Evangelicalish

Follow Evangelicalish
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Weekly Livestreams on YouTube on Wed nights at 9pm Est featuring TikTok creators Paul Swearengin (@pastorpaul_tiktok), Jeremy Coleman (@pastorfromok) and April Ajoy (@aprilajoy) + guests. Discussing the good, the bad and the ugly of the American evangel

Evangelicalish


    • Mar 27, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 11m AVG DURATION
    • 157 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Evangelicalish podcast is a breath of fresh air for anyone who has experienced disillusionment with the evangelical church. As someone who has been "unchurched" for over half their life, I found solace and validation in the voices, stories, and perspectives shared on this podcast. It was a relief to know that there are others out there who love Jesus but recognize the harm that the evangelical church can inflict on people. The hosts create a safe space for church rejects to learn, grow, and feel less alone while also sharing a genuine message of God's love.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to dismantle the harmful connection between faith and politics. The hosts emphasize that when Christians allow their faith to be guided by their political views, they distort the teachings of Christ. The podcast serves as a reminder of what the Bible actually teaches, rather than allowing politicians to twist God's words to suit their own agendas.

    Another great aspect of Evangelicalish is its relatability. The hosts, who are former pastors and a former conservative themselves, bring a wealth of knowledge about biblical scholarship and evangelical talking points. They break down complex issues in an easily digestible way that resonates with listeners who may not even be sure where they stand on faith and religion.

    However, one possible downside of this podcast could be that it focuses primarily on deconstructing faith rather than providing guidance or support for those who still wish to maintain their Christian beliefs within a different framework. While it's clear that many listeners find comfort in hearing stories of deconstruction, those seeking ways to navigate their evolving faith may need additional resources.

    In conclusion, The Evangelicalish podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone going through deconstruction or questioning their faith within the context of evangelicalism. It offers a safe space, relatable conversations, and thought-provoking discussions about religion and politics. By challenging traditional beliefs and bringing light to the harm caused by the evangelical church, this podcast is a beacon of hope for those seeking an alternative path to spirituality.



    Search for episodes from Evangelicalish with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Evangelicalish

    Can Paul Survive MAGA? Part 2 - Ashley Breaks Down Paul's Guest Spot on Rightwing Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 76:02


    Listen to Paul on the Marc Kapetan PodcastBuy Paul's Book: Religious Right Religiously WrongBuy Evangelicalish SWEET SWAG: Clothes, Candles, Water Bottles, Coffee CupsISH Socials:TikTokYouTubeInstaGramFacebookPrivate Facebook Group (Must request entry)

    Can Paul Survive MAGA? Ashley Breaks Down Paul's Guest Spot on Rightwing Radio

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2025 69:11


    Listen to Paul on the Marc Kapetan PodcastBuy Paul's Book: Religious Right Religiously WrongBuy Evangelicalish SWEET SWAG: Clothes, Candles, Water Bottles, Coffee CupsISH Socials:TikTokYouTubeInstaGramFacebookPrivate Facebook Group (Must request entry)

    The Comfort of the Mob or Courage of a Spirit of Christ

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 9:25


    Why do people join a sectarian church community? Or MAGA? Or a mindset group like conspiracy theory followers? It's to gain identity from inclusion in that group. Too often, that group turns inward to become an "us" and soon starts looking to demonize "them" - those who are not us. And once demonization and dehumanization starts of "them," out come the torches and pitchforks and everyone better LOOK OUT! Getting out of the mob is messy and scary and, according to Pastor Paul... totally worth it. Come listen to the Unconventional Conversation.

    Jesus Did NOT Call the Woman at the Well a "Sinner": Snarky Bible Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 11:51


    @evangelicalish on YouTube  https://youtu.be/MzRV88hdc5U

    Jesus Didn't Speak English? Learning from the Aramaic Jesus

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 65:40


    It shocks western Christians sometimes to realize Jesus isn't American and didn't speak English. Neil Douglas-Klotz, PHD has written about Jesus through the language or Aramaic, which was Jesus' actual native tongue. The book is an approach to Jesus's recorded words and teachings to answer many questions clearly and consistently, even if unexpectedly, no matter which Gospel one has in their hands. Paul and Ashley discuss with Dr. Klotz why Aramaic's multiple meanings can provide revelation and even transformation through the way of the prophet of Nazareth. It shows how Jesus's deepest teachings address contemporary challenges, such as our relationships with nature and each other, as well as the purpose of life itself.

