Notes: Recovering from Religion

Darrel Ray, author of “The God Virus: How Religion Infects Our Lives and Culture” also runs a foundation of support groups for those leaving their faith, called Recovering from Religion. This can be a traumatic time for such individuals, because they are also leaving a close and supportive community. I got the chance to talk with Darrel, and record my sketchy notes below.

• People don’t come to the discussion meetings to debate. Rather they just wish to share, and almost always talk themselves out of God belief.
• Many of the groups are located in Coffee Shops, Libraries, Bars, and other social gathering places. Meetings usually last about 2hrs.
• The organizer is not a psychologist or social worker. Rather, they act as a facilitator.
• Groups need to be kept small, to encourage talking and sharing.
• Easy to start a group: can do it through MeetUp with keywords “Freethinking” “Atheist” “Recovery” “Religion”.
• Keep group focus clear: It’s a conduit bridge for a transitional period.
• Don’t affiliate. You’ll be seen as a front group, and the timid will run away.
• Most attendees don’t attend many meetings. Typically takes only a month or so to transition to a new lifestyle.