Maybe not as much as you think. (Main Forum)

by Enda, Eastwood, Australia, Monday, June 11, 2012, 10:22 (342 days ago) @ Nicholas
edited by Enda, Monday, June 11, 2012, 10:39

Hi Nicholas

I think you missed my point. Probably I made it badly.

I was replying to James who was a seminarian and as far as I can gather has given it all away (I always read his posts because I almost always learn from them). I can see his point. He quoted John Burnheim, Paul Crittenden and Roger Pryke RIP who he says have given it all away. I have not read the Pryke book and I am less sure than James is that Paul Crittenedn has given it all away. What I then meant was that I know a number of former priests and have read the books of other former priests, and certainly John Burnheim is one, who have gone from being priests to being atheists. Chris Geraghty in his book says the same thing. Geraghty says that although some other former priests have beccome atheists he is not one of them. Then I commented:

One of the things that I notice is that former priests and former seminarians are more likely to become atheists than former nuns and brothers. I have no figures on this and it might be wrong. It is just an impression. I know a number of former priests who have walked right away. I know a lot of former religious and know fewer who have given it up entirely.

This was just an observation and it is my experience. I am still surprised when I meet former priests who have become atheists. And I meet fewer former religious who have taken the same path. Of course I know lots of former priests who are still practising Catholics and they range from fundamentalists to men on the edges of the official Church. Some if they were allowed would still practise as priests only they are married. Some do practise in most ways except celebrating the eucharist.