    Deadly Faith: When Horror and Religion Collide; Laci and Lori of the Deadly Faith Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 68:05


    https://deadly-faith.simplecast.com/https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhMS1GGKTssMhDEWeA4ZlFnh7cMmLINIhhttps://www.instagram.com/deadlyfaithpodcast/

    LA Wildfire Facts over Fox News: Fire Chief Kerri Donis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 74:17


    Kerri Donnis served as the fire chief of the City of Fresno (CA) fire department for over nine years, the first bio female to serve in the position, and worked in the fire service for almost three decades. She will share her perspective on the horrifying tragedy in LA and help us cut through the political fiction that is truly endangering the lives of people and is creating a division in a time when our country's leadership ought to be bringing us together. Let's get some facts, not more Fox News on the subject as Retired Chief Donnis joins Paul and Ashley on Evangelicalish.

    Good Year or Good Riddance? Let's Review (or Curse) 2024 w/ Paul and Ashley

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 72:22


    It was a year that put Trump back on the cover of Time Magazine and headed back to the White House, but a lot of other things happened, as well. Was it a good year? Or a tragic one? And can the Bible or history tell us what the answer may be? Let's discuss in this episode of the Evangelicalish Podcast with Paul and Ashley Swearengin

    Manipulated by the Trans in Sports Issue: An Unconventional Conversation w/ Pastor Paul

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2024 34:27


    Why are dozens of states banning trans athletes when there are at most 10 trans women participation in college athletics out of some 510,000 athletes? Because, as so many times in history, political and religious leaders want the demonization of a people group the gather to themselves political power. Pastor Paul shares why the issue of trans women in sports is NOT an issue at all, but rather is simply a manipulation tool of the extreme right, generating hatred amongst people and deep fear in the trans community. We can do better. Listen in and be ready to think, to be introspective and to grow. #Evangelicalish #ReligiousRightReligiouslyWrong #postevangelical #UnconventionalPastor #GodIsNOTmadAtYou #MindRenewal #Rethink @UnconventionalPastorPaul #WellBeing #Deconstruction #reconstruction

    Regrets? We've Had a Few. Q&A with P&A

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2024 69:08


    What does Paul regret most in his ten years as a Sr Pastor in an evangelical Church? What would Ashley tell her 21 year old self, getting ready to be married? Paul and Ashley dig into their past and learn about their present spirituality through difficult questions about the evangelical life they've known throughout their existence. Come on a memory lane trip that's insightful into this world of the evangelical... ISH. And what it's like to be freed of the shackles of the world inside a church building! #evangelicalish #religiousrightreligiouslywrong #unconventionalpastorpaul

    You Lied to Me About God! Dr. Jamie Marich on Spiritual Pilgrimage

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2024 79:26


    Jamie+ Marich, Ph.D., LPCC-S, REAT, RYT-500 (she/they)Founder and CEO, The Institute for Creative MindfulnessApproved Trainer and Consultant in EMDR Therapywww.redefinetherapy.comwww.instituteforcreativemindfulness.comwww.jamiemarich.comNow available for pre-order- The Dissociation Made Simple Flipchart (June 2024) and You Lied to Me About God: A Memoir (October 2024) Virtual book tours: www.redefinetherapy.com

    UGH! Home for Christmas? Reclaiming the Holidays in a Divided World; w/ Therapist Naomi Wiens

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 70:26


    The holidays have always been difficult for many. Are they even more difficult in this post-COVID, crazy political world? Naomi Wiens is an LMFT who works with adolescents, adults, and couples with a relational and dynamic approach. As a professional working with religious trauma and spiritual reclamation, embodiment, identity formation, dream & shadow work, grief/loss, cultural and generational trauma, and working with artists and creativity, can she help us conquer the holiday blues? Join Paul and Ashley for this fascinating and important discussion. #Evangelicalish #ReligiousRightReligiouslyWrong #postevangelical #UnconventionalPastor #GodIsNOTmadAtYou #MindRenewal #Rethink @UnconventionalPastorPaul #WellBeing #Deconstruction #reconstruction

