The AC Podcast

Why are so many people walking away from the faith they grew up with, and what if the real reasons have less to do with arguments than we think? Dr. John Marriott reveals the hidden drivers behind the deconversion crisis, the critical difference between losing faith and rebuilding it, and how to respond when someone you love starts to doubt.
Dr. John Marriott is one of the leading voices on deconversion, having written his PhD dissertation on why people leave Christianity for atheism. He is the author of six books on the subject, including The Anatomy of Deconversion and Set Adrift (with Sean McDowell). He teaches in the Department of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology and serves as Director of Curriculum for Biola University’s Winsome Conviction Project.
In this episode, he joins host Troy and US Director Harry to explain:
The Critical Distinction: Why deconversion (walking away entirely) and deconstruction (taking inherited beliefs apart to rebuild what can truly be held) are two very different journeys.
The Essentials of Faith: How the historic creeds and the identity of Jesus define the core of Christianity, and why believers have real freedom on secondary issues.
The Hidden Drivers of Unbelief: Why suffering, church hypocrisy, and failures of leadership often push people away more powerfully than intellectual doubts.
The Two Evangelicalisms: How politically charged “Big E” evangelicalism differs from historic “Little E” evangelicalism rooted in biblical authority, personal faith, and social good.
The Long Game: Why listening, thanking someone for their trust, and assuring them of unconditional love matters more than winning the argument.

Plus: download Apologetics Canada’s free AI for Educators resource, and join us November 7th at Knott Avenue Christian Church in Anaheim, California for Hemorrhaging Faith: Understanding the Deconversion Crisis. Find more of Dr. Marriott’s work at johnmarriott.org.

If you have spent any time in the online apologetics community, you have likely encountered a response video by Tim Barnett, also known as "Original Mr. B" from Red Pen Logic. For the better part of a decade, Tim—a high school teacher turned apologist—has worked with the U.S.-based organization Stand to Reason. Despite his success with STR, having grown up and lived in the GTA always meant that for Tim, the burden for apologetics started right at his doorstep. On this episode of the AC Podcast, we are excited to welcome Tim, his family, and his trusty red pen to the AC team. Join us as we explore the heart of a dedicated husband and "girl dad" for Canada, discuss his long-standing friendship with Wes, and hear a conversation with Andy that led Tim to circle a map—only to find his focus landing right on his own front door.

Lutherans have a unique place in the Christian family. They’re the original Protestants, yet they’re often more liturgical and sacramental than many people expect. In this episode of our Denominations in Conversation series, Ben sits down with Dr. Jordan Cooper, host of the popular Just & Sinner Podcast to explore all things Lutheran. What sets Lutherans apart from other traditions? What's unique about their theology and style of worship? And just how central is Martin Luther himself to modern Lutheran theology?
Whether you’re Lutheran, curious about Lutheranism, or just want to understand your Christian neighbour better, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

What happens to Aslan when Meryl Streep gives him a voice? We open with the news that Streep will voice the Great Lion in the upcoming film adaptation of The Magician's Nephew, and we ask what this casting could mean for the deeper themes of the story.

This week on the AC Podcast Dr. Steve West joins us to look at the theological and philosophical depth of C.S. Lewis's prequel. We talk about how Aslan singing Narnia into existence echoes the biblical creation account and the concept of the Logos, the Word through which all things were made. Dr. West explains how each character's reaction to creation shows what is in their heart, and he compares the ways Uncle Andrew and Jadis each explain away the moral law to justify themselves.
Drawing on Lewis's own experience of grief, we look at Aslan's tears and what they reveal about the compassionate heart of God.

Whether you grew up with Narnia or you're coming back to it with new eyes, this conversation will help you see the beginning of the story in a new way.

In this episode of the AC Podcast, hosts Troy and Wes are joined by special guest and worship leader Phil Wickham. Wickham reflects on his musical journey, including how he was pushed onto stage at age 13 and his parents' faith background. The group discusses Wickham's book, Everyday Hallelujah, which challenges believers to embrace a lifestyle of worship in their everyday, mundane moments. He shares a personal story of how a frightening vocal injury helped reshape his identity and shifted his songwriting focus toward creating prayers for the church. Finally, the conversation explores the heart of a believer, emphasizing how staying grounded in Jesus can inspire purpose and impact regardless of one's platform.