Two former pastors rethinking the so-called orthodoxy of the American evangelical theology they used to teach. The podcast is conversations on faith, the Bible, church, race, gender and more. (Email us: contact@almostheretical.com)
Listeners of Almost Heretical that love the show mention: heretical, bad theology, american evangelicalism, thanks nate, bible project, look at the bible, wept, evangelical church, deconstruction, deconstructing, destructive, skip ahead, evangelicals, passages, fundamentalist, interpretations, 65, invaluable resource, implications, tim.
The Almost Heretical podcast is a refreshing and thought-provoking show that delves into the deepest questions of faith and theology. It goes beyond just being a podcast and serves as a guiding voice in navigating life's most important questions. As an Exvangelical with a background in Church history, I appreciate the honesty, openness, and scholarly approach that the hosts bring to the material. The discussions are deeply insightful and help me recalibrate my love for God and retain a healthier faith.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the serious thought that goes into each episode. The hosts encourage listeners to wrestle with their faith, deepen their spiritual understanding, and confront their limitations. They tackle controversial topics such as gender and women's issues with empathy and sensitivity. The conversations are authentic and inspiring, providing new perspectives on familiar concepts from the Bible.
Another positive aspect is that this podcast challenges traditional power structures within the Church. It exposes the toxic attitudes and actions of some Christians who uphold religious forms without truly embodying its transformative power. By exploring the historical context, original language, and intentions of Biblical authors, Almost Heretical offers a more nuanced understanding of scripture that goes beyond surface-level interpretations.
On the other hand, one potential downside of this podcast may be its departure from mainstream evangelical beliefs. Some listeners who strongly adhere to traditional interpretations may find these discussions challenging or even heretical. However, it is important to approach this podcast with an open mind and willingness to explore different viewpoints.
In conclusion, The Almost Heretical podcast is a valuable resource for those seeking to engage with their faith in a deeper way. It provides support for individuals going through deconstruction or grappling with difficult questions about Christianity. With insightful discussions grounded in research and introspection, this podcast offers hope and new perspectives on theology while promoting empathy and understanding towards others. I highly recommend it for anyone looking to expand their spiritual horizons.
What if the stories at the end of Genesis weren't just family drama—but political storytelling? In this episode, Nate and Shelby revisit six key moments from Genesis 27 to 50—including Jacob stealing Esau's blessing, Dinah and Shechem, Judah and Tamar, and Joseph's rise in Egypt—to explore how these stories may have been written to explain Israel's political identity, tribal dynamics, and national origin. We talk about: Why Jacob and Esau's rivalry reflects Israel vs. Edom What Jacob's wrestling match really says about the name "Israel" How the story of Dinah might not be about justice at all The subversive role of Tamar and why she's called righteous Why Joseph marrying an Egyptian priest's daughter created tension later And how Genesis closes by blessing tribes that already existed These aren't just ancient stories—they're layered political texts that reveal how Israel saw itself and its neighbors. Join us as we read Genesis a little more historically, and a little more honestly. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the FULL episode here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/128901088 Listeners sent us 49 pages of questions and comments—and in this bonus episode, we tackle some of the best. We explore whether Paul's theology rewrote the faith, how James and Paul define “salvation” differently, and why First Timothy might not even be Pauline. We also dive into whether Jesus really talked about hell more than heaven, what “saved through childbearing” could mean, and why Acts and Galatians paint two conflicting timelines of Paul's journey. Other highlights include: Did Paul influence the Gospels? Why doesn't Paul quote Jesus? Is Acts trying to legitimize Paul? What even is Gehenna, and should we rethink hell? Where do Nate and Shelby land with their own faith? Plus, an honest conversation about community, politics, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and how to live together with deep differences. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