    Reviving the Global Heart, After a Heartbreaking Election: With Joe Weston

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 82:45


    Joe Weston is an international facilitator, author, lecturer, consultant, coach, professor, and-above all else-an advocate for lasting peace. He speaks to a revival of the "global heart." How do we revive the global heart when so many are broken hearted after America's election day this past week. Paul and Ashley discuss this with Weston who has a career spanning 30+ years in the fields of conflict prevention, leadership, stress management, and communication. He is a highly sought-after thought leader and trainer for individuals, as well as corporations, government agencies and nonprofits around the world. The Weston Network: https://joeweston.com/weston-network/ Respectful Confrontation: https://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Resp... Fierce Civility Project: https://fiercecivility.org/ #Evangelicalish #ReligiousRightReligiouslyWrong #postevangelical #UnconventionalPastor #GodIsNOTmadAtYou #MindRenewal #Rethink @UnconventionalPastorPaul #WellBeing #Deconstruction #reconstruction 

    Post Election Day: What Do We Do Now? James Fallows, Writer & Political Expert

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 71:20


    James Fallows once served as chief White House speechwriter for Jimmy Carter and now writes 'Breaking the News' on Substack and has a new article about California's promising future in WIRED magazine. Fallows is a longtime book and magazine writer, whose most recent of 12 books, "Our Towns," co-authored with his wife Deborah Fallows, was a national best-seller and the basis of a 2021 HBO documentary. His perspective, the day after the 2024 election will be riveting conversation with Ashley and Paul and will be cathartic for us all! Nonpaywalled version of Jim's Wired piece: https://www.wired.com/story/californi... Today's Substack (non paywalled) https://fallows.substack.com/p/electi... Nick Lemann in the New Yorker https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/20... #Evangelicalish #ReligiousRightReligiouslyWrong #postevangelical #UnconventionalPastor #GodIsNOTmadAtYou #MindRenewal #Rethink @UnconventionalPastorPaul #WellBeing #Deconstruction #reconstruction

    Reviving the Global Heart, After a Heartbreaking Election: With Joe Weston

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2024 82:45


    Joe Weston is an international facilitator, author, lecturer, consultant, coach, professor, and-above all else-an advocate for lasting peace. He speaks to a revival of the "global heart." How do we revive the global heart when so many are broken hearted after America's election day this past week. Paul and Ashley discuss this with Weston who has a career spanning 30+ years in the fields of conflict prevention, leadership, stress management, and communication. He is a highly sought-after thought leader and trainer for individuals, as well as corporations, government agencies and nonprofits around the world. The Weston Network Respectful Confrontation Fierce Civility Project #Evangelicalish #ReligiousRightReligiouslyWrong #postevangelical #UnconventionalPastor #GodIsNOTmadAtYou #MindRenewal #Rethink @UnconventionalPastorPaul #WellBeing #Deconstruction #reconstruction

    Post Election Day: What Do We Do Now? James Fallows, Writer & Political Expert

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2024 71:20


    James Fallows once served as chief White House speechwriter for Jimmy Carter and now writes 'Breaking the News' on Substack and has a new article about California's promising future in WIRED magazine. Fallows is a longtime book and magazine writer, whose most recent of 12 books, "Our Towns," co-authored with his wife Deborah Fallows, was a national best-seller and the basis of a 2021 HBO documentary. His perspective, the day after the 2024 election will be riveting conversation with Ashley and Paul and will be cathartic for us all! - Nonpaywalled version of Jim's Wired piece: https://www.wired.com/story/california-will-keep-moving-the-world-forward/?utm_source=rfaf - Today's Substack (non paywalled) https://fallows.substack.com/p/election-countdown-the-day-after - Nick Lemann in the New Yorker https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2024/11/04/bidenomics-is-starting-to-transform-america-why-has-no-one-noticed #Evangelicalish #ReligiousRightReligiouslyWrong #postevangelical #UnconventionalPastor #GodIsNOTmadAtYou #MindRenewal #Rethink @UnconventionalPastorPaul #WellBeing #Deconstruction #reconstruction

    Women's Values Represented in Places of Power? Election 2024 with Liz Erickson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 69:05


