The Divorcing Religion Podcast · Janice Selbie

Elyse Bouvier - Unfolding Faith Film

·57 min·5 clips

Canadian filmmaker Elise Bouvier reveals how leaving Pentecostal Christianity reshaped her identity and inspired her film 'Unfolding Faith'.

Janice Selbie, a registered professional counselor and religious trauma recovery coach, hosts Elise Bouvier on the Divorcing Religion Podcast. Elise introduces her film 'Unfolding Faith,' a 25-minute documentary that will be released for free streaming by the National Film Board of Canada in October 2025. She grew up in a Pentecostal Christian home, deeply involved in church activities like youth worship teams and Bible studies. Her father was a pastor until she was six, and his later deconversion became a turning point in her life. Elise traveled internationally, living in London, England, where she began questioning her faith after discovering her own sexuality and forming friendships with non-Christians. She returned to Canada for a documentary media master's program in Toronto, which exposed her to critical thinking and diverse perspectives. A sermon at a hip Toronto church plant, which warned against sharing a bed with partners, felt disconnected and 'unhinged' to her. Social justice concerns, including treatment of LGBTQ+ people and women, further fueled her doubts. Elise describes a gradual deconversion, eventually admitting she was no longer a Christian and later embracing atheism or secular humanism. The film includes vulnerable conversations with both parents, exploring the grief and relationship strains that follow religious divergence. Elise highlights the universal themes of maintaining family bonds despite ideological divides. She mentions future film projects, including exploring Pentecostal history's ties to white nationalism. Janice shares her own experience of publicly sharing her 'exdemony' and publishing a book on religious trauma recovery. The episode concludes with resources for support groups and secular therapy.

As heard by us

A measured look at faith loss, family strain, and recovery.

Elise Bouvier's discussion of Unfolding Faith centers on the personal cost of leaving Christianity and the way that decision can ripple through identity and family ties.

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Why you'd press play

If you want a reflective entry into leaving Christianity, start here.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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