Episode Summary
From the strict rituals of Catholicism to the dynamic allure of evangelicalism. Claire’s journey through faith and religion is nothing short of compelling. Growing up in a high-control Catholic environment, Claire shares how it shaped her perception of faith and community. Her transition to evangelicalism brought both a welcoming sense of belonging and the harsh realities of relational trauma, purity culture, and the often-hidden marketing strategies of churches.
We uncover the unsettling truths behind church operations, revealing how recruitment strategies can feel more like business tactics than spiritual outreach. Mental health struggles, exacerbated by the pressure to conform and perform, ultimately led Claire to question her place within religion.
Claire recounts her departure from her church community, the toxic experiences that fuelled it, and the emotional toll of being denied a proper farewell. The COVID-19 pandemic offered a rare opportunity for reflection and reevaluation, paving the way for a more authentic spiritual journey. By sharing her story publicly, Claire finds therapeutic relief and offers hope to others navigating their own paths of spiritual deconstruction and healing.
More About Claire
Claire is a 32, former Catholic and evangelical. She grew up attending Catholic school but later moved away and found non-denominational churches, which initially seemed more “open.” Over time, she realised they weren’t. She married a youth pastor, and together they recognised the toxicity of their religious environment and decided to leave. In recent years, she’s been working through the indoctrination from her childhood and early 20s.
Connect With Us
- You can find Claire over on Instagram & TikTok talking all things religion, church and deconstruction.
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