Kirsten Powers: How a Liberal Democrat and Former Atheist Came to Know Jesus Christ as her Savior (Gospel Light Minute #101)

Kirsten Powers
Kirsten Powers

She is a political analyst, blogger, columnist and commentator. She is a Democrat who regularly contributes to USA Today, Newsweek, The Daily Beast, Fox News and the Wall Street Journal among other publications. She formerly served under the Clinton administration from 1993-1998 and was appointed Deputy Assistant U.S Trade Representative for Public Affairs.

In an interview with Focus on the Family, she shares how she converted from atheism to Christianity. She said: “I was not looking to be a Christian. The last thing in the world I wanted to be was a Christian. I had grown up as an Episcopalian, but not evangelical, born again, or any of those kinds of things. It was very high church, kind of mainline, protestant, episcopalian. I did believe in God, but it wasn’t anywhere near what would come to happen to me later in life.

“When I went away to college, whatever little faith I had, I lost. I ended up graduating from college. I worked in the Clinton administration. All my friends were secular liberals. At this point, I really got even more deeply into an incredibly secular world because now, all my friends were basically atheists, or if they had any kind of spirituality, they were very hostile towards religion, Christianity in particular. So, I really didn’t have any interest in it.

“I started dating someone who went to Tim Keller’s church, Redeemer Presbyterian in New York City. Out of curiosity, I went with him. But I told him upfront that I would never become a Christian; that it’s never going to happen. After about six or seven months, I began to think that the weight of history is more on the side of what [I was hearing at this church] than not. Tim Keller had made such a strong case, that I began to think it’s not even smart to reject this. It just doesn’t seem like a good intellectual decision.

“Really, it was like God sort of invaded my life. It was very unwelcome. I didn’t like it. Obviously, I started having a lot of different experiences where I felt God was doing a lot of things in my life. It’s kind of hard to describe, but I did have this moment where the scales just fell off of my eyes, where I was saying, ‘this is just totally true, I don’t even have any doubt.’ …I don’t really feel like I had any courage when I became a Christian, I just gave in. I wasn’t courageous; I didn’t have any choice. I kept trying to not believe but I just couldn’t avoid [accepting Christ]. If I could have avoided it, I would have. There is nothing convenient about it in my life or in the world I live in. It’s not like living in the South where everybody is a Christian. I live in a world where nobody is a believer. But God pursued me.”

Her name is Kirsten Powers.

108 thoughts on “Kirsten Powers: How a Liberal Democrat and Former Atheist Came to Know Jesus Christ as her Savior (Gospel Light Minute #101)

  1. Kirsten, there’s an old hymn that captures your experience. The first stanza goes: “I sought the Lord, and afterward I knew, he moved my soul to seek him, seeking me; it was not I that found, O Savior true; no, I was found of thee.”

  2. Kirsten, I rejoice for you, and with you. Christ invites no one, but He commands those He has chosen to save according to His purpose. As indeed he says in Hosea,
    “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’
    and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”
    “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’
    there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”
    (Romans 9:25-26 ESV)
    and, For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
    (Ephesians 2:8-10 ESV)

  3. Welcome to the family!

    “The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love.” Psalm 147:11

  4. Philippians 2:13 – For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

    Romans 8:29-30 – 29 For whom he did foreknow , he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate , them he also called : and whom he called , them he also justified : and whom he justified , them he also glorified .

    God wrote His people’s names in the Book of Life FROM THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD….and then sent His Son to redeem and cover them with His blood here in time…none of us, but all of Christ.

  5. Kirsten, I rejoice with you. Your story is very encouraging to me. I have been praying for 4 specific individuals in my life that were once exposed to Christianity, but over the years have turned away from it to varying degrees and been deeply deceived by Satan. You have given me a new way to continue praying for them and for their spiritual eyes and hearts to be re-awakened – for God to pursue them so that they cannot say no! Thank you for your testimony. Libby

  6. Kristen, what a powerful testimony of what it means to be “born again”. Thank you for sharing it with the world. Rejoicing with you, my friend, my sister in Christ.

