Joy, exitement, a sense of freedom from thinking that a sky monster is watching everytime I drink, or jerk off, or screw.

Losing ones religion is like sunshine on a stormy day. It frees ones thoughts of guilt and fear of burning in hell for an eternity. It certainly is an uplifting experience.

Freedom from stupidity.

Tranquility inner peace freedom from one form of control.

The study included only Chinese Protestants. According to a survey published in 2010 there are approximately 40 million Protestants in China, which makes it a distinct minority based on a population of 1.338 billion.

The results of study given cultural differences, the fact that Chinese Protestants are distinctly a minority should give one pause and view this study with a grain of rice.

I don't know as I never had one to lose.

I don't think that losing my religion has had any long-term psychological effects on me.

At the time (around 1976 if I remember correctly) I had too many other things to worry about. Nowadays it's just 'the norm'.

Independent thought. Less inclined to believe lies and and fairy tales. (First sentence is personal experience, second is an actual study that was done)

I never lost a religion... it was simply a school I went to and it was a better rounded education than public school, even religion was a subject... I just took it as such... a subject, not something to believe on. No psychological effect to suffer or complaint about.

You become smarter.

That's great info, thanks for sharing. It is nuanced and about what I would expect.

It's been my observation in talking to deconverts over the years that there's a tendency, early in the process, to feel deprived / isolated and a sense of loss -- enough so that a person who's already emotionally vulnerable may be in considerable distress. And of course this is the period where you may be making changes that are out of step and contrary to the expectations of family, which can cause more upheaveal.

But aside from that initial challenge, most seem to agree with me that they are ultimately happier, more centered, confident and hopeful, if somewhat more socially isolated or limited depending on various factors.

@CKR4RBE

This article has some interesting suggestions, but one cannot rightfully make an assumption that takes a premise that is already there, because it is transgressive on the rights of others. That being said, religion is a fiat spiritual currency.

I have found that the circle of tradition is conditioned. That was what I was bound to the traditons of the religion and how I had to abide by them. Everything was programed for me day in and day out. I felt like I was cursed with and then I found freedom. What was so conditioned was the contradiction of the catholic religion and how molestation was going on during this time. And that all they did back then was "Sweep it under the Rug"... So I would say that the psychological effects ended when I became free.

When I truly lost my religion I felt liberated and free. Once that door was opened there was no turning back for me. I will say that it took some time and thought to get to that door but oh what a relief it was.

You find yourself gravitating to corners and/or spotlights a lot... ?

I think one effect is a sense of distrust in any type of authority. However, most of the psychological effects I have leaving have to do with the church and my community, since I was a minister and my entire world revolved around christianity. I have several friends and families who were in my sphere of influence who have ghosted me. Those effects are way greater than actually losing belief in a God or a holy book.

For me, it improved my mental health and self-image. Yes, it also led me to be more of an iconoclast -- and I am proud of that.

If the self is defined by religion, then when religion dissipates will the self also dissipate?

REM?? ??

Haven't noticed any.

i think it is quite liberating myself. but the ones in Amish cultures or Jehovahs that practice shinnung, those people can suffer from terrible depression and loneliness from the rejection of their evil oppressors (family, church memebers, old friends) to a point of suicide. i have seen it myself. they ought to be ashamed. if your God advises you to do this to family, then your God is an ASSHOLE

I have found none.

+2 WIS