Sudden Onset Juvenile Atheism -Part I

In a strange turn of events over the last few months, my 11 year old son, Nathan has turned into an avowed atheist. I’ll be exploring his spiritual journey, his thoughts, and the theology of disability (Nathan is autistic) for a little while.

I’d love to have your input. Any thoughts, experiences, or stories you’d like to share are encouraged.

-Lisa

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Spark My Muse

Lisa Colón DeLay writes often on matters of the attending to the inner life, creating a beloved community, spiritual formation, and consciousness. She is also a designer, teacher, speaker, and host of the weekly broadcast Spark My Muse since 2015. Lisa is Latina (born in Puerto Rico) and holds an MA in Spiritual Formation and is the author of "The Wild Land Within" (Broadleaf Books) and other books.

4 thoughts on “Sudden Onset Juvenile Atheism -Part I”

  2. This is an interesting development in your son’s spiritual journey! My youngest son developed an atheistic bend when he observed how many of his high school friends acquiesced to their parents’ beliefs and adopted the “old time religion” as their own, without question. I always admired him for being the doubting Thomas. Definitely a time for quietly pointing out different belief systems for him to contemplate, without being pushy. My husband had a great illustration that got my son thinking — it involved imagining a beautiful, intricate, golden pocket watch disassembled in a box; no matter how hard you shake the box, the pieces will not fit together magically. Now imagine the glorious universe and draw your own conclusions!
    I wonder if your son is more toward the Asperger’s side of the autistic spectrum. My oldest son is autistic spectrum, but he has a sweet, simple spirituality.

  3. Thank you for sharing this. Sorry not to have anything insightful to say about it – just looking for to seeing your thoughts on how you respond to it, and admiring your courage for posting about it.

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