  7. Wow, and even I had nigh on despaired that such might be possible, for the likes of Mrs. Powers to come to truth, after seeing so many liberal atheists die unbelieving. In that I think I see her on Fox, I remember wishing she would understand what is the truth and what is actually going on in the world. My Bible tells me that with God all things are possible, and in truth he has not given me the eyes to see those who are His among the people, so I will keep hoping that God plants me in the middle of those that He desires to love and that He allows me to be partaker in some manner of His harvest, even if I will not see how my part that God had me play is resolved in someone’s salvation.

    Bless you sister Kirsten.

  8. I had noticed a more conservative outlook by1 Kirsten when she has been on Bret Baier’s show but had no idea it was something as marvelous as this. Kirsten, you are now a child of the King

  9. Congratulations Kristen. I have been listening to you on Fox for quite a while and, frankly, there have been times that I wanted to yell at the TV because of some of the things you’ve said…..though I have always admired your intellect and forthrightness. It has been just recently that I’ve noticed a shift in your demeanor and a moderation in your countenance, political leaning, etc. I was wondering if O’Reilly and Hannity have gotten to you a little. (Williams is next, maybe.)
    May the Lord bless and keep you in all that you do.

  10. Kirsten, not everyone in the South is a Christian, believe me. We have a great mission field where I live. There are Christians everywhere, but they may not be as vocal as in the Bible Belt. We are all sinners, saved by Jesus’ Grace. I will pray for you as you live on your mission field. God Bless.

  11. Far be it from me to tell you where your search ought to take you next; that’s the Holy Spirit’s job, not mine. But it seems to me that at some point, an educated reporter like you, having experienced the transformation you described, has got to ask something like this:

    “If Christianity is true, and Western civilization is built on Christianity, why is it that I got a superb education in the West’s best educational institutions, but never heard the evidence for the truth of Christianity? Why do Western universities steer young people AWAY from Christianity? When did Western education stop being about the truth, and why did it?”

  12. Kirsten,
    Love you story and while I am very much opposed to your party’s platform, I am encouraged that you are welcomed and accepted by other democrats. Praying you make a great impact in your party for our coming King.

  13. God is the one who seeks us. He draws us with truth and our eyes open to see our need we are lost and in the grip of lies and sin and He rescues us with truth and love. God Bless you as you grow in His Grace and truth

  14. Read “The Hound of Heaven” – old English poem by Francis Thompson. 19th century version of what you’ve said! Thank you for your words.

  15. Kristen, as a pastor I’d love to know what you mean by “the weight of history” and how that was presented. If Tim Keller’s presentation of the gospel was that persuasive, a lot of us preachers should find out what it is, since we’re preaching to the same sort of audience (liberal, secular).

    1. Pastor Mark, while not taking away from Tim’s presentation, he would argue that it was the power of the Gospel and the Holy Spirit which brought illumination to Kirsten…The Gospel is the weight of His Story…the weight of the cross.

  16. Kirsten, I must tell you that I rejoice with you over your conversion. We do not choose Christ, He chooses us. It is Grace, pure grace. I see you on fox and have thought I question your feelings sometimes, but I will pray for you specifically to continue to grow in your new life with Christ. He will “grow” you as a christian according to His will. See you someday when we are both in God’s kingdom!!
    Judy

  17. I rejoice with her. The last thing anyone wants, in their natural state, is to be a Christian. God calls all to Himself, many resist God’s attemptps to invade their lives until the end.

  18. it’s almost offensive to suggest liberals aren’t Godly. sure, it’s safe to say there are probably more atheists who are Democrats than the other way around, but the majority of Democrats still consider themselves religious. of the ones who don’t, a lot are Agnostic or Deist who think it’s ridiculous for humans to think they could even comprehend any God, let alone write a book on it and translate it perfectly over all these years…and then interpret it “correctly.” they’ll use the fact that every major religion has different denominations which all claim they are more accurate to the true word of God. they all pick and choose lines from their religious text that fit their ideology.

    it’s not the rejection of God, it’s a rejection to organized religion. not because there isn’t any good that comes from these organizations, not because there is plenty of bad that comes from these organizations, but because you have humans claiming to have to ability to comprehend God’s plan. we can’t even comprehend distances between us and stars other than our own Sun. Let alone galaxies. Yet we want to pretend we can comprehend the God who created it all?!?!

