No-Nonsense Spirituality: Honoring the Journey of Brit Hartley

In this episode, we welcome Brit Hartley, an atheist spiritual director, to discuss her personal journey of deconstructing from Mormonism and religion at large. Brit shares her upbringing in a loving Mormon community, the cognitive dissonance she experienced as a teenager, and the pivotal moments that led to her faith crisis and eventual atheism. The conversation explores the challenges of losing faith, rebuilding identity and meaning, and the importance of love, authenticity, and human connection beyond religious dogma. Brit and Leslie also discuss the complexities of maintaining relationships with religious family members, the benefits and shortcomings of religion, and Brit’s work in helping others find spiritual tools without belief requirements. The episode is a compassionate, nuanced look at deconstruction, spirituality, and the search for meaning.Points of Interest:Brit’s upbringing in Mormonism and early questioningThe impact of cognitive dissonance and teenage rebellionFaith crisis triggered by issues like polygamy and racism in MormonismThe emotional toll of losing faith, including depression and loss of identityRebuilding meaning through existentialism, love, and personal experienceNavigating relationships with religious family and friends post-deconstructionThe role of religion as a cognitive technology and its benefitsBrit’s approach to “no-nonsense spirituality” and her book/podcastThe importance of authenticity, boundaries, and bridge-building in interfaith relationshipsEmbracing the “dark night of the soul” as a transformative experience Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease.Pick up Leslie's book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.