Church for Atheists

In this special holiday episode, Michael and Kumar catch up on the last concert they attended, just before the pandemic exploded. They discuss the spiritual use of anointing oil, their love for Mariah Carey, and Michael's extremely strange dream. The opening prayer comes from Eckhart Tolle, and the opening song is Anytime You Need a Friend by M. Carey. The sermon is an excerpt from the Concierge Minister podcast, where Kumar interviews Dr. April Stace, on her recent book, White Knuckle Love. The offering goes towards PriaMinistries.

S2 Ep6 Making Space For Yourself After an extended break, we are back! Some will blame Kumar for his lack of time management, while others will throw it right back to Michael for starting a new job. In any case, we are here! In this episode, Kumar and Michael talk about creating sacred space for yourself and those closest to you. The prayer is by C.S. Lewis. The opening song is by Nightbirde. Kumar gives the sermon. And the offering goes towards Concierge Minister, a new non-profit developed by Kumar. Happy listening! Don't forget to share this podcast with a friend, and make sure to give us a five ***** rating.

**Adult Content and Language** In this episode, you will listen to some of the outtakes and more extended footage in this bonus episode that didn't make it into the episode for various reasons. Michael and Kumar talk about some of the "sex" questions Kumar discussed with Shelia Gregoyre, author of The Great Sex Rescue. If you enjoy Church for Atheists Podcast, please give us a five-star rating.

*Adult Content* Church for Atheists S2 Ep5 In this sex episode, Kumar and Michael discuss their introduction to sex as kids. They listen to a sermon by Sheila Gregoire, the author of The Great Sex Rescue." The special music is called "Coffee" by artist Miguel. You can listen to his song here. Michael's offering is going towards an organization called, It Get's Better. here is the link to donate. Kumar's offering is going towards RAINN, the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. You can also contribute here.

Some of our listeners have been asking to listen to the "extra audio" that didn't make it into the show. Here are some of the stuff that we laid on the cutting room floor.

In this episode, Michael and Kumar discuss the importance of a college education. They talk about the value of community college and their first-hand experience feeling the pressure to excel as immigrants to this country. The sermon is brought to you by Dr. Reginald Garcon. His book, Dr. Reggie's College Checklist can be found on Amazon. Amazon Prime Members can check the book out for free. The hymn of the day is called Drown, by Lecrae and John Legend. Here is a link to the official music video: Michael's offering suggestion is the Blessing Baskets. For $125, Gaithersburg Church of the Nazarene will donate needed items in a huge basket. Kumar's offering suggestion is Operation Smile, an organization that helps repairs cleft lips and palates. $240 provides a complete surgery for a child.

Season 2 Episode 2 In this episode, Michael and Kumar seem to take a health care theme. The sermon is by Annie Raney, who discovered she has stage 2 breast cancer and is in the middle of chemotherapy. Annie shares how she learned about her diagnosis and what she wants people to know when interacting with her. What do you say, what don't you say, and how can you provide more generous support without making a sick person feel worse about their situation. The morning song is brought to you by Kesha. Here is a link to her video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-Dur3uXXCQ Michael's offering suggestion is from the American Red Cross. Here is a link to donate blood. https://www.redcross.org/give-blood.html Kumar's offering suggestion is the Ulman Foundation, supporting young adults with cancer. https://ulmanfoundation.org/ You can listen to the full interview with Annie at The Concierge Minister podcast.

Season 2 Episode 1 We made it to Season 2. In the opening episode, Kumar and Michael discuss a conversation with former Christian, Bart Campolo. How does one grow up in the shadows of one of the most famous evangelical preachers (Tony Campolo) and end up leaving the family business? They also discuss many topics from Kamala Harris's biracial identity, to supporting a Girl Scout troop in NYC.

S1 EP 9 When the Christian Superstar Loses His Religion In this final episode of the season, the duo discusses the pandemic, who should get the vaccine first, and why Michael can never come up with a confession. They also speak to Jon Steingard, former frontman of the widely popular music group, Hawk Nelson on his departure from the faith. The offering Michael and Kumar support in this episode is the Ronald McDonald House and Priya Ministries. We invite you to make a contribution on our behalf. You can listen to the full interview with Steingard on Kumar's show, Concierge Minister Podcast. We will see you for Season 2 on February 11, 2021.

In this episode, Michael and Kumar talk about avoiding the Rona virus and question why women have such a hard time in this world. They interview Reema Sukumaran, author of Beautifully Broken. In her memoir, she writes about the childhood abuse she endured under her father's hands and the rape by a trusted pastor she was seeking counseling. Warning: Themes of violence, domestic abuse, and rape. If you are someone you know needs support, please contact the National Sexual Assualt Telephone Hotline. 800.656.HOPE (4673) to be connected with a trained staff member from a sexual assault service provider in your area. Today's offering supports RAINN, national sexual assault telephone hotline - https://www.rainn.org and UNICEF - https://www.unicefusa.org/ Please make a contribution on behalf of our show.

In this full extended version, John goes more in-depth about his sexual relationships, the importance of intimacy and trust, and how he ventured from being a Christian minister to an agnostic. Sadly, you won't be able to see Kumar blush.

Growing up in the Christian church can sometimes feel oppressive. There is a tremendous amount of sex-shaming, and frankly, a focus on sex. You are often told that sex is horrible and sinful, but then grow up and get married and expect to have a positive attitude towards sexuality. In this episode, Michael and Kumar speak to John, a former pastor, now involved in a polyamory relationship. They delve into his journey from being an "upstanding Christian minister" to developing an open view on sexuality and relationships. This episode is not intended for listeners under 18. Listen to the full-length conversation with John on the BONUS episode also available.

In this episode, Michael and Kumar discuss how people can bounce back from difficult circumstances. The sermon is delivered by Carl Rafey, author of Fix Your Stupid. As usual, they share deep dark confessions, and banter about many things like Mariah Carey, Broadway music, and so much more. About the offering: Michael's choice is ASPCA, an organization devoted to helpings animals have a second chance. Kumar's choice is LACES, providing support through sports to refugee children who experienced international conflict and war firsthand. You can listen to the full interview with Dr. Carl Rafey on Kumar's other show, Concierge Minister Podcast.

In this episode, Kumar shares a dark confession with Michael during the service. They listen to Shasta Nelson, author of The Business of Friendship, during the sermon. They discuss everything from country music to promise rings. You won't want to miss this episode. Here is a LINK to Shasta's book. Note: You can listen to the full-length episode with Shasta over on Kumar's other show, The Concierge Minister Podcast.

Michael and Kumar start their first official "service" discussing topics that have no limits. The sermon of the day was presented by Ryan Bell, former Christian pastor, turned Atheists. Get ready to enjoy a hilarious conversation about God, Beyonce, Taco Bell, and more. Note: You can listen to the full-length episode with Ryan over on Kumar's other show, The Concierge Minister Podcast.

In this first episode, Michael and Kumar share their personal stories on how they arrived to their personal beliefs and transformation.