal Bliss, Endless Torture: What the Hell?
January 12, 2019 By RFR
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I was born with a deformed heart valve. My parents brought me in for an echocardiogram every year, and at age 15 the cardiologist decided it was time to intervene with an open heart surgery. We scheduled it for the day after Christmas. I was told my risk of death was around 1%. I thought about the small but non-zero chance anxiously and often in the months leading up to the surgery. What if the surgeon came across unexpected complications,… Read more
December 16, 2018
6 Ways to Provide Better Care for Suicidal Non-Religious People
December 16, 2018 By RFR
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By Gayle Jordan, executive director of Recovering from Religion The National Suicide Hotline recently asked several organizations, including Recovering from Religion, to provide some suggestions. The federal commission (1) which directs the Hotline is considering the feasibility of creating a 3-digit telephone number, and determining how well the Hotline addresses the needs of veterans. Studies have shown that, in the US, religiously-unaffiliated individuals who are depressed have higher rates of suicidal behavior (2). Despite this disparity, there is a significant… Read more
December 7, 2018
In Your Eyes
December 7, 2018 By RFR
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By Susi Bocks In your eyes god exists so I was told my mama said to find you had to reach for you connect to the spirit searched the bible went to church talked and talked to the heavens always silence and dread you didn’t like me my sins too great you loathed me and shunned me tore me to pieces the loving god hated me Read more from Susi Bocks: Feeling Human: A Creative Insight to the Human Condition… Read more
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