Glorious Things

In our interview with Diana Greenfield, a vicar in the Church of Wales, we delved into her fascinating journey of exploring the intersection between neopaganism and Christianity through her doctoral research titled, “Conversing with the Goddess and the Saint.” Diana's unique perspective sheds light on the importance of embracing diversity in beliefs and coming together with our neighbors who hold different worldviews. By engaging in open and respectful dialogue, we can learn from one another, foster understanding, and build bridges of empathy and compassion. Diana's work challenges us to transcend boundaries and cultivate a spirit of unity and harmony in our communities, regardless of our individual faith trajectories. *** Thank you for listening! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gloriousthingspodcast/message

Join us as we delve into the topic of our evolving relationship with religion and the pressing need for change within organized churches. We explore the significance of persistently addressing issues such as abuse and necessary reforms within the church. Join us as we engage in a thought-provoking discussion on these crucial matters and more. We value your presence and look forward to hearing your insights on these topics. ------------------------------------ Glorious Things is hosted by Shannon Ruddy and Ashley Simmons Follow us on... ⁠tiktok.com/@gloriousthingspod⁠ ⁠instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/⁠ ⁠facebook.com/gloriousthingspod --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gloriousthingspodcast/message

It's Shannon here. I couldn't sleep last night and stumbled on a YouTube video from a podcast called The Diary of a CEO, hosted by a deep-thinking guy called Steven Bartlett. In this episode he is interviewing neuroscientist, Dr. Tara Swart Bieber. She blew my mind in so many ways. That started me thinking about how some of the different topics they were discussing are things we often see in our deconstruction process. I am just speaking my thoughts into the mic as they come, so I hope it brings some life to you, even though it's unfiltered (and I hope my thoughts are not too confusing and messy). I will add The Diary of a CEO YouTube video to our website www.gloriousthingspodcast.com, and will also put a link to that podcast episode below (I am sharing the Spotify link, but you can listen to it anywhere you listen to podcasts) The Diary of a CEO (interview with Dr. Tara Swart Bieber) https://open.spotify.com/episode/4dZEZbWDOjFLOZPMJPsZf1?si=f6336b624d67499c Glorious Things is hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons Follow us on... tiktok.com/@gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ facebook.com/gloriousthingspod --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gloriousthingspodcast/message

Episode 27 Hey friends! We are back with an episode that covers topics on everything from dealing with life & death, doctrines built on disappointments, and our ever-evolving beliefs (just to name a few). Thanks for listening and hanging in there with us as we try our best to get back to a regular publishing schedule. Much love and thanks to you all! We hope you enjoy this episode. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- GLORIOUS THINGS MERCH IS COMING SOON!! Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons Website: gloriousthingspodcast.com Email us at: gloriousthingspodcast@gmail.com Follow us on... tiktok.com/@gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ facebook.com/gloriousthingspod --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gloriousthingspodcast/message

As we examine and heal from the belief systems we were once part of, many of us find ourselves in very different places. Some of us still believe in God, some of us don't. What do these new friendships and spaces look like for us? How can we support one another in our differences? We talk about this and more in this episode. **We'd appreciate it if you would consider leaving us a review and share your favorite episodes with friends. It helps others find our podcast. Thank you!!** ----------------------------------- GLORIOUS THINGS MERCH IS COMING SOON!! Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons Website: www.gloriousthingspodcast.com Email us at: gloriousthingspodcast@gmail.com Follow us on... tiktok.com/@gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ facebook.com/gloriousthingspod --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gloriousthingspodcast/message

We're back! In this episode we talk about what people need vs what the institutional church thinks it needs to stay relevant and alive. We touch on "revival" that the church has been talking about for years, being seen, longing for a family that feels like home, the belief that it's all on us, and a whole lot more. We are glad to be back and happy that you're here. **We'd appreciate it if you would consider leaving us a review. It helps others find our podcast. Thank you!** ----------------------------------------------------- GLORIOUS THINGS MERCH IS COMING SOON!! Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons www.gloriousthingspodcast.com gloriousthingspodcast@gmail.com Follow us on... tiktok.com/@gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ facebook.com/gloriousthingspod --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gloriousthingspodcast/message

