nj_heathens

A co-worker with whom I've shared many discussions about our religious beliefs has begun to question some of what she was taught by her devout Catholic parents. She's very close to her parents and has expressed some fear of how they will react if she tells them she's begun to question her faith. But her mother's questions about her church attendance and statements about the importance of going to church regularly have her frustrated and feeling negative about her ability to discuss her feelings about religion with her parents.

I've given her the links to IIDB and the Secular Web and she likes what she sees. She told me she still believes in God, but I know she has serious questions about the Catholic Church and the Pope's authority.

I'd like to give her some links where she can read what other Catholics have to say about their changing beliefs, dealing with family, etc., so that she can be assured that she's not at all alone. Either some forum threads (here or elsewhere), articles, whatever is available to those just beginning to realize they have questions about their faith. I'm not sure SL&S is the right place for her, just yet.

Would appreciate any suggestions.

Mrs. Heathen

sakrilege

She might like ReligiousTolerance. It's not about deconverting but it does have a lot of nonjudgemental information on all sorts of religion.

Bree

I'm going to move this to SL&S.

Proxima Centauri

If she tells her family now that she has religious doubts, the Priests, Religious Sisters and others will descend on her and discourage her from losing faith.
I suspect it would be better if she kept quiet till she is, hopefully settled in secular beliefs.

mike_decock

Perhaps pointing her to some deconversion boards will help. Knowing that others have gone through the same process is comforting and encouraging.

-Mike...

Rhea

This one might have some insights from people facing her issues - or worse.

Walk Away From Fundamentalism

Gemma Therese

B. Shack --

The Catholic Church is not out to get you.

Gemma Therese

beth

Right, but I suspect that they would be out to manipulate her into remaining a devoted Catholic. She has reason to be fearful of her families reactions. Deconversion is traumatic in the loss of a god and in the fact that family does not accept the deconversion. Hopefully, she will be able to pull away from her family. I would encourage the earlier mention ed deconversion boards. Hope things work out.

AspenMama

Gemma-- I don't believe B. Shack was saying anything about the church being out to get anyone... He was simply saying that it would be more prudent for this individual to educate herself and become secure in her knowledge and belief system before outing herself. Keep in mind this forum is about providing secular support and encouragement.

AspenMama, SL&S Moderator

Proxima Centauri

If your friend admits her religious doubts just now the poor lady risks just the type of response which I got from Gemma Therese. She is not ready for that yet.