![]() ![]() They were all once what we might call traditional, evangelical Christians and have now come to see the error of their ways. ![]() Ehrman moved from fundamentalism all the way to agnosticism, with no desire to retain the label “Christian.” In contrast, those like Bell would still consider themselves “Christian” in some fashion, maybe even an evangelical of sorts.īut what all these folks do share is the same background. Of course, each of their stories are different. Modern examples of those in the de-conversion business are well known: Bart Ehrman, Rob Bell, Peter Enns, and (as we shall discuss below) Jen Hatmaker. They just have to help these Christians realize they are mistaken and lead them to the truth. In their minds, they’re missionaries to the “lost” in every sense of the word. Indeed, many of these de-conversion stories are told with the kind of conviction, passion, and evangelistic zeal that would make any modern televangelist blush. Rather than just quietly leaving the faith and moving onto other things-something that would have been more common in prior generations-there seems to be a new guard that has made it their life’s ambition to evangelize the found. Part of this is due, no doubt, to the technology that makes these de-conversion stories more available whether through podcasts, blogs, or other forms of media.īut, it’s also due to the fact that many of those who de-convert have realized a newfound calling to share their testimony with as many people as possible. Christianity has never had a shortage of people who were once in the fold and then left, hoping to take with them as many people as possible.īut in recent years these de-conversion stories seem to have taken on a higher profile. Of course, there have always been de-conversion stories available throughout the history of the church-if one would only take the time to dig them up and listen to them. Whether done privately or publicly, this is when a person simply gives their testimony of how they once thought like you did and have now seen the light. ![]() And their purpose is to convince them that their crusty, backwards, outdated, naïve beliefs are no longer worthy of their assent. It’s what we might call the de-conversion story.ĭe-conversion stories are designed not to reach non-Christians but to reach Christians. Such testimonies can personalize and soften the message so it is more easily understood and received.īut when it comes to reaching the “found,” there’s an equally effective method-and this is a method to which the evangelical church has paid very little attention. Whether done privately or publicly, it’s compelling to hear a person’s testimony about how they came to believe in the truth of the Gospel, the truth of the Bible, and embraced the Christian faith. When it comes to reaching the “lost,” one of the most tried-and-true methods is the personal conversion story. ![]()
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