Podcast Summary

Podcast: I Don't Have Enough FAITH to Be an ATHEIST

Host: Dr. Frank Turek
Guest: Ridvan Aydemir (Apostate Prophet)
Episode: Why I Left Islam and Became a Christian – Apostate Prophet Shares His Powerful Testimony (Part 2)
Date: January 6, 2026

Main Theme

This episode centers on Ridvan Aydemir’s (Apostate Prophet) powerful journey from Islam to atheism and finally to Christianity. Ridvan shares a detailed account of his gradual conversion, the intellectual and emotional struggles along the way, and the influence of personal relationships, especially with David Wood. The episode also explores practical advice for Christians hoping to reach out to Muslims, drawing on Ridvan’s insider perspective.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Ridvan’s Background and Path Away from Islam

• Ridvan grew up in a fiercely anti-Jewish Muslim household (07:53) and initially left Islam for atheism, later developing respect for Christianity, then a sincere investigation of Judaism, before finally embracing Christianity.
• Early exposure to critiques of Islam was limited; he believed he was alone in his doubts (19:35).
• He eventually connected with David Wood after starting his YouTube channel, leading to a long, collaborative friendship (21:11).

2. David Wood’s Profound Influence

• David Wood’s personal transformation from violent and troubled youth to a committed Christian had a deep impact on Ridvan, both personally and intellectually (02:26).
• "If there is one person that I can trust completely with my life in this world right now, it is probably David Wood." – Ridvan (04:59)
• David’s confidence that Ridvan would one day become a Christian was unwavering (17:24).
• David’s apologetics arguments and friendship provided essential support but did not force conversion, instead modeling Christian character.

3. The Critical Trip to Israel (January/February 2024)

• Ridvan’s visit to Israel, with David Wood, after the October 7, 2023, attacks was transformative (07:53).
• Profound encounters with devout Jews at the Western Wall (06:04), and the contrast between his upbringing and lived reality, opened him to spiritual realities he could not dismiss as an atheist (07:53–10:04).
• This experience nudged Ridvan from atheism toward agnosticism and intense interest in Judaism.

4. The Journey Through Judaism to Christianity

• Ridvan immersed himself in Jewish tradition, even considering conversion, but was ultimately captivated by the New Testament—specifically Paul’s letter to the Romans (10:08–13:00).
• "The more I read, the more I thought...I haven’t actually really understood Christianity until now." – Ridvan (11:20)
• Reading Romans 9–11 gave him insight into the biblical love for the Jewish people and the plan of salvation (12:36), shifting him further toward Christianity.

5. The Role of Evidence and Honest Doubt

• Ridvan was initially skeptical of Christian sources, desiring 100% certainty before committing (31:52).
• Realized the demand for absolute certainty was irrational and a form of pride (32:40–36:25).
• Dialogues with David Wood and an Orthodox monk helped Ridvan see faith as a rational step based on the best available evidence, not an irrational leap.
• "You can’t get out of bed in the morning if you have to be 100% sure about everything in life. That’s just not the way life goes." – Frank Turek (36:25)
• The existential dissatisfaction of atheism drove him to admit its emptiness compared to the fulfillment he found in Christianity (39:50–44:39).

6. Intellectual Conversion

• Recognizing the transformative power of Jesus’ teaching, the historical strength of Resurrection evidence—attested to by non-Christian friendly scholars like Bart Ehrman—cemented Ridvan’s confidence (25:30–29:30).
• C.S. Lewis's argument about Jesus not simply being a “good moral teacher” resonated: either Jesus is Lord, or a liar/lunatic (29:00).

7. The Act of Commitment to Christianity

• Ridvan describes a gradual process of letting go, trusting, attending church (Orthodox), and finally reciting the Nicene Creed, reading the Gospel of John, and publicly professing his faith (37:46–41:50).
• Ongoing intellectual doubts didn’t prevent him from “trying” Christianity; he found it to be infinitely more meaningful and fulfilling than agnosticism or atheism (41:50–44:39).

