There’s no doubt in my mind that there is a profound element of mystery attached with the topic of Christian deconversion. It’s due primarily to the fact that there are only two individuals that can be certain about the genuineness of their status before God [i.e – whether or not they have truly been regenerated by the Holy Spirit] …. the believer and God [of course this is excluding the possibility of a person receiving a direct revelation from God concerning another person’s status].
In other words, it’s totally subjective, there simply isn’t any objective scriptural truth available to provide us with a definite answer. And yes, we can look at another person’s fruits to provide us with partial evidence, however, that evidence can never be conclusive, it’s only the inward witness of the Holy Spirit within the individual themselves that can provides absolute certitude to the reality. Romans 8:16, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”
The subject I now speak of pertains to those who are in the process of rescinding their professed faith concerning the core doctrines of the Christian faith [as opposed to those persons who are deconstructing certain false beliefs/doctrines that are held by many individuals and institutions within the umbrella of the Christian faith – as shown in my previous post]. It’s addressing those who now have publicly renounced Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior as well as the entirety of the Christian faith [as they viewed it].
It isn’t addressing those who are currently struggling with the various questions within Christianity that are causing them to have some degree of doubt. Here’s a very short list of those topics/arguments that are often brought to the forefront by the widespread atheist websites and organizations in an attempt to discredit/disprove the Christian faith as being authoritative :
(1) the lack of evidence for Divine inspiration of scripture.
(2) the “hiddenness” of God.
(3) the nature of salvation – the many conflicting views amongst “Christians” concerning what must a person do in order to be accepted before a Holy God.
(4) the Epicurus’ trilemma – If God is unable to prevent evil [the extreme suffering of both innocent humans and animals], then He is not all-powerful. If God is not willing to prevent evil, then He is not all-good.
(5) the inconsistency of a loving God with the existence of eternal torment in hell.
Now, there may be some of you that may suppose that it’s a very dangerous thing to bring these arguments to the surface. However, I believe that the scriptures clearly provide compelling evidence for my claim that not a single, genuine believer will ever fully deconvert [and forfeit their accepted/justified status before God].
Therefore, although genuine believers may deeply struggle with various questions [as well as troubling circumstances] during their journeys… God will remain faithful to preserve their confidence in the person and atoning work of Jesus Christ until the end of their earthly journeys … 2 Timothy 1:12, “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.”
Therefore, as good stewards before our God, we should come before Him and ask Him to help us refute their claims and defend the faith [which is at the same time serves as a powerful faith builder] … rather than being fearful to address them … 1 Peter 3:15, “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
From all that I’ve seen, there is a consistency from those sharing their deconversion stories. The primary reason that is given by these people for their departure can usually be found on the short list aforementioned … the (5) reasons that the atheists/agnostics appeal to for the rejection of the Christian faith. The video link [provided below] provides yet another example of this. Jaden’s testimony is also so very sad, her words testify how truly confused she was from the very onset of her “Christian” journey.
And what if [and I believe a very strong case can be made for the likelihood] her case is actually one which she was never a genuine Christian, but only assumed herself to be one? It appears to me that a potentially catastrophic consequence is likely to arise when such a spurious sense of reality exists in her mind. That is to say, it may very well diminish the likelihood of her truly trusting alone in Christ’s atoning work for her salvation in the future. Perhaps this provides us with yet another real life example of the vast importance of Jesus’ exhortation to strive to enter through the narrow gate. A person must genuinely and diligently seek out the only path that leads to a genuine conversion/born again experience while they yet have breath in their lungs … Luke 13:23,24,” Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.”
“Why I Am No Longer Christian| Leaving Religion”
Key points made by Jaden :
@6:06 minutes – “You know, I don’t wanna go to hell … and that is a big part of it is like … I felt like it was really fear driven.” = point (5) – the subject of hell is constantly alluded to [and many, in my opinion, have failed to understand the true nature of hell] although Jaden never gave us her perspective of it. [to view my further remarks/perspective on the topic] : < post #89 – What would you as an annihilationist have said? > …… < post #29 – Does Hell exist? > …… < post #6 – Does Hell exist? >
@9:02 minutes – “the next thing I didn’t really didn’t agree with was the idea that you’re never really good enough, or even if you’re a good person it doesn’t matter because you don’t give yourself over to your Lord … you know, you won’t be saved”. = point (3) – a confused understanding of the nature of salvation [and particularly the relationship between faith and works as it pertains to receiving an accepted/righteous status before God].
@9:37 minutes – “You know, well I’m saved and I gave my life to God but you’re not changing your actions … to me that doesn’t line up.” = the reality that exists under the overarching umbrella of “Christianity”. It’s my conviction that no amount of the widespread hypocrisy that is exhibited in all it’s various forms [both doctrinally as well as practically] by professed Christians will never ultimately cause a genuine believer to permanently renounce Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Rapture Bound Outreach 