→ Download the Practice Christianity Without Paul reflection booklet here (https://www.patreon.com/posts/jesus-faith-and-128319083) → Access the Paul-Free Church Statement of Faith (https://www.patreon.com/posts/church-statement-128321301) What does it mean to be a Christian without Paul? In this series finale, we walk through five alternate paths the Jesus movement could have taken—and still can—without relying on Paul's theology. From mystical wisdom to Jewish observance to political resistance, we explore practical ways to follow Jesus that aren't rooted in Pauline doctrine. Nate and Shelby also unveil a brand new “Paul-Free” Statement of Faith and share a reflection booklet for premium members. Paul Series:Part 1 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/123045409)Part 2 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/124165907)Part 3 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/125186503)Part 4 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/126248455)Part 5 (https://www.patreon.com/posts/128318250) Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Chapters 00:00 Exploring the Existence of Paul and His Influence 12:06 Imagining Christianity Without Paul 22:28 The Ebionites and Early Christian Movements 23:26 Exploring Early Christian Beliefs 28:35 Potential Paths of Early Christianity 30:05 Modern Reflections on Following Jesus 37:36 Paths of Justice and Action 41:31 Reimagining Faith Without Paul Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is a preview of one of our bonus episodes. To get the full bonus episode (37 minutes long), click here. How did Paul's teachings overshadow James's vision for Christianity? Could a Paul-free faith have survived as a Jewish sect? Does the Didache reveal a Christianity untouched by Paul? Why do Paul's words sometimes feel at odds with Jesus'? We also explore faith, works, and navigating today's political divides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus ep 1 - https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-what-is-123011688 Bonus ep 2 - https://www.patreon.com/posts/bonus-did-paul-125106095 Why does Paul's voice dominate the New Testament? How did his letters become so central to Christian theology, and what happens when we begin to question that authority? Are all the Pauline epistles actually written by Paul? What if the Paul we know today is a constructed figure—reshaped by the church over time to fit emerging doctrines? And what about the voices that didn't get amplified—texts like James or the Didache that present a very different version of the Jesus movement? Nate and Shel explore how canon formation, authorship debates, and theological evolution all intersect in the story of Paul, and why rethinking his role might change how we read the entire Bible. (Paul Part 1, Part 2, Part 3) Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Chapters 00:00 The Battle of the Texts 04:08 Paul's Authentic Letters 07:22 The Gospels and Their Influence 12:40 The Book of Acts: A Retrospective 28:25 The Jerusalem Movement's Legacy 29:19 The Jesus Movement vs. The Christ Movement 35:11 Understanding the Oral Tradition and Textual Limitations 41:23 The Impact of the Jewish-Roman War on Early Christianity 45:36 Exploring Alternative Early Christian Texts 48:20 The Canonization Process and Its Implications 53:31 Paul's Dominance in Early Christianity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is a preview of one of our bonus episodes. To get the full bonus episode (43 minutes long), click here. Did Paul's vision of Jesus redefine faith, or did James' focus on works hold the truth? In this bonus episode, we tackle your burning questions about faith vs. works, Paul's outsized role in Christianity, and what might have been if the Jesus movement prevailed. Join Nate and Shelby as they dive into listener debates, challenge assumptions, and rethink biblical narratives. Share your thoughts in the comments—what do you think Christianity would look like without Paul? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What if Paul's vision of Christ reshaped Christianity in ways Jesus' own brother, James, never intended? In this episode, we explore the intense clash between Paul's Christ movement and the Jesus movement, led by James in Jerusalem, as they battled over the faith's direction. Paul's independent gospel, born from a divine encounter, drove him to spread his message to Gentile cities like Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome, outpacing the Jewish-focused Jesus movement. As the Jerusalem community waned after the city's fall in 70 AD, Paul's universal vision took root, defining the Christianity we know today. Join Nate and Shelby as they uncover these pivotal shifts, question Paul's authority, and ask: could the Jesus movement have changed history if it had prevailed? Tune in to rethink the origins of your faith. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium #apostlepaul #earlychristianity #biblepodcast Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Christ Movement 03:03 Understanding Paul and His Background 05:31 The Conflict with Jerusalem Leadership 08:35 Paul's Independent Revelation 11:40 The Divergence of Movements 16:28 The Tension of Jewish Customs 19:01 The Jerusalem Council and Gentile Inclusion 22:45 Paul's Distinct Gentile Christianity 25:13 The Expansion of Paul's Movement 35:22 Grassroots Movement and Rituals 40:19 The Decline of the Jesus Movement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
