Voices of Deconversion
118 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 88 ratingsAtheists and agnostics share their stories of deconversion from Christianity.
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Episodes
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
July 07, 2018 03:41 - 1 hour - 122 MBI 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 ...
043 Ric Caliolio: Baptized Roman Catholic. Loves Science. Trades Fatalism for Self-Determination as an Agnostic-Atheist
June 21, 2018 05:44 - 1 hour - 118 MBRic 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 deco...
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.
June 08, 2018 03:32 - 2 hours - 172 MBThis 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 ...
041 Heather Bailey: Forsaking Faith Podcast Co-Host. From Dancing Charismatic to Agnostic.
May 23, 2018 05:04 - 1 hour - 132 MBHeather 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 conver...
040 Black Nonbelievers Inc. Founder & President: Mandisa Thomas
May 02, 2018 02:51 - 1 hour - 97.8 MBMandisa 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 toda...
039 - 1 Year Anniversary Podcast!!!
April 18, 2018 06:53 - 29 minutes - 40.9 MBIt'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...
038 Vilmarie Perez: Raised Evangelical. Becoming Less for God Leads to a Serious Problem. Came Out to Her Mother & was Forced to Move.
April 04, 2018 05:32 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBMy guest today is Vilmarie Perez. 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 ...
038 Ari: Raised Evangelical. Becoming Less for God Leads to a Serious Problem. Came Out to Her Mother & was Forced to Move.
April 04, 2018 05:32 - 51 minutes - 70.6 MBMy 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. Thi...
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
March 21, 2018 06:03 - 1 hour - 153 MBMy 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. At 16 Benny responds to an alter call at a revival meeting in the U.K. His faith takes a serious turn. He decides to cut off all friendships for the sake of his faith. He also takes a vow of celibacy. The ev...
036 Treigg Turner: Baptist Preacher's Kid. Took the Bible Seriously. Seeds of Doubt Grow into Atheism. Joins Black Non-Believers of Cincinnati
March 07, 2018 06:22 - 1 hour - 126 MBTreigg 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! Seeds of doubt are planted throughout his life. One begins when he notices his friends parents listening to secular music. This was a major moment for Treigg. His parents only played gospel music. Another seed of doubt is when Treigg begins discu...
035 Ian Redfearn - Part 2: Resigns Church Membership. Tells His Wife He Can't Do Church Anymore. Talks Atheist Spirituality & Awesome Quotes!
February 28, 2018 07:25 - 52 minutes - 71.6 MBThe 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 ...
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
February 21, 2018 08:04 - 1 hour - 87.9 MBIt 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...
034 Diversity, Your Feedback, Connecting and What's New with Voices of Deconversion!
February 15, 2018 08:22 - 16 minutes - 23.2 MBThis is a mini-episode without an interview, but I have some important things to talk about related to the podcast. I discuss diversity, your feedback, connecting and what's new for Voices of Deconversion! Thanks for listening, I appreciate you! Say hello on Twitter: @vodpodcast, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vodpodcast/ or email: [email protected]
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!
February 07, 2018 04:11 - 45 minutes - 63.1 MBBe 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...
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.
January 31, 2018 04:54 - 53 minutes - 72.9 MBBill 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 o...
032 Krista Cox: Feminist Humanist Alliance Advisory Board Member, Poet, Passionate About Emotional Health & Advocacy for Victims and Marginalized Communities.
January 25, 2018 05:46 - 57 minutes - 78.9 MBKrista 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. She has an inspiring story to tell. Following a traumatic experience in a relationship she spent years not feeling like herself. She explained it like a switch being flipped. When it begins to impact her son, the switch flips back. Her resilience and determinatio...
031 Ryan Bell: National Organizing Manager at Secular Student Alliance. Host of the Life After God podcast.
January 17, 2018 06:39 - 1 hour - 86.8 MBIn 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. I've been looking forward to meeting Ryan for a while, so it was wonderful to finally speak with him. Although I'm familiar with Ryan's story, I learned some fascinating new details during our conversation. He explains what convinced him to stop pursuing Pre-Med in college and become a pastor....
