A Former Atheist and the Bad Reputation Some Christians Give a Good God: With MaryJo Sharp— The Alisa Childers Podcast #58

11/6/2019

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MaryJo Sharp stops by the podcast today to talk about her conversion to Christianity from atheism, and some of the obstacles she encountered in the church. She also tells us about her new book, Why I Still Believe which comes out this week.

6 Comments

margie

11/6/2019 05:26:44 pm

Really enjoyed this podcast. Some great insights. I think I'm going to like this book. My story is a bit backwards from Mary Jo. I grew up Christian in rural Ohio, had some great experiences as a teen with other Christians. It wasn't until later that the legalists tried to rope me in and I got all the criticism. Learning to avoid majoring in the minors and insignificants is a big challenge to all of us. I have found that just because the Bible says so isn't enough for some people, sometimes me included, and that there are some really good apologetic works out there that reassure us it's not some fable or fairy tale (To quote either Keith Green or 2nd Chapter)

Alisa Childers

11/7/2019 09:06:43 pm

Thanks, margie!

11/7/2019 08:52:32 pm

Alisa, Thanks to your lifeboat, and the grace of God - I'm on the other side of doubt and progressivism. I'm reading the Bible and listening to the Bible Recap and other podcasts to strengthen my faith and grow in knowledge. Now I am trying to figure out within Christianity what I believe. Obviously, I want to believe nothing but the truth. I'm so confused between Calvinism, Reformed, Dispensationism, Cessasionism, Continuationism...I just don't know what's the truth. I was raised fundamentalist/charasmatic and I am so wary of some of that stuff. But I've been listening to a Reformed Theology podcast, and I'm just not sure. Can you tell me what resources you find helpful? I've already discovered Mike Winger, but got in trouble while trying to discuss his views with some Calvinist gals...

Alisa Childers

11/7/2019 09:04:17 pm

Hi CJ, Wow I praise God that He kept you as you persevered through doubt and progressivism. The first piece of advice I would give you would be to focus first on the "essentials," and then you can figure out what you think is the most biblical view of the secondary issues like the ones you listed in your comment. I found this video incredibly helpful. Regarding the other issues, the best thing you can do is start working through each issue one by one (don't bite off too much!) and read/listen to the strongest proponents of each view to help guide your thinking. I find debates to be very helpful as well. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjdy-VWXrik

11/7/2019 09:26:57 pm

Thanks so much Alisa. I will take your advice for sure.

Larry Waddell

11/14/2019 04:13:48 pm

Mike Winger is a great resource and is very biblically sound in his teachings. I would also recommend Trinty Radio with Braxton Hunter. Additionally I recommend Soteriology 101 as a resource.

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A Former Atheist and the Bad Reputation Some Christians Give a Good God: With MaryJo Sharp— The Alisa Childers Podcast #58

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