Well, dang, I would welcome a book like that!

Wow. Thank all of you so much for the insights and encouragement. Rereading my post, I can see it sounds as a "woe is me" but, even though that was not my intent, you've got me thinking maybe I should revisit the project. I know the saying "excuses are like assholes..." (And, I can definitely be an asshole , however, I really do have other things that take priority. First of all, I'm a firefighter/paramedic. I like to write but I've got 6 months to prepare to take the promotional exam for lieutenant. Secondly, just a few weeks ago, I conceived the idea to tell a tale of recounting my wife's experiences assisting in procedures at an abortion clinic while she attended a catholic high school. IMHO, all abortions are tragic. I just want "God" removed from the discussion. So...studying aside:if I am to write, which story should I focus on? I appreciate any and all feedback.

It sounds a bit like this preacher from my hometown. He was holier than everybody while he was getting $60k a year plus gas but since they wanted to send him to Appalachia with a big pay cut he said fuck that and now he works at Lowe's and tells me where the light bulbs are and talks about religion as a pretty good gig until they weren't paying him enough. Now he never mentions it. Finish your book just for the feeling of accomplishment. That's enough.

JUst as a thought. If you are writing, write for you. If you start by expecting an audience you will probably fail. If you write from a genuinely personal space you may still fail, but the work will vibrant and real.

I like the concept. The Pope says he will reveil the lord, gets full live worldwide news coverage. Comes out and says the whole thing was a Roman plot to spread the empire and none of the Jesus stuff was true. Announces the giving away of all church property to the poor and gives his Popemobile to Scott Pruitt.

Don't write it for the purpose of convince anyone of anything, write it for the story... Also you don't know every single person that's read those authors. Those books might have only planted the seed of doubt, and in reality that is enough.

If you're a writer and you've finished most of the book.. You might as well publish.

But perhaps there's a problem with the final part. An atheist would not need to 'excommunicate'.

Sorry to hear-sounded interesting.