E*van*cynical - someone who has been let down by the evangelical church. Join us as we dive deep in to the stories of real, everyday people and how the church has let them down and where they are now in their spiritual journey. Join other "Cynics" at pa
The evancynical's podcast is a must-listen for anyone who grew up in the evangelical church or is interested in hearing stories of healing and transformation. The host, Eric, brings a caring and listening approach to his role as a pastor, making this podcast a loving way to share faith. The courage of the storytellers and their hope for continued spiritual growth shines through in every episode. From stories of trauma and pain to stories of survival and celebration, this podcast covers it all.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the wide range of stories and faith journeys that are shared. Each episode features raw and authentic conversations that delve into the formative experiences people have had with the evangelical church. Eric does a wonderful job interviewing his guests, providing them with a safe space to freely tell their stories without fear of judgement. This creates an environment where listeners can deeply resonate with many of the shared experiences.
Another great aspect of this podcast is that it offers confirmation for those who have deconstructed their faith or found their own spiritual path. Hearing similar stories from others adds to the validation that individuals are not alone in their journey. Eric's hosting skills and genuine interest in learning make him an exceptional guide through these discussions.
While there are no major drawbacks to this podcast, some listeners may find that it focuses heavily on critiquing the evangelical church rather than exploring other perspectives or practices within Christianity. However, this is not necessarily a negative aspect for everyone, as it provides an important platform for those who have been left with trauma, questions, and pain by the church.
In conclusion, The evancynical's podcast is an extraordinary platform that paves the way for individuals to share their stories and find healing. Eric's compassionate approach as a pastor makes this podcast a loving way to explore spirituality and faith journeys. Whether you grew up evangelical or not, this podcast offers amazing stories of healing and transformation that will uplift listeners.
My old friend stops by to discuss her unique journey in finding Christ through a campus ministry which may have been a cult.
If Christianity is essentially a branch of Judaism, which does not have a notion of Heaven, Hell, or Salvation, how did we to a place whether you're in or you're out? That's what frequent guest Dr. Steve Simmons and I discuss in today's episode!
Ryan, Mike, and I discuss what community looks like whether you're in the church or have left it.
For the first time in almost 4 years Ryan Keller, Mike Petrow, and I are back together! Listen in for a great conversation about what community looks like when you're in and have left the church.
Regan and I discuss how Yogaic spirituality informs her Christianity!
Author and speaker, Brian McLaren returns to discuss the future of the church in the light of recent cotroversies and the political climate.
Old friend and fellow nerd, Marc and I discuss everything from Broadway week to his conversion back to Catholicism from Evangelicalism.
Even though I absolutely love every episode, I thought I would share one of my favorite conversations!
Lucas Wilson and I discuss his new book "Shame-Sex Attraction" which chronicles various painful stories of conversion therapy. Below is more info about the book. "We are survivors. We were subjected to dehumanizing practices by people who sought our erasure. We believe telling our stories is both powerful and political. This edited collection brings together the experiences of those who have been subjected to queer conversion therapy - it is an effort to expose conversion practices for what they are - pseudoscientific, bogus, ineffective, and wildly traumatic - and to recognise and listen to survivors. With contributions from Gregory Elsasser-Chavez, Chaim J. Levin, Lexie Bean, Syre Klenke, and many more from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum - this is an attempt to ensure that what happened within these pages cannot - and will not - happen to future generations" Find the book here
Author Liz Charlotte Grant stops by to discuss her new book "Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis after Losing Faith in the Bible" amongst other evangelically stuff. Purchase the book below or from your favorite local book store! Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis after Losing Faith in the Bible
My good friend Nate Smith, who you met on Episode 24, returns with a life update. He and I once again toy around with idea of starting a point/counterpoint about the merits and qualities of the Fast and the Furious franchise!
In this episode Heather, Mark, and I discuss how golden retrievers are like Ted Lasso and more importantly their new book Lunchroom Theology. "In a world fraught with polarization and division—where we form separate tables based on political beliefs, skin color, economic status, theological ideas, and personal preferences—can we find a way to live differently, more aligned with the ways of Jesus? In Lunchroom Theology, Heather Gorman and Mark Nelson confront our societal and theological rifts, and by weaving together scriptural and sociological insights, they expose the many ways our contemporary divisions are mirrored by the church today. Drawing extensively from the life of Jesus and the practices of his early followers, they propose a better way to live in the lunchroom. They beckon us to embody Jesus' John 17 prayer for oneness and to think faithfully and creatively about how to push tables together in our fractured world." Click Here to Purchase Lunchroom Theology
My good friend Jessica Morris shares some life updates specifically her perspective on church.
Sue returns to discuss one of the issues that leads to deconstruction and how we can practically interpret the doctrine of Hell.
In this week's episode, my guest Flux and I discuss how his mental health has impacted his perception of reality and where spirituality, neuroscience, and philosophy have helped him develop a model and framework for his life.
In light of the Robert Morris scandal, Dr. Riddick Weber is back, to discuss how denominational churches differ from non-denominational in their approach to accountability for their pastors.
Dr. Riddick Weber, Moravian professor extraordinaire, stops by to discuss an observation he's made about deconstruction journeys, and how they are less about theology and more about soteriology(doctrine of salvation).
James and I discuss banana slugs, his time in the Orthodox Church, and his coming out after being in a straight marriage.
