eX-skeptic

Show Notes: Why do people believe in God, or reject Him altogether? In this compelling episode, Dr. Jay Medenwaldt shares his intellectual and spiritual journey from atheism to belief. A social psychologist with a PhD from Baylor and a current professor at Northwestern College, Jay approached religion from a purely academic lens, interested in why people believed in things he once viewed as clearly false. But, in an effort to avoid confirmation bias and stay true to his role as a researcher, Jay began examining both sides of the argument. To his surprise, the rational and historical case for Christianity was stronger than he expected. Guest Bio: Dr. Jay Medenwaldt, a former Air Force behavioral scientist with nine years of service, including teaching psychology courses at the Air Force Academy and conducting research. Dr. Medenwaldt holds a doctorate in social psychology from Baylor University, with a focus on the psychology of religion and virtue. He also earned a Master of Divinity in apologetics, ethics, and biblical studies, as well as a Master’s in psychological sciences. His research has been published in prominent journals, including The International Journal for the Psychology of Religion and Current Opinion in Psychology.   Resources Mentioned:  The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel The Historical Reliability of the Gospels by Craig Blomberg Reasonable Faith by William Lane Craig Concepts: Confirmation Bias, Cosmological Argument, Teleological Argument Connect with eX-skeptic: Website: https://exskeptic.org/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exskeptic Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exskeptic Twitter: http://x.com/exskeptic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exskeptic Email info: info@exskeptic.org

Laura Zifer Powell, a Christian apologist and former Division I athlete, candidly shares her quest for meaning beyond success. She reflects on her intense health struggles and the existential questions they triggered, leading her to a profound spiritual awakening. Laura discusses her transformative journey from skepticism to faith, emphasizing the importance of community and grace in overcoming despair. Through her experiences across 30 countries, she offers insights into how false worldviews harm individuals and how true fulfillment lies in a relationship with God.

 “If there is a God… I’ll follow. I’ll serve. I’ll give my life to you.” Vince Revo is a former atheist who, like many, walked away from the faith of his childhood after encountering religious hypocrisy, unanswered questions, and deep personal pain. Raised amid church culture but overwhelmed by contradictions, Vince found atheism to be a more rational, liberating path, at least at first. But what began as a rejection of blind belief slowly unraveled into a deeper crisis of meaning. From new age philosophy to law of attraction, from hedonistic escape to intellectual searching, Vince tried to find something—anything—that could fill the void. Guest Bio: Vince Revo is a Canadian filmmaker, podcast host, and bi-vocational pastor with a passion for engaging culture through story and truth. Once a committed atheist who explored Eastern philosophies, New Age spirituality, and humanism, Vince now uses his platform to speak openly about his dramatic return to faith in Jesus Christ. As the founder of the Revo Report and Vince Revo YouTube channels, he creates thought-provoking content that tackles skepticism, faith, and spiritual transformation. With a background in media production and theology, Vince is committed to equipping others to explore life’s biggest questions with honesty, courage, and intellectual integrity. Resources Mentioned: Apologists: William Lane Craig Ravi Zacharias Frank Turek Josh McDowell Connect with Vince Revo: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@vincerevo/videos Instagram: Vince Revo on Instagram  Connect with eX-skeptic: Website: https://exskeptic.org/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exskeptic Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exskeptic Twitter: http://x.com/exskeptic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exskeptic Email info: info@exskeptic.org

Dr. Michael Guillen, a Harvard-trained physicist and bestselling author, recounts his remarkable journey from atheism to Christian faith. He challenges the idea that science and faith cannot coexist, exploring how science failed to answer profound existential questions. Guillen shares insights from his childhood, his early skepticism, and his academic journey, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and personal belief. He advocates for exploring spirituality while encouraging listeners to critically engage with their own beliefs.

