ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we examine the process of exiting religion. We distinguish between easy and extreme exits, arguing that the difficulty associated with religious exiting ranges along a continuum. We suggest there are four broad factors that contribute to people first doubting or questioning their religion: affective factors, social horizon factors, belief factors, and behavioral factors. We then examine the next stages of religious exiting – disengagement and de-fellowshipping, detailing how people change their identities, their beliefs, and their behaviors as part of their religious exit. We conclude by exploring how those who leave religion, particularly those who experience extreme exits, have to construct a new self by restructuring their identity hierarchy and developing or adopting new beliefs and behaviors.
