Bible Scholar & Missionary Dr. Matthew Monger Leaves Christianity
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ธ.ค. 2024
- Bible Scholar & Missionary Dr. Matthew Monger Leaves Christianity
Subscribe to his TH-cam channel
/ @biblemonger
I was a trained linguist/Semitist and Old Testament scholar who went to Mali, west Africa as a Bible translator with the whole family. Things went poorly there, but still pressed on in the faith. After that all fell apart it took a few years but then worldview started falling apart…now just another atheist who knows too much about the Bible haha.
Check out his website - Https://www.biblemonge...
Dr. Monger's Norwegian book
www.bokklubben...
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Thanks for the support Derek!
Written backwards; interpreted sideways!
Subbed... along with 750 others so far🎉
Looks like you hit the coveted 1k subs! Congratulations 😀
@@jonathanfrancis9199 🤯
@@jonathanfrancis9199 Already there.
Once you see it... you can never unsee it. I was a Christian for over 60 years, even worked in a Christian ministry for 25 years, went on mission trips. Bible College, etc...
Thank you for sharing your story Matt. It absolutely resonates with so many!
Once you put on the magic glasses, you can never take ‘em off
Amen. I started out conservative Christian, saved at 12, filled w the Holy Spirit, prayed and studied the Bible, history, literature , all of the arts, languages, taught university, wrote extensively all forms especially songs sacred and secular, was active in churches of many kinds, worked and lived in other countries, had a family and many deep relationships, and gradually became a strict humanist. BUT have returned to deep prayer and meditation like ancient and modern mystics especially Thoreau (St. Henry). I now attend and minster in church music ministry occasionally which augments my writing life w loving community w limits. Forget theology. Ignore it. I'm all about Love of everyone! So here's a bumper stick I want to make:
GOD IS A 4-LETTER WORD.
LOVE IS NOT.
Honk if you agree. 💟 😇🎵
It doesn’t resonate with so many only with the confused.
This Matt guy should have just got a real job at any of the several "Y's" he came to on lifes road.
Never unsee what?? Love the person whom puts their eternity into these two clowns. I say that with love but wow. I’m assuming when you’re dead you’re dead right ? How’s it possible to live with no hope.
Someone once said, "Jesus had to 'go to heaven' for the same reason the gold plates had to disappear." God ordered his followers to convert the world but refused to allow the most convincing evidence possible. It's trying to make sense out of nonsense.
For me, the hardest part of ALL of it has been dealing with the COLD-hearted, CRUEL, SELFISH, Apathetic, Hateful, Prejudice "Christians" Who LOVE NOBODY!!!
Which Christians are these you seem to have found?
Remember the words, "Depart from me, I never knew you." The Bible warns us of false prophets, hypocrites, wolves in sheep's clothing. We can't let others shortfalls cause our own destruction.
Ah. So they are people.
@@surfrunnerd8457I wonder if you could preach that easily if you’ve gone through people like that 🤔
I’m saddened to hear what you’ve gone through
“When the Missionaries arrived, the Africans had the land and the Missionaries had the Bible. They taught how to pray with our eyes closed. When we opened them, they had the land and we had the Bible.”
Jomo Kenyatta
The slave bible also
Not printed anymore
Exactly!!
This is simplistic and false. My ancestors the Itsekiri were enslaved by the pagan Benin Empire. The Portuguese came and taught them the Bible and helped them to be free from the Benin. The Pope still has letters thanking from the Itsekiri king in the Vatican archives. This was in the 1400s
By the 1990s the situation had changed but it wasn’t anything to do with Christianity. The British and the French conquered Africa through force and aggression, African leaders were simply forced to give up their land to them because they were not powerful enough to fight them although some of them tried hard.
@@thelouisfanclub be careful What you Lie for. You Should wake up Black!
@@rashidaquil5284 really, there's the koran.
Derek, I am continually blown away by the work you're doing, it is so important and I think you're finding the perfect balance of empathy and intellect that is sorely needed right now. Much love to you, your family and the Mythvision community.
Wow! Thank you for the superthanks and wonderful compliment my friend!
@@MythVisionPodcast THE DRAGON WROTE THE BOOK AND EVERYTHING ELSE TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please see Secrets of the Exodus where Moses is from Akheneton and Abraham is complete fiction.
@MythVision Podcast Derek can you do an episode on the "oldest bible" from Ethiopia? I would love to see a scholar unpack that
😂😂😂😂😂 What a joke
I went to the Garden tomb and I found it to be an archaeological find and never found feeling close to God all throughout our trip to Israel. The number of pilgrims was overwhelming, the noise, the constant changes of places, the tension was palpable. The historical sites, the Roman ruins were interesting, but as far as my Christian faith was concerned, I felt zero emotions. I thought I was alone in that situation, as I thought of Jesus more like a prophet after the trip. I returned from Israel with rather more questions than I had before, and started reading about early Christianity. That was an eye opening experience.
You were chasing a feeling. You went to the tomb and felt nothing, and you shouldn't have felt anything. "Why do you seek the living One among the dead. He is not here, but He is risen." Luke 24
I hope you find what you're seeking.
I went to Israel and felt nothing too, but I feel His presence when I am alone in my room in Edmonton,, Canada spending time with Jesus. Sometimes His presence is so strong, other times I may not "feel" it but I know He is with me. I love Jesus so much and I love reading His word. If you are wanting to know Jesus, ask Him in and look for a church that is true to the word of God. Ask a Pastor to help you with your journey - avoid asking for help or answers from the people attending the church because they are on their own journeys. I will pray that you find Him. One more thing... the ONE YEAR bible from Tyndale is a great way to start your journey. I started with the New Living Translation. It turned my life upside down. Finally, ask God to help you find Him. God bless you my friend.
The true place is The Holy Church of Sepulchre, not Garden Tomb
Jesus claimed to be God, why would you think he's a prophet?
I was a Christian watching this and still a Christian now ❤☦️✝️🙏🏿💯⛪️
Well bless your heart
I’m from the south Frank. Bless your heart my friend.
I bet you cannot explain why you are a Christian and not a Bigfoot believer
@@RyanC232 You are blind. You are too scared to ask The One Holy God to show you His truth! I bet you wont ask Him. If you do I want to hear your response,
@@RyanC232 can you refute big foot?
Religion won't get you to heaven, it's your relationship with Jesus
no follow Jesus and obey him , you Christians follow Paul and obey Paul, So no salvation for you.
Im 27 minutes in and this guy's faith journey is so similar to mine. I got an akkadian book for my birthday and I've spent about 6 hours a week teaching myself the language. That "this is something i can do" is such a real feeling for me. Closest thing to a real spiritual experience I've had in my life.
Mathew 26. [39] And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Pray to the God that Jesus was praying to and you will be just fine.
If you can put your face on the ground like Jesus did, do it in private, otherwise people may think you’re Muslim.
Same. Many of us have this experience. But only the truly curious get out
@@ahmedvawda1282Nah all of that's made up. He'll be fine whether he rubs his face on the ground or not
@@ahmedvawda1282 I'll put my face on the ground out of humility and charity to my fellow man regardless of what others think before I do it for any authoritative figure that insists punishment for things outside of our control. I don't need to trust a god I don't know because I trust myself
I feel blessed. The Bible has said that Faith is also a gift. And we come to him because he has drawn us and chosen us out of the world. When you look for evidence of faith look for someone who had lost it completely and then regain it. ( like I had been )
- from Hindu to Christianity.
Christianity is false. My channel debunks Christianity.
@@JesusisaMuslim Weird claim. Islam came about 600 years after Jesus was around. So how could someone be a Muslim 600 years before there was any such thing as Islam?
Hindu to Christianity huh? So out of the frying pan and into the fire?
@@williamgreenfield9991 you have no idea what Hinduism is all about
people like Matthew was never introduced to the Living Yeshua to begin with; he was introduced to religion and religious dogmas. he never experienced the personal Divine Love of the Father and the Son that fills his heart. what he got was a guilt-trip and a wrong idea that he should be a good person and serve God. shame on those religious institutions that did this to him.
A very powerful testimony. I had 15 minutes before I left for work but ended up.getting the next bus because I did not want to break the momentum!
I have not finished yet but so far very honest, sincere in what was a shocking and horrific situation for you and your family. SHAME ON THEM!
Can't wait to get to the end of the journey and see where you are now.
