Ep302: My Conversion to Orthodox Christianity - Rebekah Sturgill
Apr 18, 2025
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Rebekah Sturghill, a mother and school teacher, shares her captivating journey from a strict Texan evangelical upbringing to converting to Orthodox Christianity. She discusses her teenage atheism, the influence of feminist activism, and the struggles with religious authority and sexuality. Rebekah reflects on the complexities of conversion influenced by online communities and critiques the trend of internet-driven faith shifts. Her story illustrates the intersection of personal identity, belief, and the transformative nature of spiritual exploration.
Rebekah Sturghill recounts her transformative journey from an evangelical upbringing to a powerful encounter with Orthodox Christianity, highlighting the shift in her spirituality.
Her involvement in feminist activism showcases her struggle with moral relativism, prompting her to reevaluate her activism and personal beliefs.
The podcast discusses the trend of internet-driven conversions to Orthodoxy, emphasizing the importance of authentic experiences over mere influence from online figures.
Deep dives
Rebecca's Upbringing and Departure from Faith
Rebecca Sturgill grew up in a Protestant evangelical environment in Texas, where her family was very involved in church activities from a young age. However, her experiences of authoritarianism in the church and her struggle with her sexuality led to a complete departure from organized religion by the age of 16. This shift sparked a period of passionate atheism, where she engaged with the New Atheist movement, expressing anger toward religion and carrying literature aimed at challenging believers. Her family's dynamic, particularly her father's inclination toward exploring different spiritual beliefs, provided a unique backdrop that influenced her path away from Christianity.
Feminism and Political Activism
During her time at university, Rebecca became heavily involved in feminist activism, driven by her understanding of women's rights and the injustices they face. She initially found empowerment in feminism, engaging in protests and organizing events, viewing it as a moral imperative to fight for gender equality. As she delved into feminist literature, particularly second-wave feminist thought, she began to grapple with the complexities of moral relativism and the limitations of contemporary feminist ideology. This evolution in her feminist understanding prompted her to reevaluate her stance on activism and led to her eventual distancing from the movement.
Journey Towards Orthodoxy
Rebecca's journey towards Orthodoxy was marked by a pivotal encounter with the teachings of Christianity during her college years, where she confronted philosophical and theological concepts anew. Her initial exploration of the Bible led to a reinvigoration of her interest in Jesus, distinguishing Sunday worship as a healing experience rather than merely an act of faith. A friend introduced her to an Orthodox church, where she experienced a profound emotional reaction during the service, likening it to a long-awaited reunion with something she had been seeking. This encounter illuminated her path towards Orthodoxy, culminating in her formal acceptance into the church a year later.
Conversion and Its Challenges
While Rebecca embraced Orthodoxy, she reflected on the complexity of conversion and the potential pitfall of losing one's identity within faith. She articulated the difficulty of navigating expectations, both from herself and the community, and emphasized that true commitment should stem from genuine understanding rather than mere adherence to doctrinal rules. This dynamic often raises questions regarding the nature of personal fulfillment versus the call to sacrifice and submit to a higher authority. Her insights highlight the tension between embracing one's individuality and the transformative journey toward spiritual communion.
The Impact of Social Media on Faith Trends
The conversation addressed the increasing trend of individuals converting to Orthodoxy, often influenced by the internet and prominent figures within the online space. Rebecca expressed gratitude for her own experience of discovering Orthodoxy outside of online influences, acknowledging that while social media can offer awareness, it can also lead to misinterpretation of the faith. She noted a rise in people drawn to the church due to popular figures and content creators, emphasizing the importance of personal connection and community engagement in the faith journey. This trend raises questions about the sustainability of faith based solely on internet-driven conversions, underscoring the need for grounded and authentic experiences.
In this episode I am joined by Rebekah Sturgill, mother, school teacher, and convert to Orthodox Christianity.
Rebekah details her upbringing in a Texan evangelical church and how encounters with authoritarianism and questions about her sexuality saw her leave the religion.
Rebekah describes a period of passionate teenage atheism before becoming deeply involved in feminist activism beginning in university. Rebekah explains why she remains a feminist but left activism and how, through a powerful visionary experience, she converted to Orthodox Christianity.
Rebekah also explores the mechanisms of conversion, considers the line between faith and extremism, and comments on the pros and cons of a new trend of conversions to Orthodox Christianity driven by internet influencers and discussion communities.
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Video version: https://www.guruviking.com/podcast/ep302-my-conversion-to-orthodox-christianity-rebekah-sturghill
Also available on Youtube, iTunes, & Spotify – search ‘Guru Viking Podcast’.
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Topics include:
00:00 - Intro
01:00 - Evangelical Christian upbringing in Texas
04:17 - Studying theology and philosophy at St Johns College
04:38 - Encountering Jesus through reading the Gospels
05:39 - Feminist activism
06:09 - Joining the Orthodox Church
08:18 - Anger at religion and questioning sexuality
11:22 - Authoritarianism in the church
12:26 - Why Rebekah’s family left the church
14:05 - Religious community vs contemplative practice
16:19 - Contemplative emphasis in the Orthodox Church
17:10 - Youth groups and community emphasis
18:16 - Radical atheism phase and the impact on family
23:18 - Becoming a feminist activist
25:50 - Questioning feminist theory, struggles with relativism and essentialism
26:52 - Becoming a 2nd wave feminist
28:34 - Influence of the internet on Rebekah’s various conversions
31:35 - Conversion or coming home?
33:42 - What feminism really is
35:18 - Frustrations with 3rd wave feminism
40:08 - Why feminist activism?
44:34 - Still a feminist? Which views Rebekah still holds
48:00 - Orthodox Christian view of the individual and equality
49:47 - Are Rebekah’s views controversial?
51:43 - In-fighting and leaving activism
54:17 - Religious extremists and extreme activism
55:53 - Losing oneself in extremism
57:50 - Critical mass of buy-in needed for conversion
58:13 - Embracing the dharma or losing oneself?
01:01:46 - CS Lewis’ “The Great Divorce”
01:03:36 - Dying to oneself
01:04:54 - Theosis and losing oneself
01:05:42 - Popularity of Orthodox Christianity online, a new wave of converts
01:07:26 - The practice of Orthodoxy Christianity and the supernatural
01:09:05 - Lent
01:09:55 - High profile conversions to Orthodoxy and an internet pipeline
01:11:22 - Rebekah’s conversion through relationships and community
01:13:15 - The moment of conversion
01:14:41 - Powerful first conversation with an Orthodox priest
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For more interviews, videos, and more visit:
- https://www.guruviking.com
Music ‘Deva Dasi’ by Steve James
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