Everson, Kimberlee (2022). Returning from atheism during the college years. Pastoral Psychology. (ePub in advance of print) (Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11089-021-00990-1)

Abstract: Young adults are increasingly rejecting religion in favor of various forms of disbelief, including atheism and agnosticism. Many religious leaders hope to bring these young adults back to belief. This study examined the experiences of 10 college students who self-described as becoming believers after a phase of disbelief. Using Q methodology, this group of students was found to come, or return, to a belief in God for one of three reasons: (1) looking for truth, (2), wanting life to mean more, or (3) suffering because of life crises.

Kimberlee Everson <kimberlee.everson@wku.edu> is in the Department of Educational Administration, Leadership, and Research, School of Leadership and Professional Studies, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY (USA).