Dr. Heather and I discuss the recent developments in the Robert Morris abuse scandal. Below is a link to a very helpful interview, which we referenced, with Bob Hamp. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWawzm11P74
Start this one off with a bang...actually a whisper. Jim and I make it through a recording snafu and finally discuss his history growing in mainline christianity, to his time in youth group with yours truly, and ultimately to a place of atheism.
My good friend Rick Dobrowlski and I discuss the pros and cons of the megachurch movement.
My good friends, Dr. Heather Evans and Catherine Wallace discuss where the church has gone wrong in addressing mental health and how it can do it better.
The man that started it all, Johnny Walsh returns to chat where he is on his spiritual journey since we recorded the very first episode of Evancynical.
Nashville pastor, Josh Scott and I discuss why people are afraid of faith shifts, why he still pastors, and his recently released book "Context". https://www.amazon.com/Context-Putting-Scripture-Its-Place/dp/1791032095/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3APUSJKE6JFJV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.cMGkDRh3U8TDajze0gano7cb8Tby8GhSpnqj5KOf683wQY0UMGNx9Tw0DrYLBapiKw9HfjAm__F9L85qDdtjztNyOszhm4jw-vSWnNYvVoEmKm7qySBSKZgLOlJWHdLadbYKmmH9PG3c1Z1OXCEppBxDaK6-yVZIpaF6EZjN6BzW_zoOn5ntDcct9te6feIyKit62pVlkLasw3ZI7Jy2JA.1MAMNVHZh_u06fgQoUYFTqe3vWRVTQwK8vZSbnuxymI&dib_tag=se&keywords=josh+scott+context&qid=1712945324&sprefix=josh+scott%2Caps%2C96&sr=8-1
In this episode I chat with you about Matthew 18:20 and why Jesus is only present when there are two or three of you!
Theologian in residence, Dr. Steve Simmons guides us through the muddy waters of different atonement theories.
We discuss everything from empanadas, Voltron, and modern praise and worship culture.
What does a good church look like? That's what Cindy and I discuss, among other myriad of topics from a bit of purity culture to complementarianism(the idea women can't be pastors).
Adam and I discuss our favorite Friends characters, speaking in tongues, mystery, and his journey of being in heterosexual marriage while struggling with his sexuality.
Maria, Rachel, and I continue our conversation about purity culture.
The purity culture series continues as we discuss what is purity culture, their experiences, and its impact on young people.
Jeremy and I discuss purity culture, its spiritual ramifications, and his experience with it as he struggled with his sexuality.
Megan and I discuss purity culture and her experience of being in a marriage with a partner who was struggling with their sexuality.
Naomi and I discuss growing up in the church, purity culture, her time in a toxic relationship, and how she finally escaped.
My good friend Austin stops by(finally!) and we discuss his life as a pastor's kid, his time as a youth pastor working in an unhealthy environment, and being the lesser halves in our marriages.
Sue and Steve return to discuss their important book about religious "nones" and "dones", Hear Us Out. https://www.amazon.com/Hear-Us-Out-Questions-Belonging/dp/1506489192/ref=sr_1_1?crid=268QOKUK8PN56&keywords=hear+us+out+six+questions+on+belonging+and+belief&qid=1694095975&sprefix=hear+us+out%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-1
We start out this heavy episode with a riveting conversation about Christian education sports, the proper way to pronounce basil, and a plea to send me an email.
Heather, Maria, and I discuss our favorite coffee tumblers and episode two of The Secrets of Hillsong.
Dr. Heather Evans, Maria Greco and I discuss our takeaways from episode 1 of The Secrets of Hillsong.
My good friend and I discuss his journey as a bisexual Christian and clobber verses used to marginalize gay Christians.
Matt and I discuss his upbringing in an evangelical denomination, how theology enlarged his faith, and the intersection of deconstruction and reformed theology.
Steve is back to discuss one of my FAVORITE topics...how to interpret the Bible!
Rachel, Maria, and I chat about the ramifications of burning turkey bacon and more importantly, students are deconstructing their faith and how they are faring.
Beth and I discuss her time growing up in a dysfunctional family, her conversion and ultimate deconstruction out of Evangelicalism, Star Wars(of course), and her new book God's Ex-Girlfriend(link below). https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Ex-Girlfriend-Memoir-Leaving-Evangelical/dp/1632461471/ref=sr_1_1?crid=24BC85SDRXEZ6&keywords=god%27s+ex-girlfriend&qid=1683818838&sprefix=%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-1
Father Andrew and I discuss what drew him to Orthodox Christianity from the Baptist tradition, beauty, and Chick tracks(if you know, you know). Here are some links to Father Andrew's work... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-areopagus/id1227136686 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-lord-of-spirits/id1531206254 https://www.amazon.com/Introduction-God-Encountering-Orthodox-Christianity/dp/1936270994/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682519951&sr=8-1 https://www.amazon.com/Bearing-God-Ignatius-Antioch-God-Bearer-ebook/dp/B077JGJLRB/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682519951&sr=8-3 https://www.amazon.com/Arise-God-Gospel-Christs-Defeat/dp/1955890021/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682519951&sr=8-4 https://www.amazon.com/Orthodoxy-Heterodoxy-Complicated-Religious-Landscape/dp/1944967176/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1682520242&sr=8-5
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