    Liz Erickson has been on the front lines for some time, working to ensure the rights and values of women have representation in all levels of government and societal power. As Senior Director of Strategic Programs at Supermajority, how does she feel as, at times, it seems we are sliding back to Make America Male Dominated Again? Join Ashley and Paul for this important and fascinating discussion. #Evangelicalish #ReligiousRightReligiouslyWrong #postevangelical #UnconventionalPastor #GodIsNOTmadAtYou #MindRenewal #Rethink @UnconventionalPastorPaul #WellBeing #Deconstruction #reconstruction

    Election 2024: Keeping Our Heads as All Others Lose Theirs; Joaquin Alvarado

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 69:26


    Joaquin Alvarado has been at the forefront of the changing world journalism in the U.S. for more than two decades and has his finger on the pulse of the country as much as anyone. Where are we as we head into this election? Will we recover or are we forever changed. Join Paul and Ashley for this compelling discussion. #Evangelicalish #ReligiousRightReligiouslyWrong #postevangelical #UnconventionalPastor #GodIsNOTmadAtYou #MindRenewal #Rethink @UnconventionalPastorPaul #WellBeing #Deconstruction #reconstruction

    Election 2024: Keeping Our Heads as All Others Lose Theirs; Joaquin Alvarado

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 70:35


    Election 2024: Keeping Our Heads as All Others Lose Theirs; Joaquin Alvarado Joaquin Alvarado has been at the forefront of the changing world journalism in the U.S. for more than two decades and has his finger on the pulse of the country as much as anyone. Where are we as we head into this election? Will we recover or are we forever changed. Join Paul and Ashley for this compelling discussion. #Evangelicalish #ReligiousRightReligiouslyWrong #postevangelical #UnconventionalPastor #GodIsNOTmadAtYou #MindRenewal #Rethink @UnconventionalPastorPaul #WellBeing #Deconstruction #reconstruction

    Rightwingers Gone Wild: What's Wrong w/Trump's Admiration of a "Hot" Female Artist & a Podcasters Admiration of Putin?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2024 22:28


    See why rightwingers have truly lost their way as we see people talk about their anger at being called racist, a woman's disappointment that Haitians have ruined her chance to be an angry cat lady and why a church music leader sees beings in heaven getting castrated! You can also watch on YouTube, Here

    The Wisdom of Hobbits & Heretics: Matthew Distefano of Heretic Happy Hour

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2024 46:20


    On this edition of Evangelicalish, Paul and Ashley talk about handling anxiety around the upcoming election and then pull a previously unaired interview with Matthew Distefano of the Holy Heretics Podcast on his second most recent book discussion how learning of the life of charming hobbits and their Shire-based lives - though not a religious society, the author argues that spiritual truths-love, kindness, generosity, hope, and compassion - can teach us a lot about humanity and how to live a joyful, heretical life. Come join Paul and Ashley for this episode. The Wisdom of Hobbits book Heresy After Hours Facebook Group

    Star Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding True Faith

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2024 66:01


    April Ajoy wouldn't have called herself a Christian Nationalist when she performed her original song “America Say Jesus” on the Jim Bakker show, or when she participated in Jesus Marches across America, or when she posted cringe-worthy videos on YouTube to campaign for Mitt Romney. April just considered herself a good Christian: faithful, Republican, and determined to make America a Christian nation once again. But as her view of the world widened, Ajoy began to see cracks in her steadfast beliefs and recognized the ways her conservative politics and religion were intertwined in her mind. Join Paul and Ashley as they talk with April Ajoy, content creator and podcast host, exploring how aspects of evangelical culture such as product boycotts, Satanic panic, and end-times theology have all been exploited to advance the Christian Nationalist narrative. April's Book - Star Spangled Jesus Find Paul & Ashley and Evangelicalish

    An OffRamp for RightWing Faith Voters: Doug Pagitt, Vote Common Good

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 74:18


    Doug Pagitt says it's important to helping faith voters to detach from a republican voting identity if they wish to. Pagitt, a former Evangelical Pastor from the emergent church movement, feels his organization, Vote Common Good, was able to help shift 5 to 10 percent of Evangelicals away from Republicans. Can they do it again or more in 2024 from supporting a party that Doug says is about “policies of division, racism, selfishness, cruelty, and exclusion”? Join the discussion on this week's episode. #Evangelicalish #ReligiousRightReligiouslyWrong #postevangelical #UnconventionalPastor #GodIsNOTmadAtYou #MindRenewal #Rethink @UnconventionalPastorPaul #WellBeing #Deconstruction #reconstruction

