Before You Go: Uncovering Hidden Factors in Faith Loss

To alleviate a crisis, you have to get to its source, not just treat the symptoms. Many say they are leaving the faith as the result of conscious intellectual doubts or relational hurts. But often, what’s driving the doubt is just outside of one’s conscious awareness. Unbeknownst to those struggling—and those trying to help them—these unconscious factors can be the actual source from which their doubt springs.

Before You Go is a diagnostic tool for addressing doubts. Rather than rehash surface-level apologetic answers, the authors dig deeper into overlooked factors that frequently are the real culprits when it comes to faith crisis, namely the unconscious aspects of our experience.

Find real hope for those struggling to maintain their faith and genuine help for those trying to prevent faith loss in those they love.

John Marriott (Ph.D. Biola) is coordinator for the Biola University Center for Christian Thought and teaches in the Philosophy and Intercultural Studies departments at Biola. He is the author of The Anatomy of Deconversion: Keys to Lifelong Faith in a Culture Abandoning Christianity and A Recipe for Disaster: How the Church Prepares Believers to Lose Their Faith. A former pastor, John, his wife Nancy and their children, Cody and Moriah, live in Los Angeles.

Shawn C. Wicks graduated from Talbot School of Theology in 2005 (MDiv). He currently serves as a pastor and elder at Westminster Bible Chapel and as the vice president of Verdugo Pines Bible Camp. He preaches on a regular basis and ministers to people of all ages and backgrounds throughout the year. He especially enjoys ministering to families, couples, and those who serve in leadership. Born and raised in Southern California, Shawn also enjoys the beach, camping, and other outdoor activities. He has been married to his wife, Dawnita, for fourteen years and has four children.