Peace and love from Manchester UK
What amazes me about faith in God is that you can have two biblical scholars who are experts in the same areas; yet one will believe and be encouraged by their research, the other will renounce their faith.
So true!!
I think that boils down to how important the truth is to them.
@@randellmathews5961 Both sides will bank their eternity that they have the truth. But God separates the saved from the condemned by means of faith in Jesus. For some, their intellect and scholarship will solidify their faith; for others it will result in unbelief which will be their snare. It's the heart that gives the intellect it's leanings, not the other way around. With God It's not how you start, but how you finish, and It's God's indwelling Spirit who makes the difference in an intimate relationship with Him; not how much you learn or how much you do.
@@clayjo791
There’s nothing other than the brain that explains anything that the brain doesn’t.
@@randellmathews5961 The brain only explains according to the information it has been fed and the worldview lens through which it interprets that information...i e. the heart.
I left 20 years ago after being an evangelical leader and founder of an international urban poor mission for many years. Takes bravery and true honesty to do what Monger is doing. There's a high price to be paid but worth it to be able to live with yourself.
@fgb fgb Jesus is fake he didnt die for u Deism is the truth
@fgb fgb it's not walking away from God we are talking about. I pray directly to God every day without the false church
@fgb fgb you have been misled. There are no prophecies fulfilled. Isaiah was misinterpreted and mis translated. You don't understand Hebrew do you?
its doubtful that you ever became a child of God
you left a culture not God's adopted family
@Gary Allen that is nothing more thsn evolution dogma
humans have only been in existence less than 7ky
1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,
2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (Hebrews 12:1-3)
A beautiful and alive writing that points to the one who says “ remain in me.”
Amen♥️
It’s difficult to come out & admit you are no longer a Christian but once done it is sooo relieving 👏👏. Life is good ❤️❤️
I can kind of see how folks reject the NT. But to become an atheist and reject God all together from there I’d a huge leap in the wrong direction. In my opinion.
And for eternity those who reject the salvation Jesus offers will be wishing for just five seconds back on earth to choose Jesus and receive that free gift of eternal life found only through faith in His finished work on Calvary.
@@susettemclachlan8765 @susette mclachlan Amen, sadly many understand NOT whats truly awaits them.
@@Wretched2JZTo say an atheist "rejects God" is simply wrong. What's being rejected is the claim that any god exists, due to a lack of evidence.
@@TimH-pu2dd well it sounds like you went too far in the wrong direction! I can just look in the mirror, go outside, look around and see God exists!
Life does not come from non life sir.. it just doesn’t. I don’t see how I could ever reject that. Even if the earth is cursed from sin..
Omg. I love this video. I came from a mixed religion family upbringing. My mom was a Baptist, and methodist, and even looked into Wiccan. My father came from a very devote catholic upbringing. My parents kinda gave me freedom of religion so I thought because all my friends were Baptist that's what I should be. So when I was a young kid this Baptist church down the street from house I would go to.
As I got a little older my parents both decided to make up all covert to Mormanism. This was trauma for me because all my friends disowned me and I lost a high school boyfriend over this.
My parents weren't in the church long and we left, but the damage was done. My friends never spoke to me again. As time goes on I'm kinda lost but I'm holding on the God and Jesus for myself on my own without a church.....fast forward to the beginning of my time with my Husband. He shows my this video called Zieguest. I probably spelled that wrong so I apologize for that. But this three part video made me go on a self knowing journey. I went on an educational journey to better understand why theses older stories seemed to be in similar to the Bible stories I read as a kid.
Fast forward again and I find yall. Thank you for your testimony (sorry for the term if it offends) it reconfirm my stand on this. I still believe there is some kind of higher power out there. But I called it the power of the universe and the power of life. And I love and honor that.
Thanks for sharing your story. When you said you watched the Zeitgeist I remembered a vid I watched a Christian vid that talkes about it.. If you would like watch Steven Bancarz vid on the Zeitgeist. Also Steven's salvation testimony is pretty amazing. He used to be one of the most influential New Agers in the nation before Jesus saved him. Cool stuff!!
thanks for sharing, brave of you. Aspects of you story resonate with me as my journey overlaps with yours in part. It was very hard to leave xianity - all sorts of fears including the sense that I might get immediately blighted for no longer accepting the xian gospels. however, here I still am. there are too many contradictions and it seems to me that we can reach God / the Origin, Creator, Sustainer without the paradigms of xianity or other religious dogmas or structures. keep on seeking truth, being honest to yourself and those you trust. wish you the best!
I was raised mormon, well since I was 8. We left an evangelical church and lost my closest friends but a few years later they also converted to mormonism. It was just a social thing for me growing up until I was 30 years old and started questioning their waky doctrines. That started the journey of 15 years deconstructing religion as a whole. I have become more spiritual without religion as I try to connect directly with the devine and I can just feel the true love of God the creator of the universe and all living things. I no longer live by fear. I no longer do harmful things to myself or to others because of love.
The "story" of your experience was a treasure. I made the journey over time from my young devotion to Jesus to where I am now at 86. Years of occasional studies, including a year at UCSB studying contemporary religions in an MA program, gradually led me to use the Internet to search out scholarly work that continuously validates my firm assurance that my journey has been exactly correct. I thank you for such a beautiful, honest account of your journey.
No Jesus, No Heaven it’s that simple.
And for eternity those who reject the salvation Jesus offers will be wishing for just five seconds back on earth to choose Jesus and receive that free gift of eternal life found only through faith in His finished work on Calvary.
We are just as little worried of your Hell as you are worried about muslim Hell. @@susettemclachlan8765
I understand the struggle. I was raised old time Pentecostal with all of its rules.
If not for my personal experience with Jesus I could have fallen away. I received the Holy Ghost when I was 10. I am now 60!
I had severe things I went through such as OCD that began when I was 15. I prayed for deliverance for a long time not even knowing what I had. OCD was not well known back then. Things didn’t happen for me overnight, but I began studying legalism and grace and as I became delivered from legalism, the OCD lost its hold. I had extreme social anxiety and over time and the Holy Ghost counseling me what to do, I became free from it as well. All I know is God has shown me what to do many times and hopeless situations have melted away. The one driving factor was faith in God and the truth that one day if I held on, things would change. I have dealt with Lyme disease the last 13 years. If not for the things I’ve experienced and faith in God, who knows where I would be. His is the only hand that has held tight to mine, besides my husband’s, and sustained me and kept me from losing hope. Religion I can do without. Jesus I cannot do without.
Amen!!!
I am sorry for the bad experiences and fear you had to go through among Pentecostals and endmm
I was barely saved from joining such cult when the clocks had been changed right back then, when I was about to join them but the doors were locked in that very morning!!!
Jesus is only Pentecostal 😊
I can echo much of what Dr. Monger shared. I have suffered from severe depression for over a decade, and all the while I strived to follow the Christian god. I went on missions trips, I was pressured to speak in tongues at a bible camp, served in the church each week, the whole nine. I studied and earned an undergrad in Theological studies, and during my entire life I was looking for evidence for the text I believed in. I expected there to be evidence for miraculous events because I believed the bible to be documenting historical events. All the while, other Christians would tell me to stop looking for evidence, that I was doubting God, or they knew more than I did at the time and were worried my faith with die out. There came a low moment when I looked at the night sky wondering why God wasn’t responding to my search for him in any way, until the question came to my mind, “what if there’s simply no one listening? What if there’s no one there to listen?” I was scared of those thoughts, but I couldn’t shake them off.
It took me until my junior year in university and a trip to Israel before I reached a breaking point. I spent nearly a month traveling the Levant, exploring ancient sites, and “seeing the bible come alive.” My depression was at the worst it had ever been. I constantly felt a sickening void inside of me the entire time. Every night I contemplated ending things. There came a moment of prayer with our group of 40, and the group prayed for my depression as we had just spoken about Psalm 42, a passage I had felt as though I was living through for years. The more charismatic folks said they could feel the holy spirit in that moment, and many of them approved that. I, however, felt nothing at all. Weeks later, as our trip came to an end, I realized I was an atheist. The evidence was lacking, the origins of hell were foreign to Judaism, the satan and Satan simply did not exist in Judaism. It all hit me like a truck on the sunset bus ride to the airport. I resolved to finish my senior year, graduated, and have done my best to not look back at the hell that was christianity.