030 Ariel Pontes - Part 2: Religion Hijacks Curiosity & Stops Inquiry. Searching for Meaning While Becoming Atheist. Making the World a Better Place. Embracing Humanism.
January 10, 2018 05:00 - 43 minutes - 59.9 MBIn 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 https://www.facebook.com/IHEYO/?timeline_context_item_type=intro_card_work&timeline_context_item_source=577990171&pnref=lhc He's also a web developer and blogs at http://ghostlessmachi...
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
January 04, 2018 04:12 - 39 minutes - 54.5 MBAriel 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)...
029 Vennie Kocsis - Part 2: Banished from Alaska Cult/Adjusting to Normal Life/Authentic Self/Raising Freethinking Kids
December 27, 2017 21:27 - 49 minutes - 67.6 MBThis 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 alwa...
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.
December 20, 2017 07:48 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MBVennie 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. ...
028 Forest Lipford - Part 2: Forced to Leave Ireland. Comes Out Atheist to Parents. Ultimatum is Given. Life Opens Up.
December 13, 2017 05:43 - 1 hour - 86.1 MBIn talking with Forest, it struck me how much he endured. He gets kicked out of the mission trip group he was with and sent home from Ireland. He was battling mental health issues and subsequently would lose his faith. His ability to continue in college depended on his parents, who were paying for it. Forest makes the brave decision to tell his parents that he's no longer Christian. His dad gives him an ultimatum. Forest's life opens up. He's enriched and becomes his true self. Faceb...
028 Forest Lipford - Part 1: Childhood Prophecy, a Cult-like Pastor & the Murder of a Family Friend. He Chooses Intellectual Dishonesty and Endures Mental Health Issues.
December 05, 2017 07:29 - 59 minutes - 81.7 MBForest grew up in North Carolina going to a charismatic church. A leadership change in his home church brings a new pastor who begins to express some cult-like tendencies. When Forest's parents became interested in missionary work, the family moved to Iraq where he attended school around age 12. A friend close to Forest's family is murdered. Forest comes to a point where he says he "chose intellectual dishonesty". This choice results in some big behavior changes in Forest. Family and f...
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.
November 29, 2017 06:30 - 46 minutes - 64 MBIn 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! Twitter: @GracefulAtheist https://gracefulatheist.wordpre...
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.
November 22, 2017 10:14 - 43 minutes - 59.6 MBJesus 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. He approached his faith with authenticity, but soon found he was in the minority amongst friends. He learned that others approached their Christianity in different ways. David eventually enters the ministry, before burning out and distancing himself from church activities. When David reads something from Greta...
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
November 15, 2017 05:30 - 1 hour - 96.8 MBDr. 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. She was very rational from a young age and remembers questioning stories in the Bible like Noah's Ark. One day, as a young girl she was searching for some chocolate. What she ended up discovering would unravel some big mysteries. Dr. Haralabatos had some great advice on how t...
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!
November 08, 2017 05:24 - 57 minutes - 79.5 MBIn 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 makes some great references to Interstellar and The Matrix in our conversation. He also compares his catholic-sel...
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.
November 01, 2017 05:17 - 47 minutes - 65.3 MBGerardo 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 Spreak...
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.
October 25, 2017 06:08 - 55 minutes - 76.3 MBThe 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...
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.
October 18, 2017 06:24 - 45 minutes - 61.8 MBDavid Hayward of nakedpastor.com has a wonderful story! He's turned his difficult experience into a way of helping others who are going through a similar struggle (e.g. helping ex-clergy re-do their resume after leaving ministry). He was baptized Anglican as a baby, came to faith in a Baptist church when he was a teenager, changed to Pentecostal in his late teens, married another Pentecostal named Lisa, was ordained Presbyterian, pastored a Vineyard church, went Independent, and pl...
023 Darren Garvin - Part 2: Atheists & Christians Come Together. Darren Preaches a Sermon as an Atheist! Reaching out to Religious Leaders Changes Him.
