Podcast appearances and mentions of mary jo sharp

Welcome to The Culture Translator podcast, and today we're reposting our conversation with the Director of Content for Dark Room Faith, Mary Jo Sharp. A former atheist, Mary was raised without religion. She is now an assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Christian University, and as well as the founder of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry. She also is the author of the Zondervan book Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist's Reckoning With the Bad Reputation Christians Give a Good God and the LifeWay bible study Why Do You Believe That? She is an itinerant speaker on apologetics and has engaged in formal debates on Islam, and she focuses on using love and logic to uncover truth. For more parenting resources, go to axis.org 

In this episode, Dr. Mikel Del Rosario explores the "anti-deconversion" story of former atheist Mary Jo Sharp, who came to faith and still believes despite the hypocrisy and hurt she encountered in the church. Now, she's helping teens grapple with the hard questions of life and tackle their doubts through an XO Creative video series, Darkroom Faith.

Although the number of nones in the USA has flatlined in recent years, deconstruction is still on the mind of many young people. This week a Christian apologist - raised without any religion, and a Christian who moved to agnostic atheism debate how we can reengage young people. Joining the Unbelievable debate is former atheist Mary Jo Sharp from the Pacific Northwest, A former atheist who came to faith,has experienced two worlds of American culture: growing up in the postmodern Pacific Northwest and then adulthood in the evangelical culture of the Southern Bible Belt. She first encountered apologetics in her own spiritual search while seeking answers, eventually becoming a professor of apologetics. Mary Jo is now the founder and director of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry. She has been featured in Christianity Today's cover story “The Unexpected Defenders” and is an international author and speaker. Mary Jo's most recent written work is, Why I Still Believe: A former atheist's reckoning with the bad reputation Christians give a good God. Harry Amos is a graduate in Philosophy, Politics & Economics from the University of Warwick. During his studies, his passion for investigating Biblical texts, particularly the historicity of key events like the Exodus, Conquest and Easter narratives, led him to reconsider his Christian faith. Having personally found reconciliation between history, science and evangelical Christianity impossible, he now blogs on such topics at The Book of Amos (thebookofamos.wordpress.com). For more of Mary Jo:   Facebook https://www.facebook.com/confidentchristianity Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maryjosharp/ For more of Harry: thebookofamos.wordpress.comhttps://www.facebook.com/BookOfAmos SOCIAL LINKS Twitter: https://twitter.com/unbelievablefe Facebook: / https://facebook.com/premierunbelievable Instagram: / https://instagram.com/premierunbelievable Tik Tok: / https://tiktok.com/@premier.unbelievable • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/courses • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

In this episode of The Alabaster Jar, Dr. Lynn Cohick is joined by Dr. Mary Jo Sharp as she discusses her journey from atheism to Christianity and the importance of doubt. She also addresses the issue of hypocrisy in the church and how to heal from church wounds. Dr. Sharp emphasizes the need to appreciate the beauty of women in the church while recognizing the objectification that takes place for so many women in this context. She also shares about her experience of turning outward and partnering with God in her ministry and reflects on the importance of trusting God in difficult times.Key Takeaways: Doubt is a complex process that involves intellectual and emotional aspects.Hypocrisy in the church can cause deep wounds, but healing is possible through self-reflection and forgiveness.Beauty is an important aspect of God's creation and should be appreciated and celebrated.   Turning outward and partnering with God can lead to meaningful ministry and personal growth.     Trusting God in difficult times is a lifelong journey that requires perseverance and reliance on His goodness.Episode Breakdown:00:00 - Introduction and Background00:49 - Understanding Doubt10:17 - Dealing with Hypocrisy in the Church16:20 - Healing from Church Wounds25:09 - Objectification of Women in the Church31:53 - Turning Outward and Partnering with God35:25 - Learning to Trust God Episode Resources:   Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist's Reckoning with the Bad Reputation Christians Give a Good God by Dr. Mary Jo Sharp  A Church Called Tov: Forming a Goodness Culture That Resists Abuses of Power and Promotes Healing by Dr. Scot McKnight  Pivot: The Priorities, Practices, and Powers That Can Transform Your Church into a Tov Culture by Dr. Scot McKnight  The Visual Museum Of Women In Christianity  Episode Sponsor:  The Alabaster Jar is brought to you by The Center for Women in Leadership, a newly formed 501©3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to equip women in a context that is biblically rooted, theologically robust, and ethnically diverse to thrive as leaders in the academy and the Church. Follow them on Instagram @leadershipwithoutapology. Learn more about The Center for Women in Leadership at: https://www.leadershipwithoutapology.org/.