(Part 1 here) Who should guide your faith—James, Jesus' brother, or Paul, the visionary apostle? We dive into early Christianity history to explore a battle of beliefs. James rooted his leadership in the Jewish roots of Christianity, blending faith with works. Paul preached faith alone, shaping a global faith. We uncover their clash—faith and works: Paul vs James—through the Didache and the Ebionites' rejection of Paul. Tune in to decide whose voice speaks to you today. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and after shows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Paul contradicts Jesus, with the Apostles' Creed skipping Jesus' life... mirroring Paul's letters that ignore his teachings and miracles. They share personal struggles with Paul's towering influence on Christian theology and leadership, kicking off a must-hear series on Christianity's origins. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sodom and Gomorrah is one of the Bible's most infamous stories, but was its destruction really about homosexuality? What does the Bible actually say about the sin of Sodom? And why did Abraham nearly sacrifice Isaac—was child sacrifice common in his time? Plus, what's the real meaning behind Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt? We unpack these troubling Genesis stories, explore their ancient context, and reveal how Jewish interpreters wrestled with them for centuries. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a premium member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a premium member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the after show with Dr. Perrin In this engaging conversation, Dr. Andrew Perrin, an expert on the Dead Sea Scrolls, discusses the significance of these ancient texts and their impact on our understanding of the Bible. The dialogue explores the human element behind the texts, the intersection of faith and academia, and the importance of critical thinking in religious education. The conversation also touches on conspiracy theories surrounding the scrolls and the ongoing relevance of these discoveries in contemporary discussions about scripture and spirituality. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the Full Episode! Abraham's story is packed with unexpected twists, but two figures often get overlooked—Melchizedek and Hagar. Who was Melchizedek, and why did New Testament authors care so much about him? What do the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal about his strange biblical role? And why does Hagar, an Egyptian slave woman, end up being the only person in the Bible to name God? Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners) Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
➡︎ Listen to the after show Tony Jones opens up about his journey from the pulpit to the wilderness, sharing how personal struggles led him to rediscover spirituality in nature. He challenges the ethics of modern meat consumption, advocates for mindful hunting, and critiques the church's failure to support struggling pastors. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and after shows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: https://almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the after show Marianne Williamson joins us to discuss the transformative power of love, her unique spiritual insights, and her take on political division in America. From her groundbreaking ideas in A Course in Miracles to being kept off the debate stage by the DNC, Marianne offers a thought-provoking conversation on faith, unity, and the path forward. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the after show Marianne Williamson opens up about her experiences running for president in 2020 and 2024, including how the DNC and media outlets like CNN silenced alternative voices, blocking fair competition for candidates like herself and RFK Jr. We also explore her perspective on choosing love over division in an era of political polarization, and the spiritual transformation needed to heal our fractured society. This conversation challenges us to rise above tribalism and embrace a deeper, more unifying approach to both faith and politics. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the after show for our conversation with Liz Charlotte Grant as we explore deep questions around faith, gender, and scripture. Liz challenges traditional views, examining God beyond a masculine lens and delving into the complexities of divine inspiration. Together, we discuss the struggles of women in ministry, the tension between tradition and spiritual independence, and the transformative power of therapy. Join us as we seek to understand God in new and unexpected ways. Visit her work at lizcharlotte.com. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and after shows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the after show: Is Jesus Just One Way? Part 1 of 2: Marianne Williamson joins us to discuss her journey with A Course in Miracles and why its teachings are so relevant today. We dive into her reimagined view of Jesus, the meaning of salvation, and the role of love in shifting our mindsets. Marianne also challenges traditional views on heaven and hell, offering a perspective that's both mystical and transformative. Find more of her work at marianne.com. