Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious Exodus

Freidom Fighter
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Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious Exodus

Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious Exodus is a podcast by Freidom Fighter that aims to explore the personal journeys and experiences of people who have left fundamentalist religions. Raw and unedited, the podcast is an invitation for you to share your story as you are, with a focus on your journey around healing, making sense of your past, and finding meaning outside of religion. Learn more at freidomfighter.com/podcast

  1. River: Former Evangelical Christian

    6 DAYS AGO

    River: Former Evangelical Christian

    In this episode of 'Beyond Belief, Tales of Religious Exodus,' host Shalom welcomes River, a psychotherapist, to share their deeply personal journey of leaving the evangelical missionary church of Canada. River discusses the strict religious upbringing as a pastor's child in Kitchener, Ontario, dealing with the trauma of family life, and the impact of a personal tragedy catalyzed their questioning of faith. They explore the challenges of deconstructing ingrained beliefs, the importance of new supportive relationships, and the journey towards self-compassion and self-acceptance. Through therapy and a shift towards Eastern philosophies, River illustrates the profound transformation from deeply embedded religiosity to a path of authenticity and healing. 00:00 Introduction to Beyond Belief 00:19 Meet River: A Psychotherapist's Perspective 00:53 River's Religious Upbringing 01:38 Core Beliefs of the Evangelical Missionary Church 02:58 Family Dynamics and Religious Expectations 06:10 Struggles with Identity and Belonging 23:47 The Impact of Original Sin 27:53 Marriage and Gradual Deconstruction 30:07 The Reality of Parenting Alone 30:35 Meeting Wife and Religious Journey 31:33 A Life-Altering Tragedy 32:44 Deconstructing Faith and Beliefs 34:40 University Life and Changing Perspectives 37:01 Leaving Religion Completely 42:25 Parenting Challenges and Personal Growth 47:13 Healing and New Relationships 49:31 Advice for Those on a Deconstruction Journey 51:00 Reflecting on Life Choices and Parenting 01:00:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    1h 1m
  2. Esther: Former Mennonite Missionary

    5 NOV

    Esther: Former Mennonite Missionary

    In this episode of 'Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious Exodus,' we follow Esther's compelling journey from spending her childhood in China and Canada as a missionary child in Pentecostal and Mennonite communities, to her deconversion during the pandemic. Esther shares the challenges of navigating contrasting religious environments, her experience of missionary work, the conflicting teachings on purity, and how the political climate and her sister's coming out influenced her path to identifying as spiritual but not religious. Along her journey, she finds healing through therapy, a supportive relationship with her husband, and the courage to embrace a life beyond entrenched religious dogma. 00:00 Introduction to Beyond Belief 00:19 Esther's Early Life and Religious Background 01:56 Missionary Work and Cultural Contrasts 06:18 Pentecostal and Mennonite Beliefs 09:02 Family Dynamics and Personal Struggles 14:06 Transition to Life in Canada 24:12 Navigating Relationships and Personal Growth 27:43 Shared Values and Deconstructing Christianity 28:26 Pandemic Conversations and Personal Revelations 29:22 Questioning Sin and Social Justice 29:43 Political Disillusionment and Church Attendance 32:43 Struggles with Purity Culture 36:50 Leaving Religion and Finding Support 40:03 Therapy and Self-Compassion 41:57 Cultural Contexts and Hypocrisy 48:06 Final Reflections and Advice

    49 min
  3. Nick: Former Yeshivish Jewish

    18 OCT

    Nick: Former Yeshivish Jewish

    In this episode, we explore Nick's transition from a religious upbringing in Orthodox Judaism to a secular life filled with exploration and self-discovery. The episodes cover a range of experiences and themes, from the global moves from Ottawa to Brussels, the struggle with religious education and personal faith, and the challenges faced within a strict community. Personal stories highlight their shift away from orthodoxy, struggles with societal and familial expectations, and the quest for authenticity and self-trust amid a conservative upbringing. Topics of sexual identity, mental health, and personal empowerment are deeply explored, alongside the significance of building an online community and the liberating symbolism of motorcycling. This episode delves into overcoming adversity, questioning longstanding beliefs, and the continuous journey toward personal liberation and mental resilience. Here's a photo of Nick before and after his journey. 00:21 Guest Introduction and Background 00:41 Life in Israel and Religious Education 02:37 Struggles with Religious Beliefs 09:01 Leaving Religion and Finding Community 13:21 Adjusting to a New Life 21:08 Reflections and Final Thoughts 30:09 Choosing the Right Books for Personal Growth 31:18 Blocking Out Distractions: Social Media and YouTube 32:25 The Power of Writing Down Your Thoughts 33:29 Is It Worth It? The Struggle of Leaving Religion 34:26 Questioning Religious Teachings and Practices 35:52 Navigating Life as a Bisexual in a Religious Community 39:43 Family Reactions to Leaving Religion and Being Bisexual 43:44 Advice for Those Questioning Their Faith 47:37 The Dilemma of Returning to a Religious Community 56:54 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Freedom

