Voices of Deconversion (Steve Hilliker)
Explore every episode of Voices of Deconversion
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
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| 11 Jul 2019 | 063 Jeremy: As a Child He Preached & Gave Altar Calls. Raised Apostolic Pentecostal Christian. When God Doesn't Heal a Blind Man, His Faith is Challenged. He's Now an Atheist. | 01:35:07 | |
I don't think I've met anyone who was as committed a Christian at such a young age as Jeremy. He understood his faith so well as a 7 year old that his friends at daycare wanted him to debate an adult atheist! At home he was telling his father he wanted to preach. By 10 years of age he was giving altar calls. This was a child who loved the Bible and lived his faith. Things continue like this into college. One night during a church service Jeremy attended, the preacher decided to put her faith into action. She called forward a blind man for healing. Everyone expected a miracle, but after a while nothing occurred. The man was not healed. Jeremy was troubled by the experience. This was a turning point. When Jeremy eventually accepts he's an atheist, he has to tell his fiancé, father and pastor at his church. These were conversations that would test his most important relationships. He's come a long way and recently graduated from college. I had a great time talking with him and enjoyed a few laughs along the way. | |||
| 11 Apr 2017 | Introduction | 00:08:18 | |
In this introduction episode I let you know what to expect from the podcast. I also give a brief summary of my story of deconversion from Christianity. Finally, I share with you the reason I decided to create the Voices of Deconversion podcast. Thanks for subscribing to the podcast! | |||
| 07 Jun 2021 | 078 Chelsy Albertson: Lesbian Ex-Christian Who's Agnostic/Atheist. Former Campus Crusade for Christ Member. A Mission Trip to India Leads to Epiphany. | 01:12:45 | |
Chelsy's been instructing English as a Second Language (ESL) for 20 years. She's been a full time lecturer at Purdue University since 2014. Currently she's working on her second Master's degree about the experiences of lesbian ex-members of Campus Crusade for Christ. She was raised in a Christian home, but an experience during the summer of her Freshman year in college, begins a series of big changes in her life. Her parents don't respond well. A mission trip to India leads to an epiphany. She is now agnostic/atheist. Chelsy's hobbies include kayaking, playing guitar and drums, rock climbing, traveling and learning languages. Chelsy and her wife recently got married just a few weeks ago! Congrats Chelsy!! | |||
| 07 May 2019 | 060 Catholic Raised. Selective Mutism Prepares Her to be a Nun. Mom Gets Cancer. Grieving without God's Help | 02:02:51 | |
I was so impressed with Misty's kindness, strength and perspective. At 4 years old Misty gets a virus, which leads to a social anxiety disorder called Selective Mutism. This prevents Misty from being able to speak. She is only able to speak with her parents and brother, but not her older sisters. Misty copes with this through most of childhood. She spent many days playing by herself and being, as she put it "in her head". As early as 11 years old she notices depression. By her senior year in high school, it gets worse. Exposure to an atheist cousin has an impact, but she feels a calling to be a nun. Her years experiencing selective mutism pave the way to her calling as a cloistered nun, taking a vow of silence. Misty's mom thinks she should be a writer (spoiler alert: she is now a reporter for two newspapers....and she loves it!). Tragically, her mother is later diagnosed with cancer and not long after passes away. Misty wonders if God wanted her mother to die, since her mother didn't think Misty should be a nun. Misty learns to grieve without God's help. She grows closer to her father. Her religious and political views change...and it turns out catholic boys aren't necessarily the best boys to date. | |||
| 10 Aug 2021 | 079 Amanda Roe: Ex-Catholic Atheist. Used to Attend Daily Mass. Unwittingly Joins a Cult at University. Propaganda in U.S. Elections Catches Her Attention. The Bible says "You'll Know Them by Their Fruits". That's the Last Straw. She Lets it All Go! | 01:17:57 | |
Amanda was a devout Catholic. She used to attend mass daily. She and her husband didn't use birth control, in accordance with church teaching. She accidentally joins a cult at university. The 2016 and 2020 U.S. elections get her thinking about propaganda. She wonders what propaganda she believes. She hears a Bible verse that says, " You will know them by their fruits". That's the last straw. It gave her the final push to leave Christianity. She became an atheist in November 2020. She's married and has four kids. She has her undergrad in theology and Master's degree in mental health counseling. She's passionate about human rights and changing the world through empathy. Now she is focused on raising her four kids to be aware of others. She's considering going back to school to study religious trauma and spiritual abuse because she feels like these topics aren't talked about enough. | |||
| 06 Jun 2017 | 012 Marty McDonald-Very Devout Catholic From Childhood, He Became Evangelical in Adulthood. Marty is Now an Atheist. | 01:36:26 | |
Marty grew up the oldest of 9 boys in a very devout Catholic family. Marty became agnostic in 1996 and as of 2011 considers himself an atheist. He is one of the friendliest, most helpful people you'll meet. I often notice him encouraging other atheists & agnostics on social media (some of them newly deconverted).
Marty's Blog:
Richard Rubenstein
Marlene Winell
Ryan Bell & Life After God
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| 16 May 2017 | 009 Audrey Moreland-Raised Strict Jehovah's Witness, She Lost Family & Friends When She Left the Church | 01:08:53 | |
Audrey was born into a very strict Jehovah's Witness family. Meetings were held at her church 7 days a week! A week in the life of a Jehovah's Witness consisted of continual preparations for church meetings/activities. This only left time for church.
audreymoreland911@msn.com
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| 17 Jul 2022 | 085 Tom Boulton: Loved Ones Going to Hell Brings Anxiety. Faith is All Consuming. His Definition of Christian Evolves. After Deconversion Invites Christians Out for a Pint | 01:24:18 | |
Today I speak with Tom Boulton from the U.K. Tom's Christian faith grew in his teenage years amongst friends. His dad thought Tom was in a cult. Tom experienced intense anxiety at the thought of friends and family going to hell. His faith is all-consuming. He said that 18 year old Christian Tom wouldn't recognize 23 year old Christian Tom. His understanding and definition of Christianity changed. Tom mentors a 16 year old boy from church who comes out to Tom as gay. Tom doesn't respond so well the first time, but gets a chance to follow-up with the boy later and make it right. Work is a great landing place for him to go as he deconverts. After deconverting he invites everyone, including church friends out for a pint to chat about the changes in his life. It goes really well! Tom is the friendliest, kindest guy and I loved hearing his story! You'll love it too. | |||
| 19 Mar 2019 | 059 Timoree Branson: Church was Life. Faith Starts Fracturing. Difficult Talks with Her Christian Husband & Children | 01:50:25 | |
A truly touching and inspiring story. Christianity was everything for Timoree. It helped her with sobriety, mental illness and was a source of comfort. You can imagine that when faith begins to fracture, how unsettling and scary it was for her. The most important things in her life were at stake. Somehow, she still found the courage to face this challenge head on. Timoree tells the tearful, but moving stories of how she told her husband and children that she is not a Christian. Her son is a youth pastor! The beautiful thing about her story is the emphasis on relationships: our relationships with our spouse, children and friends. The value of having good people in our life is priceless.
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| 28 Feb 2018 | 035 Ian Redfearn - Part 2: Resigns Church Membership. Tells His Wife He Can't Do Church Anymore. Talks Atheist Spirituality & Awesome Quotes! | 00:52:09 | |
The second half of my conversation with Ian is wonderful! We start with him resigning membership at his church, then discuss atheist spirituality. He shares observations about how church doesn't seem to make people any better. Ian tells me how he prepared to tell his wife he couldn't go to church anymore. Her reaction was amazing! Finally, Ian ends on such an inspirational note. He shares a quote from the movie, The Life of Pi and also a quote from Dr. Who. As you probably know, I love quotes! These two in particular were very moving to me. Thanks for listening! | |||
| 22 Nov 2017 | 027 David Ames - Part 1: Jesus Tells His Mother to Stop Drinking. Her Dramatic Conversion Impacts David. Grace Was Foundational as a Christian. He Became a Youth Minister. He Now Calls Himself the Graceful Atheist. | 00:43:26 | |
Jesus tells David's mother to stop drinking. Her struggles with addiction ended when she dramatically converted to Christianity. This had a major influence on David's faith. David eventually enters the ministry, before burning out and distancing himself from church activities. @GracefulAtheist on Twitter | |||
| 06 Feb 2019 | 056 Joy Unspeakable: Toxic Faith and Rose-Colored Glasses. Joy Hopper's Memoir | 01:29:57 | |
What a Journey! Joy was 3 when separated from her siblings and family of origin. It happened without warning. Her foster family were fundamentalist Christians in Idaho. She grew up in the church and had mostly a positive experience. She got lots of attention and love in church. As a child her feet get run over by a lawnmower. She believes God can heal her and goes in front of the church to be healed. Later in life she marries, becomes a missionary in Taiwan and raises 6 kids in the church. When one of her daughters returns from a trip to Europe her views have changed, and Joy noticed! As a Christian mother, Joy is very unsettled by her daughter's new views. However, down the road when Joy begins to research and question her own beliefs, her daughter is excited to hear about it! Joy eventually sits down with all her children to share her new views. Her message to her children is unconditional love and support, no matter what they choose to believe for themselves. Joy Hopper's memoir is called Joy Unspeakable: Toxic Faith and Rose-Colored Glasses. You can find it in paperback or Kindle. https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Unspeakable-Hopper/dp/1640824456
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| 18 Oct 2017 | 024 Naked Pastor-David Hayward - Part 1: Drifting in Seminary. A Vineyard Pastor for 30 Yrs. A Dream Brings Clarity. Congregants Stop Supporting Him. He's Done & It's the Perfect Storm. | 00:45:01 | |
David Hayward of nakedpastor.com has a wonderful story! He has a Masters in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, as well as a Diploma in Religious Studies and Ministry from McGill University in Montreal. In 2010 he left the professional paid clergy after almost 30 years of ministry. He started the blog called nakedpastor in 2006, and initiated his public undressing of religion, religious community and spirituality through writings, art and cartoons. Thousands of people are challenged and entertained by nakedpastor every day. In 2012, he launched The Lasting Supper, an online resource site and community for spiritually independent people to help themselves find companionship and support for their spiritual journeys. His art, cartoons, writings, and books have found their way all around the world. He lives with his wife Lisa on the beautiful Kennebecasis River near Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. They have 3 grown children. And a dog, Sophie. | |||
| 30 May 2017 | 011 Wendy Marsman- Raised Fundamentalist, A Missionary for 15 Years Before Her 20 Year Marriage Ended. Now an Atheist, She Reconnected with Her High School Sweetheart. | 01:40:43 | |
Wendy was raised in a fundamentalist evangelical home in Canada. She married and raised her children in Brazil while working as a missionary. Her marriage of 20 years ended and during that time Wendy was becoming an atheist. Wendy has become so much happier outside the church and has even reconnected with her high school sweetheart! They have a blended family of 5 children. Wendy hosts the Women Beyond Belief Podcast-a podcast aimed at giving women who've left religion a voice and a place to tell their story.