I’m medicated now, with a well doing job, and I have not felt healthier and happier in god knows how long (pun not intended). Hearing your stories Darek, Dr. Kipp, Dr. Monger, and Dr. Josh, has all helped me feel a sense of community in this journey.
Thank you always for your work and sharing your stories with us.
Congratulations on escaping your bondage.
Thank you for sharing this bc I suffer too...I can really feel each word and read between the lines. Im so relieved that you got out and have some balance, security and a little happiness; that is priceless. I never knew Judaism doesnt have satan! Ive been studying..even reverted to Islam too but I concluded that all Abrahamic faiths are questionable. I wont say more or I'll ne in trouble 😅
Thank you for sharing this. I am no scholar, but I studied for years and was active in my evangelical church. I did what I was 'supposed' to do: full immersion baptism, Bible studies, etc. I kept praying and praying to feel the peace that is supposed to come from having Jesus in my heart, but I only felt despondent and wept constantly. I was convinced I was put here by God as an example of what NOT to do. I envisioned angels crying and devils laughing. I went on medications for depression (still on them), and while that helped, I still felt alone and sad. There must be something in my heart that's preventing me from truly knowing God. I'm at fault. I'm not sincere enough in my faith...
I'm still questioning and part of me is convinced I'm going to Hell, forever tortured.
I'm grateful for this channel and will continue to seek guidance. I'm grateful to hear these stories. Thank you for sharing.
What a wonderful story, I wish I could bookmark it.
@SvenShanah rebut this 🖕
Thank you ever so much Dr. Monger for being ever so vulnerable with us by sharing your journey. I have a friend, Darren Slade who when we first met, asked me if I wanted to pray with him and give myself unconditionally to the Lord. I declined and told him that if he continued his academic studies of the bible and other ancient religious texts he would eventually become non-Christian. He laughed and shook his head. He is now the President of The Global Center for Religious Research and founding editor of the SHERM Journal. His journey was different, but the end result was the same.
And for eternity those who reject the salvation Jesus offers will be wishing for just five seconds back on earth to choose Jesus and receive that free gift of eternal life found only through faith in His finished work on Calvary.
People so focus on their denomination and forget about Jesus Christ..
Wow! What a journey Dr Monger has been on. As an atheist and amateur biblical scholar I still see the beauty and the intricacies of the ancient texts. It's a journey into the past and it is a window into ancient people's. What they thought. How they viewed the world around them. It's a tapestry that always reveals some new insight. The more one studies the more one discovers. It is thanks to scholars like Dr. Monger that I am able to learn so much more. Thank you both.
Exactly my thoughts :)
Hell is real!!!!! We can not hide our sins from God. Is your heart right with Jesus? Jesus Christ loves you and He died for our sins. Anyone who rejects Jesus Christ will not see the Kingdom of Heaven. ACTS 2:38 “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
@@ChristianSoldier71 for crying out loud. Go preach elsewhere
@@ChristianSoldier71 Jesus died. The End
@@mcgie2002 Jesus loves you and He has a plan and a purpose for your life. Once you die, it will be too late to repent. Put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today, we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Have a great weekend!
Missed the direct livestream, but am looking at it now. Subscribed to mr Monger's channel immediately,
Great conversation! Keep up the good work!
Greetings from the Netherlands!
Jan
I now embrace the taboo and say out loud: I no longer believe.
In What? You believe that you no longer believe?
Cancelled their subscription to the resurrection.
@@michael-ramirezKJV watch the video
Prob 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil
So weird that it applies to both parties. Believers say these scholars are wise for seeing through problematic belief systems, yet cannot christians be doing same? So ironic
“Stop thinking and just obey.”
Takk for at du følger overbevisningen din Matt! Jeg håper at din ikke vil møte for mye motbør på MF! Du er et forbilde!
I don't know which Bible he was reading as backwards. I used to be an agnostic for 9 years.
Found the Truth in Jesus Christ in 2002. The way Jesus Christ revealed to me was nothing short of a miracle.
I held on tight to my Faith when articles like this occurs because it's a devil thing trying to remove you from your faith In Jesus.
His lies doesn't affect Jesus Christ at all, but rather it affects him and his family. Salvation is found in Jesus Christ alone.
Bible College student and missionary and I left Christianity too just recently after 40 yrs. I gave up everything and left my homeland to be a missionary. I got stuck in Australia after I came here to study in a very questionable church. I was left here with $20 in my pocket. Havent seen my home for 20 yrs and I cry nearly every day 😢..it's all devastating to find out the truth 😢
Look beyond the simple nonsensical stories and look all around you are miracles. Good luck Human
When I was younger I had a vision of God holding my hand and a sprinkle of Jesus Christ blood went through my skin into my wrist.God was wearing a heavenly blue color garment.God used the vision to stop me from aborting my son.Hebrews Chapter 12!
It is very scary at first. Painful and it takes courage to leave anything that has been foundational in shaping who we are. I stated leaving in the late nineties and was done by 2004. It hurt to realize I had built my life and trained five children to connect with a life intended to keep us in bondage. All of my children have left the “church”. My birth family rejected me as they realized my beliefs changed. I am happier and freer than ever. Hang in there.
I am curious, which of the six motivated you the most?
1. Pictures of the Cosmos: After all, Jesus as God-incarnate could not possibly have visited billions of inhabited planets, which must exist in our universe, and then died billions of times for the sins of the inhabitants.
2. History Channels series, Ancient Aliens, making a point that gods were just aliens.
3. Jewish and Muslim scholars on TH-cam, such as Tovia Singer or Shabir Aly providing very convincing arguments against Christianity.
4. International travel, meeting people of other faiths, and seeing that there are other perspectives.
5. Hypocrisy of Christians.
6. Inability to believe in a "judgmental God" and not having fun.
I request that you are truly honest with your answer.
@@suzannebehrens9413 JESUS IS THE CHRIST! facts
It was profound and moving to hear of Matthew Monger's experience. So powerful. A lot of trauma in his experience that is difficult to process but so glad to hear of his story. Work he does sounds really good.
Powerful? I was called to share the Gospel with Muslims in Paris. The Muslims who accepted to pray with me, all saw the Christ, had visions…. There is nothing out there in the world.
@@twnb7733 christianity is a copout from the reality an ideology of love and fear man made faith full of contradiction verses how on earth can a book of god have so many mistakes shocking god loves me I read the bible and it false book
@@abdullahisaid316 If a religion tells you that God is as easy as 1+1+1=3, you can understand God, then this religion must be fake. Dig further. Look at Jews! They are the sign, right?
I find it puzzling that Dr. Monger can break down History's timeline with so many "supportive" references, yet he was unable to pinpoint the exact years of movement in his own young life.
@@nottthereyet4872
He did NOT have a born again experience.
Jesus did save me and transformed my life. I was walking in darkness and Jesus saved me and turned my life 100% around. Now I go out to streets and tell people how to recieve salvation in Jesus. It's amazing how God saves people by faith and just spreading the good news of Salvation in Jesus! It's been over 30 years and I'm still hitting the streets with the gospel.😇
Thanks
Keep up the good work..God bless you..
@@CarpentersSon you too. May God bless you my brother
❤LET'S GO!!!💥💥💥
Hi Matt, I was with you in Nic. You’re not alone my friend. Loved hearing about your deconstruction (as it were). I 100% don’t remember the speaking in rogues night but I was also the kid who slept face on the floor during worship. Haha! I know you’ll have a lot of people chatting you up but I’d love to talk about your experience more. Much love from your co-leader for a week in Nic. Send my love to Maria and the boys.
Spelling errors forgiven I hope. I can’t edit.
I almost forgot to breath listening his experience! Also in tears in some parts of experience ! So proud of both of them taking their power back !
You try to keep your life you lose it... when you don't love your own life until death you are granted true life everlasting.... plus the peace God gives thru His Holy spirit and Word is amazing!!! Grace to you...
Does my ham sandwich "take it's power back?" No. All it's "power" is in the mind & strength of it's creator - me. It's the same with God and us. You have a lot to learn.
YOU DO NOT BELONG TO YOURSELF:
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” - 1 Cor 6:20
I was called to share the Gospel with Muslims in Paris. The Muslims who accepted to pray with me, all saw the Christ, had visions…. The whole humanity is hopeless… without Christ for you are falling away. You don’t want to sacrifice yourself…..
@Black Flag
Actually intense anxiety, fear, or awe can at times suspend the breathing mechanism. If it happens long enough , a few minutes, the person simply passes out and the breathing rhythm is restored.
