The Rise and Fall of Faith: A God-to-Godless Story for Christians and Atheists - Softcover

Bekius, Drew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1634311108 ISBN 13: 9781634311106

Publisher: Pitchstone Publishing, 2017

Synopsis

The story of religion in 21st century America has been defined, in large part, by the stories of zealous pastors moving beyond their faith to embrace a life of reason. But too often and too quickly ardent believers dismiss such accounts as aberrations. Meanwhile atheists and other skeptics struggle to understand what took such individuals so long to make the exit. The questions posed by one side inevitably mirror those asked by the other. What does "real" faith look like and how do you know it when you have it? And what allows anyone to be so sure their beliefs are based in reality? What would it take for believers to stop believing in God? And what would it take for nonbelievers to begin? Drawing on the author's own story as a former evangelical pastor powerless to stop his turn to atheism, The Rise and Fall of Faith touches on these and other questions. While the aim of the book is to initiate a much-needed conversation between Christians and atheists, it will be up to each of us to carry the discussion forward--in the evaluation of our own inner thoughts, in the assumptions we make about the other side, and in how we work together in the pursuit of understanding and common ground as we navigate the world's quickly changing religious landscape.

About this title

About the Author:

Dan Barker is co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Drew Bekius is creator of HumanistCoach.com and board president at The Clergy Project, whose mission is to provide community, support, and hope to current and former religious professionals who no longer hold supernatural beliefs. 

Review:

"An extraordinary offering . . . a cinematic drama . . . an alternative to rancor and a path toward understanding." —Gretta Vosper, Minister, West Hill United Church of Toronto; author, With or Without God: Why the Way We Live is More Important Than What We Believe

“A deep, satisfying, and ultimately hopeful read." —Katherine Ozment, author, Grace Without God: The Search for Meaning, Purpose, and Belonging in the Secular Age

“A gratifying and memorable read.” —Dale McGowan, founder, Foundation Beyond Belief; author, In Faith and In Doubt: How Religious Believers and Non-Believers Can Create Strong Marriages and Loving Families

“This is a joy to read. It's written . . . with humor, sincerity, and openness.” —Linda LaScola, co-author, Caught in the Pulpit: Leaving Belief Behind; co-founder, The Clergy Project

"Drew’s personal story of losing his life as he lost his faith and yet surviving is a compelling read that will resonate for others doubting their faith." —Jeff T. Haley, author, Sharing Reality: How to Bring Secularism and Science to an Evolving Religious World

“This book is for anyone looking to understand the evangelical mind.” —Robyn Blumner, president and CEO, Center for Inquiry; CEO, Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science

“I could not put it down.” —Darrel Ray, founder, Recovering from Religion; author, God & Sex: How Religion Distorts Sexuality

"A wonderful journey of thought through a path strewn with valuable insights." —Roy Speckhardt, executive director, American Humanist Association; author, Creating Change Through Humanism

“This polarized country of ours needs more leaders like Drew Bekius.” —Bart Campolo, Humanist Chaplain, University of Southern California

About this edition

• Publisher: Pitchstone Publishing
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1634311108
• ISBN 13: 9781634311106
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 207