Women Beyond Belief @WBBPodcast https://www.instagram.com/womenbeyondbelief/ https://www.pinterest.com/wbbpodcast/women-beyond-belief-podcast/
The God Virus by Darrel Ray
Seth Andrews
Christopher Hitchens
Richard Dawkins
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| 29 Nov 2017 | 027 David Ames - Part 2: Tells His Christian Wife He's Not a Christian. A History of Doubt. The Basis for Atheist Morality. Forming Community. | 00:46:37 | |
In Part 2 of my conversation with David, he shares the moment he realized he was no longer a Christian. He also shares the painstaking process of telling his wife (who is still a Christian today) that he was no longer a Christian. David discusses finding comfort in the history of doubt and secular thinking throughout history. He also explains his thoughts on the basis of morality as an atheist. It was a wonderful conversation! https://gracefulatheist.wordpress.com
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| 21 Jun 2018 | 043 Ric Caliolio: Baptized Roman Catholic. Loves Science. Trades Fatalism for Self-Determination as an Agnostic-Atheist | 01:25:36 | |
Ric was born and raised in the Philippines. He was baptized as an infant into the Roman Catholic church. Ric teaches me about Anticipated Mass and how malls in the Philippines host Catholic Mass! Ric loved biology and evolution from a young age. We discuss the different ways catholics and evangelicals view science. A big life lesson that Ric gained in deconversion was leaving the fatalistic thinking of a christian and learning self-determination. This is a HUGE part of so many of our deconversions, mine included! It's an amazing moment when you realize that you're in control and don't need to have "Jesus take the wheel" (as Ric jokingly noted).
http://filipinofreethinkers.org VICE Article:
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| 26 Sep 2017 | 022 Anthos of The Brighter Light Podcast - As a Child Went Door to Door for Jehovah. Disfellowshipped in Adulthood, He Decides to Get His Life Together. Later in Life He Looks Into JW Teachings-It's B.S., but What Does He Believe in Now? | 01:00:47 | |
Anthos is a laid-back guy with a great sense of humor, but he's also brutally honest about the teachings of his former cult, Jehovah's Witnesses. As a young child he knocked on doors to spread the good news about Jehovah and paradise (spoiler alert...you get a pet Lion!). In adulthood he's disfellowshipped, but this drives him back to the faith and getting his life back together. Later in life, when his kids are grown he decides to research his church's teachings. He finds that it's B.S., but now what does he believe in? We also discuss petting Pandas, short haired Jesus and The System! He's a great guy with insightful answers and some great takeaways at the end.
The Brighter Light Podcast: | |||
| 12 Oct 2018 | 050 Andrew Jasko: Minister Prepping for Missions to India/Bible Caused Mental Distress/Quits Ministry/Starts Over as an Atheist. | 01:32:15 | |
Studying for a doctorate in clinical psychology, Andrew is now an atheist. Not long ago, he was a Pentecostal minister (Master of Divinity from Princeton Seminary) with a certain calling to be a missionary in India. What changed? In graduate school, Andrew realizes he must address some mental health issues. The Bible's teachings were causing psychological distress. His experience of religion as trauma is very common and such important an important issue! His journey takes him from minister and missionary-to-be, to psychedelics and Burning Man. His dream is to help people heal from religion and dogmatic ideologies. He offers private coaching, speaks at events, facilitates workshops and blogs at http://lifeafterdogma.org
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| 31 Jan 2018 | 033 Bill Finley - Part 1: Mediates for Divorced Parents. Boy Scouts is Stabilizing. B.A. in the Bible. Officer/Minister in Salvation Army Twelve Yrs. Now Humanist. | 00:53:07 | |
Bill starts our conversation discussing the difficulties he experienced when his parents divorced. As a child, Bill had no warning the day his mom decided to pack up their stuff and move out. Boy Scouts became a stabilizing force in Bill's junior high and high school years, as he became the de facto mediator between his parents. He moved to Colorado for college and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies. Bill and his wife served as Officers/Ministers in the Salvation Army for over twelve years. They now attend a Unitarian church and Bill considers himself a Humanist. | |||
| 11 Nov 2019 | 069 Roland Watts: Raised Methodist in a small Australian Township. Blasphemed the Holy Spirit as a Child. Feared He was Damned for Years. Meeting the Christadelphians Brings Huge Relief. He's now an Agnostic Atheist. | 01:38:28 | |
Gidday Listeners! My first guest from Australian shares his fascinating journey out of Christianity. He was raised in a typical Methodist Christian home in a small Township in Australia. His dad was a brickmaker and his mother a homemaker. He was raised going to Sunday school. His dad attended prayer groups during the week and his mom went to women's church groups. As a young teenager he was listening to a Fundamentalist preacher when a blasphemous thought entered his mind. Instantly he knew he was damned and going to hell. He couldn't dare tell anyone, as this may confirm his terrible reality. He kept all this to himself. He lived his day-to-day life, but every so often was reminded of his terrible fate. This thought tormented him for years. A few years later he's invited to a meeting with the Christadelphians. As a Methodist, he was viewed as a damnable heretic. Conversely, he viewed them that way too. Following an intense discussion he has a realization and finally finds relief. I loved his message to embrace the things we don't know. This is a huge part of what brings me peace as an atheist too. It's ok to not know or understand everything. It's the mystery of life that brings wonder and awe. It also leaves us with so much to discover in our world. In difficult times, we gather comfort from something Roland reminded me near the end of our talk: We're in it together!
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| 18 Apr 2017 | 004 Robert Parham, M.A., LMHC | 01:24:41 | |
Robert W. Parham, M.A. is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider. He holds two Masters Degrees, one in Counseling that he earned in 1996 from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and one in Clinical Psychology that he earned in 2006 from the Washington School of Professional Psychology. Robert has been helping people in the mental health field for over 18 years, working in psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment programs, and private practice. The Secular Therapist Project
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| 04 Jan 2018 | 030 Ariel Pontes - Part 1: Raised in Brazil w/Catholicism & Spiritism. Sought an Out-of-Body Experience, Began Asking Questions. Now a Humanist, He Chairs the Americas Working Group at IHEYO | 00:39:43 | |
Ariel was raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil-well known for being a very Catholic country. However, Ariel describes how spiritism, reincarnation and out-of-body experiences are a normal part of Christianity in Brazil. In his early teen years he sought out how he could have an out-of-body experience. He began asking questions to learn more...and that's when things take a turn. He is now Chair of the Americas Working Group at IHEYO (International Humanist and Ethical Youth Organization): http://iheu.org
He's also a web developer and blogs at http://ghostlessmachine.com/en/ He currently lives and works in Bucharest, Romania. | |||
| 11 Apr 2017 | 001 Dan Barker-Co-President of the Freedom From Religion Foundation | 01:41:59 | |
Dan Barker and his wife Annie Laurie Gaylor are co-presidents of the Freedom From Religion Foundation and co-hosts of Freethought Radio. The Clergy Project
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| 07 Jul 2018 | 044 Eva Quinones: President of Humanistas Seculares de Puerto Rico who Sued the Government for Separation of Church and State. She's a Humanist Agnostic-Atheist | 01:29:03 | |
I had such a great time talking with Eva! Our interview has a different flow than most episodes, but it's a nice change of pace. We discuss a variety of topics: How people on the island are still recovering from hurricane Maria, politics in Puerto Rico and some awesome work being done by Secular Humanists of Puerto Rico. Additionally, she shares some exciting news about freethinkers in South America! There was a first ever conference and Dan Barker (you'll remember him from episode 001 of the podcast) was one of the featured speakers. We touch on Eva's path to Humanist Agnostic-Atheism about halfway through. Eva tells some great stories and has a great sense of humor. https://twitter.com/HumanistasPR
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| 09 Jan 2022 | 082 Bella: Aware They're Non-Binary at 6. Catholicism Ruins Childhood. Bullied, Abused and Suicidal. Reads Bible. Realizes it's (Dark) Fiction. | 01:30:57 | |
Christianity ruins their childhood. They were born into a Catholic family and went to church every Saturday. They became aware they were non-binary at 6 years old, realizing they didn't want to be a girl. Their parents were caring and the type of people that you wish Christians were. Despite a loving home environment, this didn't prevent a childhood of isolation and self-hatred. They were bullied, abused and suicidal. Somehow they remained a hardcore Christian. Later in life they experience abuse in romantic relationships. In college they leave Catholicism for Non-denominational Christianity. Processing their grandmother's death leads to panic attacks and motivates them to read the Bible. It's immediately obvious to them that the Bible is (dark) Fiction. They eventually get mental health help and in 2019 decide they are non longer a Christian. They are now an atheist. bsinka94@gmail.com | |||
| 27 Jun 2017 | 015 Kristen Hovet - Preaching to Friends & Bible Study Lead to Questions. A Friend's Suicide is a Huge Blow. | 01:27:01 | |
Kristen was a devout protestant who would preach to her friends. She diligently studied the Bible. She began to have questions about her beliefs. She became pregnant soon after getting married. While at university a friend commits suicide, which was a huge blow to Kristen. Kristen is an American-Canadian journalist and writer who specializes in psychology, health, science and the intersection of sociology and culture. She is a member of the National Association of Science Writers. She has a degree in English from Simon Fraser University. She's completed certificate courses in epigenetics, personalized medicine, human physiology and genetics and evolution. She hosts the Humans of Earth podcast, a profile podcast interviewing people from all around the world, highlighting their lives and aiming to bridge the us vs. them divide through shared stories. Born in Williston North Dakota, she currently resides in Vancouver, British Columbia. Her interests include languages, travel, music and yoga.