@Black Flag
Just sharing something you seemed oblivios of. And I never said it happens to everyone.
Btw - the OPs comment was most likely hyperbole.
so basically I will sum this up. You went on missions, did the "proper" things, acted a certain way" and now say Jesus is not real because why? The reason why is you never let him in your heart. You tried to work your way to salvation. You looked for acceptance from the world. You found your own value in others' views of you. the Lord said even his elite would be deceived. Here is a good example. The day my sweet Jesus comes will be the saddest day for so many. NO ONE will ever tell me Jesus is not real and not my savior. Not because I'm brain washed, not because I go to church; because I KNOW HIM AND HE KNOWS ME!
I am so glad that we found your podcast, and your interview with Matt Monger. I can't even begin to describe how our paths have covered so much of the same spiritual ground, the same confusion, the same missionary background, the same deconstruction... the same conclusions about Christianity. I grew up as a missionary kid, and served for 20 years myself as a missionary - much of that time in West Africa. I've been to Mali many times, and I was a crisis manager, and I taught missionaries how to get out of crisis situations. Wow, so much I could say here. My heart goes out to Matt and his family. As we listened to his story, I found myself getting increasingly angry - not at Matt, but at the mission agency and the system that would endeavor to get them to remain in a highly dangerous situation because of "God's Calling?" My God, what Bullshit. Derek, thank you for introducing us to Matt. I am going to look up his You Tube channel right now and reach out to him, but if you have another way for me to get in touch with him I would appreciate getting his email or whatever contact method is appropriate. Thanks Derek.
Your frustrations with your church mission board does not disprove anything in the Bible. In fact, it proves the words of Christ about discipleship.
Wait, @25:56 the guest says he concluded for his term paper that there is no Bible evidence for an immortal soul? How much of the Bible did he read? I'm sure there's others, but this is off the top of my head:
"For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption." Psalm 16:10 KJV
It might be those who taught him this teaching.
It was because he was reading the original Hebrew version.
Psalm 16
10 because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will you let your faithful one see decay.
The KJV was written in 1604.
@@gavinpearce3846 That doesn't add up to what he said, though.
The law of one series gives an equation for spiritual mass. It's a slight deviation of the mass energy equivalence. People only look for the evidence that supports their beliefs.
Nothing to surprised as we have seen hard core atheist coming back to accept Jesus and what Dr Matt went through bad is nothing compared to some missionaries but still hold on to their faith until the last breath...
Ever since i was young ive had these really vivid daydreams, especially when listening to music. And a few months after i started listening to Jordan Peterson, they became more intense with different imagery, and i get the same experience you do, where my hair stands up and i feel like theres someone in my body better than i am, someone who sees death as a release and life as an opportunity and does what must be done without flinching. It happens at least twice a day, and apparently Carl Jung had these visions too. I feel that religion was written by people, who as their go-to a priori interprative frame, depended on the subconscious mind. Now since weve evolved, without knowing it, we read scripture using rationality as our a priori interprative frame, and its no wonder it doesnt make sense that way. Its like trying to reverse engineer a computer using only a compass and a straightedge, assuming everything can be constructed with only a compass and straightedge. Its like sex; sometimes you want the experience, but dont get it, but it won't happen unless you want it. Its like the two halves of the brain are like two people, and someone is only whole when they are in accordance with each other. Thanks so much for your content, keep up the good work
Once saved always saved. Going to church, seminary , getting your PhD doesn’t make you a follower of Christ. Once you truly give your life to God you are His forever. Life is never supposed to be easy for Christians in this world but we have greater hope after this life. A lost person will always be a lost until the day they are truly saved.
So true!!
I cannot imagine leaving JESUS ever, I rather stand alone than denounced him. If you truly love JESUS with your heart and soul nothing in this world will ever shake your relationship with him. Hearing this testimony makes me fall in love with JESUS even more. JESUS is my LORD till eternity. 🙏 ❤❤
I agree Jesus came to me when I was 4 years old so I know he's real I listened to this I'm not judging or saying he's wrong but I know differently so many fall short of the Lord or no longer believe but I hope I'm alive to see non believers faces when they see they are wrong. But I understand so many lies makes you wander what's true what's not . God the father is real with out a dought Satan has done beyond our thinking to cost us all really . Follow his 10 commandments I think we will be ok God knows what Satan's done.
@Song Kocourek When I got baptized in 2010, my mentor made me study the cost of discipleship, I knew what I get myself into before committing to Christ, following JESUS required sacrifices, and at the end of the day is about entering from the narrow door. ❤️
@JJ France is all about a personal relationship with JESUS. ❤️
@@songkocourek9104 Christianity is a carbon copy of sun worship, check out Horus, Mithra, and many more. It's a myth.
@@ariobella you need help!
1John 2:19 - They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it would be evident that they all are not of us.
people like him was never introduced to the Living Yeshua to begin with; he was introduced to religion and religious dogmas. he never experienced the personal Divine Love of the Father and the Son that fills his heart. what he got was a guilt-trip and a wrong idea that he should be a good person and serve God.
Amen!
Truth
If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted ... Do not be arrogant, but tremble. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. (Paul)
@@2adamastwhy is God so angry all the time? Maybe it would be easier for Him to just forgive people, not focus on death all the time
Wow, first interview I watched from this channel! Love the honesty and vulnerability. It’s sad to hear about the PTSD but I definitely understand having been dealing with religious trauma myself, I know it’s real and complex, hard to explain it to friends and family who have not gone through it themselves. My heart goes out to his wife and kids, who experienced that school situation. Phew, I feel the sense of relief, knowing that it’s going to be okay now! You can live authentically from your self, it’s a journey of self exploration. Hats off to you for doing the interview! Wish you the best!
The Christ died for us, it’s not traumatic? I shared the Gospel with Muslims in Paris. The Muslims who accepted to pray with me, all saw the Christ, had visions…. The whole humanity is hopeless, for the Christians love so much themselves and are falling away to take care of their trauma!
@@twnb7733 agree! 💯
They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us. (1 John 2:19, ESV)
@@twnb7733 If god died, then he's dead, so game over. If he didn't die, it's a fraud.
@@twnb7733 What the fuck dude!?
Matthew 7:24-27 (NKJV)
24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 “and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 “and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
First up, loving the beard!
Second, keep up the Great work! Stuff like this is amazing. It's not just the scholar's, but the people. The personalities you bring to the forefront, and the stories they share about how they got to where they did. You bring out the personal in such a cool and unique way that I don't see other interviewers do and that's why I've stuck around for so long!
Thank you!
This guy is telling my YWAM experience in Mexico also. I feel horrible for going but it opened my eyes to another country’s culture and language differences and how beautiful it was. Best lesson I learned.
I went to Europe (trying to convert Austrian Catholics) with OPERATION MOBILISATION, feel the same as you, especially about learning to love other cultures. We had a lot of Norwegians and Swedes and Finns on the OM teams.
I went through my DTS in Perth Australia and outreach to Indonesia. What a wake up, met the fraudster Loren as well.
Could you share something you learned about the other culture and its beauty?
@@Achill101 Of course! I met a bunch of families who had their priorities right. Loving, close knit, and extremely welcoming in spite of us intruding on their land. I love languages, and so I brushed up- they were so patient with me! Coming from a school full of ungrateful rich kids, it was a breath of fresh air!
@@mainecoonmami - thanks.
Jesus is the only way and truth, He is my Lord and my savior, I am christian for more than 25 years and He is so faithful to me every day of my life, He never leaves me or forsaken me, thank you Jesus I love you so so much❤️❤️❤️
My dear could even please reveal to us one single Verse where JESUS himself says "I am God so worship me" have you read " never be ignorant of your holy book kindly go read this verse and come back with concrete rationale. Luk 24:39
See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; handle me, and see; for a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see that I have."
Luk 24:41 And while they still disbelieved for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Have you anything here to eat?"
Luk 24:42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish,
Luk 24:43 and he took it and ate before them.
Joh 10:29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.
Mat 12:28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.
Joh 5:30 "I can do nothing on my own authority; as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.
It's a myth, get over it.
@@blzebub2 go to hell scum bag
Amen!!!!!
Why did he say I myself can not do anything
"We were doing it for us not for them" absolutely.
