Why do believers have a "crisis of faith" when they start doubting their religion?

Question

Is there such a thing for an atheist?

if there is such a thing for an atheist, what is it?

if there isn't, why not?

Answer 1

Those who insist on the unnatural delusion that a single male created life for no reason doubt only specific rules their particular sect taught them. Atheists who were of an Abrahamic religion before, have the true 'crisis of faith'.
In response to Eaton's answer-Why do we care so much as to be bothered by the belief in this God? I don't know. Maybe it has to do with the fact that hypocrites try to force their version of morality on everyone else and they have a history (an extensive one) whenever a large opinionated group of them gathers together.
As far as Sancha's answer-yeah, right. I have read in several places people who were much more devout in their beliefs than naive people like you. Trying to find answers and 'make it right' with their religion is what led them to the atheistic path. I know myself. I was very much 'in love' with that religion but it's hypocritical teachings and errors FORCED me to accept, after many, many years, that it simply was not very realistic.

Answer 2

My personal opinion is that they never were committed to whatever religion they said they followed, so it became easy to start questioning their beliefs.

You see, no religous body has a cap on God (though they all think so). Many followers get confused when things they thought were one way turn out to be different in their personal experience. Doubt steps in and everything is up for grabs after that.

It is not a "crisis of faith". Faith is not in crisis; their faith never was strong right from the start.

Answer 3

We all have crisis of consciences. It is not necessarily a conscience of faith. It is often a look at the detail of our faith. I have always believed in a God. It is the religion where I learn about God that I have my concerns. True Atheist have a question about the existence of God and often question that decision. You can't prove the existence of God and you can't prove that there isn't a God. So times for both, people question the existence of God.

Answer 4

Q1---when we doubt our beliefs, things that we have taken seriously for a long time, and we care about, it is painful.
Q2---I don't think so. I believe that many, most, or all atheists are struggling with their "disbelief." It's kind of like declaring war on Santa Claus---if you KNOW that Santa does not exist, why bother? And what is the problem with people who believe in him? And WHY spend SO MUCH TIME trying to correct them?
Q3---Yes there is, a person who is absolutely convinced that there is no power greater than himself.
Q4---most of us know better