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and after shows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In light of the 2024 presidential election between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, we delve into the idea of “neo-fundamentalism”—the tendency to replace one rigid ideology with another after deconstruction. Join us as we explore how to hold space for complex, evolving beliefs and embrace wisdom and open dialogue over dogma. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and after shows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the aftershow Part 2 of 2: Liz Charlotte Grant returns to delve even deeper into faith and scripture, questioning the Bible's patriarchal interpretations and exploring whether divine inspiration is real. Join us as we discuss how gender influences our view of God, the tension between tradition and spiritual independence, and what it truly means to seek God in unexpected places. Visit her work at lizcharlotte.com. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the aftershow Part 1 of 2: Liz Charlotte Grant joins us to challenge traditional views of faith, gender, and scripture. Together, we explore how God is portrayed beyond the masculine lens and dive into the transformative power of therapy, the struggles of women in ministry, and reimagining spiritual autonomy. Visit her work at lizcharlotte.com. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes and aftershows 2. All full-length, ad-free episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the aftershow where we talk about kids, iPads, and spirituality Dana Hicks discusses the journey from conservative pastor to deconstructing faith and redefining spirituality. We delve into how deconstruction can lead to trading conservative dogma for liberal dogma, the role of psychedelics in spiritual experiences, and the importance of awe in cultivating a deeper connection with the divine. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to our after show where we talk about Garrick's thoughts on Pastors, Revelation and Hell Dr. Garrick Allen uncovers truths about how the Book of Revelation has been misunderstood for centuries, reshaping our view of Scripture. Discover how ancient manuscripts and hidden texts challenge modern beliefs in unexpected ways. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jon Foreman of Switchfoot (link) discusses the journey of faith, doubt, and the rejection of labels. We delve into the topics of deconstruction, being hurt by people claiming Christianity, and the complexities of using “Christian” as an adjective. We also explore the idea of embracing community over tribalism in today's divided culture. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the After Show Candida Moss, a leading theology professor, returns for part two of our conversation, diving into her groundbreaking research on the manuscript traditions and writing processes of the New Testament. Discover how dictation, collaboration, and the roles of enslaved individuals shaped the creation of early Christian texts. Learn how this reshapes our understanding of biblical authorship and the intricate process behind the Gospels. Get Candida's book God's Ghostwriters. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the After Show Candida Moss is a leading theology professor, about her groundbreaking research on the enslaved Christians who helped create the New Testament. Discover how this reshapes our understanding of biblical inspiration, ancient authorship, and Christianity's historical complicity in slavery. Get Candida's book God's Ghostwriters. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
To become a supporter of Almost Heretical and get more bonus episodes like this, click here: http://almostheretical.com/subscribe In this bonus episode of Almost Heretical, Nate Hanson and Shelby dive into the story of the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11. They discuss its significance, the cultural context, and various interpretations, including its implications for language and unity. Join them as they explore how this ancient story relates to contemporary issues of pride, diversity, and unity. This episode offers fresh insights and reimagines a well-known biblical tale in a new light. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the Frank Kenny after show! How has our understanding of God evolved over time? Nate & Shelby talk with Frank Kenny about his book, The God of War: How an Ancient God Shaped a Modern World (link), exploring the historical contexts and conflicts that have shaped modern Christianity. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the after show for the Brian episode where we talk about why the Church tries to control beliefs What if being a Christian wasn't about what you believed? Nate & Shelby talk with Brian McLaren about his influential works, including Do I Stay Christian? and his latest, Life After Doom. