Leaving God
The fastest growing religion in the United States seems to be no religion at all. A 2016 study conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute found that a quarter of the subjects surveyed claimed no religious affiliation, and this surprising figure increased substantially among the younger generation. Even members of the clergy are abandoning religion at a historic rate. What's behind this seismic shift in religious attitudes? Writer and director John Follis explores this issue through the prism of his own personal journey in his absorbing documentary Leaving God.
Follis' religious beliefs were programmed in him from an early age. As an adult, he continued to commit himself to serving his church, and he was particularly attracted to the sense of fellowship with other members of his congregation. But certain tenets of his religion began to pester him. He resented the feelings of guilt he experienced at the mere notion of lust. When his marriage began to crumble, he sought the counsel of his minister, who promptly admonished him from getting a divorce as it was against church doctrine. Yet that same minister would later go through two divorces of his own.
During the 90s, Follis embarked on crafting an ambitious marketing campaign for New York City's Marble Collegiate Church in an effort to revive its dwindling youth audience. The campaign proved a massive success. In spite of these efforts to promote his church and religion, he secretly harbored lingering doubts about the validity of his beliefs. These suspicions only deepened in the shadow of the falling Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. He contemplated the number of people throughout the centuries who had been slaughtered in the name of God. His faith was further compromised when reports of sexual molestation in the church started to spread like wildfire, when one high-profile religious leader after another was shamed by public scandal, and when he began to question the historical veracity of the scripture.
Leaving God is a modestly produced affair. But many viewers will empathize with the deeply personal testimony at its center, and it may also inspire thoughtful self-reflection and debate amongst those who remain firmly committed to their faith.
The testimony of how manmade liturgy turned a man away from an intelligent designer. Macro evolution is anti-science... America does nto experience the miracles that I have from God because they focus on the world (even in their pursuit of God)...
Good doco! I'm originally from America but moved to New Zealand years ago after not feeling like I was really a part of American society. I grew up in a very religious/spiritual family but always questioned why the long church services and why it seemed that everyone in the church acted differently between home and church, We always talked about the bad worldly things but everyone listened to rap with cursing, violent movies etc.
By the time I was a teenager I was solidly irreligious, but still attended church 'because I had to', but in the background I always wanted to get out and live with my own thoughts. Once the pandemic hit, I was behind a closed border and my parents freaked out now that they couldn't helicopter parent their way for 2 and a half years. Luckily I had a good job, good finances, and had the stability to stay in New Zealand permanently and I witnessed how a mainly non-religious society agrees to wear masks and vaccinate, whereas my religious family in America halfway wore masks and did not vaccinate because of an irrational vision from God or because of some exceptionalism that they feel they will be the one with adverse reactions.
the Bible says of Babylon the great or the world empire of false religion ( which is a dual prophecy) as when Babylon the city was overrun they diverted the waters of the Euphrates river and today Babylon the great ... It says "The waters will flow away from her" People are the protection with some 70+ million religious participants in the southern USA they represent voters and they also represent the moat around the original Babylon and its protection.... Matt 7:13-14 tells us only a FEW will even find the narrow and cramped path that leads to life... and Matt 22:14 "Many are called but only a FEW will be chosen.... and last Amos 3:7 tells us The sovereign Lord God will not do a single thing unless He first reveals the secret or confidential matter to His servants the Prophets" Just as Jesus established ONRTRUE Christianity ...There is only ONE TODAY...Thank you.
Amazing to hear that in years of Catholic school, you'd never learned about the Crusades, The Inquisition or centuries of religious wars? My Catholic grade school was a bit more honest than that. Then again I started questioning my faith far younger. By the age of 14. Still I think the main takeaway here is the that all REAL history NEEDS to be taught in ALL schools. It's the case in Europe, as a rule. My son also attended a Catholic school grades 5 thru 12 in France and all that - plus The Enlightenment - was obligatory in the curriculum to get any any govt funding.
That said, I'd also highly recommend some recent books that take Enlightenment era exposure of Church frauds further, by looking at the Gnostics, long condemned as heretics and brutally suppressed for many centuries although more recent scholarship is discovering that nearly all the early Church Fathers (including Paul) WERE Gnostics - and their philosophies were entirely different from what the later Literalists turned the teachings into. For one, they weren't misogynists. God was both male and female, and the since lost goddesses had very important roles. Check out "Jesus and the Lost Goddess" by Freke and Gandy for starts - and don't miss the footnotes! Or just read some of the rejected Gnostic gospels. Very enlightening!
