Minty: "You bravely shared that you wrote these three novels when you were an atheist, implying your beliefs have since shifted or evolved. That is a massive life change for any author!"
[The audience is completely still, their attention locked on Iboni. You can see a few people leaning forward, eager to hear the how and why of this transformation.]
Minty: "So, the question is: How does your current evolving worldview or any new belief system contrast with the philosophy or worldview of the person who wrote those three books?"
Iboni: "Well, fun fact: I deeply believe in Jesus Christ and see Him as a BEING who instantly takes bad things away in our lives before I became an atheist. I was raised in a religious family so it was not a shocker when a child is religious, right?"
[A light, knowing ripple of laughter goes through the room. Many people are nodding, recognizing that childhood faith experience.]
Iboni: "But then things happened. Darkness conquered. Made me not believe in Jesus anymore. The darkness made me believe that God had abandoned me and He only gives false hope."
[The mood in the studio shifts instantly. The laughter dies down into a heavy, empathetic silence. A few audience members have their hands over their hearts, clearly moved by the vulnerability of her words.]
Iboni: "You know, Minty, in those 7 years of being an atheist, there are times when I consider becoming a pagan but did not go through. There's only little contrast with my philosophy and worldview in the past; the only difference now is that I do not see Jesus as a magician or a sorcerer, I see Him as SOMEONE who I can really rely on, depend on."
[A few people in the crowd let out a soft "Wow" or "Mmm," connecting with that distinction.]
Iboni: "SOMEONE I can trust my life with for—in Jeremiah 29:11 it is said 'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.' He has plans for me. Jesus has plans for me. Plans that I cannot imagine."
[As Iboni recites the verse, a wave of recognition sweeps the room. Some people are whispering the words along with her, and when she finishes, there is a burst of spontaneous, warm applause.]
Iboni: "I may have answered out of the question. I'm sorry for that, but to answer your question... what was it again? Oh! Yes! The contrast of my currently evolving belief system and the former! There's no contrast at all! Only expansion!"
[The audience laughs gently at her getting lost in the moment, but then erupts into louder cheers at the word 'Expansion!']
Iboni: "My belief system is not contained in a box of my expectations anymore; unlike in the past, I am now more understanding and seriously fascinated of the realizations and reflections that God is giving me."
Minty: "Iboni, that is such a powerful narrative of faith rediscovered, and thank you for sharing that deeply personal story with us."
[Minty leads the audience in a round of respectful, sustained applause. You can see several people in the crowd nodding vigorously in agreement with Minty's next point.]
Minty: "The distinction you draw—moving from seeing Jesus as a 'magician' who instantly removes bad things to seeing Him as Someone who is deeply reliable and has a plan for you—that is a massive, mature spiritual growth that many in the audience can likely relate to."
Minty: "And your key takeaway is beautiful: no contrast, only expansion. That means the morality of not passing on pain, the hope and resilience you wrote into your books, those humanistic values haven't been abandoned, but rather, they've been given a deeper, more understanding context. That is truly inspiring."
[One person in the back shouts, "Amen!" causing a few people to chuckle and others to clap in support.]
Minty: "Now, let's take that concept of navigating darkness and belief and bring it back to the time when you were writing your most vulnerable work. I want to talk about the weight of writing the truth without a religious safety net."
Iboni: "Okay. I don't know why am I nervous right now."
[The audience gives her a huge, encouraging cheer. Someone calls out, "You're doing great, Iboni!" and the crowd laughs warmly, helping her relax.]