Christianity Without the Crap - Podcast

It's been one of the great joys of our lives to be the hosts of the Christianity Without the Crap Podcast. But alas, all good things must come to an end. We're feeling both sad and grateful, but we feel great about how this podcast has helped so many rethink their spirituality, escape the gravity of negative religion, and realize they are not alone in their “heretical” thoughts. Love you all! 

It’s been over a month since our last episode… so what’s up? Mark and Tammy have been on a completely unplanned but incredibly exciting hiatus. Find out what’s been going on and what’s to come for CWOC! Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Christians did not invent shame. But we may have perfected it. Which is really too bad, because Jesus whole deal was the repudiation of shame. Yet the teaching of the church has inspired deep shame in millions, and it can be tough to root out. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Many feel that empathy is the key to loving enemies… But does empathy really change the systems that create enemies? It’s the systems & structure of society that put us at odds, & those systems hurt our enemies too. Loving our enemies means fighting to free us all. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

The word “homosexual” did not appear in our Bibles until 1946. (wait… what?) That word is a mistranslation of the original greek, & resulted in the marginalization & persecution of millions. Rocky Roggio’s new movie is an attempt to expose this intentional error. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Religion is supposed to be a source of strength & healing, and often it is. But for millions, religious communities, families & teachings have generated trauma & lasting pain. Brian Peck is a therapist who helps those who’ve been harmed by religion find freedom & peace. Donate at: www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Despite everything, there are still people who believe that Christianity has something good to offer. Amy Peterson is one of those people. Her book “Where Goodness Still Grows” brings a fresh new perspective to some old virtues in a way that can revitalize our faith. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Evangelicals tell a pretty wild tale about the End Times. But where’s that come from? Keith Giles explains that the whole story about 666 & the beast & the antichrist, all coming to get you, represents a gross misinterpretation and misappropriation of scripture. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Many believe that humans are the only creatures to have a soul, that we’re the point & pinnacle of creation, & that other creatures only exist to be the extras in our movie. But this is bunk. It’s a mentality the causes untold suffering, and destroys the planet. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

From the 16th through the 20th Centuries, the great nations of Europe, and later the United States, conquered & colonized the world, looting resources, destroying cultures, enslaving populations & carrying out genocide, all under the pretext “saving” the “savages”. Evangelicals think this is a bygone era. They dont realize how this heritage continues to influence them in dark ways. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Evangelicalism doesn’t have the best reputation for including people who are “different”. An institution that values conformity leaves a lot of people behind. As an academic and a person with autism, Erin Burnett has both studied and lived this, and we’re honored to interview her. Check her out at  http://erinburnettauthor.co.uk/ramblings-autistic-christian/ https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1756073X.2020.1850402?journalCode=yprt20 Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

The election is over, and we have a new president (whew!) But we continue to be starkly divided. Can we heal in that environment, without putting on an avoidant, phony, superficial “niceness”?  Maybe… but progressives need to find new ways to interact with conservatives. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Is the Enneagram thing just a Christian fad? Or is there something timeless about the enneagram that can help us better understand ourselves and others? Featuring special guest Gina Gomez. (https://ginagomez.co) Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com          cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Cindy Wang Brandt helps parents heal from their religious trauma, so they can raise children with a healthy spirituality. She helps parents avoid screwing up their kids with negative religion! Even if you don’t have kids, this episode will help you understand your own upbringing and spiritual trauma. https://cindywangbrandt.com Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

We all know that Mark and Tammy talk alot of smack about Christianity and Christians. But can they see anything good about it after 2000 years of Christians screwing it up? Can we throw out the bathwater without throwing out the baby? Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

We’re back from our Summer Break! And we’ve got a great Interview to start our new season. Ryan Bell is a former pastor turned atheist, with a story of transition that’s fascinating and informative. Even if you’re not an atheist, there’s much to learn here about the process of breaking away from fundamentalism and toxic religion. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Mark does a short interview with a short protestor! But her compassion towards a counter-protestor leaves her standing tall. This is a fun one! Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