What a journey you’ve had…yours ended as a result of self-examination which led to your truth. Religion has been the excuse to fight wars, to hate, to kill…oh, almost forgot…and to worship the god of money. Practicing religion, regardless of it’s name, is a fool’s game that allows rituals to take the place of thought…kinda like the 60’s protest song so applicable now…one line speaks volumes - “hate your neighbor, but don’t forget to say grace.” Here's a secret: practice empathy and treat others as you would want to be treated. All the gobbledegook comes down to that.
25:58 Isaac is not "being directed to kill his son", it's Abraham!
911 was your 'trigger'....mine was a visit to Vad Vashem Children's Memorial in Jerusalem during a pilgrimage tour of Israel a few years back. Enjoyed your video.
As I was playing with my mates in the school yard of the Local Catholic primary school, a young hooligan rode past on his bicycle and shouted "religion is the opiate of the masses"
I was 10 years of age, and It made more sense to me than 5 years of bible studies. Shortly afterwards I was attending Niddrie State school. "Thanks be to God" for young hooligans on bicycles
RELIGION IS, WITHOUT A DOUBT, THEN BIGGEST LOAD OF BULLSHIT IMMAGINABLE. WITH ONLY THE WEAK AND THE FEEBLE MINDED BELIEVING IN IT. THE BIBLE SHOULD BE RENAMED...."THE LIES AND UNTRUTHS OF RELIGIONS." From the very first word to the very last word, it is the biggest pack of untruths, lies and fairy tales, ever to confront society. There is simply not one iota of truth in all religious factions that abound on this planet, that can be proven to be actual, ever to have happened or, more so, not to be in existence, never has been nor ever will be. Religion is the biggest, faked and the biggest confidence trick, known to all who reside beside us, on this planet with an unbelievable number of fools and weak minded people who believe in it. So ignorant and stupid in fact, that if I were to say that I will, ask my pet bird to fly me to somewhere outside Australia, you would say that is impossoble. Yet, the naive ones among us are silly enough to believe me if I were to say that I will go to heaven when I die, knowing full well, that there is DEFINITELY NO SUCH PLACE. If all of those stupid religious factions were to be outlawed fore ever, no longer would we have the violence we currently know of, happening, as we have seen it in the past and currently, at the present time'
Dear John, My sister asked me to watch this because she said it is exactly how she feels. She is currently struggling with her faith. I appreciate seeing this because it does give me a perspective for her journey. My belief in Jesus far surpasses my Catholic religion. The fact that Jesus took the form of man tells me he understands how weak we humans are. He taught us to love others as we love ourselves. We definitely fall short of this all of the time. Even Jesus' disciples betrayed him right up until he died on the cross. My heart melts when I read that Jesus said to his Father, please forgive them for they know not what they do. That is what I think of religions. They are institutions trying to provide a place for us to grow spiritually and closer to God. But they are all being facilitated by flawed human beings and I daily recall Jesus' words while dying for our sins on the cross. I will have you in my prayers and all those that have left God. I love all of you.
Congratulations, John Follis.
Great documentary!!!!
Greetings from Mexico City
Catholic schools in the 50's, 60's and 70's made a whole lot of psychologist wealthy in the 80's and 90's.
John,,, it is as Promised...
For Review and Information …Radical Gender Honest Atheist Humanist history of sex...John
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SEX THE WORLD HISTORY;THROUGH TIME, RELIGION AND CULTURE by John R. Gregg, is a daring exploration of human sexuality from the ancient to the modern world. ' (30 illustrations)
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A cross-cultural examination of sexual beliefs, the book traces sexual practices, the unusual and the transcendent, throughout the worlds’ cultures. A deep look at world religions and their control of sex, the book explores and exposes complex relationships between spirituality, sexuality, and the treatment of women throughout history. The book revamps previous historical interpretations of gender fluidity in worldwide cultures.
While women were exalted as leaders and priestesses in many cultures, they suffered a drastic loss of power and prestige over time. The supremacy of the Mother Goddess throughout most of human existence, and her relatively recent fall, is detailed.
Other themes are; the existence of bisexuality in the majority of human cultures, the influence and abuses of the Church, the history of sexual slavery including World War II, child brides and forced marriages, historical perspectives on homosexuality, the origins of the LGBTQ and Feminist movements..
Included are works of mythology, erotic artwork, and literary excerpts. These weave together a multicultural and historical tapestry which we can now see reflected in our contemporary world. It offers in very readable form an encyclopedic tour of the sexuality of humankind!
this is sad he put to much trust in man instead of God. He sought answers in man instead of the bible. Not once did he say I opened my bible to find out for myself. This is another lazy man who likes to blame others instead of himself. Singles groups for 20-30 year olds are limited to prevent predators 40 yr old single men who can't find someone his age, can take advantage of a 20 year old. There were plenty of answers for his questions if he was only willing to find them. This is a joke of a film and is very anecdotal.