October 11, 2017 03:58 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBDarren 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. As Darren continues to reach out to various religious leaders in his area, he finds that doing this changes him. This interview has a very positive message and is a great example of how to keep dialogue and civility alive between groups of people with opposing points of view. Darren on Facebook: https://www.facebook...
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
October 04, 2017 04:14 - 38 minutes - 53.2 MBDarren'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.
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?
September 26, 2017 03:38 - 1 hour - 83.5 MBAnthos 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...
021 Krissy Hilliker - Part 2: Trust in God. Problems Providing for Her Children. Did She Marry the Wrong Man? Empathy for Others Leads Her to Atheism
September 19, 2017 04:00 - 40 minutes - 55.8 MBIn 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. Krissy's empathy is ultimately what led her away from Christianity. She discusses the issues that troubled her most and how she became an atheist. https://www.meetup.com http://www.sundayassembly.com WE NEED YOUR HELP! Make it easy for people to find the podcast, by leaving a review here: http://voiceso...
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
September 19, 2017 04:00 - 40 minutes - 55.8 MBIn 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. Krissy's empathy is ultimately what led her away from Christianity. She discusses the issues that troubled her most and how she became an atheist. https://www.meetup.com http://www.sundayassembly.com WE NEED YOUR HELP! Make it easy for people to find the podcast, by leaving a review here: http://voiceso...
021 Krissy Hilliker - 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
September 13, 2017 05:24 - 48 minutes - 67 MBKrissy 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.
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
September 13, 2017 05:24 - 48 minutes - 67 MBKrissy 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.
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.
September 05, 2017 03:33 - 1 hour - 105 MBGerardo 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 th...
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
August 29, 2017 03:29 - 38 minutes - 52.9 MBIn 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...
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
August 22, 2017 04:48 - 42 minutes - 58.3 MBSarah 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 ...
018 Stephen Barry - Part 2: Frustration with God Grows, Praying His Last Prayer, Coming Out, Owning Your Truth.
August 15, 2017 04:41 - 1 hour - 106 MBThis 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 introdu...
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.
August 08, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 94 MBStephen 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 ...
017 Steve - Part 2: Re-Thinking the Bible, My Denial Ends & Crisis Begins. I Tell My Devout Christian Mother I'm An Atheist
July 18, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 86.5 MBIn 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...
017 Steve Hilliker - Part 2: Re-Thinking the Bible, My Denial Ends & Identity Crisis Begins. I Tell My Devout Christian Mother I'm An Atheist
July 18, 2017 04:00 - 1 hour - 86.5 MBIn 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...
017 Steve Hilliker - Part 1: Dreams Don't Come True, Trust in God Deepens. Life-Altering Decisions Are Made, Then Later Challenged
July 13, 2017 06:51 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBI 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 h...
017 Steve - Part 1: Childhood Dreams Fade, Trust in God Deepens. Life-Altering Decisions Are Made, Then Later Challenged
July 13, 2017 06:51 - 1 hour - 84.2 MBI 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 h...
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.
July 04, 2017 20:47 - 1 hour - 148 MBNikki 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 fri...
Thank You Listeners!!!
June 29, 2017 05:55 - 6 minutes - 9.09 MBWe are SO excited that you are tuning in to the podcast! In this six minute episode we wanted to share a handful of the comments we have received from you, the listeners. Mostly, we want to tell you how much we appreciate you. We are interested in providing a variety of unique guest interviews from diverse perspectives. If you want to share your deconversion story, contact us. We'd love to hear from you. Email: [email protected] Twitter: @vodpodcast Public Facebook Page:...
015 Kristen Hovet - Preaching to Friends & Bible Study Lead to Questions. A Friend's Suicide is a Huge Blow.
June 27, 2017 06:43 - 1 hour - 119 MBKristen 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 ...
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!
June 20, 2017 06:13 - 1 hour - 154 MBJames 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. When his mom re-married, he endured an alcoholic and extremely abusive step-father until his step-father was finally taken to jail. Shockingly, the church rallied around his step-father. From a young age, James never stopped asking all the right questions. His questions led ...