Ryan J. Bell

Ryan J. Bell, born in Parma, Ohio, in 1971, was a Seventh-day Adventist pastor for 19 years before embarking on a "Year Without God" experiment in 2014. This personal journey, initially prompted by a friend's question about God's impact, led him to live without prayer or scriptural inspiration, significantly altering his life path. His experiment resulted in the loss of positions at Azusa Pacific University and Fuller Theological Seminary, but also garnered support from the atheist community, raising over $27,000. Bell's experiences and evolving views on faith and atheism have been chronicled on his blog "Year Without God" (later hosted by Patheos) and through various media appearances. He has become an advocate for social justice, including gay rights and marriage equality, and was recognized for innovative ministry before his resignation in 2013 due to his stances on women's ordination and LGBTQ+ rights. He is a regular contributor to The Huffington Post and launched the "Life After God" podcast and project in 2015 to provide a space for exploring religious doubts. Bell currently serves as the National Organizing Manager for the Secular Student Alliance and as the Humanist Chaplain at the University of Southern California.