This week on the podcast, I am joined by Mary Jo Sharp, a professor of apologetics and author of the book, "Why I Still Believe", to discuss the ways both church's and Christian's hypocrisy and neglect of essential characteristics of God end up misrepresenting who he is.  The conversation in this episode is inspired by the topics and themes of my book "A Jumble of Crumpled Papers".   Get your copy of “A Jumble of Crumpled Papers” here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BCD5PMX5/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=&sr=      Connect with us! Austin's Instagram: www.instagram.com/austin_noll  Podcast's Instagram: www.instagram.com/crumpledpaperspodcast  Email us at crumpledpaperspodcast@gmail.com   Connect with Mary Jo! https://www.instagram.com/maryjosharp/  https://maryjosharp.com    Check Out Mary Jo's Book, "Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist's Reckoning With The Bad Reputation Christians Give A Good God": https://www.amazon.com/Why-Still-Believe-Reputation-Christians-ebook/dp/B07PQ4Y128/ref=sr_1_1?crid=26GORQ1JXFQVD&keywords=why+i+still+believe+mary+jo+sharp&qid=1705973983&sprefix=why+i+still+%2Caps%2C130&sr=8-1   

Mary Jo Sharp has spent years teaching people how to defend their faith and engage with people who disagree with Christianity. In this episode, she shares her personal story of doubt and belief and teaches us how important it is to always go back to Scripture. Connect with Mary Jo Sharp:  Mary Jo Sharp website: https://maryjosharp.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confidentchristianity/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaryJoSharp  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoINoNIQPQ0Jnz5jqdC9ZpQ  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maryjosharp/   Recommended Bible Resource:  Evangelical Study Bible The Evangelical Study Bible offers a refreshing way to study God's Word focused on the unchanging truth of the gospel. Verse-by-verse commentary and interesting sidebars dig into the historical and contextual background of Scripture helping you grow in your understanding and appreciation of the life-changing truths of the Christian faith. Also included are more than fifty articles that help you better understand your faith and effectively share it with others.

Tasha talks with atheist-turned-apologist, Mary Jo Sharp about her journey to faith, and her passion to defend it.

This week we are joined by the Director of Content for Dark Room Faith, Mary Jo Sharp. A former atheist, Mary was raised without religion. She is now an assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Christian University, and as well as the founder of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry. She also is the author of the Zondervan book Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist's Reckoning With the Bad Reputation Christians Give a Good God and the LifeWay bible study Why Do You Believe That? She is an itinerant speaker on apologetics and has engaged in formal debates on Islam, and she focuses on using love and logic to uncover truth. For more written, audio and video resources, go to axis.org.

Carmen LaBerge encourages us to not be satisfied with surface thinking, but to think about how systems work, how they are broken, and how we can bring healing, not just to the system, but to people. Apologist Mary Jo Sharp, producer of the "Darkroom Faith" videos, talks about how we need to be willing to find people, including your youth, in their dark places and in their struggles that lead to faith crises, and help them heal through a redemptive, Biblical worldview. Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: Click here  

Mary Jo Sharp, Assistant Professor at Houston Christian University. Find her at https://maryjosharp.com/In this episode of the Midweek Motivation Podcast Gabe Kolstad and Mary Jo Sharp talk about how she tried to prove faith wrong and reject it but ended up becoming a Christian.Midweek Motivation is a short, practical midweek boost to help you live your best life. #rejectfaith #faithisreal #Godsplan #provefaithwrong #theproofofgodsexistence #godexplained #godexistenceproof #proofofgod #miracles #transformation #transformationinchurch #lifechange #westside #westsidechurch #podcast #shortpodcast #practicalpodcast #churchpodcast #christianpodcast #gabekolstad