Kristen Hovet https://www.facebook.com/kristenmhovet/ https://theestablishment.co/the-hidden-trauma-of-life-after-fundamentalism-110946ab05f2
Humans of Earth Podcast
Marlene Winell-Leaving the Fold
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| 29 Aug 2017 | 019 Sarah Brennan - Part 2: Rebuilding Life After Divorce. Her Mom Reacts to the News. Goes Before a Panel of Pastors & Uses the Bible to Argue in Favor of Being Gay | 00:38:31 | |
In part 2 of my conversation with Sarah, she discusses rebuilding her community and her life. She had lived with her husband for 10 years and it was everything she'd ever known. Her mom and a close friend have strong reactions when she comes out. Finally, Sarah goes before a panel of pastors at her church where she served as a pastor. She uses the Bible to argue in favor of living an openly gay lifestyle. Such a wonderful story!
Sarah's Resource:
Dear John, I Love Jane
Skype:
Email: sarahmbrennan13@gmail.com | |||
| 19 Jul 2018 | 045 Christine Goodrich: Forsaking Faith Co-Host. Raised Charismatic is Now Atheist. She Sought God and Felt Guilt. Her Mom was an Evangelist. | 01:34:27 | |
What a great conversation! At a young age Christine's family moved from New York to Oklahoma, so her mom could train to be an evangelist at Oral Roberts University. Her childhood memories include, nearly memorizing the movie Jesus of Nazareth and road trips to see evangelists Benny Hinn and R.W. Schambach! Despite being saturated in charismatic Christianity, Christine struggled with guilt from, as she put it "not feeling it, like other Christians felt it". Nevertheless, Christine sought God with all her heart. She is now an atheist and started the brand new podcast, Forsaking Faith with her friend Heather Bailey (hear Heather's story in episode 041) http://voicesofdeconversion.com/home/2018/5/26/041-heather-bailey-forsaking-faith-podcast-co-host-from-dancing-charismatic-to-agnostic). The theme of friendship, specifically genuine friendship with Christians, is an important part of Christine's story. This kindness expressed by both Christine and Heather carries over into their podcast. Forsaking Faith is a much needed podcast, so check it out and tell a friend :)
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forsaking-faith
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forsakingfaith/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SecularHangouts @SecularHangouts https://twitter.com/ForsakingFaith @forsakingfaith
The Happiness Hypothesis: https://www.amazon.com/Happiness-Hypothesis-Finding-Modern-Ancient/dp/0465028020
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| 01 Aug 2018 | 046 Nicki: Grew up Charismatic & Loved It! Learns to Read People. She Rebels, Then Returns. Her Mom's a Prophet. Doubts Persist, Atheism Follows. | 02:14:28 | |
Nicki's story has so many twists and turns, I absolutely loved it! This episode flies by. Her Dad saw Jesus in the passenger seat of his truck. Her mom became a prophet. Nicki learns to read people, crack eggs on their heads and help women become pregnant through prayer. She goes to beauty school and rebels, then become's the prodigal child. She meets the perfect Christian husband and starts a family. When doubts persist, she seeks out life-changing counseling. The fallout is significant. As an ex-Christian, Nicki finds her friendships are incredibly important. | |||
| 07 Aug 2019 | 065 Oklahoma Fire Fighter Wiley Gabehart: As a Marine Became an Aggressive Christian. Faith is Tested with Tough Questions. He Looks at Faith & Mental Health Transparently. He's Now an Atheist. | 02:28:27 | |
You have to hear this story! He's always wanted to help people. When he became a strong Christian, it was saving people from the lake of fire. If Hell was real, Wiley was compelled to do everything in his power to save people from it. He would stand outside ATMs on busy Friday nights preaching to people. He was attracted to an aggressive form of Christianity. Having exactly the right doctrine was very important to him. So much so, that he and his wife later struggled to find the right church. He wouldn't marry his wife unless she agreed to wear dresses and not celebrate Christmas, as it's a pagan celebration. She eventually agreed. Later Wiley hears a podcast host pose a question for Christians. The host asks if Christians could admit they might possibly be wrong. When the podcast host proclaims that Christians never will admit this, Wiley thinks "challenge accepted". His faith is tested and then his marriage. He faces questions about faith with transparency. He also decides to face OCPD (Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) in an honest, open way. He's a courageous human being and I'm so glad he shared his story with us. | |||
| 15 Aug 2017 | 018 Stephen Barry - Part 2: Frustration with God Grows, Praying His Last Prayer, Coming Out, Owning Your Truth. | 01:17:29 | |
This is the second half of my conversation with Stephen Barry. We pick up after he had an argument with his mother and decided to run away from home. Later in the episode Stephen discusses how he grew frustrated with God and when he prayed his last prayer. Stephen also tells the story of coming out atheist to his mom. He shares his thoughts on coming out to his mom a second time and one of his favorite quotes about "owning your truth". His song "Live for Life", which I share in the introduction, can be found along with his other music at https://barryorchestra.bandcamp.com Stephen's Resources Angels and Airwaves: The Revelator Twitter: Tumblr:
Bill O'Reilly:"We'll Do It Live"!!!
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| 25 Jan 2021 | 074 Vaughn: Agnostic Pastor & Musician Who Leads Worship at His Church | 01:40:18 | |
Pastor & Musician who leads worship at his church. This father and husband has only come out as agnostic to a few people. He is using a fake name in today's interview. He's a great guy and has a touching story about the costs we have to consider when leaving a Christian career. | |||
| 28 Aug 2018 | 047 Objectively Dan: Methodist Raised, He Loved Camp Ministry. Wanted Good Reasons to Believe. He Encounters Street Epistemology! | 01:19:06 | |
Dan has a fascinating story! Here's a video of Dan when he was a Christian and his faith is challenged through street epistemology: Dan is from Texas and was raised Methodist growing up (later attending a Baptist church). Dan loved the church community and really lived out his faith. Camp ministry was particularly enjoyable for him. Dan sought out good reasons to back up his faith. It's this journey that leads to atheism. When he tells his parents of these new views, things go over much worse than anticipated. Dan is now part of the Secular Student Alliance at Baylor University. He also has a great Youtube channel, which you can subscribe to here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCabcNd5rdI-FlHW6ecXQvLQ/featured He is now host of the show, Truth Wanted. This is a call-in show about getting to the bottom of beliefs. Be sure to follow the show on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/229569754409166/ Twitter: @ObjectivelyDan
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| 21 Sep 2021 | 080 Eric: At Army ROTC Discovers the Real World, Fundamentalist Upbringing, Forced to hide Music He Liked. Served in Afghanistan. He was an Atheist in a Foxhole. | 02:19:52 | |
My guest today grew up never knowing any other perspective, except the one he was told to have. His family did not attend events outside of church. He spent preschool through 12th grade at the same private school and church. His friendships were strictly controlled. Girlfriends or "crushes" were prohibited. Every potential influence was censored. He had no privacy at any time. He wasn't allowed to develop any opinion unless it was the same as his parents. He was forced to hide his thoughts, friendships, music or anything else that didn't conform. His worldview had been dictated to him his whole life until, through the Army ROTC program at a fundamentalist Christian college, he began to discover the real world. He now considers himself an atheist. He's married with two kids and lives in the South. | |||
| 02 May 2018 | 040 Black Nonbelievers Inc. Founder & President: Mandisa Thomas | 01:11:13 | |
Mandisa Thomas, a native of New York, is founder and President of Black Nonbelievers, Inc., which is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Although never formally raised Christian, she was definitely impacted by the Christianity around her. Her parents were both Black Nationalists, which had a significant impact on her growing up. Mandisa has a unique and fascinating upbringing. We also get to hear what motivated Mandisa to start Blacknonbelievers and how it became the organization it is today. She shares some thought-provoking statistics about the increasing religiousness amongst black Americans. Finally, she has some wonderful advice for the atheist community at the end of our discussion. | |||
| 13 Jun 2017 | 013 Vix - Eyewitness to Religious Killing, She Shares How Witches & Demons Infuse Nigerian Christianity. She Discovered the Flying Spaghetti Monster and Co-Runs Nigerian Atheist & Agnostic Movement's FB Page | 01:14:43 | |
As a young girl, Vix witnessed deadly fighting between Christians and Muslims in northern Nigeria. Her family also experienced a significant personal tragedy.
