Departing From The Faith: The Top 13 Reasons People Leave Christianity

Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron …
(1 Timothy 4:1-2)

Lately there has been a sharp increase in people departing from the Christian faith. With this has come the rise of terms like “deconstructing,” “ex-vangelical,” or the “Nones.” While some quietly leave the church, others proudly declare they are “deconstructing” their faith, and still others become vocal adversaries of true Christianity. In other words, some people do not merely deconstruct or fall away, they “betray one another, and will hate one another.” (Matt 24:10)

So, why are these people leaving the faith? Why are so many of them hostile toward biblical Christians and true Christianity? What should true believers do about this, and what can we do for those who “depart from the faith”? Also, what does “deconstructing” even mean?

Here’s one good explanation from Got Questions:

‘Deconstruction’ is the heading most recently applied to the process of questioning, doubting, and ultimately rejecting aspects of Christian faith … To openly investigate the nuances of belief, even changing one’s convictions, is a biblical concept. In practice, though, ‘deconstruction’ almost always acts as a polite cover for ‘demolition.’ Modern ‘deconstruction’ usually means replacing uncomfortable tenets with culturally or personally popular ideas.

People do not just wake up one day and decide to deconstruct their faith and leave Christianity. There are several specific reasons why this happens, which often includes many small compromises made over a period of time (e.g., conforming to the world and the world’s wisdom). Overall, the choice to depart from the faith includes many outside elements and pressures, and many potential internal factors as well.

We are all prone to error, and we can all be deceived. But how can we tell who is most susceptible to being seduced by the schemes of Satan? We’ll take a look at the top traits of those most likely to, as Scripture puts it, “shipwreck” their faith.

… having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck …
(1 Timothy 1:19)

Keep in mind that these are not just signs, but predictors. In other words, the more these things apply to an individual, the more vulnerable he or she is, and the more likely he or she will shipwreck their faith (and perhaps become adversarial toward biblical Christianity).

Top 13 Traits of Those Who Are Susceptible To Stumbling

But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles.
(Matthew 13:20-21)

1. Those who depend on and are directed by subjectivity

[ Ps 1:1; Jer 23:28; 1 Cor 1:17ff; 3:18-20; Col 2:8; cp Is 8:19-20; 30:9-11; 1 Tim 6:20-21; 2 Tim 4:3-4 ]

They depend on and are directed by subjectivity – in particular, “the world’s wisdom,” mysticism, feelings, experiences, and the trending desires of certain people who are also subjective-saturated.

Subjective-Dependent people are marked by:

• Being greatly swayed by emotion and emotionalism
• Practicing mysticism (e.g., “spiritual direction”), and/or applying ideas and teachings from mystical sources (such as the Enneagram; Jesus Calling, etc.)—hence, “giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines”
• Having compassion, but failing to practice true discernment [e.g., compassion – discernment = counterfeit love = deception + destruction (+ departing)]
• Vulnerability to being controlled or coerced through shame, condemnation, and guilt
• Having a high sense of justice, but being led by subjectivity, feelings, and groupthink, and who, therefore, often skew reality and justice into many injustices (e.g., counterfeit justice) [zeal for justice – objectivity/discernment = (In)justice Warrior = deception + injustices]

Mysticism: Practicing man-made techniques—which are also used in the New Age, occult, and eastern religions, and are often taught through a “spiritual director” under the banner of “spiritual formation”—in an attempt to divine a direct message from God, and to have a special experience or “mystical union” with God, apart from His written Word (e.g., contemplative prayer; entering the Silence; Lectio Divina; cp. Gen 3:1-6).

 

2. Those who have a low view of Scripture


[ Col 2:8; Ps 50:16-17; 2 Chron 36:15-16; Mk 7:6-7 ]

They have a low view of Scripture, and when God’s Word is attacked—or they are personally pressured, shamed, censored, or threatened “because of the Word”—they compromise, “stumble,” and fall away (Matt 10:22; 13:20-21; 24:13; Mk 4:17).

In addition, they may say they have a high view of Scripture, however, functionally, and in reality, they have a low, if not adversarial, view of the Bible (Matt 15:1-9; Jn 5:38-40). Those with a low/antagonistic view of Scripture can be easily spotted by how they demean, oppose, and demonize those with a high view of God’s Word (1 Kgs 18:17-18; Jer 18:18).

They also may use the Word, but will add to, twist, and distort Scripture, which not only deceives and harms others, but deceives and destroys themselves (2 Tim 3:13; Gal 6:7; 2 Pet 2:1-2; 3:16).

