Aftermath: Surviving the Loss of God

Sound Bite

Increasing numbers of disillusioned and otherwise thoughtful persons find they can no longer maintain the simplistic evangelical concept of theism, be it Christian, Jewish, or Islamic. The issue or debate about the existence of god is one thing. Learning to re-structure one's life, especially if one has been a believer is quite another. Aftermath comes to grip with the vital issues that perhaps will help an individual re-orient his/her life after having experienced the loss of god. The chapters address both psychological and philosophical problems and are laced with practical guidelines and examples.

About the Book

The issue or debate about the existence of god is one thing. But learning to re-structure one's life, especially if one has been a believer—whether devout or casual, is quite another. Aftermath comes to grip with the vital issues that perhaps will help an individual re-orient his/her life after having experienced the loss of god.

The chapters address both psychological and philosophical problems and are laced with practical guidelines and examples.It is far from easy to cope with everyday life without any imagined or constructed relationship with the god of childhood, youth, and adulthood. This book that comes face to face with the problem of loss and the ensuing sense of despair that envelop myriads of ex-believers who no longer can accept any kind of theism or deism. Aftermath gives one a strong psychological and philosophical foundation for meaningful life without god.

Introduction

John F. Crosby offers a deep, humanized exploration of the emotional, psychological, and philosophical challenges faced by individuals who have experienced a profound shift in their beliefs—specifically, the loss of belief in God. Aftermath: Surviving the Loss of God focuses on the difficult, personal journey that follows when someone, once a believer, must reorient their life without the presence of a higher power. Whether you were a devout follower or held casual beliefs, losing faith can be an emotional and intellectual upheaval, and this book serves as a compassionate guide through the aftermath.

Coping with Loss of Faith:
Losing faith in God, especially if He has been a central figure throughout childhood, youth, and adulthood, is a disorienting experience. The book acknowledges that many people feel a sense of despair, loneliness, and confusion after they stop believing, as the structure they once relied on for meaning and direction falls apart. Aftermath offers strategies for coping with this loss, guiding readers to find new meaning and purpose in life, free from a constructed or imagined relationship with a deity.

Philosophical and Psychological Guidance:
Crosby addresses the dual dimensions of this struggle—psychological and philosophical. He provides real-life examples, practical advice, and exercises to help individuals process their emotions and find a new emotional balance. The philosophical aspect goes deeper, encouraging readers to confront the existential questions that arise after the loss of faith.

Crosby paints a picture of a life that can still be rich, meaningful, and fulfilling despite the absence of a higher power. Grounding his advice in practical terms, he shows ex-believers how to rebuild their lives around their own values, aspirations, and relationships.

Practical Tools for Rebuilding Life:
This book is laced with practical tools that help readers reflect, process, and move forward. Crosby draws on his vast experience to offer guidelines that are both philosophical and applicable to daily life. He encourages readers to reframe their experiences, develop new sources of meaning, and take concrete steps to enhance their emotional and mental well-being.

Facing Despair and Finding Hope:
Aftermath does not shy away from the fact that losing faith can leave individuals with feelings of emptiness or even despair. Crosby’s writing is deeply empathetic and reassuring, offering comfort to those grappling with these heavy emotions. He acknowledges that the journey away from God can be filled with uncertainty but also emphasizes that this is not the end of the road. Instead, it is the beginning of a new chapter, one where individuals have the freedom to construct their own paths.