I was a fundamentalist missionary for 30+ years and took my family to several countries to live before eventually deconstructing. I identify very closly with Dr. Monger's story. I appreciate Dr. Monger's candor and commend Derek for patiently allowing Dr. Monger the time to tell his entire story in all its nuance. Allowing someone to tell their story in their own way is rare on TH-cam and Derek models a refreshing approach to how to utilize this powerful platform. Good on you both.
Religion cannot satisfy. I am sorry you felt the need to share religion with a world needing Jesus and His love. May God help you to rest in Him, understand yourself and rehabilitate your soul. Dr. Monger, bless him, is no Messiah. Follow your heart and rise up from the dead in Jesus.
Its trauma in its own facet
@@simongarribaldi9267 amen. JESUS is the way, the truth and the life! The only way to experience God the Father, eternal life and know the truth!
@@joannal7700 Yes. I found it shocking that whatever church they were serving and the advice that they were given allowed them to be put in such a precarious situation without them having a genuine born again nature.
So now these poor people are feeling the need to say that they are no longer Christians. Also there will be no shortage of wolves lining up to promote them saying if this smart guy who knows all about the Bible has turned his back on God, then obviously it is false.
Don't these people know that salvation is for those with the heart of a child, not for the lofty, lifted up and learned?
This man has no problems that cannot be fixed with a dose of humility, repentance and the Blood.
@@simongarribaldi9267 haven’t watched it yet but that was my initial reaction when I read title
God and Messiah is never the problem, the human is.
Once we own it and change it (by the HS of course) we can move on to a even fuller relationship; step by step we climb as with hindsfeet on high places.
Leaving Christ is also a fulfilment of End time prophesy. Bible never tells a lie.
Google "101 clear contradicitons in the bible" and get back to me.
As the saying goes, “ Denial is not just a river in Egypt.” I enjoyed this and I have also gone through something similar , at least with feeling the pain of detachment .
Without God,Without Yeshua am nothing. Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess just give it a little time.
It's extremely difficult to break tradition and have creative, independent thought. Some take a lifetime to find the intelligence and courage to set themselves free from religious brainwashing. WHAT A CHILD WILL BELIEVE.
You believe in nothing..well done
@@Tara-zq3ilMagic is not an answer for the unknown. You've well illustrated your ignorance. Well done.
@@mpshieldsindeed, “Magic” is not an answer for life, consciousness, logic, truth, the cosmos, scientific foundations. Indeed, God is self-evident … not “magic”.
@richardwalters9249 Magic is not self-evident & neither is an invisible silent useless deity. If the disembodied floating ghost sky daddy were self-evident this magic enity would have cured all children of cancer or canceled religious hatred in the Gaza or Ukraine saving thousands of innocent lives or thousands who died of covid AND THAT'S JUST RECENTLY.
Sorry, time to grow up. MAGIC & the Diety is just an illusion.
@@richardwalters9249Magic is not self-evident & neither is an invisible silent useless deity. If the disembodied floating ghost sky daddy were self-evident this magic enity would have cured all children of cancer or canceled religious hatred in the Gaza or Ukraine saving thousands of innocent lives or thousands who died of covid AND THAT'S JUST RECENTLY.
Sorry, time to grow up. MAGIC & the Diety is just an illusion.
Coming to an honest decision about any existence about the Christian deity, or any other deity, is not an insignificant lifetime event. Like any other life changing event, we must avoid the urge to become a "born-again" non-believer and embark on a great non-believer evangelistic campaign. We must remember how irritating and offensive all of the god-believers were in our past. First seek your own peace on your new status and then your interaction with believers can be on a more truthful basis. I wish you well.
There were many that saw miracles with their own eyes that did not believe. Nothing new under the sun.
I’m a Catholic about to become a nun, I have been discerning for a few years. I find it interesting to watch atheist videos like these because ofc I have moments where I think, is it wrong for me to dedicate my life to something to uncertain and immaterial?
One thing I will comment though is that this ex-evangelical experience is so different to mine. I never felt any hatred for atheists, I feel so much sympathy for them because it’s hard to believe in God in a secular world. Everybody is just trying to figure things out their own way. Believing in God is not easy. I never had total certainty in anything to do with my faith, nobody ever taught me that I was supposed to. Even in the most conservative Catholic circles
Exactly as you said ....when I meet people who deny God I feel sympathy for them and feel so bad especially for the people who are being deceived and is worshipping many of their hand made idols. ❤️....I pray and hope that these people may come to truth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
You denie every God save your own most Atheist don't denie God they just don't think he exists just as you don't think the Gods of the Hindus exist
@@leebennett1821 ehh...!!! Atheist don't deny God...??? Well, you should search the meaning of Atheist. I was born in a fanatic hindu family. My dad, he let my elder brother go to church because he studied in a Christian school. So my father allowed me to tag along with him but when my brother stop going church he told that if I must go to church I must leave the house. He's my father so i complied with him. I was devoted to much to hindu god Krishna and shiv that I would every morning and evening burn incense and would offer fresh flower and water. I was so blindly devoted even though I know nothing about and what they did for the world. But I did what I see my father doing. Long story short back in 2015 my father became Christian because he was being harassed by demonic spirits which he himself sees in a dream which my uncle who is a local priest threatened my father in past that he will send some women which he means to evil spirits to harassed my father because we had land possession issues. As a result my father whenever he sleeps would cry out while on sleep because he couldn't move his body while at the same time he would see some women in his dream but science termed this as sleep paralysis. This continue year after year and we done various rituals from our tribe's animism rituals to hindu one. finally one
day it grew so worse that my father had to ask for help to nearby christains for help and they did. Since the day those Christian brethrens prayed for my father my father is freed from those evil spirits or you might called it sleep paralysis. In my case even after becoming Christian I was secular minded. But i was going through anxiety and depression and suffering from severe migraine. At that time no other god came to my rescue except for Jesus. Had many anxiety attacks in the past. While I was going through that why no God came to my rescue y only Jesus...??? Because Jesus is the only true God. With my sins Jesus also took away my anxiety and migraine and many other bad habits things which i never prayed for. Hallelujah 🙌 All glory belongs to Jesus only. This is how my family and I came to Christ and He's the only true God.
I am a Catholic monk and I’ve been through PhD studies. I would say that many of the Bible studies people were not Christians in the sense of being people of faith. Ultimately faith is both a gift and a commitment, a belief that reality in all its dimensions points to realities beyond the capacities of the human mind to grasp fully. There is a mystery that claims us. There is a surrender involved which does not entail believing despite evidence to the contrary. Prayer is a huge part of that humility and surrender.
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life .....no one comes to the Father but through Him. We can't pray to saints or through Mary. Read the Bible before making a decision to be a nun.
This was wonderful and brave. Thank you. You give this old ex-pastor hope.
The disciples were dramatically transformed into selfless and incredibly bold proclaimers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They did so with complete abandonment to personal safety. Why? Because they saw Him resurrected! Nothing else can explain their transformation. Jesus is Lord.
There is no evidence of what happened to the apostles, or even if they remained Christian after Pentecost. What is in the Bible? The death of James the brother of John. Acts 12:2. Who else risked their personal safety? We know Peter and James the brother of the Lord were running the church in Jerusalem when Paul met them for the first time Galatians 1:18. We know nothing about their safety. We know nothing of any other apostles, or anything about their safety.
The bit about finally "speaking in tounges" was relatable. But I had a different reaction, a different guilt. I was in HS and forced to be in attendance all the time. I wanted to believe, but had been having cognitive dissonance with it all from at least the age of nine. After the wanting and waiting and wanting and praying, I suddenly broke out... like all the adults and other more spirit-filled teens around me. AND IT SCARED the crap out of me. It felt like group hypnosis had finally worked its desired effect on me. And my reason said, NOOOOOO! Not for me. And my guilt was compounded. If god was real, I didn't approve of his games. And if god was real, he knew that. I feared a lightening bolt for a few more years. But, I survived. I am thankful for my reason and for choosing to keep it.
Here's a secret very few Christians on the looney-tunes end of the spectrum will ever admit: a lot of those people you believed were "spirit-filled" had simply discovered the mental switch they needed to flick in order to babble gibberish. Have you ever heard jazz scat singing? If not, go listen to some, and then consider if it's really any different to "speaking in tongues".