Have you ever doubted the reliability of the Bible?Our guest today, Mary Jo Sharp was raised in Portland, Oregon. Where she grew up, there wasn't much talk about God or the Bible. The only Christianity she really saw on display was what was shown in the movies.As she grew older, she started having questions about the meaning of life and began investigating for answers. Around this same time, her high school band director gave her a bible. She was about to graduate, and he knew that she would have questions. He told her to turn to the Bible for answers.In college, Mary Jo started going to church. She was searching for answers and community, but not all of the experiences she had were good. Through her spiritual journey, she encountered apologetics. In her wrestling with her faith, apologetics provided some of the answers she was desperately searching for.Mary Jo is now an assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University and the founder and director of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry. She has been featured in Christianity Today's cover story “The Unexpected Defenders” and is an international speaker on apologetics, focusing on love and logic to uncover truth. She lives with her husband and family in Portland, Oregon.We invite you to join us in listening to this incredible testimony and believe that it will stir hope in your heart.Episode Highlights: Introduction to Mary Jo SharpEarly LifeHow Mary Jo came to ChristChurch hurtJourney to apologeticsFind more on Mary Jo Sharp & other Resources Mentioned:Find Mary Jo Sharp on InstagramConfident Christianity WebsiteWhy Do You Believe That? By Mary Jo SharpWhy I Still Believe by Mary Jo SharpThe Case for Christ by Lee StrobilTrue for You But Not for Me by Paul CopanTactics by Gregory KouklBethinking.orgFind More on Abiding Free:Instagram: @abidingfreeFollow us on FacebookCheck out our Website HEREContact: abidingfree@gmail.com*Disclosure: Some links are Amazon affiliate links and a small portion of your purchase will come back to us while your cost remains the same.

In this episode, Mary Jo Sharp discusses her background of Atheism and her journey to becoming a Christian. She then goes on to three attitudes Christians should have when questioning the world around them: being Skeptical, not Cynical, being Realistic, not Unrealistic, and being Hopeful, not Hopeless.Mary Jo Sharp is an assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Christian University, the founder of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry, and the author of many books.If you enjoy listening to the George Fox Talks podcast and would like to watch, too, check out our channel on YouTube! We also have a web page that features all of our podcasts, a sign-up for our weekly email update, and publications from the George Fox University community.

Do you feel inadequate when it comes to answering hard questions of faith? In this episode of The Living Room, I have the privilege of interviewing theology professor and author, Mary Jo Sharp about Dark Room Faith - a video curriculum designed to address the objections many young people have about the Christian faith. This free curriculum can be used by youth leaders but also parents to help them talk through the questions teens often face. But we also talk about how many millenials are leaving the faith because of hypocrisy in the church and her book, Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist's Reckoning with the Bad Reptutation Christians Give a Good God. I hope you'll check out all of Mary Jo's excellent material - and share this episode with a friend. Watch on YouTube My interview with Mary Jo Sharp is also available on YouTube (Wednesday @ 3:00pm)! Subscribe and hit the notification bell to be notified each time a video goes live. https://youtu.be/YYNcvnTFnVM   Embracing Trust Challenge - Also on YouTube! I have so enjoyed hearing from people who are doing the Embracing Trust Challenge! And it's not too late to start because it can be done anytime and anywhere. All five days of the challenge have been uploaded to YouTube - but you definitely want to sign up to receive the FREE worksheets and daily emails before you start. Resist the impulse to watch all five days at once, because the best way to get the most out of the challenge, is to live in each truth for awhile. In fact, you may want to do it over five weeks rather than five days! Because each one of the truths from Proverbs 3:5-6 have the power to transform your life. GET THE CHALLENGE! Links from Show Mary Jo's Curriculum: Dark Room Faith Mary Jo's Book: Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist's Reckoning with the Bad Reptutation Christians Give a Good God Joanna's New Book: Embracing Trust: The Art of Letting Go and Holding On to a Forever-Faithful God [Disclosure: I make a small commission from affiliate links used in this post.] Connect with Mary Jo Sharp Website | Instagram | Facebook  