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of our after show for each interview 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the after show where we talk about favorite books, women missionaries, and being anti-academia Olivia Jackson interviewed hundreds of Christians about their deconstruction experience. We talk about why people changed their faith. Is it different in America compared to the UK, Australia, etc? Olivia's book. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the after show where Nate & Shelby talk about Tim's more traditional beliefs... Why did they have Tim on? Tim Alberta reflects on how his Christian upbringing shapes his approach to politics, emphasizing critical thought over tribalism. He advocates for a church response that mirrors Christ's love and grace, facing societal challenges with a focus on the eternal kingdom of God. This episode explores restoring the church's mission as an agent of healing and social welfare. Tim's book is The Kingdom, The Power, and the Glory. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the after show where Nate & Shelby debrief and shore more thoughts about this conversation with Tiffany Tiffany Yecke Brooks discusses her evolution from fundamentalist roots, questioning long-held doctrines, and identifying spiritual anxiety as a trauma response. She advocates for reinterpreting biblical stories and emphasizes the importance of self-trust and questioning authority within religious contexts. Her insights encourage a deeper, more personal exploration of faith, free from the constraints of traditional interpretations and control. Tiffany's website. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: https://almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the Utterly Heretical after show episode that Nate & Shelby recorded debriefing this conversation with Thomas Jay Oord Dr. Thomas Jay Oord delves into open relational theology, highlighting a non-controlling, relational God and rethinking traditional omnipotence. Check out his book God After Deconstruction with Tripp Fuller. We addresses deconstruction, the afterlife, and inclusivity beyond Christianity. Oord's perspective challenges conventional views on prayer, spirituality, and divine interaction, advocating for a faith that embraces questioning and experiential understanding of the divine. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: https://almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the 20-minute Utterly Heretical after show episode that Nate & Shelby recorded debriefing this conversation with Dr. Laura Anderson Dr. Laura Anderson tackles religious trauma, explaining it as our physiological response to religious experiences, distinct from the events themselves. She critiques purity culture for its detrimental effects on personal development and relationships, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the Bible and recognizing its flaws. The conversation extends to the challenges churches face in addressing trauma, the variety of Christian views on mental health, and navigating relationships amid political and religious differences. Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the extra 20-minute Utterly Heretical episode that Nate & Shelby recorded debriefing this conversation with David. Does Hell or even annihilationism mean that God's love is coercive? David Fitch (author of Reckoning With Power) debates with Nate and Shelby about whether we can call God's love "non-coercive". Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Elaine Pagels presents the compelling theory that the Gospel of John might have intentionally silenced the Gospel of Thomas. This interview not only explores the hidden gospels but also challenges us to rethink the foundational narratives of Christianity through the insights of Elaine Pagels. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We sit down with philosopher and theologian Peter Rollins to explore the intricate landscape of faith, doubt, and the philosophy of deconstruction. Rollins discusses the importance of embracing our uncertainties and the transformative power of questioning traditional religious narratives. Through a deep dive into philosophical theology, we uncover how deconstructing our beliefs can lead to a more authentic and profound understanding of our spirituality and ourselves. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to the full, unedited episode with extra 15 minutes Anna Gazmarian shares her profound journey of doubting faith, getting fired from a church, sexual assault, and confronting her mental health diagnosis within the church. How does faith intersect with the challenges of Religious OCD, scrupulosity and mental health? Discover her path to understanding and acceptance. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please contact@almostheretical.com! Support us and you'll get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) 2. Access to our private group of 350+ listeners 3. Regular Zoom calls with Nate, Shelby, and listeners 4. Ad-free show Become a supporter now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
