E126: Who TF Am I Now? w/ Ferron P. Wiley

Transitioning out of religion isn’t easy. Many of us have built our personal identity around our religious worldview and community, but what to do when that’s gone or slipping away? We may be left feeling perplexed, confused, depressed and anxious in the aftermath of departing long held faith practices. This RfRx discussion will focus on strategies to rebuild a sense of self and self worth after one’s religious identity is stripped away, as well as making rational decisions about unhealthy behaviors in contrast with sin consciousness. Ferron P. Wiley is an author, public speaker, and podcast host with a unique and wry sense of humor. He has twenty-plus years in the mental health industry working with children adolescents and adults. Having also served ten years presiding as Founder and Senior Pastor of a radically inclusive non-denominational church, he has been afforded a wide range of experiences and insight across the spectrum of humanity. Since recently leaving the Christian faith his core objective is to encourage people who perhaps are not well connected to their own personal value, help them to establish that as a foundation and to learn strategies to use that value as a springboard for pursuing happier and more productive lives. Exposing Sexual Abuse of Children in the Evangelical Church Author Ferron P. Wiley shares his traumatic experience in public talks and his 'Memoirs of Innocence Lost' book series. Growing up in the Christian church should provide guidance and spiritual enrichment, not abuse or shameful secrets. Author Ferron P. Wiley is finally telling his traumatic story of abuse and betrayal in the Christian church in order to help others in similar situations. Tabernacle of Lies, the first book in the Memoirs of Innocence Lost series which recounts the story of Ferron's upbringing in Rochester, New York, and his introduction to Christian faith traditions. Additionally, this was in the mid-1980s during the rise of American televangelism networks like PTL with Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. Against this backdrop, young Wiley endured censure from the pulpit because of his homosexuality – all while being sexually abused by the same ministers privately. Surrounded by hypocrisy, Wiley shares his struggle with organized religion and self-affirmation. His passion for music and performance provides an outlet for self-expression. Mr. Wiley is available for interviews and can be contacted at [email protected] For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at [email protected]. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. Peer support is also available through local support groups. These groups offer monthly in-person meetings as a place to express doubts, fears, emotions & concerns about religion you wouldn't normally feel comfortable expressing in a religious community. Find your nearest support group at https://www.meetup.com/pro/recovering-from-religion Subscribe to the RfR Blog: https://medium.com/excommunications