The Nigerian Atheist and Agnostic Movement Facebook Page
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| 13 Jul 2017 | 017 Steve - Part 1: Childhood Dreams Fade, Trust in God Deepens. Life-Altering Decisions Are Made, Then Later Challenged | 01:01:17 | |
I grew up in a conservative Christian home. We went to church every Sunday. God was a very important part of my life. As I realized my childhood dreams weren't panning out, my trust and commitment to God grew stronger in high school. I began studying the Bible and loved it! I enjoyed occasionally preaching at youth group and attended 3 churches a week for a time. I wanted to live out my faith, so I stopped swearing, listening to secular music and watched mainly family friendly movies. In high school, this also meant avoiding any partying. After my freshman year at Washington State University, I came home and Krissy and I began dating. We got married a few years later. We wanted to trust God in everything, so that included family planning! I transferred to Trinity Lutheran College and began working toward my Bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies. I loved studying and preaching the Bible, so becoming a pastor was a solid decision, or so we thought. As life became increasingly difficult to manage (full time work and school, two kids under age 2, depression), our plan for life and understanding of God began to be challenged. | |||
| 28 Mar 2021 | 076 April: Bible Belt Raised & Homeschooled. An Abusive Relationship Ends, Questions Begin. Astronomy Class Brings Epiphany. | 01:13:42 | |
April grew up under a lot of parental pressure and expectations. Purity culture had a strong influence on her. *Trigger Warning*: When an abusive relationship ends, April begins to question how this is handled within a Christian context. April poses the questions: What happens when your autonomy is taken from you? She says, "This happens to a lot of people, what do we do then"? Eventually April takes an Astronomy class in college and has an epiphany. April shares about her mental health and how suicidal thoughts were intrusive from childhood. April feels like she's in a much better place mentally now that she's created distance between herself and people/places that were not healthy for her. It's a wonderful conversation. If you'd like to get in touch with April: | |||
| 13 Sep 2018 | 048 Richard (Tales from the Church): Satanic Panic, Indoctrinating Kids and Being Raised Southern Baptist with a Pentecostal Twist | 01:29:42 | |
Richard describes his deconversion as more of a realization. I loved that description. We get into so many awesome topics in this interview. We discuss everything from the Satanic Panic of the 1980's to the harm done when children are indoctrinated. Richard has always loved music. He talks about growing up listening to artists like Marilyn Manson & Nine Inch Nails and how this clashed with his mother's views. We talk about travel, teaching special education and mental health too. Check out Richard's new YouTube channel: Tales from the Church https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiqHic5KZlTZHLxnySukujQ Twitter: @ChurchTales https://twitter.com/ChurchTales
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| 04 Oct 2017 | 023 Darren Garvin - Part 1: Sings in Front of the Church as a Kid, Enjoys His 20's before Committing to Christ, Teaches Sunday School, Feels Ashamed When Doubts Begin, Chooses to NOT Lead Students to Christ | 00:38:46 | |
Darren's family would sing in front of his Assemblies of God church in a Partridge Family-style singing group. When Darren got into his twenties, he enjoyed them and made a conscious effort to delay a serious commitment to Christ until later. As planned, he commits to Christ in his late twenties. He starts teaching at a Christian school. When doubts begin, he feels ashamed. The turning point is when he publicly chooses to NOT help lead his students to Christ.
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| 20 Dec 2017 | 029 Vennie Kocsis - Part 1: Cult and Abuse Survivor. The Family Moved to a Compound When She Was a Little Girl. She Witnessed Rituals and Animal Sacrifice. In Her Teen Years Her Family is Banished. | 00:42:53 | |
Vennie lives in the Pacific Northwest, in the United States. She is an author, artist and podcaster. Through her podcast "Survivor Voices" and her other work, Vennie stands beside fellow cult and abuse survivors, encouraging them that they're not alone. Being raised in a cult, Vennie endured some of the most difficult experiences a child could go through. She survived mental, physical and sexual abuse in the cult. Although she doesn't go into a lot of detail, she does discuss the abuse. She's quite courageous to speak so candidly about these difficult issues. I admire all the work she does in bringing awareness about cults and supporting those who have survived cults and abuse. You can find her art, writings and podcast at venniekocsis.com http://venniekocsis.com/home/4592874752
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| 06 Feb 2022 | 083 Ryan Penney: Former Homeschooled evangelical from Texas. Enjoyed life and understanding the world so much that he outgrew his Christianity. He's now secular (atheist/agnostic) w/a buddhist-like philosophy. | 01:54:56 | |
Ryan is a former evangelical homeschooler who enjoyed life and understanding the world so much that he eventually outgrew the religion of his upbringing. He now works in the tech manufacturing field in Austin TX and enjoys group meditation, talking about philosophy and history, and playing both sports and music. Today, Ryan calls himself atheist or agnostic but prefers the simple term “secular”, with a philosophy most closely aligning with Buddhism. We have a great conversation. It was so fun chatting with him and getting to know him. I love the Marcus Aurelius quote too! Ryan's authenticity and friendly nature really come through in this interview. Enjoy! | |||
| 20 Feb 2019 | 057 Firing God author Cheryl Abram. Family of Ministers & Church 6 Days a Week. Tells God to F*** Off | 00:49:42 | |
Today I had the pleasure of speaking with Cheryl Abram. She's author of the book Firing God. Check it out on her website: https://www.cherylabram.com/about So many great stories in this episode! We hear how her southern Louisiana family is chalk full of deacons and ministers. She attended Church 6-days a week! As things get more difficult later in life, she finds herself giving God one-last go. Her pastor gives her a book to read. What she reads in that book causes her to tell God to F*** Off. On a lighter note, she cracked me up with her story of watching Christopher Hitchens debates secretly in her room. So awesome & so hilarious! At the end of our conversation she elaborates on the meaning behind the title, Firing God. I loved her explanation so much. It was such an empowering idea. I trust you'll love it too. | |||
| 13 Oct 2019 | 068 Matt Scott- *Update - Matt Recently Became Christian Again | 01:35:50 | |
*UPDATE-Matt Recently Became Christian Again. A few months after we recorded this interview, Matt became Christian again. I'm leaving the interview up, but wanted listeners to know in case they were to reach out to Matt. ----------------------- Matt was born in Wichita, Kansas and lived there until about age 7. He was raised non-denominational/charismatic mostly in the Assemblies of God churches and had full on believed by age 5. He had great parents and never had too many issues in the church. However, he always had a great fear of hell even as a Christian. He was in and out of church most of his life until his first divorce. Then went to bible college at a very charismatic school in 2009. He began seeing cracks and flaws in that particular doctrine and started pulling back. He had gotten his minister's license close to graduation and upon graduation went straight to the mission field in Asia in 2011/12. He worked with the underground church in China and the Burmese refugees I’m Thailand. He finally began having more questions over the years until he couldn’t do it anymore because of how it was just messing his head up. 10,000 religions, 40,000 plus denominations within Christianity alone, good people going to hell, simply for not believing. He hated the way Christians viewed & spoke to the LGBTQ community and other faiths like they all couldn’t just be people, but had to be a mission and Christians had to have an agenda. He felt that devalued all groups outside of Christendom as less than human. He hated it. Later he had a stint in rehab for alcohol and began reading books like the wisdom of insecurity from Alan Watts and Thomas Paine’s the Age of Reason. He felt like he'd found freedom in Deism. He was there for a bit, then went back out of fear. That didn’t last long. The full shift happened less than a year ago and now he is an Atheist. He said he truly feels born again and free. | |||
| 25 Oct 2017 | 024 Naked Pastor-David Hayward - Part 2: The Perfect Storm Happens. David is Numb After Leaving the Church. Searching for Purpose After Faith. Learning to Have Compassion for Our Former Selves & Others. | 00:55:34 | |
The second half of my conversation with David is just as good as the first! David describes how the events in his life all came together in what felt to him like a perfect storm. He was a mess, numb and in shock after leaving his ministry of 30 years! He talks about what got him in trouble with the church before he left. He has some great insight into the sense of purpose a minister feels in church, then how difficult it is to find that same purpose outside the church. Another insight I loved were his comments on having compassion for our former Christian selves. The result of this is extending that compassion to those around us. A positive and wonderful message! This journey, although difficult, was exciting. It was like being a pioneer who's finding his own way.
Lawrence O'Donnell Losing His Mind! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYqsY50tUv4
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| 10 Jan 2018 | 030 Ariel Pontes - Part 2: Religion Hijacks Curiosity & Stops Inquiry. Searching for Meaning While Becoming Atheist. Making the World a Better Place. Embracing Humanism. | 00:43:38 | |
In Part 2, Ariel discusses his transition out of Christianity and into atheism. He searches for meaning in life and finds it in Humanism. He talks about what he likes best about being a Humanist, what stayed the same about him after his deconversion and making a difference in the world. http://iheu.org He's also a web developer and blogs at http://ghostlessmachine.com/en/
https://medium.com/humanist-voices
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| 08 Jun 2018 | 042 LA & T: Pastor of 26 Yrs. Deconverts & Church Leaders Follow! His Radio Contract Gets Torn Up. He's a Top 300 Minister. Change Begins in India. | 02:05:22 | |
This is such a remarkable story... He's only been out from behind the pulpit for 6 months! He served as a minister for 26 years. This story has so many twists and turns, ups and downs. I can't begin to tell you all the fascinating moments L.A. shares with me today. He's joined by his wife T. They decided to use their nicknames for today's interview. From a radio contract that seemed promising, to a tearful proclamation that he's been called to be a pastor. Later in life L.A. and T experience a terrible loss, but their faith is strong. They encounter the fraudulent leaders of Evangelical America, but their faith persists. L.A. is even named a top 300 minister in America. A chance trip to India changes everything! You can reach LA or T at: lemrich@mac.com or check out LA's blog www.freshla.me LA and T were also interviewed by Vice News on HBO December 20, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zwcwHbSaGQ
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| 08 Nov 2017 | 025 Gerardo Romero - Part 2: Surprises His Catholic Parents-Tells Them He's Agnostic. They Respond in an Unexpected Way. Catholic Gerardo vs. Skeptic Gerardo. It's Awesome Raising Kids as a Skeptic! | 00:57:54 | |
In part 2 of my interview with Gerardo, he tells his parents he's agnostic. He was not expecting their surprising response. I absolutely love his quote (which I used at the beginning of the episode) where he talks about something he experiences now, that he would not have as a catholic. His answer is the experience of raising his kid. Awaking his child's mind. Love that! He's got a great personality and was a lively and entertaining guest. I had a great time interviewing him.
