Why I'm No Longer a Christian - Joshua Tongol (Former Pastor/Missionary)

Recent questions

• What led to Josh Tongle's change in beliefs?

  Josh Tongle's change in beliefs stemmed from his extensive involvement in Christian ministry and education, which led him to question his faith and notice inconsistencies in the Bible. His journey of studying apologetics and critiquing different religions compared to his own Christian beliefs prompted a shift in perspective towards inclusivity and acceptance of diverse views. Tongle's exploration of church history and diverse beliefs considered heretical in the past contributed to his evolving theology, moving away from traditional Christian teachings on salvation, faith, and the Holy Spirit. This shift in beliefs was not driven by bitterness or negative experiences within the church but rather a pursuit of personal authenticity and understanding of different worldviews.

• How did Josh Tongle's missionary work influence his beliefs?

  Josh Tongle's missionary work in the Philippines played a significant role in influencing his beliefs. During this time, he delved deeper into the history of Christianity and observed the diversity of beliefs that were once considered heretical. This exposure to different perspectives within Christianity challenged his traditional beliefs and contributed to his evolving theology. Tongle's experience in the field led him to question traditional Christian teachings on salvation, faith, and healing, ultimately shaping his more inclusive and accepting views. His missionary work served as a catalyst for introspection and a reassessment of his theological beliefs.

• What advice does Josh Tongle give to his audience?

  Josh Tongle encourages his audience to engage in their own research on the Bible, church history, and different doctrines to understand the diversity within Christianity. He emphasizes the importance of seeking answers independently rather than relying solely on Christian apologetics, expressing dissatisfaction with shallow responses. Tongle advocates for tolerance, understanding, and personal authenticity in beliefs, urging individuals to evaluate the impact of their faith on their happiness and worldview. He cautions against divisive and judgmental attitudes within Christianity, highlighting the need for open-mindedness and respect towards different belief systems.

• How did Josh Tongle's theological views evolve over time?

  Josh Tongle's theological views evolved over time to be more inclusive and accepting of diverse perspectives. He moved away from a divisive "us versus them" mentality and questioned traditional Christian teachings on salvation, faith, and the Holy Spirit. Tongle's exploration of different healing modalities beyond traditional Christian practices and his study of atheism, skepticism, agnosticism, and metaphysics contributed to his shifting beliefs. Despite facing disagreements and being labeled as heretical, he prioritized staying true to himself and dedicated significant time to studying various theological topics. Tongle's theological evolution was driven by a desire for personal authenticity, understanding of different worldviews, and a focus on helping and uplifting others based on personal experiences.

• What influenced Josh Tongle's decision to step back from traditional ministry roles?

  Josh Tongle's decision to step back from traditional ministry roles was influenced by his journey of questioning traditional Christian doctrines and theology. He reflected on the direction of his life and chose not to conform to rigid theological beliefs, prioritizing personal authenticity over adhering to theological norms for the sake of ministry. Despite external pressures and disagreements regarding his theology, Tongle valued the positive aspects of his Christian upbringing and the relationships formed within the community. His shift away from traditional Christian beliefs allowed him to embrace a newfound sense of freedom and focus on sharing messages of hope based on personal experiences rather than inherited beliefs.