John, always enjoy seeing documentaries of personal journeys. Appreciate you taking the time to share, I have never had a religion (though baptized). Secular family, I would say at least 3rd generation ... your comments about the Clergy Project are right on. I cannot imagine how world shattering these changes are (worldview, family, community). Again, thank you sharing, and all the best ...
Welcome to reality John. Indoctrination as a child is very difficult to overcome. Congratulations at leveling up and using your critical thinking and research skills. Far too many people are comfortable believing and not questioning. It is easier to follow than lead. I loved your question to the minister at the Bagels and Bible study. "Is it true?" Of course it's not. If it were true, there would be prima facie evidence to support the truth. Instead, we get people mumbling about "believing" and ranting about anecdotal experiences. Mind you, a cursory look into the psychology of belief tells us that human beings are hard wired to belief when they can't explain things. It makes them feel in control to have the "answers" even if it means making them up. Have you ever watched the episode of "Through the Wormhole: Did We Invent God"? It is brilliant. Thank you for sharing your journey. Continued success. And, remember, adults shouldn't have imaginary friends.
John, the one thing that stands out in your film is that you really never met Jesus. You surrounded with people that talked about Jesus, but never found HIM. Let me tell you my story. As you I grew up in a catholic setting and went to catechism, memorized the 10 commandments and try to be good. I thought that was God, until my father changed his life from an alcoholic to a new born Christian. He told me about this and thou I had great respect for his change, I was too happy with my life. At 22 I went to a pentecostal church, gave my life to Jesus,...and the most amazing thing happened. I felt this joy, this peace and started reading my Bible. My experience is described by C.S. Lewis as "surprised by joy". Think, how do you know your parents are your parents? Not because someone told you, or a document affirm it, you trusted in them and little by little you became convinced. It's the same with God, trust him and he will reveal to you. If we had nothing to be ashamed of, than we did not need God, but the fact that we all have sins testifies to the need for a redeemer. My story is not as dramatic as the ones you here about people that found Jesus in jail. Remember satan is in the business of religion also, that's why is so important to get to know Jesus personally!
Hi John, I perceive you seek truth. So have I. I can honestly say that I know God, and love God very much. My relationship with my Father began when I was 12. My parents were very difficult to live with, so I called out to Father loudly and emotionally , from my soul:
"Jesus! Help me!" Immediately, God gave me her love. (I choose not to refer to God as "it", for she is Mother and/or Father]) Along with Her love, I was given the truth that Jesus is not God. Also, that God is my true parent. In 2015 I found "divinetruth.com" and 2019 I found "new-birth.net" Through Dr. Samuels Jesus corrected the fallacies of the New Testament (and the Old). Bible- based Christianity is false. Jesus' true mission, as to the Way to God, is by praying from your soul, for God's Love. I have passionately desired ever- increasing love. Now I also have ever-increasing Truth!
as a 20 year old practicing muslim. i really found this documentary amazing. it really shows the struggles i have been through and questions i have asked to myself, and im still asking. spiritual journeys are different for all of us. i choose to believe in islam in my journey, wish you the best luck in yours. i dont know if you will choose to practice a religion or be a nonbeliever or believe in something else just stay in peace. stay blessed love you all
Troubles -
main issues in the Christian's mind in the world today that is causing turmoil for fervent but naive believers
short background:
With Jesus' advent there was a lot of difference in his revelation of god from others. Judea was already under heavy Roman oppression and aggression and to the romans Judea was a very troublesome place. The festival of feasts that happened every year was a like reminder to jews and romans that god did it once in egypt in Moses times and the people expected him to do it again. A silent strong message to the Romans which increased tensions between both every year at that time.
Jesus instead of fortifying people's faith by promising protection, said things like, friends do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot harm your soul but instead fear God.... - He was asking them not to fear even during bodily harm, of being murdered which is a contradiction of todays' octane fueled preaching for keeping you on high emotions always. Jesus always preached this way another example 'You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life.' what did he mean by 'but not a hair will perish' ? he was referring to eternal life.
he was referring to eternal life-his only promise to all . not so with today's blessing preaching which is all about this life.
with blessing preaching and church groups' whatsapp pictures of david defeating goliath and jerico walls coming down- its all about this life, thus picturising stuff neither Jesus nor the apostles offered to the people. This actually is infuriating naive people when help is not coming as if a promise was not kept. Then when reality of life strikes it is unthinkable betrayal.
