Why is it so hard to leave religion?

Why is it so difficult for people to leave their religion, and potentially abandon their beliefs to which they may have clung most of their lives?

There are multiple aspects to this answer, obviously. On the one hand, people may leave their community (such as a church, mosque or synagogue) for a wide variety of reasons, but still very much maintain their belief system in that religion.

On the other hand, if they choose to leave their community and abandon their beliefs also, both choices clearly represent traumatic decisions that have profound implications on multiple levels.

But to return to the initial question: why is it so hard for people to walk away? In studying this question, I’ve compiled a list of reasons that I have discovered keep people firmly within their religion.

1. Sense of community — religion, and the religious communities and activities into which people join, makes them feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. Acceptance by a group of peers is very important in terms of helping to develop and maintain one’s sense of self-esteem.

2. Fear — the very real concern people experience when they consider deconstructing their religious beliefs and worldview. They may ponder such questions as: “What happens if it turns out I’m wrong? In what possible…