    Patriotism is NOT a godly duty, but is it one of loving your neightbor?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2024 64:25


    Join Paul and Ashley for this week's discussion about the political swing in evangelicalism from politics as “dirty and worldly” to today's view of “godly duty” from declarations of whom to vote for from the pulpit and singing patriotic songs in worship services. But can "Seek the welfare of your city" (Jeremiah 23:7) change our view of what it means for a Christian to be civically engaged? #Evangelicalish #ReligiousRightReligiouslyWrong #postevangelical #UnconventionalPastor #GodIsNOTmadAtYou #MindRenewal #Rethink @UnconventionalPastorPaul #WellBeing #Deconstruction #reconstruction

    Death is Not Only Important, but is a Beautiful Part of Life

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 11:29


    When a person wants to stay in the comfort of status quo, they can give up the change for something new to come into their lives. In this special Evangelicalish released edition of Unconventional Conversations w/ Pastor Paul we see how wisdom from the ancient Torah and New Testament demonstrate we can find amazing new opportunities when we embrace the mourning of endings of seasons, relationships, belief systems and all kinds of things before they have to be pried from our cold dead hands.

    Rightwingers Gone Wild: Lizard People & Racist Jokes

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 37:22


    What do Lizard People OverLords have to do with Tim Walz, VP Candidate? Well one rightwing preacher wants you to know, and Pastor Paul has the skinny in this special Evangelicalish offering of Pastor Paul's Rightwinger's Gone Wild - this week's look at those who no longer have eyes to see and ears to hear

    Jesus; Christian Nationalist? How Did We Get Here?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2024 68:07


    Christianity has not always been about politics and anti-abortion and anti-gay extremism. This was a long planned grooming of Christians to get to this point. Now here we are - what do we do about it? Join Paul and Ashley to discuss live how a political operative name Paul Weyrich has done more to shape American Christianity than any pastor ever dreamed. Sign up to potentially win a free copy of Pastor Paul's Novel and/or to be a Birthday Book Ambassador Sign up for the Evangelicalish Zoom Gathering on Christian Nationalism and receive you Zoom Link

    Expelled for Affirming Love; But Not Guiilty: Thomas Jay Oord

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2024 76:35


    Expelled for Affirming Love; But Not Guiilty: Thomas Jay Oord Join Paul and Ashley as they find out why Pastor, theologian and author Thomas J. Oord was will to withstand an official heresy trial by the Church of the Nazarene. The charge: teaching against church doctrine and misconduct for calling the church to become LGBTQ+ inclusive. And why the guilty verdict that accused Oord of leading serious offenses of which the denomination said "...Only eternity will show how many souls have been led astray through his false teaching" shook his life, took his ordination, but didn't change his mind. Find Dr Oord here: Website: https://thomasjayoord.com/ Center for Open and Relational Theology: https://c4ort.com/ Dr. Oord's books on Amazon, Including "God After Deconstruction:" https://www.amazon.com/stores/Thomas-Jay-Oord/author/B001H6OGWE?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1726177418&sr=8-2&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

    Things We Believed That Are Hard to Shake: Paul and Ashley

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2024 62:42


    Things We Believed That Are Hard to Shake: Paul and Ashley Even in the midst of or after deconstruction of our beliefs, there are some things that are difficult to get out of our minds and emotional systems. What are some old Christian beliefs that still haunt you? Listen in as Paul and Ashley share some of the most difficult beliefs for them to shake!

    Expelled for Affirming Love; But Not Guiilty: Thomas Jay Oord

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2024 33:28


    Expelled for Affirming Love; But Not Guiilty: Thomas Jay Oord Join Paul and Ashley as they find out why Pastor, theologian and author Thomas J. Oord was will to withstand an official heresy trial by the Church of the Nazarene. The charge: teaching against church doctrine and misconduct for calling the church to become LGBTQ+ inclusive. And why the guilty verdict that accused Oord of leading serious offenses of which the denomination said "...Only eternity will show how many souls have been led astray through his false teaching" shook his life, took his ordination, but didn't change his mind. Find Dr Oord here: Website: https://thomasjayoord.com/ Center for Open and Relational Theology: https://c4ort.com/ Dr. Oord's books on Amazon, Including "God After Deconstruction:" https://www.amazon.com/stores/Thomas-Jay-Oord/author/B001H6OGWE?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2&qid=1726177418&sr=8-2&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true