    There’s also the whole “every major religion matches up ridiculously close to Pagan religions” thing. Son of God = Sun, Dec. 25th is a few days after the winter solace (Son is risen = Sun is rising), etc.

    Not a sermon, just a thought.

    1. All other religions of the world are about “finite” humans trying to figure out and “comprehend” God’s plan, Christianity is about God “revealing” His plan and purpose to humans. The Bible is affirmation that He has, for many reasons. This together with the Christ’s resurrection sets Christianity apart from every alternative. The Jewish people have transmitted these revelation manuscripts with unparalleled diligence for over 3000 years. Moreover, the personal attributes of every human emanate from an all-powerful creator that must likewise be personal. Having consciousness, intellect and will. Together with the ability to communicate. People know this because a river can never rise above its source. And an intelligent effect always demand an intelligent cause. Indeed, National Geographic stated that an inordinate amount of the human brain is directed towards communication. Which puts humans at the top of the communications triangle, So, it would be surprising if God did not communicate his will to humanity. Moreover, anyone who can create a universe would have no trouble ensuring His revelation was adequately preserved and transmitted. The Bible remains the world’s best seller, and Jesus Christ history’s central figure. While the history and preservation of the Jewish people affirms this, against all odds. Indeed, the reestablishment of Israel in our time, was foretold by Christ over 2000 years ago. As was His predicted impact on history.

      1. This is the most ridiculous response I have ever heard. This is exactly what is wrong with Christianity, or any religion. You are saying that God allows us to interpret and understand his will EXACTLY and PERFECTLY despite the fact, a fact given by the Bible, that we are IMPERFECT.

        Your argument is nothing but mumble jumble and cultist, blind belief. It’s not even faith. Tell me, why did God only give us 10% of our brain capacity? Oh, you can’t comprehend why he would do that? Surprise, surprise…

        You are brain washed. You, nor the Pope, or any religious “ranking” individual on the face of this Earth, can comprehend God. You just THINK you can and attempt to convince people as such.

        Biggest crime and hoax in history.

  19. Praising God that another child has been brought into the kingdom. Keep trusting as you go forward in this new chapter of your life.

  20. Kirsten,
    I have watched you for many years on FOX and admired you’re ability to articulate your positions even though I did not agree with most of them. Since reading your testimony, I am amazed at how similar our childhoods have been as I too left home as an Episcopalian with no idea how drastically the Lord would change my life some 20 years later.

  21. Thank you for sharing your story. God may have planted you in the midst of the secularist crowd to do some effective convincing of the validity of God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Praying for you. Thank you again for sharing your story. You have your very own built-in mission field at your workplace. May God use you effectively in it.

  22. Kirsten, God has a plan for you. And no matter what it is GOOD for you and those around you! Learn to trust in Him, and learn that His will is better than yours. I will pray for you now and when I see you on Facebook. Congratulations, sister.

  23. Kirsten, your account reflects the reality evidence that is described in the Bible, “Now faith is… the EVIDENCE of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Honest reason should take EVERYONE down the path that you have taken into the light of truth which no logical person could ever reject in view of the mufti-layered evidences in the records of history, fulfilled prophecy, the empty tomb vacated (as promised) after three days of our Savior’s death, and the attributes of God abundantly obvious in the information system embedded in creation (e.g. DNA). But it wasn’t logic alone, as you have also indicated. “The scales” had to come off your eyes by the Divine intervention of God who allows us to see not only evidence, but also what to do with it in our surrender to Him. “LORD, Thou hast heard the desire of the humble: Thou wilt prepare their heart, Thou wilt cause thine ear to hear” (Psalm 10:17). I rejoice with you, sister. Thank you for your encouraging testimony.

  24. Kirsten,
    John 15:16- You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you.
    God bless your interactions with all people.