Support Masa Critica Here! Youtube:
Atheists of Columbia: Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/groups/ateismomilitantebogota/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/ateosdeneiva/
Dan Barker's Book - Losing Faith in Faith:
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| 16 Dec 2018 | 054 April Choi: Korean Immigrant/Seminary Student/Teacher in Georgia Public Schools/Eyes Opened by Church History. | 02:09:21 | |
Loved this conversation! What a fascinating and unique experience. April has so many wonderful stories to share. Some highlights: Her parents immigration from Korea, the origin of their Christianity, Korean superstitions and what it was like to be raised Presbyterian. She's forced to speak in tongues as a child. She later decides to go to Seminary and is a youth pastor for several years. She experiences regular stress, sickness and depression as a Christian. Church history opens her eyes. When she stops going to church, her sickness stops and her liberation begins! She taught in Georgia Public Schools for 24 years. She loves to travel and also spends time helping new immigrants to America get registered to vote. | |||
| 04 Oct 2021 | 081 Christa Elane: Toronto Blessing Shapes Early Faith. Sheltered and Homeschooled. Later Sent to Christian School. A Vision Leads to a Cult. She Now Leans Atheist. | 01:35:43 | |
* Trigger Warning: Discussions of abuse and rape* Christa Elane is a self described "old Millennial" who has been deconverting for years and now leans atheist. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her spouse and kids. She's a social worker and disability advocate with a passion for Autism acceptance and inclusion. She was raised in a so called "spirit filled' non-denominational Christian church in California. She was a part of the "Toronto Blessing" revival in he 1990s and was in a Christian cult in her teen years in Spokane, Washington. Christa wants to share about her journey out of Christianity and the abuses she witnessed at several churches. | |||
| 22 Aug 2017 | 019 Sarah Brennan - Part 1: Aware She Was Gay Since Childhood. Grew to Hate it & Planned to Live Straight. Marries a Man, But Later Encouraged By Her Dad & Best Friend to Embrace Her True Self. She Leaves the Church Behind & Falls in Love with a Woman | 00:42:28 | |
Sarah has such a moving story! Growing up she knew she was gay. Her parents and church discouraged her feelings, so Sarah grew to hate it in herself. She believed it was a choice and eventually married a man. Years later her feelings are awakened again. Her father leaves the church and encourages Sarah to accept herself. Sarah begins to fall in love with a woman. Sarah's best friend also offers encouragement. Simultaneously she leaves the church and her straight lifestyle behind. Sarah has so many wonderful things to say, but this quote from her interview is really touching and one of my favorites. I had to share it here: "In life there isn't always an answer, there isn't always something to explain. Sometimes you just sit there and it's hard, and things are broken and you just have to kind of sit-in-there and wait for time to heal it."
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| 28 Sep 2018 | 049 Gary Hogue: Endures Homelessness, Jail and Tragedy. An Ex-Mormon's Inspiring Story! | 01:08:59 | |
Gary was born in Utah and raised a Mormon. He even dreamt of Joseph Smith at 4 years old! Gary had a strict upbringing. He also moved around the country a lot growing up. Just after High School he ends up married and has a son. Soon Gary finds himself homeless, then in jail and later he endures a heart wrenching tragedy. Gary's story is truly inspirational! He has endured some incredibly difficult circumstances in life. He is now an atheist ex-Mormon and doing great! Instagram:
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| 15 Nov 2017 | 026 Dr. Irene Haralabatos - Greek Orthodox Father & German Lutheran Mother. She Thought Rationally from a Young Age. She Was Skeptical of Noah's Ark. A Childhood Search for Chocolate Leads to a Discovery that Unravels Two of Life's Greatest Mysteries | 01:10:31 | |
Dr. Haralabatos considers herself an atheist and a secular humanist. Her mom was Lutheran and her dad was Greek Orthodox. However, while she was growing up her family attended a Methodist church every Sunday. Dr. Haralabatos had some great advice on how to respond and relate to Christians when they ask us to pray for them. As a physician, she's occasionally been asked to pray when delivering difficult news to her patients. Dr. Haralabatos received her MD from Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine and served her residency in internal medicine at Parkland Memorial Hospital. She completed her fellowship training in Allergy and Immunology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She is Board Certified in Allergy and Immunology. Twitter:
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| 11 Jun 2019 | 061 Dana Smith: Baptist Raised in California. Homeschooled. Born to be a Missionary. Now Leans Agnostic. | 02:15:09 | |
What a great conversation! Dana brings such wonderful insight into her life experiences. It was a pleasure hearing her fascinating story. We discuss some difficult, but important topics today. Child abuse, mental illness, substance abuse, abusive relationships and the fixation on sex by male church authorities. Dana was raised in a evangelical baptist church and home in California. She was homeschooled from Kindergarten though 6th grade and survived child abuse until she left her hometown to pursue academic training for missionary work. She completed several mission trips in preparation for full time ministry before concluding she could not participate in the field. She de-converted from Christianity in her 20’s and began working to help others do the same by hosting a support group in Chicago and being outspoken about her experiences on social media and in an interview with the Chicago Tribune in 2013. Dana has a Biblical Studies degree from New Tribes Bible Institute and a B.A. in Applied Linguistics from Moody Bible Institute. She received her Masters in Special Education from University of Illinois Chicago. She is a political activist in her community and a teacher, tutor and therapist to children with diverse needs. She actively seeks to help abolish white supremacy and misogyny. She is currently writing a book on de-conversion, specifically from the view of intersectional feminism. @somestarstuff on twitter https://cactusblossoms. | |||
| 21 Jan 2019 | 055 Cass Midgley: Everyone's Agnostic Podcast Host/Oklahoma Born/Christianity Gave Purpose & Hope/Earns Masters in Theology at Vanderbilt as an Atheist | 01:40:25 | |
Today I finally had the privilege to meet Cass Midgley! His podcast (Everyone's Agnostic) was the first podcast I found that shared deconversion stories. This has been so encouraging to me through the years and played a big role in helping me process my deconversion. He's an open book and a straight shooter. The longer you listen to Cass, the more you'll discover an incredibly insightful, compassionate and generous human being. Cass Midgley earned his Masters in Theological Studies from Vanderbilt University in 2013…as an atheist. Cass started the Everyone's Agnostic podcast in 2014 with friend and former co-host Bob Pondillo. Everyone's Agnostic podcast now has over half a million downloads! As a boy, Cass knew there was a God; the two were close, personal friends. Born and raised in Oklahoma, Cass walked right into Christianity. Christianity gave him a great life: purpose, friends, community, hope, etc. | |||
| 30 Apr 2017 | Special Episode: Researching Deconversion with Professor Jim Nagle | 01:33:15 | |
This episode deviates from our typical weekly interview, so I'm posting it on the weekend as special bonus episode! The second half of the interview he discusses current research on deconversion and the focus of his particular research, including how religious teaching changes in response to our cultural climate?
Show Notes: Versions of Deconversion: Autobiography and the Loss of Faith by John Barber | |||
| 07 Mar 2018 | 036 Treigg Turner: Baptist Preacher's Kid. Took the Bible Seriously. Seeds of Doubt Grow into Atheism. Joins Black Non-Believers of Cincinnati | 01:31:49 | |
Treigg shares an array of experiences and touches on some fascinating topics. He grew up a Baptist preacher's kid and took the Bible VERY seriously. He later helped with the youth ministry in his mom's church and even had his own church TV show! https://www.facebook.com/treigg https://blacknonbelievers.wordpress.com http://www.haydenplanetarium.org/tyson/ The God Delusion, by Richard Dawkins:
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| 19 Sep 2017 | 021 Krissy - Part 2: Trust in God. Problems Providing for Her Children. Did She Marry the Wrong Man? Empathy for Others Leads Her to Atheism | 00:40:38 | |
In Part 2 of Krissy's story, she explains what made her re-think her family planning decision. She begins to question our marriage and thinks she may have married the wrong man. WE NEED YOUR HELP! http://voicesofdeconversion.com/new-page-1
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| 01 Dec 2019 | 070 Jordan: Worldly Friends vs. Church Friends. Learns Calvinist Theology. Rejection from a Mentor. Doubts Lead to Agnosticism. | 01:30:23 | |
Jordan grew up going to church every Sunday with his family. He went to Bible studies and lived a typical Christian life. When he was junior high age, his family stopped attending church regularly. As Jordan grew older, he struggled balancing his church friendships along with his non-church friendships. He didn't want to live a double life. His faith becomes more serious and he discovers Calvinist theology. At first, he embraces it. Later, he begins to question more than just Calvinism. The difficult process of deconstructing his faith leads to agnosticism. | |||
| 18 Apr 2018 | 039 - 1 Year Anniversary Podcast!!! | 00:29:48 | |
It's Our 1 Year Anniversary!!! To celebrate the first year of the Voices of Deconversion podcast, I decided to do something different. I wanted to do something that reflected on our first year. If you listen to the podcast you'll know that I love quotes (I start each episode with one). I combined that with the podcast's goal of encouraging atheist & agnostic ex-Christians. The result is a compilation of quotes from my guests. One of my favorite questions to ask is: When you think about a person who's just deconverted, what encouragement or piece of guidance would you give them? I took each of my guests' answers to that question and compiled them together for this episode. Although there are a few themes, each guest gave a unique response. I really enjoyed listening back through to them. Thank you VOD listeners! It has been so much fun this past year. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you tuning into the podcast. It's been wonderful getting to know so many of you. I love hearing from listeners, even just a quick hello. I'm most active on Twitter @vodpodcast, but you can always email me steve@vodpodcast.com Thanks for a great year!
