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Showing posts from November, 2025

Flourishing Beyond Faith: A Review of Daryl van Tongeren’s Done

  Done: How to Flourish After Leaving Religion Book Summary Daryl R. Van Tongeren’s Done: How to Flourish After Leaving Religion (2024) explores the psychological, social, and existential challenges faced by individuals who no longer identify with a religious tradition. Written for those in the midst of religious deconstruction, deidentification, or reconstruction, the book blends empirical research, personal narrative, and practical guidance to illuminate the complexities of leaving faith behind. Introduction: The Great Disillusionment Van Tongeren begins by situating the book within the broader cultural trend of declining religious affiliation, citing Pew Research Center data on the rise of “religious nones.” He frames this departure as a “great disillusionment,” acknowledging the grief, loss, and longing that often accompany the process. The book is designed to help readers navigate three possible destinations: 1. Deconstruction: questioning and dismantling one’s religious wor...