8. Evangelism Advice: Reaching Muslims for Christ

• Conversion is almost always a lengthy, relational process, not a one-off event (64:04).
• Ridvan’s top advice:
  • Learn and use the "Islamic Dilemma": the Quran affirms the validity of previous scriptures (Bible, Torah), but contradicts them, creating an insoluble problem for Muslims (64:26–68:31).
  • Understand that Muslims and Christians have deep misconceptions about one another’s beliefs—take time to clarify and explain.
  • Be patient and focus on friendship—“evangelism is more gardening than harvesting.”

9. Notable Discussion on Islam's Challenges

• Discussion on problematic Quranic verses (e.g., Jews supposedly deifying Ezra, Surah 9:30 and 9:29), the practical and violent outworking of certain Islamic commands, and the incompatibility with Western freedoms (68:46–73:49).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On David Wood’s transformation:
  “Witnessing his testimony… was very impressive to me because…he is a very transformed, fantastic person…That had a great impact on me.” – Ridvan (03:11)
• On visiting the Western Wall:
  “There was this one instance…with two ultra Orthodox Jewish men…one of those two men became very emotional and started tearing up…That really deeply influenced me.” – Ridvan (06:35)
• On reading Romans:
  “The more I read, the more fascinated I was with it…I haven’t actually really understood Christianity until now.” – Ridvan (11:20)
• On the struggle for certainty:
  “My aspiration to be 100% sure of something is a meaningless effort…That is all about arrogance…and will leave me with nothing.” – Monk to Ridvan (36:25)
• On atheism’s emptiness:
  “I was lying because I was suffering. I was suffering so terribly…my atheism…has been nothing but suffering and self destruction.” – Ridvan (29:30–39:50)
• On why the apostles' witness can be trusted:
  “They actually did firmly believe that their faith, Christianity is true. They were tortured for it. They didn’t give it up. They were killed for it…It is historically undeniable.” – Ridvan (53:34)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Intro & recap, David Wood’s influence: 00:03–03:30
• Testimony: from Islam to atheism to Christianity: 02:26–10:04
• Transformation during Israel trip: 06:35–10:04
• Deep dive into Judaism: 10:04–14:29
• First experiences in church; Orthodox liturgy: 15:28–17:05
• David Wood’s role in apologetics: 17:24–21:36
• YouTube censorship, challenges as a former Muslim: 21:36–23:28
• Wrestling with evidence, C.S. Lewis, and faith: 23:28–32:40
• Letting go of need for 100% certainty: 31:52–36:57
• Conversion process details, reciting the Nicene Creed: 37:46–41:50
• Contrast—fulfillment in Christianity vs. atheism: 41:50–44:39
• Philosophical roots of skepticism and pride: 44:39–48:42
• Historical evidence for the Resurrection (Paul, Gospels, Clement, Ignatius, etc.): 48:52–55:56
• Reflections on Charlie Kirk, encouragement in ministry: 57:48–61:47
• Principles for evangelizing Muslims, Islamic Dilemma: 64:10–68:46
• Quranic verses, challenges of Islam in the West: 68:46–73:49
• Closing: future topics & final thoughts: 73:49–76:08

Final Thoughts & Tone

The conversation flows with honesty, humility, and mutual respect. Ridvan’s story is not one of a dramatic conversion “on the spot,” but of persistent searching, wrestling, and gradual surrender to both Christ and the evidence. Both Frank and Ridvan maintain a tone of seriousness, grace, and gentle humor, focused on truth and love.

Resources & Where to Find Apostate Prophet

• Apostate Prophet YouTube Channel
• Apostate Prophet Website & Donations
• Apostate Prophet on X (Twitter)

Key Takeaway

Christian conversion from Islam is often a long, relational, evidence-driven journey. Ridvan’s candid story underscores the importance of authenticity, friendship, intellectual integrity, and persistent compassion in reaching Muslims—and also models how doubts and questions can coexist on the path to faith.