 

3. Those who lack sufficient concern about the deadly reality of sin
 and its consequences

[ Gen 2:17; 3:4; Prov 14:9; Rom 6:23 ]

They lack sufficient concern about the deadly reality of sin
 and its consequences. In addition, they may also lack the concern to warn others about these superlative dangers (Jer 23:14-22; cp Jas 5:19-20; Dan 12:2-3; Ps 51:12-13; Rom 1:16-17).

[Note: because He is a God of love, there is nothing God takes more seriously than sin, and the solution—therefore, His followers should do the same (e.g. 1 Jn 2:1ff; 3:16; 4:9-10; Jas 5:19-20).]

Making this even worse, there are many who affirm sin, and others who mock and attack those who are deeply concerned about what God takes so seriously (cp Gen 3:4-5; Rom 1:32; Prov 14:9; Acts 26:17-21).

Another tragic reality here is that there will always be those who so love their personal sin (or idol)—and being on the broad road (Matt 7:13-14)—that they willingly cling to darkness, sin, and error rather than repent and live for God and His ways (cp. Jn 3:19-21; 1 Jn 1:5ff; 2 Tim 4:10; Rom 1:21ff).

 

4. Those who do not give or receive correction well


[ Prov 9:7-8; 12:1; 13:1; 15:5, 10, 12, 31-32 ]

They do not give or receive correction well
. We are all prone to error, which leads us away from God, the truth, true Christianity, and into harm, and even death (cp. Jas 5:19-20; Prov 24:11-12). Our life depends on how well we handle correction (Prov 6:23).

However, instead of genuinely confessing sin or admitting error (cp Prov 28:13; 1 Jn 1:5ff), the individuals here rely on denying, minimizing, circumventing, and shifting blame, as well as attacking others, especially those who confront their error, and who speak the truth of God’s Word (e.g., Gen 3:11-12; Acts 7:54ff; 1 Kgs 18:17-18; Jer 18:18; Gal 4:16).

What is more, these individuals often not only shame others—but are very vulnerable to being shamed into giving up their biblical beliefs (due to the fear of man). In addition, they have little to no contrition when they sin, are in error, or falsely accuse others (i.e., they lack godly sorrow, conviction, and, therefore, they lack repentance and correction; cp 2 Cor 7:10-11).

 

5. Those who lack a foundation on God’s Word


[ Ps 1:1-3; Jer 2:13; Matt 7:13-14, 24-27; Lk 6:46-49; 1 Cor 2:6-16; Eph 4:11-15; Col 2:8; 1 Jn 4:5-6 ]

They lack a foundation on God’s Word
 and are likely deceived through various false teachings, and/or they try to build on the ever-shifting sands of the spirit of the age (e.g., “man’s wisdom;” pop-theology; pop-psychology; pop-culture; church growth methods; political correctness; being “Woke;” CRT). So, when “the spirit of the world” shifts (1 Cor 2:12; Eph 4:14), their foundation is exposed, which reveals that they did not truly build on the Word of truth, or hear and believe the true gospel (Lk 6:46-49).

In addition, some people here were taught the Word (accurately or not, usually not), but, for whatever reason, they grew in resentment toward those who taught them, and might even have resentment toward God and His Word (cp. Jn 15:25; Ps 73:21-22).

Another group here are people who went to liberal or progressive churches, or “mega-churches” or “seeker-sensitive” type churches. Many who attend these churches are woefully equipped for life and difficulties. Therefore, they are prone to depart from the faith because they are given “milk,” at best (cp. Heb 5:11-14; 2 Tim 3:15-4:5), mixed with error (e.g., “leaven;” cp Gal 5:9). A faith with this kind of foundation cannot stand when faced with pressures, deception, and the evils in this world.

* For more, see our free e-book: 7 Deadly Errors Destroying The Church

 

6. Those who tend to be intellectuals, elitists, or “scoffers”

[ Acts 17:16-33; 2 Tim 3:7-8; 1 Cor 15:33; 2 Pet 3:3; Jude 1:16-19 ]

They tend to be intellectuals, elitists, or “scoffers” and/or frequently associate with these types of people. Rather than humbly depending on objectivity, truth, God’s written Word, reason, and reasoned dialogue, these individuals mainly rely on obtaining knowledge and disparaging and mocking others, due to feeling (intellectually) superior to them (cp 1 Cor 8:1).

What is more, because they focus so much on intellectual knowledge and winning arguments, the truth often fails to penetrate their heart or produce genuine faith (Mk 4:16-19; Jn 5:38-40; 2 Tim 3:7-8). As a result, they look at others and their biblical beliefs with contempt, particularly those who have a high view of truth and God’s Word of truth (2 Pet 3:3; Jude 1:16-19; Prov 12:1; 14:6; 15:12; Jer 7:22-28; 18:18; 1 Cor 1:18ff; 3:18).

