Ep.1: When Certainty Fades: Navigating Life After a Crisis of Faith

Have you ever questioned the beliefs that once defined you? In this opening episode, we share the raw stories of unraveling faith, confronting uncertainty, and learning to trust ourselves again.This conversation explores the emotional and existential turbulence that follows religious deconstruction—grief, loss of identity, and the gradual, sometimes messy work of rebuilding meaning on the other side.Key topics and stories include:- Personal journeys from clergy and congregant through deconstruction- The concept of "belief swapping” and why certainty is so hard to let go of- How grief and emotion show up physically during the process- The unique masculine/feminine dynamic in healing and rebuilding- The importance of community, storytelling, and finding resonanceWe hope you find connection in our stories, whether you’re just beginning to question or are years into your own journey. There’s a seat for you at our table.Lori and Mike are certified existential health practitioners through the Center for Non-Religious Spirituality. Lori is also a certified grief companion.Find more conversations and resources at:Sacred Scars Substackhttps://sacredscars.substack.com/Lori Bickelwww.loribickel.comhttps://spiritualunraveling.substack.com/Michael Loyhttps://www.thewanderingnautilus.com/https://thewanderingnautilus.substack.com/Center for Non-Religious SpiritualityCenter for Non-Religious Spirituality This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sacredscars.substack.com