This week we hear a response to episode #53 “Moderates Where Are You?” Our good friend Jesse Fadle gives us some insight into the complexities, risks and conflicting instincts that make it difficult for moderates to know what to do or say when the world gets crazy. And he tells us why he thinks more moderates may finally be finding their voice. Donate at: www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

We can’t believe we’ve been doing this podcast for 18 months! it’s been so exciting to watch it grow, and to connect with our listeners. Mark and Tammy reflect on where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, how we’ve grown, where we need to improve, and where we’re going from here! Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Moderate christians don't have a voice in the public square for one simple reason… They’ve chosen to remain silent. if you’re a moderate christian, we feel like your voice sorely missed right now. You're in a position to help soften the views of people on both sides of the divide. But it feels like you dont wanna show up. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

In light of the killing of George Floyd and the subsequent protests, we wanted to re-broadcast an interview we did a year ago with Mario Pile, an African American who’s thought a lot about how to speak to white people in a way that they can hear, and start to understand, what it must be like to be black. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

So, Ashely wants to be a pastor. What is she thinking? Well, she’s thinking she can change the world, and we’re thinking she’s right! Join os for this fun interview with this bright enthusiastic, progressive, insightful and all around Bad-A** female. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Following the economic crises of 2008, people were talking about the need to re-evaluate our priorities & economic drivers. But as we recovered, we returned to the same old economy, the same old rat-race, the same old inequities, with the same old winners and the same old losers. Now as we’re suffering another crisis, we’re hearing the same kind of talk. But will we really change this time?

The Covid-19 crises is bringing out the very best in some, and the very worst in others. How can we be at our best during this pandemic? What do we need to keep in mind if we’re OK financially? And what do we need to keep in mind if we’re struggling. Perspective is everything when times are crazy. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Everyone is freaked out by the growing pandemic, and justifiably so. But some of us may be coping better than others. There are spiritual and philosophical perspectives that can help us manage the understandable anxiety we’re experiencing as we face the challenges of the coronavirus. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

There’s big pressure in the christian world to be happy and joyful and chirpy… But it’s often fake. Is there an upside to being down? Is it possible that sadness adds value and perspective to our lives? Is there a difference between being sad and being depressed?  Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Tammy & Mark talk to a couple of “right leaning” friends in an effort to model a positive conversation among people who disagree. We talk about tough issues, discuss basic paradigm differences between left & right, and still like each other at the end of the conversation! In fact, we appreciate each other more. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com          cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

#45 Hear Yourself Think A lot of people believe a lot of crazy stuff. Conspiracy theories and unsubstantiated claims have proliferated like never before, and otherwise intelligent people are buying it. Insanity has gone mainstream. How has this happened? And how do we fight it? Dave & Erin Ninehouser are on the frontlines, and they have some great advice. watch their videos… ttps://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=BQNmjpXBanc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jqPZgM6eFo

Humans seem to be hardwired for retaliation. It’s instinctual to hit back.  But revenge rarely ends up being as satisfying in real life as it is in the movies. Mark & Tammy discuss the recent tit-for-tat between the US & Iran, the death penalty, and most importantly... our own petty impulses to get even Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

In October of 2014, David Keck was viciously attacked in his own apartment and left for dead. Eighteen hours later, he was found in a pool of blood, and presumed dead… until his foot moved. His journey of recovery has been impossibly hard, and completely transforming. Check out this inspiring story of one of our listeners! Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com        cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

For 2000 years Christians have taught that the end of the world is near. But now that the end of the world may truly be at hand, it’s religious conservatives who don’t believe it, and refuse to repent.   How will we behave in the climate crisis? Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

There was famously “no room in the inn” for the Holy Family.  Still today, so many refugees are left out in the cold. Things were hard for your immigrant ancestors. There’s never a shortage of mean spirited fear mongers. But every good thing you have, you have because a great nation eventually accepted your ancestors. Is this still a great country? Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Winter is the dark time of year. We assume that light is good and darkness is bad. But God made the dark too.  Darkness and light exist in balance. They’re dancing. Darkness is the cradle that holds the light in place, and creates the medium that enables us to travel to the light. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

There’s no question that it’s mentally & spiritually healthy to count our blessings. But many are surprised to hear that the Bible also makes a strong case for complaining. There’s a right way & a wrong way to complain. One way provides emotional release & social connection, but the other leaves us chronically gloomy & dissatisfied.