All of the above produces a weak or phony faith, which easily crumbles in a sinful, fallen world (Matt 7:24-27; 13:20-21). And the darker the world becomes, as is happening now, the more likely it is that they will fall away.

 

7. Those who lack a love for the truth


[ 2 Thess 2:10-12; Zech 8:19 ]

Those who lack a love for the truth and, as a result, their “love” lacks the truth (1 Cor 13:6; 1 Jn 3:18; 2 Jn; Phil 1:9-11). This, of course, always leads to deception and destruction, in themselves, and in others.

Naturally, due to their resulting truth deficiency, their “love” is frequently in error, which makes this the opposite of love. Making this far more tragic, many here pride themselves on their compassion, love, and zeal for justice. However, because their beliefs are frequently based on falsehoods, they harm multitudes of people.

What is more, not only do they commonly have a counterfeit love, they have likely fallen for multiple other counterfeits (e.g., social justice; socialism; reproductive justice; mysticism; Jesus was a socialist; the social gospel). In addition, when other people will not conform to their harmful counterfeits, their response is often to shame, attack, and falsely accuse others for being unloving, hateful, lacking compassion, and not real Christians.

 

8. Those who give low value to discernment


[ 1 Kgs 3:9; Acts 17:11; Phil 1:9-11; 1 Thess 5:21-22; Heb 5:12-14 ]

Those who give low value to discernment
—and to the reality of how deception destroys people—and to the loving need to warn others regarding deceivers and deception (cp Jas 5:19-20; Prov 24:11-12; Eph 5:11; 2 Tim 3:1-13; Jude 3ff). Some here will also dismiss, mock, and attack those who highly value these things (2 Chron 36:15-16; Prov 9:7-8; 1 Kgs 18:17-18; Jer 18:18).

The less a person actively and accurately discerns, the more likely he or she will be deceived (cp Eph 4:14; Heb 5:12-14). So, just as it applies to receiving correction, our life depends on our discernment (Prov 2:9ff; 3:21ff; Phil 1:9-11; Jas 5:19-20; Heb 5:14).

 

9. Those who have been involved in Echo-Chamber type cultures

[ 1 King 22:13ff; Acts 19:28ff; cp. Acts 17:11; Phil 1:9-11; Heb 5:14 ]

The problem of Echo-Chamber type cultures is especially pronounced in academia (including many Christian schools/colleges/seminaries), the media, social media, politicians, Hollywood, various elite groups, and certain blogs, internet groups, or local sub-communities, particularly those which push progressive/collectivist ideology. These not only lead to an escalating deception and departure from the truth, but also to bitterness and hatred toward those who esteem the truth.

Another common thread here is that, instead of being taught how to think—and how to think for themselves—the people in these groups are often told what to think, and told who they should be against (e.g., those with Judeo-Christian values and a high view of Scripture). They are also pressured and told that they must conform to what the Echo Chamber group thinks, or else (1 King 22:13ff; Acts 19:28ff; cp. Acts 17:11; Phil 1:9-11; Heb 5:14).

In turn, they, too, likely shame and attack those who think for themselves. All of this—including collectivist ideology—naturally produces the lethal groupthink. According to Merriam-Webster, groupthink is “a pattern of thought characterized by self-deception, forced manufacture of consent, and conformity to group values and ethics.”

 

10. Those who want to be loved by the world & who love the things of the world

[ 1 Jn 2:15-17, Jn 15:18-19 ]

The world = those who reject, if not hate, God, His Word, and anyone who highly esteems God and His Word

They want to be loved by the world 
or they love the things of the world. Therefore, because of their fear of man, they easily, if not eagerly, compromise with, conform to, and seek to appease and be accepted by the enemies of God (i.e., the world; cp Rom 12:2; 2 Tim 4:10; Jas 4:4; 1 Pet 2:4-8; 1 Jn 4:5-6).

These individuals can be easily spotted by their trendy beliefs and world-appeasing, self-defeating, world-approved Christianity—and by how they closely follow other trends (e.g., fashion; music). Another chief revealing trait is how they often conflict with or disdain those with a high view of Scripture.

