Why atheists become Christians and Christians become atheists - Jana Harmon and Joel Furches

Justin talks to Jana Harmon about her PhD research on adult atheist conversion to Christianity and presents stories from her new ‘Side B Podcast’. Joel Furches, who is researching de-conversion, also joins the conversation.
For The Side B Podcast: www.listennotes.com/podcasts/...
For Joel Furches article on de-conversion: hubpages.com/politics/Why-do-...
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[@TheCorrodedMetalhead]

This woman Jana interviewed me once for about an hour and a half near the Atlanta area. She was nice, but I think I scared her to death with my de-conversion story. I also distinctly remember that she didn’t even know what the “Chi Rho” symbol is! She had also never seen the film “Marjoe” and didn’t really know anything about charlatans like Peter Popoff. I think she has a southern Baptist, evangelical background. She also didn’t seem to have any direct, personal relationships with Jehovah’s Witnesses, Oneness Pentecostals, Mormons, Pagans, Satanists, etc. I also didn’t get the impression she had much knowledge of liturgical, sacramental traditions. I discussed my experience in full time ministry, Bible College and the emotional pain I felt after leaving the faith. She listened closely when I also told her about my interest in the occult and black metal music. But, the examples she gives in this video of former Atheists don’t really impress me at all. I doubt they impress ANY serious skeptic of religion. It’s very “G rated”, naive and safe. I’d like to see her interview someone like Nergal from Behemoth, or Erik Danielsson from Watain. Sit down with Morgan from Marduk and ask him why he’s not a believer! When I met her, she hadn’t read Charles Templeton’s book “Farewell to God” either. She had never heard of Tony Alamo or the Process Church of the Final Judgement. I find it scandalizing that she is considered an “expert” on former Atheists, but she really isn’t informed about believers that have apostatized. Although a very polite woman, I felt judged and dismissed by her after candidly sharing my story. I think she wasn’t expecting to interview someone with such a raw, dramatic and unorthodox de-conversion experience. In fact, I’m convinced most Christians are clueless when it comes to debating former Christians like me.

[@charlottehughes3927]

Such an interesting topic, but I was disappointed with the very noticeable lack of time given to Joel. The conversation was much too uneven. It would be great to do a similar episode with more time given to the opposing view point to make up for it.

[@pinkpig6518]

"Justin talks to Jana Harmon about her PhD research on adult atheist conversion to Christianity and presents stories from her new ‘Side B Podcast’. Joel Furches, who is researching de-conversion, also joins the conversation."

[@aidankiely9672]

Really interesting but I would agree that there was not remotely even focus given to both sides. There is probably even more we need to learn from why people moved away from Christianity.

[@KevinN3]

Joel did a great job. I haven't seen someone look past their own bias to see the other side as clearly as he did.

[@ClementPoh]

It's great that you're making content unrelated to US election mania!

[@lestariabadi]

As a convert from atheistic family, this is very interesting.

[@ericbrown7628]

Where can we find Jana’s research paper???

[@forplaylists5981]

Justin, have you heard of Bishop Barron? He's an American Catholic Bishop who started Word on Fire Ministries, an online evangelization ministry. Your discussion about recognizing the importance of deep desires and longings in conversion to Christianity reminded me of his emphasis on the importance of beauty in evangelization, known as the "via pulchritudinis," the "way of beauty." He's collaborated with William Lane Craig, Jordan Peterson, Cameron Bertuzzi. You should have him on your show, which I love by the way!

[@greglogan7706]

As a Christian theist, I would love to see a mature adult deconverted Christian on here to provide formal, thoughtful counterpoint to what is presented.

[@123mneil]

48:00

[@johnno6183]

As an x xn now athiest whos got a bachelor of theology, i found this a very sympathetic interview to jana...the 5 modes need to be drawn out..there is much to learn..regulated, controlled behaviour is common..the bethel church case in point...the accetable culture in these churchs is cult like..here in nz we hv gloriavale, a closed xn community..there is a sameness when u speak to these guys..we r unfortunately very easy to program.

[@dianasanchez7]

He barely spoke, I would have liked to listen more about his research.

[@carnivalsage]

Much is being said about the kind gentle approach of people holding different views. That is important when establishing friendships and establishing civility. But talking to a kind Muslim doesn’t mean islamic claims are historically factual.

[@christiangadfly24]

Great video Justin. Keep up the good work!

[@Greg-il8by]

Poor Joel had less than 10 min of speaking time out of 82 min. Great topic and guests, but not a balanced interview and Justin clearly was interested in only one side of this issue.

[@wayneburchell6346]

I grew up in a non-Christian family with no particular faith. Experiences as a teenager led me to conclude that there was no such thing as God... at the same time as close friends became Christians. A few years later as a young adult (21), I had an experience of God that led me to Christianity for certain and I've not looked back (well actually, I've looked back numerous times :))

[@pcb8059]

How about obvious Occam Reason #1 "They apostate because they just dont think its True"

[@rkroger9725]

Old theological problem-If god is perfect then why did he /she, felt an urge to create human beings? May be God is imperfect and is trying to reach perfection through human beings ?Christianity as a religion has triumphed over all religions, but we won't know if Christ did..... only on the Judgement Day, the day of resurrection will we know if he was delusioned Rabbi and not God. Christ and Paul believed the kingdom of heaven , the end times, was to be established in their life times.Jews are still waiting over 5000 years, Christians over 2000 years to fulfil the promised eschatology. In the mean time just follow Christ to be human!

[@rustlingbushes7678]

I came a conversation between "Christians and skeptics", not that Christians aren't skeptics about other religions, but this was one-sided. In this case, there should have been four panelists; these two presenting their findings, and two Atheists presenting their findings. That would only be fair.