Abstract/TL;DR: Leaving the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement not only changed my beliefs but also transformed my thought process. It broadened my perspective, encouraged critical thinking, and fostered empathy and intellectual humility. It liberated me from rigid doctrine and allowed me to engage with diverse viewpoints. It was a journey of growth and discovery that continues to shape the way I think.

Leaving the Independent Fundamental Baptist (IFB) movement wasn’t simply a change in my beliefs; it transformed the very way I think. Growing up in the IFB, my worldview was shaped by its teachings, doctrines, and practices. But as I ventured beyond those familiar boundaries, my perspective broadened, and new avenues of understanding opened up.

The choice to distance myself from the IFB challenged me to question everything I had been taught. It required me to critically examine my beliefs, scrutinize their origins, and evaluate them in light of new information and perspectives. It was a process of intellectual liberation, breaking free from the confines of rigid doctrine and embracing a more nuanced, thoughtful approach to faith and life.

No longer bound by a narrow set of prescribed ideas, I began to explore diverse viewpoints and engage with different theological, philosophical, and social perspectives. It was liberating to realize that I could think for myself, weigh evidence, consider different interpretations, and arrive at my own conclusions. Did this happen overnight? Not at all! I has been a slow and purposeful process.

Leaving the IFB not only broadened my intellectual horizons, but it also increased my compassion. I discovered the value of listening to others, understanding their experiences, and appreciating the diversity of human thought and belief. It enabled me to engage in meaningful dialogue, seek common ground, and embrace a more inclusive and accepting mindset.

Leaving the IFB created a sense of intellectual humility. It taught me that certainty is not always attainable and that honest questioning and wrestling with complex issues is a natural part of growth and understanding. I learned to be willing to reassess and adapt as new insights emerge.

In the end, leaving the IFB wasn’t just a shift in doctrine; it has been a transformation of my entire thought process. It liberated me from the constraints of narrow-mindedness, encouraged me to explore new ideas, and cultivated a greater appreciation for intellectual curiosity and empathy. It has been a journey of growth and introspection—a journey that continues to shape and reshape the way I think and engage with the world around me.