@K.F. Yes, I actually did. Just like my mother had been doing every day of my life. I was extremely well indoctrinated, well-intentioned and eager for the line I was being sold to be true. It was the "annointing in Holy Spirit" that I wanted so bad and had not received, until I did. But, I also had my reason asking too many questions. The very questions being asked of apologists today. I believed because I was indoctrinated from birth and surrounded by the indoctrinated. I had questions because I was sincere in my desire to understand, and cognitive dissonance would eventually break the spell. I did believe, I no longer do. For that I am thankful.
Even the Bible says there is the true and the false. The gift of tongues was for a purpose. People were from different countries and they heard in their own "language". It wasn't for proof you were a follower of Jesus like in the churches today. Or, being holier than thou. It's not a condition to get into the club. And people fake it. Unfortunately. It comes from emotion and excitement.
I am a Christian. I wasn't always. And if you would have told me I'd be a true Christian years ago I would have laughed. I went to an 7th Day Adventist series on prophecy. I've been in the church for many years now. People have choice. That's God given. I'm sorry you were misled by well intended people.
I relate to your experience somewhat, I was raised pentecostal and had huge anxiety over speaking in tongues. I eventually became “baptized in the holy spirit/Anointed”. I sincerely believed as well, and thought that it was god speaking through me. Now that i’ve deconstructed, the memories of me speaking in tongues are some of my most traumatic because it was forced on me since I was 5 years old.
@@andrewhall3293 You're an adult. It either blesses you or it doesn't. Paul said not all speak in tongues. Go back to the bible and read it.
I was born and raised in Norway in the 'Bible Belt' in the south of Norway, in a very fundamentalistic christian family. As a child I believed everything with hart and soul, but as a teenager I began to have doubts. I just didn't get it, that about everything my classmate found normal things to do, I was told was sinful. Using makeup, going to the movies, dancing, listening to pop music....the list of sinful things was endless. In the beginning I started secretly to do all these sinful thing, but getting older, I new I had to break away. I was depressed, even thinking about killing myself, because I just couldn't belief and live like a 'true christian'. To make a long story short,- I did break away. Moved abroad and lived the life I wanted to live, but always felt as a 'bad' person, because couldn't belief. I read a lot. Not only the Bible, but also reading and learning about other religions and beliefs. The more I read and learned, the more I came to the conclusion that ALL religions and cults was manmade with leaders that probably all were narcissists wanting power. Realising that I finally could let go and be happy as an atheist.
Try Eckhart Tolle, Rupert Spira, Swami Sarvapriyananda, among others non duality teachings
Be a child, ask a face to face with Him, the Christ. I was called to share the Gospel with Muslims in Paris. The Muslims who accepted to pray with me, all saw the Christ, had visions…. Make up or not , dance or not…. Is not the issue. I tried to escape His call until the age of 40, having everything, but enjoyed nothing. Serving Him makes me love this world and the men in His own image. Right now, I am fasting ( remember le carême? ), for everything is created for our good, but do you have the pure heart to enjoy it. He is living! There is nothing out there, without Him.
@@widipermono854 Who loves us more than the Christ? The whole humanity is hopeless, can’t you see that? Don’t quench the Light!
You experienced RELIGION not RELATIONSHIP there's a difference!!!
God is real!! And so is the unseen realm!! One day you will see it.
Wow; haven't heard anyone mention Y-wam before! My youngest son got involved same way by getting in trouble during high school & wanting to change. He went all in & spent 6 years as a missionary. Although I was relieved he wasn't getting in trouble anymore he had a very pious wall built around himself. He married a girl like him & sadly they are not close to our family because they are so judgemental:(
Christianity is a change of heart. Undoing it you will eventually die. I love my Jesus because He died for me and so I will live with Him in eternity🙏
When I was 38, in my home by myself, I called out to Jesus to save me and He did. Then I read the Bible which I could understand and to my amazement it described in detail my salvation experience. There is a lot I don't understand, but what I do know is Jesus saved me and I am no longer alone.
You read the bible and still believe. I will never understand how someone can read it and believe such nonsense.
Satan left GOD, the very moment it entered into his heart that he can be GOD! How will that plan work out for Satan? Not well!
It was heartbreaking to see you understand so much of Matt's struggle and story, Derek. Just knowing you both had to wrestle with such painful feelings and fears just because of what you believed (or didn't). Then to see the results of your poll, Derek, showing roughly 300 people related to some extent with what Dr Matt has been through. What an awful thing, my heart goes out to you.
I feel so incredibly grateful to have been raised by parents who never, ever made me feel that my goodness, worth or value as a person was in any way dependent on what I believed about religious or spiritual questions. I just wish everyone could have been as lucky as I was.
He didn't! He ditched Jesus for his career that's all.
This was a powerful conversation! The depth of Matthew's sincerity and commitment to his faith came through, along with the pain he and his family experienced in their missionary work. I was impressed by his transparency and emotional presence. Two weeks ago, I got acquainted with Dr. Josh Bowen when he spoke in Houston. I can see why Matthew and Josh are friends. Their stories have so much in common. Several things Matthew shared reminded me of the readings in my new book, "Leaving Faith." Here's an example: "In the early stages of deconversion, you may find yourself reading or hearing something that challenges your faith, then letting yourself think about it briefly, then realizing it's likely true, only to quickly abandon the thought in the same way you would involuntarily spew out a mouthful of scalding hot coffee." Tim Sledge
@@RuthKirkpatrick Yes, I think I do understand. You might try starting with my newest book, Leaving Faith. You can read through it in about 15-20 minutes. It's a quick summary of my deconversion process. You are not alone.
@@RuthKirkpatrick I am almost 70 and escaped about 15 years ago after a long treck through many flavors. I wish you well in your journey. But don't be surprised by all the ups and downs of the path and all the different (and similar) approaches people will use trying to bring you back into the fold before they finally give up and condemn your soul to eternal hell. Sad...sad...sad! Best wishes. The guilt and shame they eventually dump on you is never-ending! Good luck in your journey.
I can relate with this, its like I started seeing major contradictions everywhere in the Bible. It made it Confusing and Chaotic. Sounds familiar right, like everything happening now. We have been lied to. And lied to about Everything.
Lol nah the "contradictions" youre probably thiking about probably don't change the message of christ
The very reason that the contradictions have remained proves that the validity is from God. There is a deeper meaning to all the contradictions. Otherwise if it was human authors they weren't very clever to compile a book.
@@robertdavidson3999What?
Wow, your comment in a contradiction. @@robertdavidson3999
The counter-apologetics movement is strong on social media. Keep up the good work. It's great to hear these stories. The goal is NOT to de-convert, the goal is to get people to think more critically.
My thoughts exactly. Knowledge is power and critical thinking is key to having sound judgement. Living by faith alone without questioning the doctrine behind it, is a foolish way to live. If a religion claims to be the Word of God, wouldn't it pass any critique made of it?
@@livfrehley
repent
Thank you both so much for your work and videos. After 42 years as an unwavering Christian (I can honestly say, I had no doubts), the last year I've gone through my deconstruction. It's been extremely challenging, but also extremely enlightening and freeing. You not only help with fantastic information and insight...but hearing stories similar to my own, has been invaluable.
Biggest challenges have been admitting it to myself and letting it go, wrestling with where my morality stems from if not from God and telling my wife (lots of tears, still really hard on her). Oh and how to handle my deconstruction regarding our kids.
@arura5124 ugh...can't cork the genie on this one, eh?! My wife has doubled down on her faith and I do believe there is still a great deal of wisdom to be found in the principles of Jesus (regardless of whether I believe he was the son of God). So, to keep peace with my wife, I just sort of leave the subject alone with them (as opposed to before when there where almost daily conversation)...nothing one way or the other. Our kids are all relatively young and I'm not trying to sway anyone else's faith...but when they're a bit older, as conversations come up, I'll let a little out at a time. I dunno man, this is a hard one to balance🤦♂️. Not great advice here, still trying to figure it all out myself...and I'd sure be open to advice. Good luck! If you don't mind me asking, how'd your husband take it?