Jesus said in beautitudes "Blessed are you who weep; you will laugh"
He was always referring to eternal life as an endpoint solution. Neither did he promise deliverence from the romans and enemies who hate them to this day nor did he promise deliverance from the religious leaders who were doing things that were really unbeareable for them.
The reason why he preached good news to the poor ? they were burdened a lot yes, but He did not promise the poor riches he promised them eternal life; James gives a glimpse,"Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? " He wants to give them eternal life as a solution, not hefty riches and consolations in this world.
In fact, he said "But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation "
what is eternal life ? Jesus was resurrected in an eternal spiritual body and his only sure promise to all the believers was to resurrect them the same way on the last day. They will have spiritual bodies. They will be sons and daughters and heirs along with him in a real sense with power and will inherit his kingdom (Luke 21 -he stood among disciples they thought he was a ghost cos the doors were locked. he said as Luke describes "touch me and see for a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have"-a person with flesh and bones entering a locked door)
this can be seen in almost all the epistles :
"as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. "
who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body.
It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body.
The difference between a person who fairly believes in god and today's hardcore believer is that the former accepts one important fact- life is life. it has ups and downs. I knew such a person who during a huge loss said something like 'I know there is a god but life is life and I don't expect him to keep me away from every trouble'. The latter kind though believes that because they are so close to God he should protect them with a high level care compared to others. This is also because of above said charismatic prosperity preaching- feeding people with a large portion of that expectaion and when all that is lost they feel betrayed, the immature or hypocritical believers only add fuel to the fire the fallen leaders' attitude doesn't help needless to say. If there's any 1st step for today's hardcore believer - life is life. bitter truth - people in all places will step on you when you stumble with very few exceptions.
I have experienced prophecies being fulfilled exactly - stuff that you don't hear 'other' people do. which means that there is a Holy Spirit, which means the concept about Jesus is true .
The story in short:
The apostles were sent to all over the world
They spoke about resurrection The Lord confirmed this by doing the kind of miracles that no one else did - that's why they believed - they already had their gods, their little magics were already there. Horus story was already there when Luke did miracles in Egypt and set up its Church in the middle of a kingdom which had multiple gods. cos He did things none had done.
When they believed God gave them all the holy Spirit and they all began to experience doing miracles. This was unheard of before.
Giving them the holy Spirit was also a confirmation that they were sons.
these miracles were so startling they all endured without giving up things what their master, Lord and brother endured (an egyptian for Judean Jesus!)
Miracles do happen today and the Lord is still including new members into his family with startling miracles that I know for sure. Why it does not go to 'main stream media' kind of Public I do not know.
If you'choose'the tap in your power theory how come you believed it ? Science doesn't prove it.
it shouldn't be I believed it because I liked it - and I don't believe something I don't like
Your hate for the fallen is right - but it is like saying I don't follow traffic rules because I've seen corrupt cops. is it logical? (who killed Jesus ? why ?)
the atheist theorists note that they are really good at selling too ! (few on the other end could match their excellence at it) looks like something is at stake and they've gotten the better of you.
Forgot to mentioned the insightful symbolism of the three wise monkeys. It would make a desktop screen for all desktop and laptop computers owned by all religious institutions. Too bad I am unable to reproduce it with this comment so you just have to watch the documentary.
Correction to my previous post : . . .Also bear in mind that this “dogma” was shaped by culture and political incentives to benefit mostly the elite and not for reasons that benefit the “common good”. . .
At its core, belief in God originates from deep within the human psyche and not from external sources in particular religious institutions. An individual’s Faith is based on intrinsic values that were innate in mankind long before institutions dominated and controlled what the four main religions believe and enforce today.
Therefore, when an individual states that he or she does not believe in God be sure to take into account that this person was influenced by years of dogma imposed on him or her from birth. Also bear in mind that this “dogma” was shaped by culture and political incentives to benefit mostly the elite and for reasons that benefit the “common good”. They had the means (military and self made laws) to maintain tyrannical governance over the weak, naive and illiterate population.
When someone states that they no longer believe in God (as depicted and preached by their respective dogma) has finally seen the hidden agenda of institutions which have over time have abandoned “the truth the way and the light”.
It is my informed guess that it will be the atheist who turns our attention to the “kingdom of God within us”.
“Only this have I found: I have discovered that God made men upright, but they have sought out many schemes." Ecclesiastes 7:29
`Yeah do it in the road, like the animals. Baphomet will love it.