Mary Jo Sharp joins Dr. Mark Turman to discuss Gen Z's unique needs, why we need apologetics, and Dark Room, the free high-budget video series aimed to help Gen Z navigate the hardest questions.    Show notes:    Mary Jo Sharp shares her testimony of becoming a Christian after atheism and why she ended up studying apologetics (1:36). Sharp then discusses “Dark Room,” a video series and curriculum built on real questions and stories from Gen Z. She then specifically addresses why Gen Z is seeking rational answers to deep questions and why Gen Z distrusts the church (10:48). She talks about the problem of evil and sin nature, explaining why those ideas are so important for young generations (21:38). She points out the needs of Gen Z at this time, their interest in science and faith, and the need for spiritual mentorship (31:06). Sharp shares her favorite episodes from Dark Room, the mission behind it, and how churches and parents can use it for free (35:13).   Resources and further reading:   Dark Room Faith Mary Jo Sharp (website) Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist's Reckoning with the Bad Reputation Christians Give a Good God Mary Jo Sharp Why Do You Believe That?: A Faith Conversation Marj Jo Sharp “What does Gen Z value? 4 truths about what they believe” Mark Legg “The viral revival at Asbury reveals Gen Z's unique approach to faith and spirituality” Laurel Wood   About the hosts    Jim Denison, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and the CEO of Denison Ministries, which is transforming 6.8 million lives through meaningful digital content.  Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church.    About the guest    A former atheist who came to faith, Mary Jo Sharp is now an assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Christian University and the founder and director of Confident Christianity Apologetics Ministry. She has been featured in Christianity Today's cover story “The Unexpected Defenders” and is an international speaker on apologetics.  She serves on the faculty with Summit Ministries Student Conferences and is a published author with Kregel Publications, B&H Publications, and Zondervan. Mary Jo is the author of the top-selling Bible study, “Why Do You Believe That?” as well as Living in Truth with LifeWay Christian Resources. She recently released Why I Still Believe.   

Why would anyone want to be a Christian when there is so much hypocrisy in the church? Dominic interviews Mary Jo Sharp, as she shares her journey as one who still holds to a beautiful faith, despite wounding experiences within the Christian community.Our Website:PursuingFaith.orgMentioned in the Episode:Why I Still Believe by Mary Jo SharpWe'd love to hear from you! info@pursuingfaith.org

After suffering spiritual abuse, being part of a community–whether religious or not–can cause a lot of anxiety and confusion. I mean…it didn't go well the last time, right? Is it really necessary and beneficial to be part of a community? What does it even mean for a community to be healthy? In this episode, Naomi welcomed Mary Jo Sharp, who has experienced firsthand the imperfection of the Church. Listen in as she brings valuable insights and ideas to consider for your own journey. ---------------- Support this work by visiting https://www.beemboldened.com/donate to make a tax-deductible donation (formerly Naomi Wright Ministries / NWM).

In this episode, Kasey Olander and Mary Jo Sharp discuss various characteristics of Generation Z and ways the Church can engage and encourage them in the faith. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, Kasey Olander and Mary Jo Sharp discuss various characteristics of Generation Z and…

Happy Hump Day! We've got a great episode lined up for you! Though Zoe could not be there for the recording, Mary Jo Sharp joins Janell on the podcast today! Mary Jo shares about her journey from atheism to Christianity, how she dealt with the hypocrisy she found after becoming a Christian and why she decided to hold onto her Christian faith. Mary Jo also shares some of hte reasons why she still believes in Christianity, how Jesus has changed her life. She shares about Confident Christianity and her new project Dark Room Faith, and more. We Hope you enjoy! _______We would love to thank our Patrons for all their amazing support! To learn more about supporting Finding Something REAL via Patreon, click here! If you are interested in becoming a co-host, click here! To follow Finding Something REAL on instagram, click here! ConfidentChristianity.comMary Jo's FacebookMary Jo's TwitterMary Jo's InstagramDark Room FaithNabeel QuereshiSeeking Allah Finding Jesus David Wood's Conversion story Francis SchaefferNancy PearceyStrange Rites — Tara Isabella Burton FSR April 2021 with Josh White1 Peter 3:15”But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…”1 Corinthians 15:16-20”For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men the most pitiable. But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep…”Jeremiah 17:9”The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?”John 14:6”Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”Luke 3

