Since I have begun my journey out of Christianity I have encountered many new words that I never knew or never explored without a strong Christian worldview clouding my vision. Today I want to look at these words. Let's start exploring the definition of words like atheist, spirituality, exChristian, humanism and spiritual abuse with a post-Christian perspective. The following like exChristian and other new words are defined by my understanding and may differ from the ways others would define them.
ExChristian
I spent most of my years not realizing this was a term. There were believers who backslid and I knew a few who had left the church but considering them as exChristian didn’t cross my mind. What is an exChristian? It is someone who has left the faith of Christianity. Christian generally refers to anyone who follows Biblical teaching. This is a loose definition and is defined differently by many. ExChristian’s have renounced Christianity with words, actions or thoughts. They used to be sincere and devoted Christians and are no longer. There are some that would argue that they were never real Christians but often it is very faithful and committed believers who begin to question and eventually leave. Another term that can be used to describe this is deconversion.
Exvangelical
This term is similar to exChristian but is more defined. An evangelical is a born-again Christian, often fundamental and conservative. They believe the good news of Jesus Christ, personal conversion, the Bible as basis for their faith and actively preaching and spreading the Gospel. An Exvangelical has left evangelism and no longer believe or follow this faith. The term can shortened to “exvies”.
Deconstruction
This has been described as a phenomenon within churches of people rethinking their faith. It is a personal journey people choose to take where they examine their beliefs and practices to see if they are compassionate, loving and just. The beliefs most commonly changed concern sexual and gender beliefs as sin, women in leadership issues, eternal hell versus universalism (God’s grace is irresistible and all will be saved), and biblical inerrancy.
Progressive Christianity
Many who deconstruct become progressive Christians. They continue to love and follow Jesus but change how they view the Bible and how they treat others. They fight against racism, injustice, corruption, abuse and exclusion. They commit to questioning and learning. Many Progressive Christians happily continue to attend churches, starting or finding ones that fit their values and purpose. They strive to change Christianity from the inside into what they understand Jesus would want and to bring healing to those who have been hurt by traditional Christianity..
Atheists and Agnostics
Some who deconstruct stay in the faith as Progressive Christians, others become atheists. The etymological definition of atheist is “a”=without and “theist”=God, so “without God”. An atheist does not believe in a god or any gods. Their disbelief may be not thoroughly consider or it may be studied and carefully investigated. Atheists come to this lack of belief in god in different ways. Some have had painful unanswered prayer like death of loved ones, others have come at this from logic, rationale, and science. An agnostic while similar to an atheist, is a person who doesn’t believe it is possible to know for sure that a god exists. Nothing is known for certain or can be known of the existence or nature of God.
As a Christian, we were taught atheists and agnostics have a God-sized hole in their lives, have no peace and are generally unhappy, and likely evil, lost heathens. What I have discovered is that atheists and agnostics are a diverse group of ordinary people. They generally don’t believe the world is an empty and meaningless place. They find it fascinating and wonderful place and they enjoy the beauty and mysteries of life. They don’t need all the answers but face life with curiousity. Atheists and agnostics are generally peaceful, content, giving and caring. They donate, volunteer and are active in making the world a better place.
Humanist
A humanist is a follower of the principles of humanism. This is a system of thought attaching prime importance on humans and not on any god or supernatural explanation. They stress the potential value and goodness of humans and look for ways to meet human needs and solve human problems. They work to create a more humane world that is filled with justice, compassion, morals and ethics based on human caring and logic and look to the well being of all of humanity. (Americanhumanist.org)
Spirituality
This word can be used many different ways. In Christianity it would mean something like finding your purpose and values in God. I am using spiritual in comparison and contrast to the term religious. Religious means ascribing to an organized community or group with common beliefs and practices. Examples of religions are Christian or Muslims. Spirituality, in contrast, is a personal belief in a higher power without religion. It is a personal choice and can include meditating, praying, personal practices and a sense of peace and purpose. It is finding purpose and values in ourselves and our world.
Spiritual Abuse
An event or series of experiences a person endures from a religious leader or organization. The abuse can be overt, physical or sexual, or can be slow, subtle and insidious. It includes using religious beliefs and abusive power to force you through control, manipulation and fear into spiritual or religious practices you don't want to do.
Spiritual Trauma
Spiritual trauma is a result of spiritual abuse. It is the result of the damage of the abuse. Abuse leaves challenging emotional consequences. The same event or series of events may cause more trauma for one person than another. Having more trauma isn't a sign of weakness but just means a difference in life experiences and perspective before and during the event.
So where do I fit in this dictionary?
I am an exChristian and Exvangelical. Most days I find myself believing in something or someone, a higher power. I find myself examining spirituality in a different way than I did as a Christian. There are days I consider atheism but don’t quite land there. Like a humanist, I seek to give my life meaning by seeking happiness, peace and contentment in this life and helping others to the same. I am working through any spiritual abuse and trauma I experienced and finding understanding and healing. Life really is a journey and definitions, while they can be helpful, are not really needed for life. I still feel myself to be in process, not headed back to Christianity, but discovering who I am and how I can be the best me in this world.
Val Martens
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