    59 min
  4. Jayson: Former Yeshivish Jewish

    3 OCT

    Jayson: Former Yeshivish Jewish

    In this episode of 'Beyond Belief, Tales of Religious Exodus,' we explore Jayson's personal journey out of Orthodox Judaism. Growing up in a religious household in Brooklyn, Jason describes his upbringing as Yeshivish modern and details the nuances of his family dynamics and religious practices. At the age of 20, he began to question his beliefs after exposure to college science courses and noticing inconsistencies within religious texts. Jason shares the challenges of leaving a religion so deeply ingrained in identity and lifestyle, expressing the difficulty of losing a personal connection with God. Despite not fully leaving the religious community, Jayson continues to balance cultural orthodoxy with exploration and new life experiences, offering insights into navigating life with one foot in and one foot out of organized religion. The episode highlights the importance of community and shared experiences when questioning and potentially leaving one's faith. 00:00 Introduction to Beyond Belief 00:42 Jayson's Orthodox Jewish Upbringing 03:12 Cultural Nuances and Family Dynamics 06:04 Questioning Faith and Seeking Answers 08:38 The Journey Through Yeshiva and College 15:44 Struggles with Cognitive Dissonance 26:08 Navigating Graduate School Challenges 27:03 Current Life and Identity 28:10 Marriage and Family Dynamics 29:16 Raising Children with Cultural Values 30:32 Finding Meaning in Rituals 33:22 Balancing Community and Personal Beliefs 36:58 Seeking Belonging and Community 40:13 Exploring Life Beyond Religion 42:24 Reflections on Intellectual and Emotional Journeys 54:25 Final Thoughts and Farewell

    55 min
  5. Alex: Former Breslov Jewish

    9 SEPT

    Alex: Former Breslov Jewish

    This episode of Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious Exodus features Alex, who shares his compelling journey of leaving Orthodox Judaism. Alex discusses his upbringing in a culturally Jewish family, his deep involvement with 12-step recovery programs, and his extensive exploration of various Orthodox sects. He describes a pivotal moment in December 2022 that led him to leave the community and begin a profound deconstruction process. Alex explores the practices and communities that helped him heal, including meditation, trauma-informed therapy, and unconventional 12-step meetings. The episode delves into the complexities of finding authenticity and meaning beyond rigid religious boundaries. 00:00 Introduction to Beyond Belief 01:43 Alex's Early Life and Religious Upbringing 03:06 Struggles with Addiction and Recovery 05:58 First Encounter with Orthodox Judaism 10:59 Immersion in Orthodox Study and Community 25:35 Conflicts and Doubts about Orthodox Beliefs 29:04 Struggles with Gender and Faith 29:47 Meditation and Jewish Practices 30:46 Gender Roles and Responsibilities in Judaism 31:48 Questioning Jewish Ancestry and Practices 32:43 Critique of Religious Texts and Leaders 35:25 Journey Through Different Jewish Sects 38:40 The Final Straw and Deconstruction 42:58 Finding New Paths and Healing 53:13 Advice for Others in Deconstruction 54:13 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

