Losing my religion: Clergy who no longer believe gather online

[hrmjustin]

Kimberly Winston

(RNS) Catherine Dunphy came to seminary in her mid-20s, full of passion to work in the service of the Catholic Church. By the time she left, for many reasons, she had lost her faith.

“I had this struggle where I thought, ‘I don’t believe this anymore,’” said Dunphy, now 40 and living in Toronto. “I felt I had no space to move or breathe. I felt like an outcast.”

Now, 10 years later, she is part of a new online project aimed at helping others like herself who are isolated by doubt in a sea of believers. Called Rational Doubt: The Clergy Project Blog, it debuts this week on Patheos, an online host of religion and spirituality blogs.

Rational Doubt is an extension of The Clergy Project, a private online community of clergy who, for a range of reasons, no longer believe in God. Started three years ago, the initiative has grown from just a handful of anonymous members who supported each other on online forums and discussions to a current roster of more than 550 priests, ministers, nuns, rabbis and even a few imams.

http://www.religionnews.com/2014/04/24/losing-religion-clergy-longer-believe-gather-online/

[cbayer]

1. This is a really good project and I am glad it is thriving.

They have a very positive and supportive approach, imo.

[hrmjustin]

2. I agree. I know a few clergy this happened to and they needed support.

Glad this is around.

[Brettongarcia]

3. I agree

[LiberalFighter]

4. I'm wondering what is the trigger that leads them in that path?

I'm also wondering what they learn in the seminary. If they have extensive teaching and research or just the basics of mostly preaching?

[hrmjustin]

5. Depends on the seminary and how long your there.

Good seminaries try to get a good combo of theology, pastoral care, and personal therapy.

[skepticscott]

6. They learn to ignore their doubts

and to compartmentalize their rationality. But for some people, the light eventually breaks through, and the cognitive dissonance can't be maintained.

[hrmjustin]

8. Good seminaries explore that doubt.

[cbayer]

7. The man who runs this is highly educated, as are many of the members who

I have read.

They are a serious organization and you might be interested in pursuing their site.

http://www.clergyproject.org

[AtheistCrusader]

9. Reason, usually.

There was a recent thread on a pastor who became an atheist because he couldn't reconcile the 4 gospel accounts of the resurrection. So 'reason' would be the tool he implemented in that case. (Snark aside. I mean that genuinely, not as an assholish tossed-off comment)