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| 13 Apr 2020 | 072 Ronna Russell - The Uncomfortable Confessions of a Preacher's Kid | 01:05:28 | |
Today I speak with Ronna Russell, author of "The Uncomfortable Confessions of a Preacher's Kid". Ronna describes her story as "a childhood controlled by the brutal hand of a narcissistic, closeted homosexual. I believed I could leave my upbringing behind and walk away unscathed. I married a closeted homosexual man, in hopes he could keep me safe. As our sex life and bank account dwindled to nothing, fear kept me silent. In the meantime, my father died of AIDs. The pain of his death fractured my biological family, and I clung to my husband and children, creating a cocoon that became a prison. Eventually, I was forced to see my husband’s homosexuality and refusal to work, realizations that brought me to the breaking point. I found the courage to be alone, to take care of my children no matter the cost, and the joy of my own sexual freedom. In the process, I fell in love with my own life". | |||
| 04 Jul 2017 | 016 Skeptic Nikki - Raised in the Bible Belt of Tennessee as an Evangelical Christian. She Explored Hinduism, Buddhism and New Age Beliefs. A Friend Prompted Her Toward Atheism. | 01:47:38 | |
Nikki Terry (Skeptic Nikki) was raised an evangelical fundamentalist Christian in the Bible belt of Tennessee. After years of following suit and hoping this would lead to acceptance she realized she didn't see eye to eye with the limited thinking around her. In college she explored hinduism, buddhism and new age beliefs. She spent hundreds on crystals chakra readings, Deepak Chopra and Eckhart Tolle books. The only thing new age about her now are two Sanskrit tattoos. Prompting from a friend helped her make her way from agnostic to atheist. Skeptic Nikki was born on Twitter and has become an influential platform for atheism, logic and education. Her blog skepticnikki.com is in the works, in addition to a video podcast using socratic and epistemological questioning and motivational interviewing to help people move away from entrapping religious belief. Nikki and her fiancé live in Atlanta, Georgia.
Twitter:
http://www.atheist-experience.com
YouTube: Matt Dillahunty Stated Clearly Street Epistemology: Anthony Magnabosco Dr. Robert Sapolsky Matt Dillahunty Dr. Paul Bloom: Intro to Psychology
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| 21 Feb 2018 | 035 Ian Redfearn - Part 1: Billy Graham, Christian Dental Fellowship & the Toronto Blessing Play Key Roles. Ian & His Wife Face Serious Health Challenges to Her & Their Son. God Calls Him to Lead. Later Observations & Questions Cause a Big Change | 01:04:01 | |
It was so much fun to meet and speak with Ian! I loved hearing of his experience as a charismatic Christian in England. Definitely there are similarities to those of us in the U.S., but important differences too. Ian has so many factors that played a role in shaping his faith. From seeing Billy Graham speak in person, to seeking out a Dental practice that was part of the Christian Dental Fellowship and his experience with the Toronto Blessing. As a young family, Ian and his wife received difficult news about her health and that of their first-born son. God calls Ian to lead. Ian gets some practice preaching. Seeing the influence of Answers in Genesis at his church is a significant turning point. Subsequent observations and questions prove to be the start of a big life change! | |||
| 11 Apr 2017 | 002 Ebony Exodus Project: Candace Gorham, LPC | 01:25:51 | |
Researcher, teacher and counselor Candace Gorham shares her story of deconversion from Christianity. The Ebony Exodus Project: Black women are the single most religious demographic in the United States, yet they are among the poorest, least educated, and least healthy groups in the nation. Drawing on the author's own past experience as an evangelical minister and her present work as a secular counselor and researcher, The Ebony Exodus Project makes a direct connection between the church and the plight of black women. Through interviews with African American women who have left the church, the author reveals the shame and suffering often caused by the church—and the resulting happiness, freedom, and sense of purpose these women have felt upon walking away from it. This book calls on other black women to honestly reflect on their relationship with religion and challenges them to consider that perhaps the answers to their problems rest not inside a church, but in themselves. | |||
| 18 Jul 2017 | 017 Steve - Part 2: Re-Thinking the Bible, My Denial Ends & Crisis Begins. I Tell My Devout Christian Mother I'm An Atheist | 01:03:00 | |
In part two of my story, I learn the various interpretations different Christians have of the Bible. Discussing these views with my wife results in a comment she makes that snaps me out denial. My identity crisis begins and I struggle coming to terms with my new reality. I eventually decide that I'm an atheist, but everyone around me still thinks I'm a strong Christian and planning to be a pastor. I can't live a lie any longer and decide to tell my devout Christian mother I'm an atheist.
http://voicesofdeconversion.com/coming-out-atheist-to-my-mother
http://voicesofdeconversion.com/home/
https://twitter.com/vodpodcast @vodpodcast
https://www.facebook.com/vodpodcast/
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| 06 Mar 2019 | 058 Janice Selbie of Divorcing Religion: Raised Evangelical. Showed Submission w/a Head Covering. She's now Agnostic Atheist. | 01:09:42 | |
Janice was an all-or-nothing kind of Christian. Her life takes a turn toward fundamentalism when her husband is going to school to be a pastor. She chooses to show her submission to her husband by wearing a head covering and not wearing jewelry or make-up. She went through some tremendously difficult experiences: Her daughter's illness, difficulties in her marriage and a family member jailed for murder. Janice brings amazing insight regarding how we see faith through the lens of our personality. She talks about how as Christians, there was always the danger of fundamentalism becoming our identity. As fundamentalist Christians, if faith is questioned it can be interpreted as a threat to our personhood. Now an Agnostic-Atheist Janice has focused her time and energy into helping others. Check out her Divorcing Religion Workshop at: http://www.divorcingreligion.com Find her on Social Media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DivorcingReligion/ Twitter: @divorcereligion https://twitter.com/divorcereligion YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeO8lUJyR0k
Full Bio http://www.divorcingreligion.com/contact/ Janice was born and raised in a charismatic Christian home, attending Pentecostal, Vineyard, and other evangelical churches before eventually marrying a pastor. In her 30s, Janice became ultraconservative, donning a head-covering, homeschooling her children, and rejecting any vestiges of secular life (TV, radio, music, newspapers, magazines, etc.).“I referred to myself as ‘Mennocostal,’ frequently attending closed Mennonite churches run by the Holdemann Mennonites.” It wasn’t until her 40s that Janice began experiencing doubts about her deeply held faith. As her marriage unraveled, her questions grew. “I felt like a beach ball held beneath the water for too long. My sadness, confusion, and anger became so intense that I knew I had to leave it all behind.” After ending her decades-long marriage, Janice went back to school to attain her Diploma of Applied Psychology and Counselling.“My passion is to help others who are experiencing the tremendous losses associated with religious de-conversion. My own journey could have been easier if I had been able to connect with even one other person who had walked away from their faith and built a healthy life afterward.” These painful experiences influenced Janice to develop the Divorcing Religion workshop so that others can gain knowledge and tools to help with their own journey out of fundamentalist religions. In the workshop, she helps participants gain perspective about their journey, build supportive communities, and learn how to avoid being ensnared by other forms of fundamentalism in the future.
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| 09 May 2017 | 008 Gary Westfall-One of My Best Friends, Raised with Belief in God, Now Agnostic | 00:36:59 | |
This enjoyable conversation was quick, humorous and sometimes serious with one of my best friends from childhood. Gary is an awesome guy and a great friend. He was raised with belief in God, but now considers himself agnostic. His belief system changed significantly when his mom, a very dear friend of my family and one of my very favorite people (also my mother's best friend) was diagnosed with terminal cancer. | |||
| 25 Apr 2017 | 005 Maria Stadtmueller of The Big Chew Podcast and meetyourmyth.com | 01:29:54 | |
Maria is a writer and podcaster from rural New Jersey from an ultra-catholic family. Maria wanted to be a nun and was obsessed about going to hell. By chance she read Joseph Campbell in high school and he flung open the doors to how humans create story and belief.
