Faith Uncut

Age comes for all of us. Many of us find ourselves in the position of caring for or living with aging parents. This week, we discuss the challenges of caring for others while we care for ourselves. Resources are available to help. If this is not your experience now, it may be one day. This one is important. 

Amera discusses the Body Politic, a new podcast focused on the impact of our politics on Black women and through the lens of Black women. 

Justice work is hard. It is an unending slog through a phalanx of systems that conspire to harm. One victory prompts adaptation which leads to more challenges. We are tired! If you're engaged in the work, this one is for you. It's time to be free.

As America progresses toward what appears to be a theocracy, we discuss what that means, why it is a problem, and what can be done to counteract the inertia.     

We have a problem. Gun control is back in the political fore. This week, we revisit our thoughts from the Bible and Guns episode and discuss what has changed since that initial discussion.  To hear the original episode, listen here: http://faithuncut.com/2018/03/11/bibles-guns/

This week, Mike and Amera join the family over at The Brown Liquor Report podcast to discuss dystopia. Who defines dystopia? Are we in it? How do we navigate this moment in human history. This episode is full of helpful information, sobering truth, and dystopian laughs. We always have a good time when the family reunites. Come and sit with us as we figure out how to thrive in dystopia.

We give God credit when something good happens but when something bad happens, we don't acknowledge God's part in it. Is this inability to credit God  for all of it for our comfort or some other reason? Is the problem God or is it how we think about God?

Churches are looking to return to normal but the world has changed so much since the pandemic began. Is a return to normal possible? This week, we explore what a return for churches could look like. What would a church need to do in this new world to be successful? This is a challenging look into how churches must evolve to address the current reality.

"All that you touch, you Change. All that you Change, Changes you. The only lasting truth is Change. God is Change." (Octavia Butler, Earthseed) The world has changed. We changed it. This week, we discuss the theology that contributed to this current climate crisis, what we can expect, and what we can do about it. 

Guess who's back!! We're alive!   Wonder where we've been? This is that episode. We discuss what we've been into, what happened, and where we're going. Hopefully, we're all going together.  Join us!

Healing is difficult, messy, and necessary work. It is work we do in community. When done right, we are made whole and we have the same impact on those around us. Nickolas Gaines joins us this week to provide a roadmap toward healing. This is a journey for all of us. Let’s begin together. 

Nickolas Gaines joins us again we learn how we can heal and be whole. We deal with the impact of the pandemic on our children and how to navigate all of the changes they are experiencing. Nick introduces the concept of reparenting and how it helps us in our healing process.

The African American religious tradition is varied. One of those traditions is distinctly ours. It was created for and maintained by us. Hoodoo is the faith of our ancestors. Its influences continue to touch most areas of Black American life. In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Iyelli Ichile, as we explore this faith that sustained our ancestors and why it is especially important for us to consider it in the 21st century.

Following the Capitol Insurrection and the role the American Church has played in the events and what preceded it. In this episode, Mike & Amera explore how those events may change the religious landscape.

Rev. Dr. Monica A. Coleman joins us this week as we dive into Process Theology. Dr. Coleman discusses how Process Theology answers the question about evil and suffering, God’s power, and our place in this ever-changing universe. Join us as we liberate our faith!   Check out more of Dr. Coleman's work at https://monicaacoleman.com Process Theology 101 - http://processtheology101.com  Advent Journal - http://bit.ly/MonicaAdvent 

Ahead of the election, we’re discussing the function and power of story.  We look at the hero’s journey in the Bible and the theology of Parable of the Sower, The Color Purple, and Lovecraft Country. All of these tell stories around identity. We are asking who tells our stories and how do we reclaim that power?

Is the separation of Church and State possible when the two are the same? This week, we discuss how and why American Civil Religion performs Christian faith and how the two are radically different. 

Find out where we've been and what we're doing now. 

Nick Cannon found some trouble last week. The ideas that led him there have their roots in Hebrew Israelite theology. This week, we’re talking through those ideas, where they come from, what they mean, and whether they can be the voice of Black liberation and affirmation. 

