Voices Of Deconversion

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 makes some great references to Interstellar and The Matrix in our conversation. He also compares his catholic-self with his skeptic-self.  He's got a great personality and was a lively and entertaining guest. I had a great time interviewing him.   Support Masa Critica Here! https://www.patreon.com/masacritica Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/user/masacritica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PodcastMasaCritica/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=masa+critica+podcast Twitter: @masa_critica @ramasknight     Atheists of Columbia: Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/groups/ateismomilitantebogota/ https://www.faceb

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!   Support Masa Critica Here! https://www.patreon.com/masacritica Spreaker: https://www.spreaker.com/user/masacritica Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PodcastMasaCritica/     Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=masa+critica+podcast Twitter: @masa_critica      

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.     https://nakedpastor.com     haywardart@gmail.com     https://thelastingsupper.com     Lawrence O'Donnell Losing His Mind! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYqsY50tUv4  

  David 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 planted others. 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 launche

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.  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.com/darrencgarvin       Darren's Sermon:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kKFrg1P7zs     Darren's Resource:   Meet-up.com        

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.  

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: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCem6A97qeWuui3AXNB0iY5w/featured Twitter: @exJW_Apostacast#BLP or just look up Brighter Light Podcast Email: brighterlightpodcast@gmail.com 

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.  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://voicesofdeconversion.com/new-page-1    

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.

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:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCravYcv6C0CopL2ukVzhzNw Hemant Mehta:  https://www.youtube.com/user/TheAtheistVoice http://www.patheos.com/blogs

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 https://www.amazon.com/Dear-John-Love-Jane-Leaving/dp/1580053394   Skype:  sarahmbrennan13     Email: sarahmbrennan13@gmail.com

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."  

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 Everyone's Agnostic Podcast with Cass Midgley and Dr. Bob Pondillo  https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/everyones-agnostic-2/everyones-agnostic Angels and Airwaves: The Revelator https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-6I704S998 Twitter: @barryorchestra https://twitter.com/barryorchestra Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/barryorchestra?fref=search Tumblr: http://barryorchestra.tumblr.com barryorchestra@gmail.com   Bill O'Reil

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 Don't miss part 2 of my interview with Stephen. He explains his deconversion and discusses coming-out in more ways than one.  

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://www.sundayassembly.com   http://voicesofdeconversion.com/coming-out-atheist-to-my-mother   http://voicesofdeconversion.com/home/   https://twitter.com/vodpodcast @vodpodcast   https://www.facebook.com/vodpodcast/        

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 wo

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.    http://skepticnikki.com   Twitter: @SkepticNikki  @SkepticNikkiBU Podcast: http://www.stitcher.com/podcast

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 http

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.  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 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://richarddawkins.net https://www.amazon.com/God-Delusion-Richard-Dawkins/dp/0618918248     Christopher Hitchens https://www.amazon.com/God-Not-Great-Religion-Everything/dp/0446697966/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=SDK1XBK6G1A4FYY0K2RV     Sam Harris https://ww

As a young girl, Vix witnessed deadly fighting between Christians and Muslims in northern Nigeria. Her family also experienced a significant personal tragedy. Vix was raised in a Nigerian Christian culture with belief in witches and demons. Her parents are devout Christians. Vix began her journey away from Christianity after moving away from her devout Christian parents to go to college in the the United States. She now co-runs the Nigerian Atheist and Agnostic Movement's Facebook Page! She previously co-ran one of the largest Flying Spaghetti Monster pages on Facebook.     The Nigerian Atheist and Agnostic Movement Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/OurMumuDo/