Today on the podcast Blaine sits down with Mary Jo Sharp, author of “Why I Still Believe” and Assistant Professor of Apologetics at Houston Baptist University. They explore her fascinating life story, which includes a spiritual transformation from atheist to Christian. Support the show

After coming to faith as an adult Mary Jo Sharp had some negative experiences of church. She tells Justin Brierley about what happened. Why did she stay? And how can we help young people and new converts navigate the ups and downs of being part of the church?   For Dark Room Faith: https://darkroomfaith.com/   • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training-and-events • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Mary Jo Sharp frequently addresses the questions young people have about Christianity. That includes questions about sexuality, pornography and relationships. She talks to Justin Brierley about how to have tough conversations with teenagers, based on her new video series Dark Room Faith.   For Dark Room Faith: https://darkroomfaith.com/   • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training-and-events • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Apologist Mary Jo Sharp talks to Justin Brierley about the problem of suffering and evil and what answers Christianity offers, based on her new video series 'Darkroom Faith'. For Dark Room Faith: https://darkroomfaith.com/ • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training-and-events • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

Former atheist and now Christian apologist, Mary Jo Sharp, unpacks the struggles young people have about faith and why they walk away from Christianity.

A former atheist who came to faith, Mary Jo Sharp now runs the apologetics ministry Confident Christianity. She talks to Justin Brierley about her own conversion and how to deal with doubt based on her new video series 'Darkroom Faith'.   For Dark Room Faith: https://darkroomfaith.com/   • Subscribe to the Unapologetic podcast: https://pod.link/1622170986 • More podcasts, free ebook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For conference & live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For our apologetics courses: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training-and-events • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Doubt is a normal part of a growing faith. When the big questions come, you can navigate them with confidence.  Is it worth it to go to church? If God is loving, why would he allow bad stuff in the world? Did God really create me the way I am on purpose? Questions and exploration are rites of passage for the teenage years as each of us grapples (in varying degrees) to figure out who we are and where we want to go in life. With a near endless supply of voices, ideas, and influences from the internet and culture at large it can feel like our kids are in danger of being lost in a sea of information we have no control over.  But all is not lost! My guest this week, apologist and writer Mary Jo Sharp, encourages us to walk with our kids into the tunnel of doubt. She reminds us that contrary to what we might think, we really are still the biggest influencers on our child's religious views and that the culture we create in our homes around self transformation and questioning can help our kids make their faith their own. By giving them a safe space to ask and discuss the big questions of life we will likely give ourselves a seat at their decision-making table.  Mary and her team create resources for parents and teens as they walk through doubt and faith finding at DarkroomFaith.com Connect with Mary Jo Sharp:  Website:  https://maryjosharp.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/confidentchristianity/  Instagram:  @MaryJoSharp Twitter: @MaryJoSharp Links Mentioned:   Darkroom Faith  Jane Eyre: A Guide to Reading and Reflecting by Karen Swallow Prior, Charlotte Brontë Confronting Christianity: 12 Hard Questions for the World's Largest Religion by Rebecca McLaughlin 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlin  "Unfiltered" a documentary on the Chosen App   Related Episodes: Practicing Faith Through Fear :: Dominique Young [Ep 295] Building Lasting Faith in Your Kids :: Dr. Kara Powell [Ep 290] Featured Sponsors:  Thrive Market. Get eighty dollars in free groceries! Go to ThriveMarket.com/DMA.  Gladskin. Get 15% off plus free shipping on your first order at Gladskin.com/DMA.  Indeed. Start hiring now with $75 sponsored job credit to upgrade your job post at Indeed.com/DMA. 

