I feel more for ex-pastors than any other segment of the deconverted. Just on a practical, career-wise, this-is-all-I've-ever-known-and-done scale, it has to be a life crushing blow. Add to that, the inevitable and even understandable backlash from a disillusioned congregation, which is still probably nothing compared to the debilitating sense of hypocrisy and fraud the pastors feel every Sunday, standing at the pulpit, preaching something they no longer believe. I am reading more and more of these stories--either they are getting more common or those they profile are more boldly allowing their stories to be told. The things you hear at The Clergy Project are tragic. I also find it interesting how so many pastors in this position turn to work in the skeptical or humanist movement. It makes sense I guess, as they are able to keep doing what they were doing, but with an inverted message of sorts. Clearly, they have already demonstrated a heart to lead and help people, and they continue to do that--not that it's seen that way by those they formerly led and helped. The most persuasive and formidable atheists are those who were once devout believers, and among those, the ex-pastors are a category unto themselves. http://www.nola.com/religion/index.ssf/2012/06/former_louisiana_pastor_tells.html

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