chances are when you move from scientifically unverifiable premises to a conclusion to another conclusion, you'll end up in BS land.

Ultimately, you'll wonder why your BS is incoherent and flawed, and lose your faith.

I disagree that atmosphere creates apostasy. It seems that most apostates choose that path and use the lack of a big tent environment as an excuse to deflect blame.

Some people will leave for many reasons, they don't want to do what's asked, they are struggling and encounter an unsympathetic leader or what not. If we always had wise and caring leaders those who struggle would receive better care. If a person felt loved no matter what fewer would apostasize.

To that comment I would add if leadership could be trusted with openly and honestly discussing their history, there would be less apostasy.:rolleyes:

This may become fodder for a new Jeff Foxworthy bit: You know you must be an apostate when...

Amen.

...you stop hiding your Sunstone when the home teachers come over.

Theology.

Easy for me, ours, if we have any, don't visit. No visits, thank goodness in over two years.

From my experience theology/religious studies departments have a much higher % of atheists than science depts.

But that correlation may not support the causation you seem to be suggesting.

OK, what variables do you propose may affect that %?