If the Bible isn't about being true or false, then what is the point of stories like Noah's Ark? Thoughts, questions, stories? Please contact@almostheretical.com! Support us and you'll get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) 2. Access to our private group of 350+ listeners 3. Regular Zoom calls with Nate, Shelby, and listeners 4. Ad-free show Become a supporter now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Curious about the Nephilim and the "sons of God" mentioned in Genesis 6:1-4? Join Nate and Shelby as they delve into ancient texts like the Book of Enoch, exploring the implications these stories have on gender dynamics and biblical narratives. Chapters (00:08) - The Watcher's Myth in Genesis (08:30) - Intermarriage and Mythology in Ancient Texts (14:30) - The Ancient Texts and the Watchers (24:30) - Women in Ancient Texts (38:26) - Genesis Thoughts, questions, stories? Please contact@almostheretical.com! Support us and you'll get: 1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) 2. Access to our private group of 350+ listeners 3. Regular Zoom calls with Nate, Shelby, and listeners 4. Ad-free show Become a supporter now! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
→ To support the show, visit patreon.com/almostheretical. Thank you for your support! (Supporters get bonus episodes, ad-free show, private Facebook group, and more!) Join us as we delve into Genesis 3 and explore its long-lasting impact on women. We'll tackle big questions like: Did God really say what we've been told? And why isn't the serpent identified as Satan? We'll discuss how much of what we believe comes from Paul's interpretations and how this story has shaped women's experiences, especially around leadership. Get ready for an eye-opening chat about challenging old notions and seeing this story in a new light! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
→ To support the show, visit patreon.com/almostheretical. Thank you for your support! (Supporters get bonus episodes, ad-free show, private Facebook group, and more!) Notes: Is Genesis 2:24 an institution of heterosexual marriage? Does it matter? In this episode, we tackle these questions and play devil's advocate to help you respond to the pushback you may be facing. We challenge traditional views and ask: How should we use the Bible today? Tune in as we navigate the complex landscape of faith, marriage, and sexuality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Did you ever wonder why Satan is never mentioned in the Garden of Eden? Prepare to have your mind blown as we dive into the untold complexities of Genesis 2:1-18. This episode uncovers surprising interpretations, challenges common myths, and may forever change the way you look at the creation story. Don't miss out; it's time to rethink what you thought you knew about Adam, Eve, and the Garden. ★ Support our work and get: 2 bonus episodes each month, Zoom calls with Nate, Shelby and other listeners, an ad-free version of the show, and access to the private Facebook Group with hundreds of other listeners! Find out more here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What have we been missing in the creation story? What does the Sun being created before “Light” mean? Why do we have two different creation stories? Join us as we reexamine Genesis 1:6-31. ★ Support our work and get: 2 bonus episodes each month, a montly Zoom call with Nate, Shelby and other listeners, an ad-free version of the show, and access to the private Facebook Group with hundreds of other listeners! Find out more here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We dive deep into spirituality and societal transformation with Rainn Wilson, renowned actor and author of Soul Boom. Join us as we explore the pressing need for a spiritual revolution in today's challenging world. Discover practical spiritual tools for personal and collective growth, as Rainn shares his insights on the lost essence of spirituality, the power of early Christian movement in Acts, the impact of societal movements like Black Lives Matter, and the importance of hope in an increasingly cynical world. Get ready to ponder profound questions such as, "When did the West lose spirituality?", "What is the motivation to love?", and even "What would Dwight Schrute think of Soul Boom?" ★ Support our work and get: Bonus episodes each month, a quarterly Zoom call with Nate, Shelby and other listeners, an ad-free version of the show, and access to the private Facebook Group with hundreds of other listeners! Find out more here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Listen to a whole hour of Neil deGrasse Tyson talking about the Bible, Jesus, and Christianity in a way you've probably not heard before. Neil is the author of Starry Messenger, host of StarTalk and director of the Hayden Planetarium in NYC. We discuss: What does Neil think about being raised Catholic? Why do we always hear about radical conservative Christian ideas? Does Neil have spiritual experiences? What does he think about that term? ★ Support our work and get: 2 bonus episodes each month, a quarterly Zoom call with Nate, Shelby and other listeners, an ad-free version of the show, and access to the private Facebook Group with hundreds of other listeners! Find out more here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