The Big Chew Podcast on iTunes, Stitcher: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-big-chew and Soundcloud Songs That Are to Come: An ex-Catholic, A Sacred Earth and the Nuns Who Reunited Them. Find the e-book at: http://meetyourmyth.com Joseph Campbell books: Everybody's Story: Wising Up to the Epic of Evolution
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| 25 Jul 2019 | 064 Amanda Holloway: Impacted by Sexual Abuse and Mental Illness She Turns to God. She Gets a Bachelors Degree in Youth Ministry. God Does Not Help During a Mental Health Crisis. She's Now an Ex-Christian. | 01:34:43 | |
Amanda is realistic about life's difficulties, but also very hopeful. She wears her heart on her sleeve and hopes her story will help others going through similar challenges. I loved her wise words about living with mental illness and how, although better off today, she still has ups and downs. She's a kindhearted person with a great sense of humor. I loved getting to chat with her. Her story is such an important one to tell. Amanda is a newly deconverted Christian that wonders where her prayers went for the 16 years she was a Christian, she describes herself as a multiracial undomesticated goddess but understands she’s a work in progress. Amanda was raised in an emotionally neglectful household and experienced sexual abuse from a family member. She committed her life to God as a way to escape abuse and to find love. Suicide was a common theme as she struggled with undiagnosed mental illnesses. She wants others to seek help with depression and anxiety when it comes up because it can be dangerous for those to go undiagnosed. During a mental health crisis last year she realized that God was not the answer and that she needed help for depression. During that time she was also diagnosed with PTSD. Since leaving Christianity she’s been freed from the guilt and shame associated with religion and now sees the world differently. This allows her to enjoy life, laugh more, and watch Game of Thrones. She is a mother to dynamic twin boys and a wife to a strong, adventurous man. She enjoys being outdoors but not exercising, she enjoys reading only for pleasure, she enjoys watching her children laugh and play but not fight, she loves game nights, good food, and rum punch drinks. She also aspires to be a comedian. She wants others to be unencumbered by the fear of what others think and to reach out when they need help. She wants to be a safe place for herself and others. | |||
| 20 Jun 2017 | 014 James Jackson - Endured an Alcoholic, Severely Abusive Step-Father and Later Depression. Raised Southern Baptist in Texas. His Dad was Obsessed with the End Times. James Never Stopped Asking The Right Questions! | 01:51:49 | |
James is an American TV network news producer who grew up Southern Baptist in the heart of Evangelical Christian country in Texas. His dad was heavily into End Times theology and anticipated Jesus' imminent return. From a young age, James never stopped asking all the right questions. His questions led him to exciting discoveries in science. He also gained a wonderful and diverse group of friends. He is now a Secular Humanist.
http://skepticsannotatedbible.com
http://krauss.faculty.asu.edu/books/a-universe-from-nothing/
https://www.amazon.com/God-Delusion-Richard-Dawkins/dp/0618918248
Christopher Hitchens
http://www.whywontgodhealamputees.com
The Thinking Atheist-Seth Andrews
The Friendly Atheist-Hemant Mehta
The Internet!
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| 04 Apr 2018 | 038 Ari: Raised Evangelical. Becoming Less for God Leads to a Serious Problem. Came Out to Her Mother & was Forced to Move. | 00:51:26 | |
My guest today is Ari. Her father was a preacher, her step-father a pastor and her aunt had her own church. Raised in a strong evangelical family, she begins to experience some real difficulties in adolescence. Her Christian upbringing leads to a desire to become "less" for God and family. She develops an eating disorder. In the next year or two she comes out to her mother and also becomes an atheist. Her mother forces her to move from the States back to Puerto Rico with her father. This is traumatic for Ari, as she leaves behind her friends and the life she knows. I was inspired by her story and you will be too! Resources: Jesus Camp (movie) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0486358/ Tumblr: ExChristian https://www.tumblr.com/search/exchristian Secular Student Alliance https://secularstudents.org | |||
| 27 Jun 2019 | 062 Dying Out Loud with Dave Warnock: ALS Diagnosis and Carpe the F*****g Diem! | 00:48:04 | |
Dave was recently diagnosed with ALS and has been given 2 to 5 years to live. He has been going around the country and on podcasts speaking about his experience. Today Dave joins me to share what his life focus has been since the diagnosis. How Christian friends and secular friends respond to Dave's news has been very different. I found this really interesting. Dave quit his job and has been living his best life now. He is writing his own story, as he puts it. Life is a collection of moments. Life is about allowing ourselves to really capture those moments and enjoy them. He was an inspiration to talk to and you'll get so much out of this conversation. Carpe the f*cking diem! Dave loves connecting with people, feel free to reach out on social media: https://twitter.com/dwwarnock?fbclid=IwAR0jOvQE83dbYYF4uHdmvDFnGq3y8j1xd0_2GH5xTXbxV81aX46Cl6YxX9c https://www.facebook.com/DaveWarnock.DyingOutLoud/ Dave speaks at the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis on July 14, 2019. To all my Minnesota listeners, go check it out :) https://www.facebook.com/events/2105868036370343/
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| 03 Jan 2020 | 071 Muhammad: The Satanic Verses Cause Curiosity, then Questions. Becomes an Atheist in Iran. Spreads Anti-Islam Material. Arrested & in Solitary Confinement. Forced to make a False Confession on Youtube. Threatened with Prison, He Plans His Escape from I | 01:37:33 | |
Today is a very special episode about an ex-Muslim's deconversion to atheism, while living in Iran. His story is so important to share! He grew up in Iran in a Shia Muslim family. He was a devout Muslim until he got curious about Salman Rushdie's book, The Satanic Verses. His curiosity leads him to banned anti-islam websites. He reads articles and books, eventually realizing he's an atheist. Muhammad began to spread anti-islam materials on websites and social media. After 3 years, he is caught and aggressively arrested on the street. He spends time in prison and solitary confinement. His parents put their house up for bail and he is forced to repent and make a false confession, which airs on Youtube and Islamic Republic television. While on bail, he is eventually called back for the trial and an inevitable 15 years in prison. He decides he must escape Iran. | |||
| 06 Nov 2018 | 052 Emancipation of a Black Atheist. Author D.K. Evans Shares His Journey out of Christianity | 01:14:56 | |
Today I have the privilege of speaking with author Dauv Evans. Dauv shares his journey out of Christianity and we discuss his book "Emancipation of a Black Atheist". 2012 was a decisive year for Dauv. He got married, had a child and moved from North Carolina to Tennessee. This is also when Dauv started seriously questioning why he believed in God. His mother always taught him to think critically when he was growing up. This value instilled in childhood became pivotal to his journey. When Dauv tells his mother he's not a Christian, she initially responds predictably. It's only later that he discovers her feelings were much more complicated. Dauv's wife becomes an ex-Christian too (still considering herself spiritual). They decide to share the news with her family. Dauv's family and his wife's family have various intriguing responses. Their experience will resonate with anyone who has come-out ex-Christian to Christian family members. Instagram: Twitter: https://twitter.com/blacknoneson Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emancipationofablackatheist/ Email: | |||
| 24 Jun 2020 | 073 Tiffany Cappello - A Fundamentalist Christian Mother of 7 Begins to Ask Questions about Faith/ The Impact of Faith on Mental Health | 01:36:01 | |
Tiffany has so many great insights regarding the impact of Christianity on mental health. I really enjoyed my chat with her! Learn more about Tiffany: http://www.tiffanicappello.com/
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| 11 Oct 2017 | 023 Darren Garvin - Part 2: Atheists & Christians Come Together. Darren Preaches a Sermon as an Atheist! Reaching out to Religious Leaders Changes Him. | 00:30:48 | |
Darren picks up the story where we left off in Part 1. He is invited to preach a sermon at a Christian church! The response of the congregation is unexpected.
Darren on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/darrencgarvin
Darren's Sermon:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kKFrg1P7zs
Darren's Resource:
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| 05 Sep 2017 | 020 Gerardo Rivera - Raised in Puerto Rico by a Jehovah's Witness Father & Catholic Mother. Wafers Turn into God, Questions Begin. High School Teachers Help Organize Worship Activities on Campus. His Atheist Activism begins. | 01:16:41 | |
Gerardo Rivera is an atheist undergraduate student at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, where he pursues a B.A. in Chemistry. He is the founder and current President of Secular Humanist Association UPRM, a student group for young atheists, agnostics and all the secular community at the university. The group is the only one of its kind in all of Puerto Rico's public university system and it works closely with Humanistas Seculares de Puerto Rico, the leading secular organization on the island. Gerardo's activism focuses mostly in bringing attention to the increasing amount of violations to the Separation of Church and State in the island's government and guiding the development of more secular student groups in other Puerto Rico universities. He has a passion for science and philosophy, and believes deeply in equal rights for all under law. JaclynGlenn: Pascal's Wager: Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding, by David Hume: God Delusion, by Richard Dawkins & Humanistas Seculares de Puerto Rico: Atheists of Puerto Rico:
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| 20 Sep 2019 | 067 Debbie McNulty: Survived Sexual Abuse in the United Pentecostal Church. Now Neo-Pagan She Advocates to Help Other Abuse Survivors. | 02:05:48 | |
URGENT: If you live in Wisconsin please contact your state representative to express support for the Clergy Mandatory Reporter Act & the Child Victims Act. These bills are being considered right now. If your representative is Republican, it's even more important. Republican support is low for these bills, but is critical. Anything you can do is very much appreciated. Now, to introduce today's guest... Debbie McNulty is a lifelong resident of Wisconsin. She attended a United Pentecostal church from about age 7 to 17. She was exposed to sexual abuse and ideas which caused serious religious trauma. Now she works to help others cope with their trauma and raise awareness about the organization she grew up in. Her story is such an important story to tell. Debbie is an amazing person and ends the conversation with such a hopeful message! Debbie's Blog: https://survivingchurchandchildhood.wordpress.com/about/ Cap Times article: | |||
| 11 Apr 2017 | 003 Alix Jules: Writer, Activist, Social Critic, Commentator & Blogger | 01:47:10 | |
Writer, activist, social critic and commentator, Alix's activism has garnered national attention on matters of race, religion and politics. Alix was the first atheist featured in Ebony magazine. He's a founding member of the largest freethought organization in North Texas and organizer for Black Non-Believers of Dallas. He advises for the American Humanist Association and the Center for Inquiry. His writing can be found on various venues such as Secular Nation, Free Inquiry, American Atheist magazine and Time magazine. Check out his self titled blog The Graffiti Wall at Patheos or on The Orbit and as a regular on air personality at Dogma Debate. | |||
| 18 May 2021 | 077 Abigail Sandoval: Adopted from South Korea by American Christian Parents. Abuse, Neglect & Purity Culture Cause Harm. Now She's an Atheist Mom Who Became the Kind of Parent She Always Needed. | 01:32:52 | |
Today I speak with Abby. She was adopted from South Korea with her little sister by Christian American Parents. Her early life was marked by abuse and neglect. She was raised in a non-denominational Christian family. Demons and hell cause her nightmares as a child. She makes big life decisions based on her faith. She later has to tell her Christian family that she is getting divorced. When She has to tell them she's an atheist, it doesn't go over well with some. Now Abby is determined to be the kind of parent to her sons that she needed when she was a child. She wants to give them choices. She wants them to feel they have control. She wants them to know that they are their own person and they don't belong to anyone. Abby was delightful to speak with. Her story and courage are so inspirational. I'm grateful she shared her story with us today. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCduezbfGbAZBzS3g5RwvW-g | |||
| 01 Nov 2017 | 025 Gerardo Romero - Part 1: Raised a Liberal Catholic and Now a Libertarian Atheist. He Discusses His Unique Deconversion Journey and the Changing Religious Landscape of Mexico. He Hosts the Masa Critica Podcast. | 00:47:32 | |
Gerardo was a lot of fun to talk with and an outgoing, friendly guy. He's energetic and a straight shooter. Raised a liberal catholic, he made the transition to libertarian atheist later in life. A unique deconversion journey for sure. He shared with me his unique journey and his thoughts on politics and the changing religious landscape in Mexico. He was part of Ateos Mexicanos, but the group has been less active of late. He currently has a weekly podcast, Masa Critica. It airs on Spreaker every Tuesday at 10:30pm, Central Standard Time. For our Spanish speaking listeners, definitely give it a listen!
