De-Conversion

De-conversion is the reverse of conver­sion. While some creep away from the faith like a gliding glacier, the de-converted are glaciers calving off, crashing into the sea with devastating effect. Read on with holy fear.

Paraphras­ing Dr. Michael Kruger,

De-conversion stories seek to convince Christians that their 'outdated, naïve beliefs' are no longer worthy of assent. People tell how they once thought like you, but have now 'seen the light'. Christian­ity has never lacked people, who once in the fold, later left. They tell their stories with a conviction, passion, and evangelistic zeal to make a televangelist blush. Today, these powerful stories are high profile, wide-spread throughout the internet.1

Also, today de-converted people have greater zeal. They don't leave quietly, as they might have genera­tions ago. Now their purpose is to 'evangelize' the found rather than the lost sheep. In their minds, they are missionaries, compelled to help Christians realize their 'mistake'. Modern examples of people in the de-conversion business include Bart Ehrman, Rob Bell, Peter Enns, and Jen Hatmaker. We could add the "Jesus Seminar" and, for the UK, Steve Chalke.2

They experienced overwhelming 'aha' moments.3 The Bible suddenly jarred with their intellectual integrity, personal sensitivities, or cultural proclivities. Whenever that happens, the Bible loses out. Scripture speaks of de-conversion with terrifying seriousness. The technical, theological word is 'apostasy'. (Hebrews 10:31) Read More