Many people take antidepressants because they have been led to believe their depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. But a recent study suggests that "there is no convincing evidence that depression is associated with, or caused by, lower serotonin concentrations or activity." So, if a chemical imbalance isn't the problem, why does it seem like our society is slowly spiraling into a perpetual state of doom? We keep seeing rising rates of suicide, drug use, depression, anxiety, and other indicators of unhappiness--especially in teenagers and young adults. Could it be that we have a WORLDVIEW imbalance? After all, if we're going to believe that there is no God and life has no meaning, might that cause us to be a bit depressed? To help turn the tide, Mary Jo Sharp, a former atheist who is now an assistant professor of apologetics at Houston Baptist University, has helped put together a 14-episode video series and curriculum called Darkroom to give teens (age 13-17) the OK for expressing their doubts and questions about the Christian worldview in a safe environment. This million-dollar curriculum is available for FREE online for church leaders, youth ministers, parents, and anyone seeking to lead and engage students in discussions on 14 key issues of faith using materials that are sure to hold their attention. Some of the topics addressed in this Gen-Z narrative-driven curriculum include: sin science suicide deconstruction the Bible the problem of evil the purpose of the church sexuality and love pain and suffering and more to come! Mary Jo, author of 'Why I Still Believe' and several other books, is a clear communicator with a heart for people. She talks with Frank about her fascinating journey from atheist to assistant professor of apologetics and the importance of being able to ask questions (especially at a young age) when experiencing doubt in the Christian faith. During the last part of the show, Frank also answers listener questions on the topics of animal suffering, inalienable rights, theocracy, God's morality, and Hell. Darkroom curriculum: DarkRoomFaith.com Mary Jo's website: MaryJoSharp.com Contact Mary Jo: https://bit.ly/3b89CY7 If you would like to submit a question to be answered on the show, please email your question to Hello@Crossexamined.org. Subscribe on Apple Podcast: http://bit.ly/CrossExamined_Podcast Rate and review! Thanks!!! Subscribe on Google Play: https://cutt.ly/0E2eua9 Subscribe on Spotify: http://bit.ly/CrossExaminedOfficial_Podcast Subscribe on Stitcher: http://bit.ly/CE_Podcast_Stitcher  

One of the greatest challenges facing the church, the home, and youth ministry today is the need for effective Christian nurture and discipleship that will lead kids to a deep faith that informs all of life for the rest of their lives. One necessary component in these ministry efforts is to welcome and answer the kinds of doubts and questions teenagers express about Christianity. Darkroom is a brand new series of free videos and support resources marked by quality in production and content, designed to be used by church and home to spark deep and meaningful conversations about the issues kids face today. Stick with us as I chat with Darkroom content creator Mary Jo Sharp, about this free new evangelism and discipleship resource, on this episode of Youth Culture Matters.

Thursday, June 9, 2022 For today's show, Kerby Anderson hosts. In the first hour, Kerby brings a Godly point of view to today's top issues. Then we hear from Mary Jo Sharp. A former atheist who came to faith, Mary Jo will share “Darkroom,” a video series on helping teens navigate their faith. We look forward […]

How can I believe in God when His purported followers are all such hypocrites? How can I better defend the faith to people who are turned away from God due to the bad behavior of Christians? How can I avoid being a hypocrite who pushes people away from a good and loving God? A conversation with Mary Jo Sharp. Mary Jo Sharp Why I Still Believe: A Former Atheist's Reckoning with the Bad Reputation Christians Give a Good God This episode on YouTube Transcript

Apologist Mary Jo Sharp talks about the new "Dark Room" video series that seeks to address the doubts that lead to the deconstruction of one's faith.  Pastor John Hindley talks about his devotional book "Refreshed."

Apologist Mary Jo Sharp of Confident Christianity joins us to talk about her journey to faith, from faith, and back to faith again. What were the issues that she found most challenging and what were the answers she discovered?