Have you noticed how many professing Christians are leaving their faith?

You may have seen a social media post by a well-known Christian announcing their deconversion...and for each celebrity who makes that move, hundreds of other believers we don't hear about are also leaving Christianity.

According to a report in 2018 by the Pinetops Foundation, in the US alone between 30 and 42 million young people raised in Christian families who call themselves Christians are expected to leave the faith by 2050.

This got me wondering...why is this happening? After 27 years of walking with Jesus I can't imagine leaving my faith. 

In search for answers, I contacted Kirk Durston who has written and spoken extensively about deconversion. Kirk is a scientist, philosopher, theologian, father, husband, and wilderness adventurer. For the last 39 years he's been thinking, writing and speaking about the interaction of science, theology, and philosophy within the context of authentic Christianity. 

Kirk joins us this week to share his thoughts on why deconversion is a growing trend.

Here are the key points we'll be discussing during this episode.

[00:00] Introduction: Why are so many professing Christians leaving their faith?

[01:32] Scientist, philosopher and theologian Kirk Durston on what deconversion means

[3:19] Deconversion is a growing trend that is amping up even more right now

[5:00] There is a major shifting away from truth throughout our culture

[6:44] Sophistry: Communication, deception and the art of persuasion through manipulation

[11:08] A personal experience of God's presence on a daily basis is central to true Christianity

[15:20] Major deception today is the many false concepts of who God is

[17:17] Most people who leave Christianity are oblivious to how culture has shaped their mindset

[20:05] What is involved in truly following Christ?

[30:14] The #1 reason people gave for deconverting is sexuality

[35:14] The #2 most common reason for deconverting is Christian 'culture' based rules

[36:50] Total surrender with no terms or conditions is key to true freedom in Christ

[38:45] You can choose to live by the supernatural you or your old nature

[43:21] Christian maturity is a process

[48:45] Many people have been deceived by darkness and don't realize how precious they are

[52:25] Supernatural movement against human beings made in the image of our Creator

[57:00] Pray together

[59:35] Final message

Kirk's Story

If you are interested in reading Kirk’s brief account of how he began his own spiritual journey, here it is.

Kirk's 'Quest for a Beautiful Mind'

After half a lifetime of seeing his world growing darker and darker, Kirk reached a point of desperation where he begged God for a beautiful mind and for the sun to shine again in his soul. What followed was a series of life-giving discoveries of enormous importance that he describes in this video, titled ‘Quest for a Beautiful Mind’. It is 20 minutes long, but hopefully well worth the watch, and ends with what may be the most powerful prayer a person can pray.

Kirk's YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/c/KirkDurstonquest

You can watch more of Kirk's videos and read more of his Thoughts About God, Truth, and Beauty @ https://www.kirkdurston.com/kirk

You can connect with Kirk Durston on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Connect with Gaetanne on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @ourcreatorcalls

Thanks for joining me this week on Our Creator Calls where we seek Truth together!

"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." John 8:32

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