    Reclaiming Traumatic Spaces

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 50:11


    trauma can resurface due to familiar places, relationships and even references to faith in our past. As Paul's 1946 the Movie Road Tour takes him across the country, he stopped in the town of Springfield, MO, which holds many painful memories and he and Ashley discuss dealing with trauma and the work to reclaim lost spaces

    Laughing Through Deconstruction: Evangelicalish Convo with the Libtarts

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2024 66:00


    Four talented women, out of boredom, perhaps, started sharing their feelings on a changing world through their gifts for comedy, music and theater. Hear their story as the Libtarts share their world with Paul and Ashley and why sometimes humor is the very best way to share truth and love. Watch some of their videos here: Illegal In Texas - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP81NSPP5/ Alabama Moms - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP81NYucK/ If Abortion Laws Applied to Men - https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP81NADXp/

    Homosexuality: Deconstructing & Reconstructing Our Theology

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2024 66:10


    Paul and Ashley discuss how opening one's mind to learn other views of the evangelical theology on queerness can not only be freeing for the person, but life-saving to those around them. Paul is in Houston on the 1946 the Movie Road Tour sharing about the dangers of Christian Nationalism, its roots in weaponized abortion theology and the mistranslation of the “gay clobber passages” in the Bible. This podcast was recorded on Aug. 7, 2024. #1946roadtrip ​⁠ Evangelicalish.com ​⁠ Pastor-paul.com

    We Met Sarah Palin_ Our Journey w_ Christian Nationalism

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2024 51:43


    In part 2 of their series on how they were in the middle of evangelicalism as Christian Nationalism had its rise around them, Paul and Ashley share about meeting Sarah Palin just after the 2008 election and about friends who tried to recruit them to be devotees to QAnon conspiracy theories. It's a wild tale of a wild shift in relgious people. And Paul and Ashley saw it all happening - up close and personal! #Evangelicalish #ReligiousRightReligiouslyWrong #postevangelical #UnconventionalPastor #GodIsNOTmadAtYou #MindRenewal #Rethink @UnconventionalPastorPaul #WellBeing #Deconstruction #reconstruction

    We Saw Christian Nationalism Coming... Up Close and Personal

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2024 71:35


    Ashley was running for mayor of the city of Fresno, CA. Paul was leading a group that was starting a new evangelical church. Why did they feel like such a bad fit in an evangelical religion growing evermore extreme and evermore political? Listen as Paul and Ashley share of the journey, including sitting at a table at the National Prayer Breakfast with Ted Cruz AND Nancy Pelosi and being invited to a supremely cringey meeting with Doug Coe, leader of the infamous "Family," a secretive Christian group operating in Washington D.C.

    Celebrating Freedom___ _freedom from religion_

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2024 60:22


    Paul and Ashley share moments on their journey of freedom from religion and how they are looking forward emotionally and spiritually. Also discuss how to keep one's head as dark moments such as SCOTUS ruling this week and discuss a new fave YouTube show @antibot

    Debating the Debate: WTF Just Happened

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2024 61:25


    Paul and Ashley Swearengin shared their live reactions immediately after the June 27 debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. It was a painful moment. Come process with us!

    ISH Reunion: Paul, Jeremy and April Together One Last Time

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 88:49


    In this episode, Jeremy returns with Paul for April's last episode as co-host of Evangelicalish. The 3 talk about the upcoming election, react to a few Evangelicringe videos and discuss plans for the future. Jeremy and April share their new endeavors and Paul talks about their plans for the future of Evangelicalish. Paul and Ashley (Paul's wife) will return with Evangelicalish next week. Follow Jeremy @pastorfromok Follow April @aprilajoy and pre-order her book Star-Spangled Jesus. Follow Paul @unconventionalpastorpaul and follow @evangelicalish everywhere.