* For more, see Chapter 7 of our free e-book: 7 Deadly Errors Destroying The Church

 

11. Those who do not truly believe or will not fully yield to God

They do not truly believe or will not fully yield to God, usually out of stubbornness, even though they know the truth (cp. Rom 1:21ff; Jn 5:38-40). Because they are often what the Bible calls “stiff-necked,” rebellious, and prideful, they often cling to what they want rather than surrendering their wants and ways to God (2 Tim 4:3-4; Jonah 2:8; Ps 115:3-8; Jas 4:7-10; Prov 3:5-6).

They likely had a pre-existing stubbornness (before claiming Christ), yet never truly surrendered to God and His authority (His Word; cp Is 30:9-11; Jer 5:30-31). Therefore, outwardly they are likely religious Christ-followers, but inwardly they refuse to submit to Him, or to relinquish control and truly live for Christ and His Word (Mk 7:6-8; cp. Jer 7:22-28; Ps 78:8; 81:11-12; 2 Chron 30:8; cp Jas 3:17; 2 Cor 5:15).

 

12. Those who focus primarily on doing good works

They focus primarily on doing good works. “Good works” are good, of course, but there are many who invest mainly or solely in their behavior/performance, and not on their faith, belief, and trust in God and His Word. Nor do they really invest in an overall loving relationship with Him (cp Jn 6:28-29; Rom 10:3-4).

Some may believe “doing good works = being a good Christian,” or “if I do enough good works, then I will be loved, accepted, valued, saved, etc.” … not realizing that it will never be enough (2 Cor 3:5-6; Gal 3:1ff; Eph 2:8-9).

Some try to relate to God based on being a good person, through good works, perhaps by living according to the social gospel (and other progressive/leftist falsehoods). And, wittingly or not, some try to live under the Law (e.g., the Old Covenant; earning love, salvation, etc., through good works; motivated by guilt and fear; cp. Gal 3:1-5).

Living under the Old Covenant is, of course, impossible, and, therefore, it is hopeless. And attempting this will naturally produce hopelessness (e.g., depression). Worse, Scripture tells us that living as if we are under the law “kills” and produces “death.” (2 Cor 3:6; Rom 7:5-6). Consequently, it should come as no surprise when anyone leaves this painful and deadly pseudo-Christianity (cp. Gal 3-5).

 

13. Those who have bad experiences in church

Many people have bad experiences in church, and it makes sense when they become deeply confused about (true) Christianity after being so deeply hurt by self-proclaimed Christians. In the midst of agonizing pain it can be exceedingly difficult to reconcile Christianity, love, and a God of love with their excruciating experience inflicted upon them by people who claim Christ. How much more difficult when the hurt comes from leaders within the Church.

Sadly, there will always be sin, “false brothers,” false teachers, “false apostles,” “imposters,” abusers, “wolves in sheep’s clothing” and various evil people inside the Church (Matt 7:15ff; Acts 20:28-30; 2 Pet 2:1ff; Jude 4ff). These people and these experiences do not, of course, represent true Christianity, but they do reflect the reality of this world, of sin, and of the hatred our enemy has toward us.

While these things are always tragic, there are solutions. However, often after being so deeply wounded, many people do not receive the right help, and others do not respond well. In addition, many churches are woefully equipped when it comes to dealing with sin, abuse, false teachers, wolves, etc. – or they lack the concern and/or awareness of these deadly realities.

* For more on the problems in #13, see our articles on Overcorrection Syndrome and Wolves Overseeing The Sheep, as well as these books:

Failure To Protect: Why Sin & Abuse Are Not Handled Well In The Church

Forgiveness and Trust: Why Forgiving Someone Doesn’t Mean You Have To Trust Them

Forgiveness: A Practical And Biblical Handbook On How To Forgive

 

We know that biblical Christianity is evidenced by truth, the true gospel, joy, peace, security, hope, love, faithfulness to Scripture, etc. However, when true Christianity is not presented—mainly due to false teachings, false hope, false brothers, and unaddressed sin, falsehoods, and evil—it will produce great confusion, harm, and many counterfeits (e.g., a counterfeit justice, Jesus, Christianity, love, gospel, etc.). And, in turn, this will further hurt individuals through deception and sin. Even worse, this will ultimately result in despair and destruction for many people, and, for some, the shipwrecking or “deconstruction” of their faith.

As a result, due to the harmful fruit produced, along with a failure to experience genuine fruit, an individual will often conclude something along the lines of, “Christianity doesn’t work, therefore it’s not true.” Some will even pursue and embrace an unbiblical ideology instead. This, of course, is not the fault of true Christianity. Rather, the failure is clearly brought about by one or more of the above characteristics or practices in a person’s life, as well as by false teachers, wolves, imposters, etc.

