The Death of Providence
In a world full of unrelenting and massive suffering, it is extremely difficult to defend belief in an interventionist, miracle-working, providential God.
Tag Archive for: Martin Thielen
Faith Lost and Faith Kept
An interview with Martin Thielen about his new (free) book: My Long Farewell to Traditional Religion and What Remains
Can Christianity Be Deinstitutionalized?
A lot of twenty-first century believers are seeking a post-institutionalized (or at least a less institutionalized) version of Christianity.
Why Retired Clergy Lose Faith and Leave Church
For someone with “Reverend” in front of their name, admitting that he or she has lost faith feels overwhelmingly frightening and threatening.
Creating a Good Life
At this stage on the journey, I’ve identified five core essentials I need to live a good life.
My Long Farewell to Traditional Religion (and What Remains)
Like some of the early followers of Jesus, I have doubted. A lot. This is my story.
Talladega Nights, John Wayne, January 6, and Jesus
If Jesus doesn’t challenge my worldview, values, politics, and daily life, and if he doesn’t make me uncomfortable on a regular basis, I’m probably not taking him seriously.
It’s (Past) Time to Raze Hell
What kind of deity would eternally torture people in agonizing flames of hell?
If Faith Were a Movie
Today’s religious environment offers Americans a wide variety of faith options. In the spirit of the recent Academy Awards season, this column will focus on five of them, each one illustrated by a movie.
Six Lessons I’ve Learned about Doubt
In recent decades, tens of millions of Americans have left their churches and other places of worship, and that trend shows no sign of abating.