9 Comments
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Mike Vega's avatar

It’s still a wild, eye opening experience to see how many people have to deprogram from evangelicalism. It’s been the most hopeful thing in going through the whole deconstruction process.

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Patti Velky's avatar

Thank you for sharing in this new way. Your words touch me where I am in my journey. They allow me to rediscover the Christianity of Jesus and walk away from the to toxic version embodied in the Evangelical church. Shame is a powerful thing, but the process of daily overcoming is where real growth and faith is found for me.

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Matt Brady's avatar

As someone that was “let go” from a church job (since churches conveniently don’t call it firing or laying off, especially when it’s to hire the lead pastor’s best friend to fill your job), I resonate deeply with that feeling of shame but still having that itch to contribute something to the collective faith journey found outside those doors. Thanks for sharing from your experiences. Maybe one day I’ll feel comfortable enough to start digging into mine more fully.

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Brian Recker's avatar

it is super healing and helpful to write it out (for me anyways!). Great to have you following along

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keianna's avatar

"the worst thing is never the last thing" love that so much

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Toby B's avatar

After years of spiritual abuse that can be summed up in the evangelical perspective on “dying to self”, reading your letter was so healing. I’m going through a difficult situation right now where I feel like I’m “dying to self” (non-evangelical version) and awaiting a “resurrection”. Thank you.

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John's avatar

Thank you Brian. I have no one to talk to about all this, so it’s nice to read your comments!

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Derek Matt's avatar

I recently found a group that focuses on reducing church shame. I’ve been looking for this for over a decade. The people make the difference. And this post makes me feel less alone. I appreciate your vulnerability and willingness to share. This is real.

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Jenn's avatar

Appreciate the share. I never had the words to describe what getting kicked out of the church did to me. More shame than I knew how to process at the time. This is very healing , much appreciated

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