    Everybody Goes to Hell In Somebody Else's Religion with Candi Carpenter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2024 73:00


    Singer, Songwriter, Musician Candi Carpenter (@candicarpenter on social media platforms) joins April and Paul to discuss their new album Demonology, with the great song "Everybody Goes to Hell," and how they got to where they are after deconstructing their Christian upbringing. Follow Candi and check out her music: www.candicarpenter.com

    The Bible's Data vs Pride Month Dogma with Dr. Dan McClellan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2024 70:07


    Dr. Dan McClellan is back! He joins Paul and April to talk about what the Bible actually says when it comes to all of the "clobber" passages certain Christians like to use against LGBTQ people. Dan McClellan is a public scholar of the Bible and religion. He received his PhD in theology and religion from the University of Exeter. In 2022 he published YHWH's Divine Images: A Cognitive Approach as an open-access book. He worked for a decade as a scripture translation supervisor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and in 2023 transitioned to full-time public scholarship. He goes by @maklelan across several social media platforms, as well as on the Data Over Dogma Podcast, where he seeks to increase public access to the academic study of the Bible and religion and combat the spread of misinformation about the same.

    The Exvangelicals with Sarah McCammon

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2024 59:27


    This week, April and Paul have a conversation with Sarah McCammon, the author of The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church, a 2024 book that is part memoir and part journalism, about the movement of people who grew up inside the powerful evangelical subculture and ultimately left it behind. Sarah McCammon is a National Political Correspondent for NPR and co-host of the NPR Politics Podcast. Her work focuses on political, social and cultural divides in America, including abortion policy and the intersections of politics and religion. She's also a frequent guest host for NPR news programs.

    Heaven Bent: A Conversation with Tara Jean Stevens

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 73:48


    Tara Jean Stevens joins April and Paul to talk about recent church controversies, such as IHOPKC, and the manipulation that is easily found in these environments. Her chart-topping podcast, Heaven Bent, a spotlights Pentecostal and Charismatic movements and helps victims and survivors find healing through telling their stories. Tara Jean has also been a fan-favorite on Vancouver radio & TV, for nearly 25 years. Today, you can hear her Smooth Jazz morning show, weekdays, on WAVE 98.3 - Vancouver's Coolest Vibe. Listen to Heaven Bent Podcast Follow Heaven Bent on social media

    Taking Off the Tinfoil Hat: Conspiracies in Christianity

    Play Episode Listen Later May 14, 2024 75:23


    Cynane Shay of Taking off the Tinfoil Hat joins April and Paul for a chat about conspiracy theories within evangelicalism. Cynane is a nuclear engineer living in South Carolina. Her childhood in White Christian Nationalism (Florida-style) normalized conspiracy theories like Obama Birtherism and the Biblical apocalypse; but 2020, with COVID and Qanon, finally made her realize something was deeply wrong. Now Cynane is writing a book, “Taking Off the Tinfoil Hat: How Lizard People and Space Lasers Dismantled my Christian Worldview,” to process the deconstruction of her fundamentalist evangelicalism and her propagandistic patriotism. Losing loved ones to the pandemic was a tragedy, but losing loved ones to the rabbit hole was its own tragedy and Cynane needed to understand the “why.” So from Flat Earth to the IBLP cult to Jewish space lasers, she pulled the thread, cracked her faith, and found the inseparable link between cults, conspiracy theories, and American White Christian Nationalism. TakingOffTheTinfoilHat.com

    The History of Christian Zionism

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2024 68:19


    April and Paul talk with historian Daniel Hummel on the history of Christian Zionism: what it is, how it started, who espouses it and the harm it causes today. Daniel G. Hummel is the Director of The Lumen Center in Madison, WI and a research fellow in the History Department at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He received his PhD in American history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has been a research fellow at the Institute for Research in the Humanities and the Harvard Kennedy School at Harvard University. He is the author of two books: Covenant Brothers: Evangelicals, Jews, and U.S.-Israel Relations and The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism: How the Evangelical Battle Over the End Times Shaped a Nation. Keep up with Daniel's work: www.danielghummel.com Get his latest book titled The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism: How the Evangelical Battle Over the End Times Shaped a Nation.