    57 min
  6. Rami: Former Sunni Muslim

    13 AUG

    Rami: Former Sunni Muslim

    In this episode of 'Beyond Belief,' the show delves into transformative personal journeys away from traditional religious beliefs. The segment features Rami, who shares his path from a culturally Islamic upbringing in Los Angeles to becoming a vocal ex-Muslim advocate. He discusses the social and familial challenges he faced, his intellectual awakening, and his efforts with his nonprofit, 'Uniting the Cults,' to promote scientific thinking over religious dogma. 00:00 Introduction to Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious Exodus 00:17 Rami's Background and Initial Thoughts on Islam 03:30 The Journey to Becoming an Ex-Muslim 05:35 Philosophical and Theological Explorations 07:00 Engaging with the Ex-Muslim Community 10:28 Personal Reflections on Morality and Religion 16:20 Rami's Intellectual and Emotional Evolution 31:19 The Role of Rationality and Love in Rami's Life 36:26 Rami's Nonprofit and Advocacy Work 37:12 Uniting the Cults: A Mission Beyond Apostasy 38:10 Understanding Apostasy Laws in Islam 40:26 Personal Suffering and the Impact of Islam 43:39 Helping Ex-Muslims: A Unique Approach 45:26 Philosophy and Science: A Unified Perspective 53:03 The Role of Education in Critical Thinking 01:01:44 Gender Dynamics and Cultural Influences 01:15:06 The Influence of Jewish Thinkers 01:20:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    1h 21m
  7. Pesi: Former Yeshivish Jewish

    6 AUG

    Pesi: Former Yeshivish Jewish

    This episode of Beyond Belief, explores the profound journey of Pesi Weinberg, a former Orthodox Jew turned therapist and comedian. Pesi discusses growing up in a strict religious environment, the internal and external conflicts he faced, and his ultimate decision to leave the faith. Through candid conversation, Pesi shares insights into the struggles, triumphs, and the ongoing process of healing that comes with such a significant life change. The discussion also delves into the importance of community, the role of therapy, and the power of self-exploration and acceptance in finding a new path to meaning and fulfillment. 00:00 Introduction to Beyond Belief 00:48 Guest Background and Upbringing 02:23 Parental Influence and Rebellion 07:32 Struggles with Authority and Education 11:48 Journey into Kirov and Marriage 23:53 Disillusionment and Leaving Religion 32:26 Transition to Secular Life in Israel 35:07 Reintegrating into the Religious Community 35:22 Teaching in a Religious School Again 35:52 Struggles with the Orthodox Community 36:27 Involvement in the Ex-Orthodox Community 37:09 Ongoing Identity and Emotional Struggles 38:20 Transition to Therapy and New Career Path 42:07 Understanding and Processing Trauma 56:22 Advice for Those Leaving Orthodoxy 01:01:07 Resources for Support and Healing

    1h 8m
  8. Shalom: Former Evangelical Orthodox Jewish

    15 JUL

    Shalom: Former Evangelical Orthodox Jewish

    In this episode of 'Beyond Belief, Tales of Religious Exodus,' host Shalom shares his journey of leaving Orthodox Judaism in an interview with Aviva. Shalom discusses growing up in a fervently religious family and the intense emotional and mental struggles that accompanied his departure from religion. He reflects on his ongoing healing process, the significance of therapy, the importance of intellectual study, and the challenging search for community. Additionally, he opens up about how family dynamics and relationships, including his divorce, have shaped his journey. Shalom now advocates for mental health and critiques fundamentalist practices, offering valuable insights and advice for others considering similar paths of personal growth and religious exodus. 01:34 Shalom's Orthodox Jewish Upbringing 05:14 Parental Influence and Cultural Divide 06:35 Navigating Religious Education 08:00 Intersecting Identities and Communities 11:46 Parental Relationships with Religion 21:51 Struggles with Religious Expectations 25:44 Leaving Religion: The Turning Point 40:46 Post-Religion Challenges and Healing 47:25 Exploring the Modern Workplace 47:56 Personal Journey: Leaving Religion 48:05 Challenges and Interventions 49:00 Resentment and Contradictions 51:58 Seeking Understanding and Acceptance 54:26 Milestones and Identity 59:02 Reflections on Childhood and Education 01:07:37 Healing and Community 01:14:53 Impact of Relationships 01:21:29 Advice for Others Leaving Religion 01:26:51 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    1h 32m
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About

Beyond Belief: Tales of Religious Exodus is a podcast by Freidom Fighter that aims to explore the personal journeys and experiences of people who have left fundamentalist religions. Raw and unedited, the podcast is an invitation for you to share your story as you are, with a focus on your journey around healing, making sense of your past, and finding meaning outside of religion. Learn more at freidomfighter.com/podcast

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