  25. The tragically naive cult-perpetuated fraud here is that anyone can presto-chango be “saved”. Not just by the mythical messiah, or some supernatural autocrat, but through some miraculous, extemporaneous process of cosmic “love-at-first-sight. Enlightenment, Diamond Clarity, even,” agape” itself, traditionally and spiritually requires intelligence, study, scholarship, knowledge, sacrifice, and discipline. Throughout man’s tens of thousands-years-old spiritual history divine grace required years of selfless devotion without any promise of success, as C.S.Lewis describes in his excellent parable of spiritual longing and vision quest, “Til We Have Faces”. The argument has been made and scientifically verifiable that christianity is a wonderful but eon-aged multicultural myth that in the hands of very flawed men became an outright lie in service of the most outlandish snakeoil pipedream of all, i.e. -eternal life. Ms Powers, and today’s other willfully misinformed neo-christians prolong and promote their “McJesus” religion as though it were a prize in a game show. They make a mockery of themselves and all legitimate paths in general while in the end duping a lot of extremely gullible individuals along the way.

    1. Did you not read the comments..God chooses us and till he does the gospel is foolishness to those whom are lost….the bible says this and Christians experience this prior to the calling….so your comments were all ours at one time…nothing new…nothing offensive.

      1. I did read the comments and nothing convinces me more you’ve all taken leave of your critical faculties and surrendered to an insidious Taliban like death cult. I can only imagine what more mainstream Muslims must have felt like to see many of their religious faithful abandon common sense to become frothy-mouthed fanatics. I bet one or two of them even wished they had spoken out about it sooner.
        \\

  26. Kirsten I have heard you on Fox News and have notice the change in your life. He changes lives everyday and I’m so happy you change yours. See you in Heaven someday soon.

  27. Kirsten, so thrilled to hear about your experience. I’ve seen you a lot on O’Reillys’ and have come to appreciate your pleasant persona and ‘strength’. Anyways, finding out who you are in Christ and what his plans are (for any of us) are just some of the joys of following Him. The greatest of which is following Him -Jesus- not just a church or a religion or a movement. He obviously wants to accomplish His will in your spot and gifts, what a privilege! Looking forward to your further ‘opining’!

  28. God Bless you. Wonderful story that gives hope to all of us that pray for unbelievers in our family and who are unbelieving friends. Thank you for your story.

  29. What a crock of you know what. Her Christian is on her terms. Killing babies is just fine. Stealing all of other peoples money is just fine. Having the State as master of all is just fine. Sorry Ms. Powers. I deny you and all your works.

  30. Your story encourages me on multiple levels… To see Him working in your unlikely heart, to see how he used your boyfriend as a tool… (Question – are you still dating?) 🙂

  31. Great story. I love that you shared it, it will make a difference to those who are still unbelievers. Welcome to your whole new life.

  32. This post’s title makes it sound like you can’t be a liberal Democrat and a Christian; take away “atheist” and it sounds like Kirsten became an apostate Democrat after she converted. As a follower of Christ who supports progressive politicians, I would beg to differ.

    1. agreed. and a guy below says maybe she’ll vote Republican now. seriously guy? our country was founded on freedom of religion and separation of church and state. the word “God” was not on money, in the pledge, etc. until the 1950s.

      her religion and her political affiliation should remain separated.

  33. Praise God. The work of the Lord is always amazing. I guess that will be the last time you tell The Lord you are not going to do something. Welcome to the family, PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!

  34. God Bless you Kirsten, I went through a lot of sad times in my life, my lord Jesus Christ saved me & made me whole. I use to say over & over I Can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. God love all of us. It’s really a blessing to hear your story. God Bless & Keep You Always!

  35. Kristen, What an amazing and challenging story that inspires millions of Christians worldwide but surely bring a chilling effect on the cruzaders of atheism. Welcome to God’s Kingdom. Every generation needs courageous men and woman who has the capacity to set forth its faith and beliefs in a manner that is accaptable to the intellectual community.

    Amazing grace
    How sweet the sound
    That saved a wretch like me
    I once was lost, but now I’m found
    Was blind, but now I see……..

    Love & Blessings.

