#75 Sarah Irving-Stonebraker: How an atheist academic moved towards belief in God
Oct 24, 2023
auto_awesome
Former atheist-turned Christian Associate Professor, Sarah Irving-Stonebraker, shares her journey from atheism to belief in God, discussing the challenges of the science and religion debate, encounters with atheist thinkers like Richard Dawkins, and a significant moment of realization in the Oxford library.
The study of the founders of modern science challenged the assumption that religion and science were fundamentally opposed, highlighting the rich intellectual tradition of Christianity in shaping scientific thought.
Engaging with atheist philosopher Peter Singer exposed the limitations of atheistic morality, leading to a realization that the Christian intellectual tradition historically provided the basis for valuing all human life.
Deep dives
Challenging Assumptions through History of Science
Studying the works of natural philosophers such as Robert Boyle and Robert Hook led the author to question their assumptions about the compatibility of science and religion. They discovered that these scientists were deeply driven by their Christian faith and saw their scientific pursuits as motivated by their theological beliefs. This challenged the author's previously held assumption that science and religion were incompatible and highlighted the rich intellectual tradition of Christianity in shaping scientific thought.
Unsettling Morality through Encounters with Peter Singer
Engaging with the work of atheist philosopher Peter Singer exposed the author to the limitations of atheistic morality. Singer's arguments against the inherent worth and equality of human life made the author question the foundation of their own ethical beliefs. They realized that the Christian intellectual tradition had historically provided the basis for valuing all human life, and without that framework, atheism struggled to offer a robust ethical system. This realization challenged the author's assumptions and prompted them to take Christianity seriously as a possible source of moral guidance.
Personal Search for Meaning and Existential Emptiness
The author's atheism failed to satisfy their deep yearning for meaning and purpose. Despite achieving professional success, they still felt an existential emptiness and realized that their self-created meaning was never enough. This realization led them to question the atheist belief that individuals can create their own meaning. The author's encounter with Christian sermons in an Oxford library further unsettled them, as they discovered the richness and profundity of Christian theology. The biblical narrative of God's creation, redemption, and the promise of a fulfilled future resonated with their personal experiences and provided a more compelling account of human life and history than atheism could offer.
Former atheist-turned Christian Associate Professor Sarah Irving-Stonebraker shares how studying some of the founders of modern science challenged her assumption that religion and science were fundamentally opposed. She also highlights the moment she realised her atheism could no longer sustain her moral commitments.
For Sarah Irving-Stonebraker: https://www.stonebraker.com.au/
• Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986
• More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com
• Watch Unapologetic YouTube playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Ds_nyh5gM_0OQDM3me0ZjLcNg2345GX
• For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live
• For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training
• Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow
• Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode