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A Phenomenological Study of the Journey from Christian Fundamentalism to Atheism

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A Phenomenological Study of the Journey from Christian Fundamentalism to Atheism ATHABASCA UNIVERSITY FROM BELIEF TO DISBELIEF: A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE JOURNEY FROM CHRISTIAN FUNDAMENTALISM TO ATHEISM BY TAYLOR E. NOLAND A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF GRADUATE STUDIES IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF COUNSELLING GRADUATE CENTRE OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY ATHABASCA, ALBERTA SEPTEMBER 2016 ©TAYLOR NOLAND ii The future of learning. Approval of Thesis The undersigned certify that they have read the thesis entitled “From Belief to Disbelief: A Phenomenological Study of the Journey from Christian Fundamentalism to Atheism” Submitted by Taylor Noland In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Counselling The thesis examination committee certifies that the thesis and the oral examination is approved Supervisor: Dr. Jeff Chang Athabasca University Committee member: Dr. Paul Jerry Athabasca University External Examiner: Dr. Sharon Pham Providence University College & Theological Seminary May 4, 2017 1 University Drive, Athabasca, AB, T9S 3A3 Canada P: 780.675-6821 | Toll-free (CAN/U.S.) 1.800.788.9041 6821) [email protected] | fgs.athabascau.ca | athabascau.ca iii FROM BELIEF TO DISBELIEF Abstract This thesis describes the rationale and methodology for a qualitative research project on the journey from Christian fundamentalism to atheism. It includes a review of the relevant literature on apostasy from Christian fundamentalism and on the adoption of an atheist identity, as well as a definition of the terms atheism, Christian fundamentalism, and apostasy/deconversion that will be used in this study. Descriptive phenomenology is the approach best suited to the research question and Colaizzi’s method as the optimum choice for data analysis because it incorporates participant feedback. Typologies for deconversion and for assuming an atheist identity are presented and discussed. Ethical considerations are also identified and addressed. The research question is: What is the lived experience of those who have moved from Christian fundamentalism to atheism? Keywords: atheism, Christian fundamentalism, apostasy, deconversion iv FROM BELIEF TO DISBELIEF Table of Contents Approval of Thesis .............................................................................................................. ii Abstract .............................................................................................................................. iii Table of Contents ............................................................................................................... iv List of Tables .................................................................................................................... vii List of Figures .................................................................................................................. viii Chapter I – Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1 Rise in Secularism .......................................................................................................... 1 Research Question .......................................................................................................... 2 Author’s Position ............................................................................................................ 3 Chapter II – Literature Review ........................................................................................... 4 Atheism ........................................................................................................................... 4 Christian Fundamentalism .............................................................................................. 6 Apostasy ........................................................................................................................ 10 Forms of Apostasy ........................................................................................................ 11 Reasons for Apostasy .................................................................................................... 14 The Process of Apostasy ............................................................................................... 18 Psychological Consequences for Christian Fundamentalist Apostates ........................ 20 Becoming an Atheist ..................................................................................................... 25 Literature Review Summary ......................................................................................... 29 Chapter III – Methodology ............................................................................................... 32 Choice of Descriptive Phenomenology ........................................................................ 33 Sampling ....................................................................................................................... 35 Recruitment of Participants .......................................................................................... 37 Number of Participants ................................................................................................. 37 Interviewing .................................................................................................................. 40 Data Analysis ................................................................................................................ 41 Step one – transcription of data. ............................................................................... 42 Step two – extraction of significant statements. ....................................................... 42 Step three – formulation of meanings. ...................................................................... 43 Step four – aggregation into cluster themes and larger themes. ............................... 44 Steps five and six – exhaustive description and fundamental structure. ................... 45 Step seven – verification of findings......................................................................... 45 Ethical Considerations .................................................................................................. 46 Respect for the participants. ...................................................................................... 46 Informed consent and data protection. ...................................................................... 47 Eliminating bias to accurately reflect participants’ voices ....................................... 48 Chapter IV – Findings ....................................................................................................... 49 Emergent Theme 1 ........................................................................................................ 50 Believing in Christian fundamentalism due to being born into it. ............................ 50 Believing in Christian fundamentalism due to indoctrination. ................................. 51 Believing in Christian fundamentalism due to being in a bubble with a lack of dissenting information. ............................................................................................. 53 Christian fundamentalism as the main focus in life and central aspect of identity. .. 54 Seeing nonbelievers as suspicious “outsiders” with whom interaction is limited and seen as likely being problematic. .............................................................................. 54 v FROM BELIEF TO DISBELIEF Emergent Theme 2 ........................................................................................................ 56 Questioning/moving away from Christian fundamentalism due to disillusionment with the actions of church leaders and members. ..................................................... 56 Feeling guilt and shame about one’s past actions as a Christian fundamentalist. .... 59 Being embarrassed about one’s history of holding Christian fundamentalist beliefs. ................................................................................................................................... 61 Leaving Christian fundamentalism and becoming an atheist was an extended process. ...................................................................................................................... 63 Perceptual changes after leaving Christian fundamentalism. ................................... 67 Gaining a sense of personal freedom after leaving Christian fundamentalism......... 68 Emergent Theme 3 ........................................................................................................ 71 Experiencing cognitive dissonance as a direct result of Christian fundamentalist teachings. .................................................................................................................. 72 Influence of critical thinking in breaking down Christian fundamentalist beliefs. ... 73 Access to new/outside information contributed to leaving Christian fundamentalism. ................................................................................................................................... 74 Permanent loss of Christian fundamentalist beliefs due to new knowledge and critical thinking. ........................................................................................................ 76 Emergent Theme 4 ........................................................................................................ 78 Feelings of inadequacy due to Christian fundamentalist messages. ........................
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