  36. I’ve witnessed the change in you, Kirsten, when you’ve been on Fox News. But I had no idea that Christ is at the root of it. Thank God! We may still have some differing views politically, but I embrace you as a sister in the family of God. Welcome!

  37. Isaiah 65:1 “I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call on My name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’ ❤

  38. Reading this literally made me cry. Kirsten, first of all I want to tell you that I love you as a sister in Christ. I have watched you on FOX for a while now and I must say I think they have rubbed off on you. LOL I am so happy to call you my sister. I rejoice knowing you will have a life of eternity. I will never meet you nor will I ever get to talk to you but I want you to know that each and every time I see you on TV now I will smile knowing you have made the most important decision in your entire life. I will pray for you and your family. May God be with you always and may he bless you with all that your heart desires. Welcome to the family!

  39. I used to not like you at all. I have noticed a huge change in you and like and enjoy watching when I See you on TV. I am so happy that you have made Christ your Saviour; no better decision.

  40. Kristen,
    What do you mean when you say, “.. I just couldn’t avoid [accepting Christ}?” Makes no sense to me. Can you make your comment make sense for me?

  41. I’m so happy for you Kirsten! Only God could have worked the miracle in your life so you could recognize that your salvation was of Him, not you. I have watched you on Fox many times and have enjoyed your comments. You have a great future ahead, in Christ! God bless you.

    Davis Goodman

  42. We have been shocked by the obvious change in Kirsten’s presence on TV, and wondered why. Now we know for sure. Maybe next she will become a (dare I say the word) Republican. God Bless and has Blessed Kirsten. REB

    1. Hey, I just approved about 60 comments on the Kirsten Powers post. Maybe yours was in the batch. Please check and let me know. If not, please send me the permalink and I’ll approve it (or post it again).

    2. I just checked and it was published in the last batch. Thanks for sharing your view. I know of some liberals who are dedicated believers. (We just happen to differ on political/social views.) God bless.

      1. No problem! I just think the wording you chose implies that you must be a Republican to be religious and that is completely ridiculous. Political/Social/Religious views aside, I just wanted to comment that as I read this, it seemed you were saying you can be a Democrat or you can be a Christian…but never both.

        Good discussion though!

  43. Awesome! Not only am I encouraged by Kirsten’s testimony, but I loved reading all of the joyful comments welcoming her into God’s family! I never cease to be amazed at our Lord and His ways, and how He draws very different people to Himself. The more I see His works, the more His truth sinks in and I feel like I know Him better and better. No earthly pleasure compares to the joy of knowing our Lord. Can hardly wait to get to spend eternity with such a varied family-including Kirsten! Thank you Jesus, for your love, your pursuit, your wisdom, your longsuffering……….

  44. Carol

    July 17, 2013

    Jesus said in Matt. 7, NARROW is the way that leads to God and FEW there be that find it, BROAD is the the way that leads to destruction and MANY go that way.
    So happy Kirsten that the Lord has drawn you to Himself.
    Matt.6:44 -Jesus said, ” No man can come to me, except the Father, who hath sent me, DRAW him,”

  45. Kirsten, don’t ever forget that when you we baptized as a child, you became “one of Christ’s own forever.” I am a conservative Episcopalian (yes there are some, yes I live in the South). However, when you did go to church as a child, being a Christian did seep into your subconscious. the seed was planted and later in your life you had your epiphany. There are no political parties in Heaven, just God’s word.

    You are not alone when this conversion happened to you. C.S. Lewis writes about his conversion in Mere Christianity. I would match him intellectually with anyone. So when the howls of ignorance bombard you in your circles, remember brilliant minds have come to Christ too and keep the faith. My hope is that others you know will be smart as you and see the light.