As tragic as all of this is, there is a silver lining here. Even when an individual is hurt and dismayed by a corrupt Christian or counterfeit “Christianity,” there is still very good news, along with an abundance of hope. Not only can that person depart from the wrong ways, they can now seek and find the truth, not to mention a church and Christianity that is truly biblical and loving (of course, all churches are far from perfect, as are the people in them.)

In addition, in the case of counterfeits and falsehoods, leaving false teachings is actually good and hopeful. Yet, for those who abandon false doctrines, the future direction of their life now depends on how they respond, their discernment, and to whom they turn. Either way, whether they leave the true faith or the false, they need our prayers, compassion, and love, along with the grace and truth we all require to be truly saved.

And on some have compassion, making a distinction; but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh.
(Jude 1:22-23)

Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
(James 5:19-20)

 

4 Types Of People Who Have Left True Christianity

O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge—by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.
(1 Timothy 6:20-21)

There is no “one size fits all” for those who depart from the faith. It is important to know the distinctions here, especially if we are to actively love and talk to those who have left biblical Christianity. With that in mind, here are four main types of people who leave true Christianity:

1. Those who say, “I no longer believe Christianity is true. I’m done. I’m leaving …” and then they simply believe something else (e.g., atheism; New Age-ism; Hinduism; leftism, which is a full-fledged religion). Some deliberately reject and rebel against God and His Word—and some were quasi-believers (they never really believed)—and some were deceived along the way (1 Tim 6:20-21; 2 Tim 3:13).
2. Those who say, “I no longer believe Christianity is true. I’m done. I’m leaving …” for the same reasons in #1, but they are adversarial toward true Christianity, and mock and attack true believers (Matt 5:10-12), and subtly and overtly attack and subvert God’s Word (Gen 3:1).
3. Those who inwardly depart or defect from true Christianity, yet outwardly stay within a Christian context (e.g., 2 Tim 3:5, 13; in a pseudo-Christian church with false teachings and a counterfeit “Jesus,” “gospel,” “justice,” “love,” etc.; cp. 2 Cor 11:3-4; Gal 1:6-9). These individuals likely never believed the truth, and/or were deceived by false teaching at some point, and, therefore, left the true faith (cp. 1 Jn 2:18-19; Acts 20:28-29; 2 Pet 1:1-2; Jude 4ff).
4. Those who inwardly depart or defect from true Christianity, yet outwardly stay within a Christian context, just like #3, but are adversarial toward true Christianity, and mock and attack true believers (Matt 5:10-12), and subtly and overtly attack and subvert God’s Word (Gen 3:1).

Keep all of the above in mind when you are trying to love and minister to someone who has walked away from their faith. This information is also helpful to remember when we come across those who are extremely bitter or openly antagonistic toward biblical Christians and true Christianity. It can be exceedingly difficult to reason with those who are so hostile, but Scripture does give us guidance here (2 Tim 2:22-26; 4:1-5; Ti 3:10-11).

* For more, see: Reasoning With The Unreasonable

What Can We Do?

Finally, here are seven things that we can all do, as believers, to stand strong in the faith and to come alongside those who are struggling.

1. PRAY. Pray for those who you know are susceptible. (Lk 21:36; Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18; Phil 4:6-7; Col 4:2; 1 Thess 5:17; 1 Pet 4:7)
2. BE IN THE WORD. Eagerly equip yourself in the truth of God’s written Word. (2 Tim 3:15-4:5; Heb 13:20-21; 2 Pet 1:3-4; Rom 15:4; Acts 17:11)
3. KNOW YOUR ENEMY. Equip yourself in understanding these particular traits and the schemes of Satan. (2 Cor 2:11; 11:3-4, 13-15; Gen 3:1ff)
4. PRACTICE DISCERNMENT. Grow in valuing and ardently practicing discernment. (1 Kgs 3:9; Prov 2:11; 3:21ff; Acts 17:11; Phil 1:9-11; 1 Thess 5:21-22; Heb 5:14)
5. GROW IN GRACE. Go over the list of traits and make note of the areas that might apply to you, and pour your heart into growing in these specific areas (e.g., discernment; love for the truth and God’s Word).
6. ENCOURAGE & WARN OTHERS. Find time to warn and encourage those you know are vulnerable here. (1 Thess 5:14; 2 Tim 2:23-26; 4:1-5; Jas 5:19-20)
7. BE EQUIPPED. Pray for and talk to the leaders in your church and ministry about your church becoming specifically equipped in these pivotal areas.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

* For more on what we can do, see chapter 7 of our book Making Sense of The Madness: Understanding The Diabolical Schemes We Are Facing In The World Today

 

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