An Interview with the Christian and Atheist Friends Who Host the Podcast ASSUMPTIONS

What has most surprised you each about the other’s worldview?

Daniel: I’m surprised by how Kyle’s view of the future of humanity is so persistently optimistic. I would describe his hope for the “salvation” of the world, and of himself, as grounded in his own and in humanity’s future progress. I am more pessimistic about human history and human nature, and I think this is foundational to how I see salvation, both for myself and my world, as coming from God instead of ourselves.

Kyle: Once I knew that Daniel was a devout Christian I truly did think he would be the type of person who would advocate for my imprisonment or worse. What has surprised me the most is seeing Daniel’s faith remain strong, but his willingness to discuss rather than condemn has been a pleasant surprise.

What has been the most difficult topic you’ve discussed?

Kyle: I honestly don’t think we’ve had huge difficulties talking about anything. But I think sex and relationships [which will be the central them] on this upcoming season of Assumptions will be a hard topic.

Daniel: Na. We’re Canadians. We don’t fight!

Have you changed each other’s opinions in any way? How so?

Daniel: Growing up homeschooled, I read a lot of books about what Christians call “apologetics”; essentially how to defend the faith against godless villains like Kyle. The impression they left was that an atheist’s worldview is really quite simple to tear down. Expose a few rotten beams, and the whole house will crumble.

But in these discussions with Kyle, I’ve realized that reality is much more complex. Our modern world has created a system of belief that works just fine without belief in God. It surprised me how durable such a system is to friends like Kyle.

Kyle: I had a fairly negative view of the modern church when Daniel came into my life. I would say that Daniel’s changed my opinion on that. I don’t think the The Church (with a capital C!) is at fault, but rather certain groups’ interpretations.

Daniel: Wow, Kyle. You remembered my lesson in the difference between a specific church and the Church: the timeless community of followers of Christ!