Dr. John Taylor, a former atheist, once ardently dismissed the very concept of God, fearing it would cost him his autonomy. Growing up, John was exposed to the traditions of the Methodist church but found himself increasingly at odds with its teachings. As a teenager, he embraced atheism, fueled by skepticism towards religion and a belief that Christianity lacked intellectual rigor. He relished debates with Christians, eager to challenge and dismantle their faith. However, his life took an unexpected turn. Guest Bio: John Taylor is a dedicated professor of New Testament at Gateway Seminary in California, positioned just east of Los Angeles. With an eight-year tenure, he leads the Department of Biblical Studies, focusing his efforts on preparing future ministers, missionaries, and Christian academics. Passionate about imparting his knowledge, John primarily teaches courses on theology unique to Pauline letters, aiming to inspire and equip his students to effectively carry out their ministries. Through his work, he actively seeks to multiply the wisdom and insights he has accumulated over the years, contributing to the growth and enrichment of the Christian community. Resources Mentioned: Fuller Theological Seminary Fuller Theological Seminary and the University of Cambridge Gateway Seminary Website: https://www.gs.edu/academics/faculty-directory/member/1356019/ Dr. Taylor’s blogs: https://thegateway.press/author/johntaylor/ Academic Profile: https://gs.academia.edu/JohnTaylor Francis Schaeffer: “He is There and He is not Silent” Connect with eX-skeptic: Website: https://exskeptic.org/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exskeptic Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exskeptic Twitter: http://x.com/exskeptic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exskeptic Email info: info@exskeptic.org

Rod Dreher, an American author and cultural commentator known for works like *The Benedict Option*, shares his profound spiritual journey. He discusses transitioning from agnosticism to faith, sparked by encounters with beauty in art and architecture. Dreher reflects on the complexities of faith within an imperfect church and emphasizes the importance of 'living in wonder' to deepen one's connection with the divine. His insights highlight the transformative power of beauty, prayer, and community in navigating spiritual identity amid modern distractions.

Raised in a politically charged, largely non-religious household in Kentucky, Bill found himself embracing atheism through his teenage years, driven by hedonistic pursuits and a disdain for religious beliefs. His life appeared to follow a promising path in political activism until it spiraled into drug addiction and legal troubles, culminating in a transformative 17-day stint in jail. Guest Bio: Bill Scott serves with dedication at Ratio Christi, based at Houston Christian University. In his capacity as the Assistant Director of Ratio Christi International, Bill leverages his expertise to engage with diverse global communities. His role encompasses initiating and supporting ministry projects worldwide, fostering a robust dialogue around apologetics across different cultures. Bill’s international outreach and commitment to promoting apologetics underscore his professional mission, making his work both impactful and fulfilling. Resources Mentioned: “The God Delusion” by Richard Dawkins “The Case for Christ” by Lee Strobel “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” by Nabeel Qureshi Bart Ehrman New Testament Scholar Apologists: JP Moreland William Lane Craig Lee Strobel Nabeel Qureshi Francis Schaeffer 2 Corinthians 5:17 Connect with eX-skeptic: Website: https://exskeptic.org/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exskeptic Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exskeptic Twitter: http://x.com/exskeptic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exskeptic Email info: info@exskeptic.org

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Larry Sanger, co-founder of Wikipedia, esteemed philosopher, and passionate advocate for truth-seeking. Raised in a religious environment, Larry’s journey evolved from childhood faith to agnosticism, fueled by his dedication to reason, evidence, and philosophical exploration.  Through rigorous philosophical study, a deep engagement with the Bible, and profound personal experiences, Larry's skepticism was challenged and reshaped, leading him to a deeper reflection on life's existential questions. Guest Bio:   Larry Sanger is an analytical philosopher, internet project developer, and co-founder of Wikipedia. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Ohio State University and has been involved in multiple knowledge-based initiatives, including Nupedia, Citizendium, and Everipedia. Sanger has been a strong advocate for internet freedom, online credibility, and decentralized knowledge platforms. His work continues to shape discussions on the role of expertise and trust in digital information. Resources Mentioned: Website:  www.larrysanger.org https://encyclosphere.org Larry’s Recommended Resources: The Case for Christ, Lee Strobel Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis  www.talkaboutdoubts.com  Connect with eX-skeptic: Website: https://exskeptic.org/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/exskeptic Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/exskeptic Twitter: http://x.com/exskeptic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@exskeptic Email info: info@exskeptic.org

Dr. Bobby Conway, lead pastor of Image Church and founder of "Christianity Still Makes Sense," shares his journey from addiction and skepticism to a committed Christian faith. He recounts the pivotal moments of his transformation, including grappling with morality and guilt's profound implications. Conway reflects on his struggles during theological studies, emphasizing the importance of confronting doubt while nurturing child-like faith. His story highlights the power of grace and forgiveness, marking a significant shift from a troubled past to a life dedicated to ministry and evangelism.