Pandemic, Protests, and Progress. This week, we’re discussing the impact of 4 weeks of protests against racial injustice. The conversation to Defund the Police is not going anywhere, so provide a Faith Uncut take on the discussion. What does Black Lives Matter mean once we accept that reality? We’re talking about all of it this week. 

Last week, the world lost a beautiful soul, JW Studgeon. Faith Uncut would not exist without him. As we’re preparing to celebrate his life, this week, we’re remembering the last conversation we had with JW. It was filled with beautiful moments. Stay for the end where we captured some candid conversation. 

Black Lives Matter…that’s it. That’s the description.          For more ways to help, D. Danyelle Thomas (https://www.unfitchristian.com) compiled the following list where you can donate:    Bail Funds / Legal Help By City - https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1X4-YS3vFn5CLL9QtJSU0xqmTh_h8XilXgOqGAjZISBI/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwAR1HcptubH71KYLCnCx1EGdXEis5T7iWLwDDwaOZkCBbDLBlZru9A8IA5-k   Minnesota Freedom Fund - https://minnesotafreedomfund.org/donate   Philadelphia Bail Fund - https://www.phillybailfund.org/donate   Memphis Community Bail Fund - http://justcity.org/what-we-do/mcbfund   Atlanta Solidarity Fund - https://atlsolidarity.org/   Louisville Bail Project - https://www.facebook.com/TBPLouisville/   Brooklyn Community Bail Fund - https://brooklynbailfund.org/   Kansas City Action Network - https://actionnetwork.org/fundraising/it-aint-over-legal-fund

This week we take a look at lessons from the Book of Daniel for how marooned communities survive in the Empire. These lessons are especially relevant for where we currently find ourselves. It was a tough week. Come sit with us. 

As states begin to reopen, we discuss why the god of Capitalism requires its human sacrifice. It has always been this way. What can we do to avoid the altar? Join us.

It’s Easter. Stay home. Save lives.    If you are or have been a Black seminarian, don’t forget to register for the National Association of Black Seminarians and Alumni. It’s a community. It’s resources. It’s for you! http://bit.ly/blacksemdirectory  

We’re all experiencing a new way of living. With it, comes anxiety and new challenges to navigate. We’re back to help you through it.    If you are or have been a Black seminarian, don’t forget to register for the National Association of Black Seminarians and Alumni. It’s a community. It’s resources. It’s for you! http://bit.ly/blacksemdirectory

This week we take a break to check in on each other and see how we’re navigating rebuilding. How is it going? What has changed? The self-assessment is important. It’s an off-mic Faith Uncut conversation we had with the mics on. 

This week we’re discussing persecution. What has it meant for Christians and why is it invoked so frequently? Being in power matters. Can you be persecuted while being in the power position?    We also discuss the National Association of Black Seminarians and Alumni, a new organization intended to develop a national network to connect and provide support for both Black seminarians and alumni. The directory link mentioned in the show is: http://bit.ly/blacksemdirectory

Our fourth and final episode of Black History Month 2020, Dr. Roger Sneed joins us to discuss Afrofuturism. We discuss the important role of Afrofuturism as we anticipate liberation. Using our energy to look forward is a powerful tool to affirm us and heal from past wounds. This episode is full of Star Trek, Black Panther, Janelle Monae and all forms of beautiful, Black hope. Dream with us!

This week, we’re discussing the many ways Black people have saved us. We are the heroes. Know us. 

It’s Black History Month! So, we’re continuing the celebration with a look at the institutions we built to build us. We discuss the history of HBCUs, their spiritual foundations, and how they function to educate and equip black scholars despite the obstacles working against them. We need them and they need us!

We’re starting Black History Month off with a look at Black church. Whether you attend or avoid church, the Black church has served, and continues to serve, an important function regarding Black identity. This is a love letter to the institution we built to build us.

We’re back! This episode we attempt to find ways to heal from church hurt, centering around money. There are reasons this particular type of hurt lingers. We explore those, discuss ways to move past that pain, and get into why it’s important for everyone. 