Youtube:
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| 26 Oct 2018 | 051 Leah Nitcher: Fundamentalist to Atheist-Back & Forth. Mental Health Battle (she's a fighter). Giving God an Ultimatum. | 01:26:23 | |
This is an incredible story! Leah's life reaches a turning point in April 2018. Raised in fundamentalist Christianity, she is intensely aware of the threat of hell and the rapture as a little girl. At one point, she thought her family was raptured and she was left behind! This terrified her. As she moves into high school she begins to ask some unwelcome questions and makes some controversial statements in church. (She compares Osama Bin-Laden and Jesus!) This leads to her first bout of atheism. Although her theology becomes more progressive, she finds herself sucked back into a very fundamentalist church group. At this point, mental health struggles reach a critical point. *Trigger warning re: abuse (emotional, physical, sexual) and suicide from about the 50 min. mark to 1hr. 5min. I loved hearing how Leah eventually turned a corner. As she put it, "I started to get better the moment I stepped away from Christianity". Hearing about her experience was powerful and inspiring. Instagram: olive.poetry
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| 29 Nov 2018 | 053 Stars from Streetlights: Musicians Austrian & Steve Discuss Deconversion & Their New Song "Heathen" | 02:05:26 | |
Today we hear from Austrian Graf and Steve Birss of Lethbridge, Alberta. They discuss their new song "Heathen" and share their diverse journeys out of charismatic Christianity. Each was raised by a single mom. However, their mothers influenced them in very unique ways. We talk about the Jesus movement, leg lengthening, calvinism and Christian tattoos. We hear about the impact of drug dealing and jail, overcoming an eating disorder and healing from trauma. A wonderful and positive takeaway-learning that we have the power within ourselves to overcome life's difficulties. Another great takeaway- learning to repurpose and redefine our experience. Last but not least-being gracious to ourselves. https://www.facebook.com/starsfromstreetlights/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFCgvHkALH_ek1cnoEe--Bg
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| 17 Jan 2018 | 031 Ryan Bell: National Organizing Manager at Secular Student Alliance. Host of the Life After God podcast. | 01:03:13 | |
In this week's episode, Ryan Bell shares his compelling story of deconversion. Ryan also talks about what he's been up to since joining the Secular Student Alliance as National Organizer Manager. ryan.bell@secularstudents.org https://www.facebook.com/ourlifeaftergod/ https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/life-after-god http://www.patheos.com/blogs/yearwithoutgod/
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| 21 Mar 2018 | 037 Benibo Ajumogobia: From Lagos, Nigeria. Mom was a Deaconess, Dad an Elder. At 16 He Cuts Out Friends, Vows Celibacy. 9/11, Howard U and CSPAN Impact Faith. Now He's Agnostic-Atheist | 01:51:23 | |
My guest today is Benny (Benibo) Ajumogobia. He was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. His mom was a deaconess, and dad an Elder. The charismatic church he was raised in had some BIG differences compared to American charismatic churches. The emphasis on witchcraft is one example. Ex-Christians on Reddit: | |||
| 23 May 2017 | 010 Luciano Gonzalez-Moderate Catholic to Active Conservative Christian. He was Raised in Latin America & The United States | 01:32:49 | |
Luciano's doubts came to a turning point in college. He attended Winter Jam (a Christian concert tour) and heard the Newsboys promoting the movie God's Not Dead. Luciano and his girlfriend went to see it. The movie had an impact on Luciano, which he describes in this episode. https://www.facebook.com/ http://www.skepticink.com David Osorio @Daosorios Luciano and Juhem's Podcast, The Benito Juarez Experience: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-benito-juarez-experience/id1228785219?mt=2 @Lucianowrites
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| 25 Jan 2018 | 032 Krista Cox: Feminist Humanist Alliance Advisory Board Member, Poet, Passionate About Emotional Health & Advocacy for Victims and Marginalized Communities. | 00:57:27 | |
Krista Cox is a poet, Program Director of Lit Literary Collective, Associate Poetry Editor at Stirring: A Literary Collection and Pittsburgh Poetry Review. She's also on the Advisory Board for the Feminist Humanist Alliance. Late in the interview she describes how she is "drawn to joy". I loved the way she explained that and found it to be incredibly hopeful! Learn more about Krista and her work at:
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| 27 Dec 2017 | 029 Vennie Kocsis - Part 2: Banished from Alaska Cult/Adjusting to Normal Life/Authentic Self/Raising Freethinking Kids | 00:49:15 | |
This is the second-half of my conversation with Vennie Kocsis, a cult survivor. Vennie left off in part 1 when her family had just been banished from the cult in Alaska. It was fascinating to hear how very practical, everyday things were new to her, like wearing jeans. As she adjusted to normal life, she began to exude independence. As she grows into young-adulthood she discovers a variety of beliefs and tries out several of them. We also discuss raising freethinking kids, which is always interesting for Ex-Christians. Vennie devouts a lot of her time to raising awareness about modern-day cults. If you'd like to support Vennie or learn more about her work, check out her website:
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| 13 Sep 2017 | 021 Krissy - My Wife Shares How She Felt Vulnerable and Lonely in Childhood. She Turned to God to Find Purpose in Her Suffering. She Trusted God in Every Area of Life. She is Now an Atheist | 00:48:50 | |
Krissy and I became close friends in our early teen years. That was over 20 years ago! We've now been married for 16 years. In this episode, Krissy shares how as a child she felt quite vulnerable, lonely and afraid. When problems came up in her life, she responded by trying to be a better Christian. She trusted God in every area of her life. She looked to God to find purpose in her suffering. She is now an atheist. | |||
| 02 May 2017 | 006 Dr. Anthony Pinn - A Good Methodist Who Became a Better Atheist | 00:52:56 | |
Dr. Pinn had some very encouraging words for deconverts. He also shared some really unique insights into the problem with theism and Christianity in particular.
Dr. Anthony Pinn @anthony_pinn
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| 08 Aug 2017 | 018 Stephen Barry - Part 1: Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Growing Up, Homeschooled in a Military Family. His Parents Divorced When He Was a Child. After attending a SDA College, He Decides to Run Away. | 01:08:27 | |
Stephen is from Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was raised by a hardworking and devout Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) mother. His father was military, which meant he moved a lot growing up. He was mostly homeschooled and around the age of 12 his parents divorced. He was a committed Christian even as a young child. As young as 8 years old he was waking up at 4 and 5 in the morning to pray and read his Bible!! He eventually goes to study theology at a SDA college. He subsequently experiences some difficulties with his mother at home and decides to run away. Stephen grew to love music and has now created some fantastic music of his own! It's unique and a lot of fun to listen to. Check it out: https://barryorchestra.bandcamp.com
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| 07 Feb 2018 | 033 Bill Finley - Part 2: Helps on Skid Row, Meets a Retired Rabbi, His Daughter Questions the Trinity, Told by His Church He Doesn't Have Enough Faith! | 00:45:57 | |
Be Excellent to Each Other! In part 2, Bill discusses his time helping people out on Skid Row in Los Angeles. He encounters people who make a huge impact on his life, including a rabbi he decided was most certainly not going to hell. Bill's family moves from southern California to Alaska! His daughter begins asking who is going to heaven and who is going to hell. She questions the Trinity. Bill transitions to CFO of his congregation. When the church wants to spend money they don't have, Bill advises against it. Their response to Bill triggers a big change in his life. I absolutely loved this quote from Bill: Life After God podcast:
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| 23 May 2018 | 041 Heather Bailey: Forsaking Faith Podcast Co-Host. From Dancing Charismatic to Agnostic. | 01:36:11 | |
Heather is co-host of the upcoming podcast, Forsaking Faith. She does a wonderful job describing what life was like growing up in a non-denominational church. From being on the church dance team to being taught that her relationship with Christ should be intimate, like a romantic relationship. These things make a big impression on her growing up and make deconversion that much harder down the road. A succession of events in her life build up. Her final straw is a seemingly average conversation with a woman at her church over lunch. That conversation has an immense impact on Heather. I loved hearing this story because to me, it makes the contrast between Heather's two potential futures so clear. You can sense the power that moment had for Heather, as she shares this story. She also shares her feelings on difficult topics, such as death, the concept of a just world and what happened (or didn't) when she stopped praying. Feel free to connect with Heather or her co-host Christine: Twitter: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/forsakingfaith/ Email: forsakingfaith@gmail.com | |||
