Leaving Fundamentalism

``The repulsion expressed in some of these riveting accounts is strong. Yet several authors speak of happy childhoods, of loving parents and church friends, of great evangelical singing, and more; and they say that they miss elements in their fundamentalist pasts, while not missing those pasts. A major contribution of this collection is its evidence of diverse post-fundamentalist spiritual journeys. One author thinks that Jesus may have actually lived, but 'he has long since been fashioned into an ideal by those seeking ideological tools' (38). Another became a Roman Catholic theologican, another a philosophy professor, another a 'liberal Anglican' who is 'an openly and unashamedly gay man' (68). Several affirm a Christianity to complicated to explain briefly, and some are still seeking. For anyone interested in the nature of religious experience, these are fascinating accounts. Thought they do not tell us what keeps others in fundamentalism, they are frank, forthright, and often painful in explaining why some cannot do so.' -- Jacob H. Dorn, Wright State University -- Anglican and Episcopal History, Vol. 81 (1), March 2012, 201003
``This book will enlighten ex-fundamentalists along with those having no experience in the movement.... [It] will give non-fundamentalists some astonishing insight into how otherwise rational, humane people might plunge into such an anti-rational, harsh world view, and why its so hard for them to escape. But for former fundamentalists, reliving their our own traumatic experiences through these stories, the understanding will go much deeper. We will think to ourselves, in relief and empathy, I was not alone.'' -- Confessions of a Cultural Idiot Blog, February 2, 2009, 200902
``Who'd have thought a collection of stories about fundamentalism could be such a good read? Elijah Dann is not only a fine writer himself, but his ability to select compelling narratives by other ex-fundamentalists shows the acumen of a splendid editor.'' -- Eric McCormack, novelist, author of The Dutch Wife -- 200805
``Leaving Fundamentalism is relevant to religious right alert readers for a couple of reasons. Dr. Dann's introduction to the first person stories of people who have left fundamentalism is a crisp and clear look at Evangelical and Catholic conservatism as we see it unfolding today. Linguistically and historically the reader is introduced to how we have arrived to where we are. Constantine, The Great Schism, the Reformation, Inquisition, colonization of the New World, naturalism, materialism, modernism, culture wars, and 9/11 are deftly explained. Dann throws light on how the term fundamentalism came to be seen in the late 20th century early 21st century as derogatory. He explains how the Scopes trial brought about a mid-century retreat of fundamentalists into a sub-culture of blue laws and how they re-emerged and re-branded themselves into the movements we see today. You don't need a natural curiousity of the history Christian faith to find yourself captivated.... This is not a scornful look at faith, it is an intensely human and respectful one. We are introduced to individuals who tell their own story, be they Catholic or Protestant. Their narratives have been blessed by a courteous and open editor. Complexity is not an enemy. I found myself struck by the emotions of the 11 authors.... Common themes of search, belonging, need, anxiety, loss, guilt and discomfort are expressed with raw honesty and I am left humbled, surprised, happy, sorrowful, more informed and wanting to learn more.'' -- Religious Right Alert blog, March 7, 2010, 201003
``Fundamentalism, in its anxious search for inviolate truth, commands submission to a supposed objective and unmovable power outside of the mysteries of human fragility, struggle and wisdom. It is no friend of the poetry of authentic human story which searches the ways of truth through deep engagement within the realities of life. ``Leaving fundamentalism'' gives witness to the hard work of uncovering and embracing the mysterious and vulnerable truth of human story. The both frightening and lovely thing about ``leaving fundamentalism'' whatever the direction of the human and spiritual journey afterward, is that the leaving is an awakening to the pain, challenge and joy that comes as though one has finally been given permission to be fully human. This collection draws us into the beautiful complexities of individual journeys united in their liberating encounter with the mystery, ambiguity and poetry of life itself and is to be commended for the courage of its authors.'' -- Eileen Scully (PhD), Coordinator for Ministry and Worship, The Anglican Church of Canada -- 200805
``Thoughtful essays about the experiences of those who have abandoned conservative Christianity.... Do not skip Dann's introductory essay, an excellent definition of contemporary Christian fundamentalism. It also summarizes the movement's political context--this is particularly useful as we approach a U.S. election. Why should you read this book? It will ... help us reach out to those whose religious experience has not included open discussions of faith issues.'' -- Rev. Lee Simpson -- United Church Observer, August 2008, 200809