From Alabama to Atheism: A Southern Deconversion Story with Scott Broughton
Subscribe for updates: Leave this field empty if you’re human: What’s it like to grow up queer and questioning religion in the heart of the Bible Belt? In this episode of Ask an Atheist, host Mike Smith talks with Scott Brotten about his deeply personal journey from a small town in Alabama to open atheism…
What’s it like to grow up queer and questioning religion in the heart of the Bible Belt? In this episode of Ask an Atheist, host Mike Smith talks with Scott Brotten about his deeply personal journey from a small town in Alabama to open atheism and bisexual identity. They explore religious trauma, family silence, internalized shame, military culture, and how indoctrination shapes lives across generations. This conversation is raw, honest, and human. No shouting. No bashing. Just two people unpacking what it means to live authentically.
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QUESTION OF THE DAY
If you grew up in a religious environment, what was the first moment or question that made you start to critically examine your beliefs—or consider stepping away? Share your story in the comments.
Relevant Topics / Chapter Headings
Intro: From Alabama to Atheism
Growing Up in a “Very Jesusy” Town
Religious Indoctrination and Social Conformity
Early Doubts and the First Big “Break”
Mentalism, Manipulation, and Church Prophets
The Navy, Authority, and Unquestioned Belief
Queerness in Conservative Spaces
Coming Out as Bi in the South
Internalized Shame and Masking
Raising Kids Around Religion
Black Churches, Culture, and Christianity
Queer and Religious: Squaring the Circle
On Community, Isolation, and Finding Support
Advice to Others Coming Out
Word to Your Mother: Ending with Hope and Humor
Suggested Reading List
Leaving the Fold by Marlene Winell – For those recovering from religious trauma
Godless by Dan Barker – A preacher’s journey to atheism
The Bible Unearthed by Israel Finkelstein – For biblical skepticism
Queer Virtue by Rev. Elizabeth M. Edman – A queer perspective on reclaiming faith
Faithiest by Chris Stedman – Building bridges between atheists and believers
The Gay Gospel? by Justin Lee – A personal story of being Christian and gay
Caste by Isabel Wilkerson – For context on American racism and its ties to Christian ideology
The Righteous Mind by Jonathan Haidt – To understand moral psychology and belief systems
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