Adultery is extremely common, but poorly understood. Almost everyone condemns it, but lots of people are doing it, including people who never thought they would. Sometimes it happens to good people in good marriages. So what’s going on? Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

This week we’re providing a little bonus material that was edited out of our last Episode entitled “How Christians Ruined Sex”. Tammy tells a story about her daughter’s Jr. High sex-ed class. We also have some listener feedback on their experiences of purity culture. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

How did Christian attitudes about sex get so weird, paranoid, neurotic, repressive, and unhealthy? We’ll look at how the poisonous purity culture has hurt so many people emotionally, spiritually and sexually. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Our listeners have been so open with us about their lives and struggles, and we want to do the same. In this episode Tammy shares about a tough problem her family is facing. This is our first ever "CWOC Shorts" episode. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

In the US & around the world, more and more people are going solo, and loving it. This despite the fact that our culture, and particularly christian culture, continues to stigmatize and stereotype single people as "incomplete". If you're alone... you're not alone. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

How do you know if you’re standing on the right side of history? There’s probably a lot of complicated ways to answer that question, but here’s one simple way... History is never kind to mean people. Nor to the people who enable them. A reckoning is coming. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

This week we follow up on episode #34, "OK with Being Gay" by talking to one of our gay listeners, Jeremy, who provides some firsthand insight based on his experiences with the church and his family members. It's our first ever Bonus Episode! Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Christians are always telling us that the Bible is "clear" that homosexuality is an especially awful sin. But that claim doesn't hold up under scrutiny. The Bible has very little to say on the subject, and we mean, like, VERY little. And what it does say is far from what we've been told. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

This week Mark and Tammy share a "pretty big" announcement, have a fun and insightful interview with a listener, discuss some thoughtful listener emails, and bask in the glow of some glowing reviews!  Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

A lot of us are stuck spiritually because we harmed someone & didn't make it right. This can also happen to a nation. When something evil happened but we don’t want to make amends and then we try to pretend that its all in the past, everybody gets hurt all over again.  Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

This week we hear from Mario Pile, who has some very wise observations about racial barriers and misunderstandings. Mario is an African American who has spent a lot of time thinking about how to communicate his message with White Americans in a way that builds harmony and understanding. A great interview! Donate at: www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Tammy and Mark continue their series about racial issues, this week discussing the hate mongering and naked racism that has found expression in recent days, analyzing labels and stereotypes, and encouraging each of us to find a new dream for unity.  Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

This week we welcome Tammy back from her Summer break with a little light topic... racial inequity, and what Christians should be doing about it. This is the first in a series of podcasts we're doing on race in America during this contentious time, as blatant racism is resurfacing in ugly ways. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Can you be good and mad? Which is to say, is it possible to be mad without being bad? In this episode we talk about how to do mad well, instead of just being one more angry voice in a sea of angry voices. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com  

Have you ever faced a challenge that you thought was going to be super hard, and it was even harder than you thought, but then it turned out to also be the greatest thing in your life? Thats what happened to Julie when she found out that she was going to have twins with downs syndrome. It's brought so much joy to her family, and to thousands of others. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

How is it that so many Christians have come to embrace the most mean spirited and hyper partisan policies and politicians? Jesse Dollemore helps us understand the profound role that Fox News has played in driving Evangelicals further to the right, and further away from the words of Jesus. Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com

Is it possible that there are things God can't do? Theologian Tom Oord thinks so, and it might explain a lot. This radically different idea is a giant departure from how most people think about God, but it may give a whole new understanding of injustice, unfairness and pain. GREAT INTERVIEW! Donate at:www.patreon.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Facebook: www.facebook.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Instagram: www.instagram.com/christianitywithoutthecrap Email: cwoc.mark@gmail.com            cwoc.tammy@gmail.com