  46. Kirsten, An atheist believes that the matter and energy in our dying universe brought itself into existence. Along with precisely balance particles, finely tuned constants, unity, natural laws, mathematical regularity, highly coordinated living environments, and biological systems of breathtaking complexity. And further believe that goo brought “itself” the life and slowly turned “itself” into you, via the zoo. All by “undirected” events and “blind” natural selection. If atheists can believe all this happened by itself, Christianity is a walk in the park. – thegodreality dot com

  47. I have tears in my eyes as I was reading this. God pursued you for His own. And what’s amazing is, even when you may not have realized what was happening, the Holy Spirit was changing your heart before men. My husband and I have been commenting that there was a difference occurring in you. It’s a difficult time to be a Christian in today’s world, and especially in your profession. But you were saved for such a time as this and God will give you the strength and power you need to stand for Him against the adversity. And remember, no matter who or what comes against you – it is Jesus and The Truth that they really hate.

  48. When the God of Heaven and Earth decides to choose you as His child we have but one response, “I didn’t have any choice. I kept trying to not believe but I just couldn’t avoid [accepting Christ]. If I could have avoided it, I would have.” Those whom He chooses chose Him in the end.

  49. Kirsten, In the recent past, I have noticed a change in you and your countenance when watching you on FOX…not just a look of peace, but a softness, a beauty I wondered about. I had mentioned this to my husband and to a close friend. Now I know why.

    Welcome, dear sister, to a wonderful new world. You will never be the same. I can hardly wait to see what God has mapped out for you as a public figure. I have appreciated your expertise and will surely keep you in my heart and prayers.

    Julie Frey
    Tucson, AZ

  50. I have sensed for some time when listening to your interviews, that you are a believer. It’s a “spiritual sister”recognition thing. So glad you shared your story, Kirsten.

    1. Scientifically, theologically, and sadly, intellectually. Thankfully, after reading the parade of pabulum here we can readily conclude no group or apostate will bring about the end of this mass delusion faster than those who profess to practice it.

  51. Kristen, thankyou for sharing your story, it was beautiful. My love and interest is apologetics (defending what you believe) because there are so many competing religions. A must read book is “Reasons for Belief” by Norman Geissler/Patti Tunnicliffe. As we grow in the Lord we must grow in our defense of opposition !
    Keith Crawford DMD MDIV Atlanta

  52. And yet at the same time Timothy Keller is teaching apostasy. He applauds Catholic contemplative prayer which contradicts Biblical prayer. He recommends “Spiritual Disciplines” by Adele Calhoun where she glowingly applauds unbelievers such as Henri Nouwen, Dallas Willard and Richard Foster, all Catholic / New Age adherents ! Keller also has seminars at his church where ‘believers’ (?) can ‘find their inner monk” When did Jesus ever endorse that? Thankfully, Keller must’ve given out enough of the gospel for Kirsten to get saved, but on the flip side you have to find out what ELSE he is ‘preaching’. ! “In the last days men shall no longer endure sound doctrine and will follow doctrines of demons.” I and II Timothy

  53. Kirsten, so glad to read your testimony of how the Lord took hold of you and drew you to Himself. Many blessings as you live your life in the public eye.

  54. Jesus, is all you need in this world. Never continue to believe in him and watch your life change.In the name of Jesus is power, KIRSTEN MAY JESUS CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU

  55. The unscaling of eyes, comes quite by surprise
    For most do not understand
    That the life before this, was life actually missed
    Though it appeared to be well planned.

    You will now find, complete peace of mind
    Guides you every choice
    For the K turn you took, as you write your book
    Directs you to His voice.

    You’ve been pursued, to be thoroughly imbued
    To walk with Him for hours
    You are now His vessel, no longer to wrestle
    With the core of Kirsten Powers.

    I am inspired by your story and wrote this for you.
    Welcome to the family.
    Be safe always in His peace.

  56. John 3:16 For God so love YOU and ME that he gave his only begotten Son(Jesus), that if we believe in Him, we should not perish but have everlasting life.

    1. Thanks for the update. I welcomed her to the family in 2013. Be safe always in His peace.

      “A multitude of words is no proof of a prudent mind.” – Thales of Miletus

      On Wed, Apr 22, 2015 at 2:25 PM, Gospel Light Minute Broadcast wrote:

      > Larry Hamilton commented: “May God use you to bring America back to > Godly ways!”

  57. Wow, what a great testimony about the power of the Holy Spirit. Thanks for sharing this and God bless you in your life. (I’m big fan of you on The Five)

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