    Becoming a Guncle : From Publicly Outed to Proudly Out with Jonathan Merritt

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 56:57


    Author and award-winning columnist Jonathan Merritt joins Paul and April to discuss his journey from being publicly outed to being proudly out and his new children's book My Guncle and Me. He also talks about his own faith, his relationship with his pastor parents and his inspiration to write My Guncle and Me. Buy the book: www.myguncleandme.com Connect with Jonathan's work. www.jonathanmerritt.com Follow Jonathan: @JonathanMerritt Stay connected or support us by visiting our website: evangelicalish.com Follow the Evangelicalish team on Tiktok, IG, FB & X: @evangelicalish, @aprilajoy @unconventionalpastorpaul,

    Hell is a World Without You - Growing up Evangelical

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2024 77:51


    Jason Kirk joins Paul and April for a fun conversation about growing up evangelical. Jason is the author of the funny ex-vangelical novel Hell Is A World Without You and co-host of Vacation Bible School — a podcast with his wife, Emily. We also react to clips of Pastor Mark Driscoll and the drama he caused at the Stronger Men's Conference this past weekend. Get Jason Kirk's novel: https://www.jasonkirk.fyi/p/novel Follow Jason: @JasonKirk_fyi Stay connected or support us by visiting our website: evangelicalish.com Follow the Evangelicalish team on Tiktok, IG, FB & X: @evangelicalish, @aprilajoy @unconventionalpastorpaul,

    Deconstructing "Traditional" Marriage

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2024 70:38


    Dr. Dana Hicks, author of The Knot, joins April and Paul for a discussion about new ways to think about marriage. Dana has researched marriage and divorce, and lived through both himself, even when he was a pastor. His conclusion? There's got to be a better way than what some call "biblical" marriage. Get connected with Dana's work: danahicks.blog Get his book: The Knot: How to Secure Healthy, Modern Relationships While Not Being Tied to Marriage's Past Stay connected or support us by visiting our website: evangelicalish.com Follow the Evangelicalish team on Tiktok, IG, FB & X: @evangelicalish, @aprilajoy @unconventionalpastorpaul,

    1946: The Biblical Mistranslation That Shifted Culture

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2024 64:50


    Is it true the word "homosexual" was never in any version of the Bible until 1946? And, if so, how did it get into so many different english translations? Rocky Roggio, Director of the movie 1946: The Mistranslation That Shifted Culture, joins April and Paul again to discuss their groundbreaking documentary, the heart behind and how to watch it now. To watch and learn more about the film visit: www.1946themovie.com Follow the Evangelicalish team on Tiktok, IG, FB & X:  @evangelicalish, @aprilajoy @unconventionalpastorpaul

    Disruptive, Authentic, Inclusive: Pastor Kristian A. Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 86:11


    April and Paul talk with Kristian Smith, a pastor and host of the Holy Smokes: Cigars and Spirituality Podcast. Kristian identifies as a Spiritual Humanist and is doing great work in the deconstruction space. In this episode, he discusses his journey to becoming LGBTQ affirming, White evangelicalism, the Black church and being a Spiritual Humanist. We also react to some Evangelicringe videos. Get connected with Kristian's work: www.holysmokesmovement.com Follow Kristian online: @thekristianasmith Stay connected or support us by visiting our website: evangelicalish.com Follow the Evangelicalish team on Tiktok, IG, FB & X: @evangelicalish, @aprilajoy @unconventionalpastorpaul,

    You Will Always Belong: Matthew Paul Turner

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2024 76:50


    Renowned children's book author Matthew Paul Turner joins April and Paul to talk about his journey to being an openly gay Christian man and the impact his own embrace of authenticity has had on the books he writes. Get his latest book: You Will Always Belong Follow Matthew on social media: @matthewpaulturner Stay connected or support us by visiting our website: evangelicalish.com Follow the Evangelicalish team on Tiktok, IG, FB & X: @evangelicalish, @aprilajoy @unconventionalpastorpaul,

    The New Evangelicals, Super Tuesday & The Election

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 82:21


    Tim Whitaker joins Paul and April to talk about what it means to be a new evangelical and why he started his nonprofit The New Evangelicals. We also discuss the white evangelical affect on the election, Super Tuesday and why Trump is still the chosen one. Then we react to videos in our new segment Evangelicringe. Follow Tim and TNE @thenewevangelicals or visit their website: thenewevangelicals.com Stay connected or support us by visiting our website: evangelicalish.com Follow the Evangelicalish team on Tiktok, IG, FB & X: @evangelicalish, @aprilajoy @unconventionalpastorpaul,

    Claim Evangelicalish

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel