An Atheist’s Awakening: Skeptical Mind to Devoted Believer

In this episode, Erin takes us through her unconventional path from a science-only worldview to embracing Christianity at age 30.

She opens up about years of staunch atheism and how unexpected encounters became the gentle catalysts for her spiritual awakening. This is a story of mid-life reinvention, community found in strange places, and the surprising ways longing can turn into lasting faith.

✨ Not Your Sunday School Moments:

• [00:02:16] Defining the BreakKaitlyn asks Erin to pinpoint exactly when and how she left childhood faith and Erin details her decision at age twelve to walk away.
  

• [00:07:47] From Atheist by Choice to Disbelief by HabitErin recalls how, by her late teens, immersed in science and various texts, she viewed belief as “for people who were weak.”
  

• [00:13:41] Midnight in a CornfieldIn her early twenties, Erin blacked out at the wheel and woke up unscathed under a full moon—an unexplainable moment that first planted a seed of wonder.
  

• [00:21:38] Yoga’s Early StirringsKaitlyn revisits their shared yoga roots, and Erin explains how silent retreats and ethical teachings began to open her heart.
  

• [00:30:51] A “Cool” Friend and Matthew 6:26A “hipster” friend casually quoted Jesus not as a sermon but as genuine insight, prompting Erin to question her dismissal of faith as unintellectual.
  

• [00:33:55] Lunch with a Pastor and a Study Bible GiftA down-to-earth pastor invited Erin to his home for a relaxed lunch, then quietly handed her a study Bible- something that she would revisit in the years to come.
  

• [00:42:24] Becoming a Believer at FortyThough early markers of her “conversion” appeared around thirty, it was the crises of divorce and unemployment at forty that drove Erin to finally anchor herself in faith.
  

• [00:50:03] “If We Focus on Soul Work… Are We Missing Out?”Kaitlyn explores whether soul-searching risks cutting us off from everyday joys and how true fulfillment weaves both together.
  

• [00:55:58] Denominations ExploredErin reflects on her non-denominational identity and why church culture still feels like a Goldilocks challenge for her.
  

• [01:01:40] What’s next on NYSS Erin and Kaitlyn tease upcoming conversations: deconstructing denominations, discovering faith in unexpected places, and reimagining spiritual practices for modern seekers.