@arura5124 My wife and only a couple of friends know, so yeah...I feel you. And my parents sound exactly like yours...I don't think I'll ever tell them, it'd probably kill my mother (she loves to tell me and my children stories from when I was little and things I'd do/say in church). Another layer to this, my email address, a couple of tattoos...they just feel like a lie now and where I used to love getting questions, now I hope they don't get noticed🤦♂️. NEVER could have imagined this, but on the other side, I do feel more free and whole than I can ever recall. It's funny you mentioned the earth being 6k years old...that's actually how I started down this path. I got really into studying ancient architecture, which led to ancient civilizations, ancient civilizations religions and Gods...and here we are (with a few steps in between, younger dryas event/geology). I'll say this, I now know more about the Bible, the disciples, Jesus and the origins of Christianity than I did in 42 years of church and Bible studies (really sad to say that out loud). That said, I've definitely gone through times where I wished I could just forget it all and climb back under the covers...can't unlearn, don't actually want to...but it'd be easier in these relationships. My wife is some who 'needs' to believe, 'needs' that hope and I don't say that negatively, per say...just is and I know that about her, so we really can't talk about because I don't want to ruin her faith. I'm perfectly comfortable with myself and death and what does/doesn't come after, so it's much easier for me. In fact, it gives me even more drive to live every day to the fullest and live well and honorably...because THIS is my moment to do so and I want to make it count! I don't know if you're familiar with the TH-camrs Rhett and Link, they're mostly comedic, but do get serious sometimes and 3 years ago Rhett shared his deconstruction story, I HIGHLY recommend checking it out...it was beautiful, mindful, thoughtful and SO right on.
I'm sorry for rambling on, I'll stop now🤪 Just haven't shared or really talk talked about all this...it is it is a bit lonely.
@arura5124 My wife has said those exact words to me! She also told me earlier on, that she felt like she didn't know me anymore, because she'd had only ever known me as the religious rock of our family. Nothing about my love, attention, devotion, words or actions have change...just that after much deep, soul searchingly deep contemplation and reflection, I realized that my morality was MINE and NOT out of love OR fear of a God. As for Rhett's video, I can guarantee it'll be a positive experience! He came from a heavy ministry background, has kids and a wife who cried a lot (like mine)...they're doing just fine! You and your family will be fine too, don't get discouraged! When you go look up the video, make sure you find the first one from 2020 (he's done yearly updates since then, all worth watching...but start at the beginning😆). As for folks who no longer believe...I'm sure there are a lot and everyone's just too afraid to say anything (Rhett talks about that as well). The more I read and watch, the more convinced that there are quite a few in ministry as well.
@arura5124 Been on a job, haven't been able to get on. Agreed on Rhett...I love how thoughtful, logical and reasoned he is. Nothing bitter, snarky or angry. I'm so sorry for the experiences you've had with your church(es)! I never went to any like that, but it always pained to hear about them...I felt like they were damaging Christianity as a whole (which is funny now). When you say women practicing submission, what exactly does that mean? My wife is a stay at home mommy/wife, but she worked before we had kids...this family dynamic just happened to be what we both wanted (she wasn't at all religious before me). Total side note...I have such a large amount of respect for people who were in it and reasoned their way out. Not to take anything away from those who never believed, but I feel like our perspective is more...whole. OH, one of the books/audio books Rhett mentioned, I too would highly recommend! Stories we tell ourselves by Richard Holloway (he's the former catholic bishop)...fantastic book, amazing perspective. Not 100% agreement on all things...but absolutely worth your time!
@arura5124 okay, gotcha. Yeah, I don't like that...I much prefer my wife being my square equal. I have a feeling your book recommendation is not a must read.😝
I am a convert from another faith and became a Christian through personal experience.
emotions are never a good basis for any conversion. I hope you can go back to your original people. The brainwash for conversion by triggering emotions is a cut-throat-business!
Every convert to every religion has a personal experience
Not trying to diminish the experience but exactly the same feelings can be caused a lots of things. The heart is deceitful beyond everything in proverbs
Thanks a lot for hosting this!
What would you do if your children decide to become born again Christians?
@@kimalonzo3363 Love them.
@@Matthewpmonger I sincerely hope they do for their sake.
And I rented a room in my house to a Christian couple who didn't pay rent and they still had the audacity to preach to me. It cost me thousands of dollars to evict them. I like listening to a former Catholic Priest Alan Watts lectures - On Being God. And - What is Reality? And - They Made it All Up!
If you can find it in your heart to forgive them, heaven is yours ...
Lord Jesus still awaits you with open arms my friends. ✝️🙏
I was raised in the Unitarian Universalist church, but when I was very young we were going to a Methodist church. Listening to Matt story I could not help thinking of the Buddhist short and long journey to "?" enlightenment. I don't remember the incident, but I do remember my mother bragging about it: When I was five a neighbor girl who was six said to me, "Jesus won't like you if you do that." and my response was, "Jesus is dead." But, on the yang side of things I am envious of Matt's mastery of language. The language processing center in my brain doesn't work too good (it helps me cut through bull**** better than most) but I would rather be able to remember names, spell, or speak clearly on the fly.
After a long journey of deliverance myself from all the different religions I studied and tried...after being freed from an ubringing in Mormonism...I am now 68 and happy with my decisions to exit fundamental Christianity of manyvflavors. I eventually stumbled up Unitarian Universalism and REALLY enjoy it's approach to SPIRITUALITY w/o RELIGION!!!
You both are SO lucky that you had partners that got there before you did, and were patient waiting for you to grab the line back in. Huge congratulations on that!
I came to Christ two years ago and my life is infinitely better in every way
I came to buddah two years ago and my life has been infinitely better in every way
My sister was a devout Christian and follower of Christ for over 25 years. She ended up committing suicide. Guess "Jesus" and "God" were out to lunch when she prayed to them for help with her mental issues. Christianity is on its way out as more and more people are discovering the truth about the Bible and the Bible God. Funny thing about the truth, it always comes out.
@@lnqxr facts
Divine love called God doesn't have a religion, some people are sensitive to the spiritual realm others aren't. Life gets better when u start following universal laws and paradoxical laws. Divine intelligence is a math genius ❤
I admire the strength and clear headed conclusion for a Christians who come to irrefutable realizations. I have been anointed and saved in the Holy Spirit at 14 years age. Hoping something will fill your soul with Bliss.
You have to be a Christian in the heart. Not in the mind and brain alone. If you are a Christian in the heart, you cannot leave Christianity.
Just like, though you don't feel the love towards your wife as you felt in the beginning, yet you choose to stay with her, because deep down,you know she is your wife and nobody can change that. It's a matter of will and 'Truth'. The same is the case for Christianity. But there is hope, the hope is there is a heart changing power in Christ which can use the Christian facts you have already known and which are not able to produce faith or power right now, God can use those facts and rekindle the fire and love towards Him. It's a miracle. So, Hold on to Christ.
Have you heard of no true Scotsman?
I've seen at least 5 people use that fallacy so far on this comment section and I'm expecting to see more. Smh @@jm329
So the good dr never had a born again experience.
I thank God for mine 40 years ago.
The peace & joy I have had saved me lot's of trouble.
I could never say I did not have it.
Although I hated anyone who talked about God
and did not know what a Bible was, after I woke up &
looked at a Bible I saw it was all right there.
Thank you God my father & your son Jesus my savior !
And he was full of grudges, he never focus on God's goodness and with that mindset, it's not wonder he ended up like that.
One thing is believing in god and another thing is being Christian. You don’t need any religion to reach god.
@@adrianaruiz3725
I mentioned neither -
"Christian" nor "religion"
@@adrianaruiz3725right that is why we believe that Christianity is false. You could believe in anything whole heartedly and get the same euphoric feeling. 😂
This was an amazing interview. I think this and the one with Brady Goodwin are the 2 deconversion stories I’ve enjoyed most on MythVision (or anywhere, really) so far. I’ve watched several of Brady’s videos since, and I look forward to Matt’s as well.
And Matt’s channel is already over 800 subscribers, too!
😂. Me
Anyone who really asked God to reveal himself and God always rewards those who seek him would never and can never leave the faith. There are real testimonies out there of healings, disaster prevention which your hypocrites avoid. Hope God softens your hearts and you have the eyes to see and ears to hear.
Soldier of God huh? Are you going into battle with all us sane people? "Testimony" is not evidence, and by the way, Christians have pretty much cornered the market on hypocrisy.
It is really sad how satan is using people like these guys to mislead simple minded people who will not seek GOD for themselves.
This just shows how mercyful and longsuffering THE ALMIGHTY GOD is to humanity that HE do not cut off people instantly when they are blaspheming like this.
@@coveredbytmhyissiah1615 Your "God" created evil.
That’s what I was thinking. Once we truly find Him there’s no way I’m leaving Him ♥️
There is true GOD in Christian world.
