Thread by @mcjulie

This thread touches on most of the things I would want to mention, regarding that particular article, but I have one other observation --

https://twitter.com/HC_Exvangelical/status/1396884425896509444

There's a common framing to all of these evangelical "but have you considered NOT deconstructing your way into the exvangelical wilderness?" essays, which is that it is YOUR job -- the individual believer -- to work hard to hang onto your faith in spite of everything

A LOT of evangelical writing takes the form of self-help advice. "Here's how to hang onto your evangelical faith with all this deconstruction going on" comes off with the same energy as "here's how to keep up your exercise routine during the pandemic"

There never seems to be any advice directed toward the people who might be considered spiritual leaders -- like "here's how to council somebody who comes to you with their faith doubts" or "is your church actively driving people away, some things to consider"

There's this presumption that the people currently in the faith -- which, remember, frequently includes people who were raised in it, who never chose to be there -- have some inherent obligation to TRY to stick with the church. That we OWE the church something.

There's a persistent underlying idea that if we left the church, it's because WE failed the church, not because the CHURCH failed us.

Which is offensive in all kinds of ways, but it's also a really good way to ensure that the church never learns anything about why people leave

"These people lost their faith, let's talk about how they screwed up" is not exactly an invitation to an honest, helpful dialog to follow.

"Blame the leaver" messaging is extremely pervasive. Like, "oh, you're just mad at God" -- as if being "mad at God" is some kind of irrational pathology that an emotionally healthy person would be able to overcome.

BUT these same evangelicals also sell their faith as a way to "fix" damaged people so it's not exactly consistent.

"You're damaged, we'll help, join our church!"

"Whoops, you're damaged, our church is too good for you, sorry."