(Listen to Part 2) – In Genesis 1:1-5, we encounter intriguing aspects that invite deeper reflection. We explore the use of the pronoun "us" in the early chapters, raising questions about its connection to the Trinity and the presence of Jesus in the garden. Additionally, we debunk the notion of strict sentence structure when reading the passage in Hebrew, uncovering its poetic nature. And we challenge the idea of a perfect heaven by considering alternative perspectives. Join us on this captivating journey as we uncover the rich layers of meaning within Genesis 1:1-5. ★ Support our work and get: 2 bonus episodes each month, a montly Zoom call with Nate, Shelby and other listeners, an ad-free version of the show, and access to the private Facebook Group with hundreds of other listeners! Find out more here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode of Almost Heretical, we dive into a candid conversation about sex and purity culture with special guest Sheila Gregoire, author of "The Great Sex Rescue." Join us as we explore the harmful effects of purity culture, its impact on individuals' relationships and sexuality, and the importance of a healthy and holistic approach to sexual education. Key Topics Discussed: Understanding the origins and consequences of purity culture Examining the harmful messaging and shame surrounding sexuality Challenging the myths and misconceptions perpetuated by purity culture Exploring the long-lasting effects on individuals' sexual well-being and relationships Discussing the importance of consent, communication, and sexual education ★ Support our work and get: 2 bonus episodes each month, a montly Zoom call with Nate, Shelby and other listeners, an ad-free version of the show, and access to the private Facebook Group with hundreds of other listeners! Find out more here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, we speak with Sarah Bessey about the idea of evolving faith and its accompanying challenges. We dive into what it means to have faith during times of change and whether there are any limits to that change. Additionally, we explore the influence of Rachel Held Evans on Sarah's personal faith journey and what insights we might be missing from Rachel's voice in the present day. Finally, we discuss how evolving faith intersects with the idea of Christian orthodoxy and the role of community in supporting those who are wrestling with difficult questions. ★ Support our work and get: 2 bonus episodes each month, a montly Zoom call with Nate, Shelby and other listeners, an ad-free version of the show, and access to the private Facebook Group with hundreds of other listeners! Find out more here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
(Listen to the second half of this chat with Sam here.) The final episode of the Worship series, with Sam Hedrick - a worship leader at Cascade Church in Portland, Oregon and songwriter who has been going through a process of deconstruction while continuing to write music for the church. Sam shares his experience of grappling with doubts and difficult questions while also feeling a sense of responsibility to provide a space for worship and connection for others. They discuss the tension between authenticity and the expectations of the church, as well as the ways that music can help us process complex emotions and ideas. Sam also shares about his creative process and the inspiration behind some of his recent songs, which speak to the experiences of those who have left or are questioning their faith. Ultimately, this conversation offers a perspective on the ways that art and faith can intersect and how we can find meaning and community even in the midst of doubt and uncertainty. Listen to Sam's music on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does worship look like when you're questioning, leaving, or changing your faith? How can we bring everything back to our humanness, and what role does incarnation play in that? And what happens when we stop chasing after revival and focus on the wildness of the Spirit of God? Join us for a conversation with William Matthews (Spotify | Instagram), former worship leader at Bethel, as we explore these questions and more on Almost Heretical. ★ Support our work and get: 2 bonus episodes each month, a montly Zoom call with Nate, Shelby and other listeners, an ad-free version of the show, and access to the private Facebook Group with hundreds of other listeners! Find out more here! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to the Worship series. After our faith evolution, we now have a complicated relationship with worship music. Join us as we sing three songs (The Heart of Worship, How He Loves, and The Stand) on the worship songs that once filled our hearts and churches. Delve into how our changing theology and feelings have transformed our relationship with these songs. Embark on a musical journey that reflects our faith's evolution and reexamines the role of worship in our lives. ★ Support our work and get: 2 bonus episodes each month, a montly Zoom call with Nate, Shelby and other listeners, an ad-free version of the show, and access to the private Facebook Group with hundreds of other listeners! Find out more here! Intro music by Sam Hedrick (Spotify | Instagram) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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