The Pastor Who Became an Atheist, Modern Mystics, and More

From Preacher to Doubter

As a teenager, Jerry DeWitt was about as fiery a Christian as they come. But slowly, over the course of his 25-year career as a pastor, DeWitt’s beliefs began to burn off until he finally realized he no longer believed in God, or in the infallibility of the Bible. Then he was forced to confront not only the loss of his faith, but of his friends, his wife, and his secular job.

Jerry DeWitt, author of Hope After Faith: An Ex-Pastor’s Journey from Belief to Atheism

Clergy Who Lose Faith Find Support Online

Clergy turned nonbelievers sometimes have no one to confide in. That’s where an online community called The Clergy Project comes in, providing an anonymous haven for everything from job tips to simple commiseration. Of their nearly 500 members, a little more than 100 are active clergy, wrestling with doubts often while leading a congregation.

Catherine Dunphy, executive director of The Clergy Project

Introducing the Modern-Day Mystics

Philosopher William James was famous for his definition of mystical experiences in the early twentieth century. But what do they actually look like today? Producer Tali Singer presents a brand-new series: Modern-Day Mystics. This time, we meet Carl McColman. He’s been Catholic for about nine years now, but his story starts with one weekend, back when he was a Lutheran teenager.

Carl McColman, contemplative writer and speaker


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