For those there God in only hear say
sorry, join us for Lord Jesus is waiting.
GOD Bless All.....
Grace and peace of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ be with all who seek the truth. This is truly an age of deception and the full force of the enemy is at work....stay strong people of faith snd stay rooted on the Lord. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.
Whiskey? You should be drinking Aquavit in Norway! This was an interesting episode. Tusen Takk!
Roughly half of college graduates end up in jobs where their degrees aren't needed.
I’m an architect and Im tired after 20 years working in that field.
Not a surprise that a religious person becomes an atheist.
All this time studying the Bible and you never built a relationship with the Holy Spirit, now you are restarting your life and you think that is going to be easier stepping away from God, good luck on that.
Thanks for sharing your testimony, @biblemonger! And thanks Derek @Mythvisionpodcast for having Dr. Monger on and getting him to share his testimony! Wow, Monger's story is so similar to mine. I did the YWAM DTS, not in Hawaii, but in Australia. I stayed on and did the School of Bible (as I understand they call it now, it was the School of Biblical Studies back then) after the DTS, and reconstruction started right there, on the YWAM-base (not deconstruction at that point, but definitely reconstruction). When I got back home, I studied theology for a while, and then decided to focus on linguistics. And I eventually got a PhD in linguistics. I did not go out as a Bible translator, but was seriously considering it. I ended up on the board of the national Swedish Wycliffe-organisation, though. And I've heard horror stories from friends who went out as missionaries (I'm not sure that YWAM counts in that respect. As you say in the podcast, the YWAM DTS is more about the experiences of the participants than anything else. Though this being a country where the churches generally do not have lots of money, those wishing to go and do a DTS have to pay for it themselves.) I have been within the academic world most of the time since 2006, though not within the field of theology (except for the three semesters that I studied theology, of course). Greetings from Sweden (hilsen fra Sverige; about 100 km from the Norwegian-Swedish border)! I'm looking forward to many interesting videos from the Bible monger! 🙂
Thanks!
Thank you 😊
Such a great life story. Glad that he shared his amazingly slow stepping away from religion. What I have that is so in common with his story, is that it was a long progression for me too. It wasn't ONE MOMENT or a SINGLE REALIZATION. It was a long, drawn-out, painful, and awkward tiny steps away from religion that were inch-by-inch. For me, it took 10 years to free myself until I could not be scared that a "wrong thought" would have God smote me with a lightning bolt. [Yeah, I really believed that.] Or, I worried if I thought, "God doesn't exist", and started believing it; then, I was killed in a car wreck ... Well, I didn't want to immediately go to Hell that exact same moment after the loss of my life from the car wreck. So, yeah, I was messed-up in the head too, or that's what religion does to good, honest, caring, and sincere people. It manipulates you into believing SUCH BULLSHIT that no rational person would ever think it has credibility. Or, that's how it was in my life.
You need to repent
God doesn't need to hit people with lightning bolts. Sin does enough damage to a person that God doesn't need to add to it. Common misconception even among the most devout individuals. They think God causes the punishment instead of sin.
There is nothing out there. I was called to share the Gospel with Muslims in Paris. The Muslims who accepted to pray with me, all saw the Christ, had visions…. There is no hope outside the Christ. Ask Him, challenge hIm , but don’t leave Him.
you have just been asking question with no one to answer them. Ask GOD in JESUS name and watch HIM answer you. No way to HEAVEN/GOD but through JESUS.
I completely relate to your experience. Christianity had me depressed, extremely anxious, people pleasing, and hating myself for being gay. The pain I had hating myself over something I had no control over got to a point to where I forced myself to question shit. It was also inch by inch for me. Have tons of religious trauma in still working through, but im thr happiest ive ever been in life, and I will never go back. Hardest thing to learn has been to love myself and getting to know my inherent worth as an individual.
As I keep saying, the rapture is really happening: We can see that Christians are starting to disappear.
😁🤭
@@vtino4825 Hell is real!!!!! We can not hide our sins from God. Is your heart right with Jesus? Jesus Christ loves you and He died for our sins. Anyone who rejects Jesus Christ will not see the Kingdom of Heaven. ACTS 2:38 “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
@@ChristianSoldier71 so what ?? I was never motivated by fear and seeking to avoid hell. ALL the old testament figures and prophets seek God for God Himself, because they had a spiritual longing to know God. not fear of being burned in hell
@@vtino4825 The bible says to fear the Lord thy God and obey his commandments. That's why the world is in such bad shape, because people no longer fear God. Jesus Loves you and He has a plan and a purpose for your life. Once you die, it will be too late to repent. Put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior today, we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Have a great weekend!
Far more are joining Christianity, such as myself, false prophets and demons are being shed from the faith.
One of your best interviews. I’m marking this to share
Oh,oh such a modern tragedy he came so close, Dr and his wife…so near but missed everything -the unspeakable joy and Peace only found knowing Jesus Christ. How Id love to sit and have a long coffee can chat ❤🙏
Over many years, I have been slayed by the Spirit, had clear visions from God explicitly pointing me to a wife, jobs, career, towns, churches, and led me to the various homes I have lived in. When I was four years old an angelic visitation launched me on my journey. I have been on that journey ever since. I now have a rock solid awareness and assurance that Jesus Christ is real, and that He is reliable. He is indeed, the way, the truth, and the life. Don’t let any heist merchants as these, tell you otherwise.
I imagine that putting everything that you’ve learned about God and the Bible out of your mind must leave you feeling very free. You no longer have to have a sense of guilt over sin or believe that there is something greater than humanity out there. I grew up in a very abusive church and at 13 yrs old was sent to a boys’ home for over a year for listening to contemporary Christian music. I could tell stories for hours that would make you sad and sick. However, I have never abandoned my faith and belief in Jesus Christ and God. I know you don’t believe the Bible but I do and the verses from Mark 8 about a man losing his soul comes to mind. May God have mercy on you and may you repent and turn back to Him. This conversation between the two of you has left me heartbroken.
There could never be any historical evidence? What? All of history is based on accounts written by people. A few events have some evidence written in stone that has survived, but most of history is an account that was written. And even some OT evidence is writtten in stone/pottery or on objects that have survived, which point to the authenticity of the OT. The Dead Sea Scrolls point to the fact that the book of Isaiah (and other OT books) we have today is the same Isaiah they had before Christ.
Wrong. Bible scholars have shown that all the chapters have been altered purposely, mistranslated, and/or have had additions and subtractions over the centuries. It's totally unreliable. And where exactly did Jesus say to write anything down? The Bible as we know it didn't appear til the mid fourth century CE, and the church fathers VOTED on which books would be included and which not. And if you want to read a truly disgusting excuse for a moral code, read Leviticus 20.
People turning away from the faith is nothing new. The bible predicted this already. Ever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth. It also says somewhere in the bible they were never for Christ. So many more people will turn away from Christ because of videos like this. May God help those of us who continue to hold on as we pray for those leaving Christ. If you read the newspaper, you know what's going on in the world. If you read the bible, you'll understand why. The prophets suffered. Jesus suffered, and Jesus said in this world we will suffer.
❤
Why are you all so surprised, this is not first time this thing has been happening...
"From that time many of His disciples WENT BACK, and WALKED NO MORE WITH HIM. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, WILL YE ALSO GO AWAY?"
(John 6:66-67 KJV).
Who’s surprised?
John 666 oh god that's the devils number! What a coincidence. This is how I know there is a god.....
When ever a believer ask what I believe and genuinely answer I believe in you. And look them directly in their eyes with all sincerity and it makes them feel uncomfortable while laughing it off. I say politely the feeling is mutual
Christ is the king of kings. Leaving the source of life is the beginning of death
Thank you for sharing. I do identify with what you shared. I was raised in an evangelical, independent, charismatic church, went overseas on missions for 4.5 years and never thought I would leave. I’ve been deconstructing slowly since I left the mission field in 1995. The Bible is the biggest reason why I left Christianity. After learning the truth of where it came from, how it was translated, I could no longer call myself a Christian.
"Lean NOT unto your OWN understanding!
Some of the most evil words ever allegedly spokien.
That's right! Why use the brain Jesus gave you when you can just let him do all your thinking instead?
@@karlesmcquade2863 "Jesus" did not give me my brain. Jesus never existed. Jesus is a first century eastern Mediterranean dying-and-rising god myth among many which made good via politics, force, and the fear of death.