It is regrettable when believers leave fellowship after publicly declaring a giving up of their faith because it is no longer convincing. Unfortunately, the reaction to such a sad event (from our point of view) can be too dismissive.
Instead of prompting introspection and self-examination (of our fellowship and thinking) it often elicits just a ‘holding fast to the traditions’ response.
Instead of asking whether we (collectively) can do better at addressing genuine questions and concerns, we can retreat ever further into our worldview.
What we do is fail to engage with the issues out of fear that we might actually be wrong or because it is more comfortable to be getting on with our own lives. The intellect and the rational thinking part of human nature is as vital as the capacity for love; each is challenged by God and the challenge to faith is as old as Eden.
A fundamentalist response is not the answer to difficult questions; in fact it is counterproductive, as it accelerates the departure of genuine questioning minds.
We should not place our confidence in institutions, a group identity, or look only inwards, but rather we should hold fast at the same time as engaging outwards in a rational and personal way, doing justice to the power of Scripture.
Neglect of the intellectual dimensions of believing in Christ