Quote: I firmly believe, and I think the Bizarro-testimonies of those who have lost their faith and apostatized bears out, that moral and spiritual lapses are the principal cause for failure to persevere rather than intellectual doubts.
One person't "spiritual lapse" is another's intellectual doubt. When you look at the big picture "spiritual lapse" is momentarily letting down the barrier and entertaining reasonable doubt. I say this because to be "spiritual" in this case means guarding your mind (not entertaining doubt). Methods to accomplish this are a type of Christian mindfulness. When your mind wanders off near the land of question you bring it back immediatly. Also spiritual lapse means not being diligent in keeping up with the things that keep your brain washing fresh. Things like going to church, Bible study, christian study etc.
Lastly read my intro thread called "deconverted by theology" I don't see anything "Bizarro" about it. I studied theology for the purpose of getting closer to god. What I became is horrified at horrible logic and pathetic arguments. How was an effort to "get closer to god" a moral and spiritual lapse? I am only guilty of not forcing myself to believe that their theological arguments had any validity. I would like to put the blame on the theologians who can't seem to produce anything better than what they have written so far. But then again, as a true apostate, I can safely say that these theologians can't make something from nothing.
I have studied the Bible and the theology behind Christianity for many years. I have been to many churches. I have walked the depth and the breadth of the religion and, as a result of this, I have a lot of bullshit to scrape off the bottom of my shoes. ~Ziploc Surprise
