I, for one, did
not have a horrible experience in church, in terms of abuse, control, that sort of thing. Not as bad as some, anyway. But I did suffer from depression, which got worse as time went on. All the talk of joy and peace did nothing but
add to my despair and guilt: I figured I must have been doing something wrong, since I didn't have much joy or peace.
I looked around and saw nothing but happy people. Talk of miracles nearly every day. But the stories often didn't ring true. And there was often something behind the happy faces; a hint of something deeper, something hidden. Something like what I had. I began to wonder -- do they have the same problem I do? Are they wearing a peace and joy mask, keeping up appearances?
Occasionally, some questions were actually voiced, most often from young people, and the usual answers were given (we don't understand everything, but Jesus will always be there, etc.) may have helped some people, but not me.
Mourn my exit from the faith, if you like, but I consider it a life-saver. I'm pretty sure I'd be dead by now, if I hadn't left.
Oh, but if it does work for you, go for it! I fully understand that some people may actually "get it right". If you really do have peace and joy, that's wonderful. (Knee jerk reactions, disbelieving anything contrary to your own experience, are not helpful, IMO, in convincing anyone that you actually are getting it right.
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