A Pastoral Theology of Disenfranchised Doubt and Deconversion from Restrictive Religious Groups

ABSTRACT Individuals raised in restrictive religious groups are taught narrow assumptions. To question these beliefs is emotionally difficult, intellectually challenging and relationally isolating – and to reject them is to lose part of their identity, violate the norms of their faith communities and invalidate key principles of their families of origin. In this paper I share part of my autobiography and offer theological and psychological principles for pastoral and spiritual care of disenfranchised doubt for individuals rethinking what they were raised to believe. I utilize a holistic theological anthropology and emphasize multi-dimensional pastoral counseling to address the intrapersonal and interpersonal aspects of doubt and deconversion.