Deconversion Narratives Among Hungarian Youth in Transylvania

Countless profane and scriptural narratives recount conversions occurring under miraculous circumstances; however, little attention is given to individuals who, for various reasons, distance themselves from their religious communities. The central question of my study is what types of deconversion narratives exist among young people. Furthermore, my aim is to explore the motivations, reasons, and experiences underlying religious disaffiliation, as well as the exit strategies employed. The research focuses on Hungarian youth in Transylvania, utilizing narrative biographical interviews as the primary methodological approach. This study may open new perspectives in Transylvania, where the specific causes and consequences of the phenomenon of deconversion have not yet been the subject of sociological investigation. The findings are not only of interest to the academic community but also provide valuable insights for professionals working in pastoral care. Keywords: Deconversion; Religious disaffiliation; Hungarian youth in Transylvania; Religiosity; Exit narratives