Mike and Amera discuss surviving 2019 and goals for 2020. This episode covers strategies and tools to help you achieve your goals. Are you setting goals that make sense for your life? Does your plan help or hurt your chances of reaching those goals. Help get your 2020 off to a good start with these helpful tips.    Happy Kwanzaa!

This is the season of hope! Mike and Amera discuss Advent, what it means, and their experiences with the season. The element of hope is important to religious and non-religious people. This episode is all about why. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

This week, Mike and Amera open the bible to discuss one of the most difficult portrayals of God. In Joshua 2, God gives Israel the land, only, the land is occupied. When God is the liberator and the conqueror, how do we sit with that? Which lessons can it teach us?    Building on the idea presented in the “Under the Text” episode, this discussion uncovers motives and impact for a God that is both liberator & conqueror. 

Jeremy from the Let's Talk Bruh podcast joins Mike and Amera to discuss how dating during the age of technology is a completely unique experience. It brings new challenges many of us didn't grow up considering. What's different? How do we navigate it? Is there any hope?    Swipe right on this episode, then check out the Let's Talk Bruh podcast: https://letstalkbruh.libsyn.com

“He may not come when you want him, but he’s always on time.”   This week, Mike and Amera challenge the idea of Jesus being on time. The scriptures paint a different picture. Jesus has a reputation. What does it mean if we acknowledge Jesus’ problem with punctuality? 

This week, Mike and Amera discuss navigating the persistent tension we all feel. The tension feels inescapable. Is it possible to escape? If not, how do we learn to live with it? Join the conversation as Mike and Amera discuss helpful strategies when living in tension. 

This week, Mike and Amera discuss Harriet Tubman, the movie and the hero. Who was Harriet Tubman? Why is she so iconic? They discuss the controversy around the casting and the important conversation it caused. 

Kanye is back. That’s it. That’s the description. 

There is a danger to being unseen. The bible is full of stories with memorable protagonists like Jesus, Moses, and Abraham. The stories also contain others. What happens when we see things from the perspective of the other people in these biblical stories? Is the main character as heroic? Does God look like the same God?    This week, we’re looking at those characters who are not the main characters of the story. We are exploring what life is like for them and what that means for us. We’re looking at the people under the text. 

We’re joined again by the Rev. Dr. Asa Lee, Associate Dean at Wesley Theological Seminary. We discuss the phenomenon of Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO) denunciation videos and how the bible is misused to make the case. The Greeks are in the studio to set the record straight. The video we discuss is: https://youtu.be/SPdNQWDKCgc

This week, Rev. Dr. Asa Lee joins us to discuss the reason there is a difference between what is heard in the pulpit and what is taught in religious institutions. We’re looking at the education problem and learning what it will take to bridge the gap. 

This week, Mike and Amera discuss navigating multiple religious traditions in a culture that prioritizes singular religious expression. They look at what it means for your faith as you open it to more, how it could be received and the advantages and disadvantages to spiritual fluidity. 

This week Amera and Mike explore the question "How do we know God?" They look at 8 ways we all encounter the Divine and discuss how to recognize them when you see them.

Issa Faith Uncut Reunion! JW is back this week to share a special story about what's going on with his life since he left the podcast. This one was emotional. DO NOT miss this one!   Hang out after for some unedited bonus content. 

To start season 4, Mike and Amera are starting at the beginning. This week they discuss the purpose and power of myths and how they influence our lives, starting with one of the most famous myths of all.

Are you woke but tired? Is joy harder to find? For the Faith Uncut season 3 finale, we’re joined by Tee Greazy and Janelle from the Reals & Feels podcast. We’re discussing woke levels, things we’ve gained and lost, and how to find joy again without sacrificing your awareness.    Thanks for taking the journey with us this season. We have big plans for season 4.    In the meantime, check out the Reals & Feels podcast for your next joy fix.  https://soundcloud.com/teegreazy

This week, we’re discussing why reparations matters, why it is an issue during the 2020 Presidential election, and what key points to listen for as the candidates make their case for reparations.