Our guest on this episode is Gaz Kishere. He's a friend and the author of a book that we highly recommend. So many of us have walked away from everything we knew when we left organized religion. It's so important to give and receive permission to change our beliefs as we go. We discuss many things, including how we were taught to fear losing what was always free and unorganized Christianity. It's a beautiful conversation that we hope you'll enjoy. You can find Gaz on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/movingthewalls You can buy his book here. ------------------------------------ Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons www.gloriousthingspodcast.com gloriousthingspodcast@gmail.com Follow us on... instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ facebook.com/gloriousthingspod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message

We're finally publishing our December episode mid-January! We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and wish you the best year yet in 2023. In this episode we're covering SO MANY TOPICS: - Navigating grief - Supernatural awkwardness - The Great Deconstruction - What IS salvation, actually? - Floating Southern Baptist drummers - Planks & splinters - Church splits vs reconcilation - "Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God..." (A poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning) and more. Glorious Things is hosted and made in every way by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons. New episodes every month gloriousthingspodcast.com Email us! We'd love to hear from you: gloriousthingspodcast@gmail.com Follow us on... instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ facebook.com/gloriousthingspod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

In this episode we're exploring our beliefs about universalism, God's justice and Love. We also touch on eternity, mammograms and alcoholic beverages. Welcome to the table. We're glad you're here. “I don't mean to water down my Christianity into a vague kind of universalism, with Buddha and Mohommad all being more or less equal to Jesus—not at all! But neither do I want to tell God (or my friends) where He can and cannot be seen! We human beings far too often tend to codify God, to feel that we know where He is and where He is not . . .We live by revelation, as Christians, as artists, which means that we must be careful never to get set into rigid molds. The minute we begin to think we know all the answers, we forget the questions, and we become smug like the Pharisee who listed all his considerable virtues, and thanked God that he was not like other men.” Madeleine L'Engle ---------------------- Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons gloriousthingspodcast.com gloriousthingspodcast@gmail.com Follow us on... instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ facebook.com/gloriousthingspod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

In this episode we ask: Has the church become an idol? To be fair, we answer our question and then discuss the different ways we see this happening. We also talk about loneliness in the journey, connecting with others and more. Do you think the church has become an idol? Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons We want to hear from you! Email us at: gloriousthingspodcast@gmail.com gloriousthingspodcast.com Follow us on... instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ facebook.com/gloriousthingspod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

Episode 1 of Season 2 will be released on November 11, 2022. We've missed you all and we're so excited! Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons gloriousthingspodcast.com gloriousthingspodcast@gmail.com Follow us on... instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ facebook.com/gloriousthingspod --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

We're taking a summer break, but that doesn't mean we won't be publishing some good content. In this short episode Shannon talks about discovering what waiting on God means. She explores how her beliefs are, once again, being stripped bare and rearranged. She also gets honest about injustice and forgiveness and offers a few thoughts on communion. We appreciate you and thank you for continuing to listen and share in this journey with us. The Harkening Deer podcast is mentioned in this episode. The HD episode that we are referring to is called Beloved and you can listen to it here: https://harkeningdeer.buzzsprout.com/188725/10851277?t=0 Glorious Things is hosted and made by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes twice a month! www.gloriousthingspodcast.com Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

In this episode we're discussing the Southern Baptist Convention's list of abuses that was released in the last couple of weeks and we take a look at Christology. What is it and and why is it so important for those of us who want to continue to know and follow Jesus in the midst of all the proverbial crap hitting the fan? The church as we know it is crumbling fast, so... what does that mean for you and I? We also discuss Stranger Things 4, Jesus the compassionate one, and much more. Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes twice a month! gloriousthingspodcast.com Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

We kick off this episode with Ashley's story of her terrible, no good, very bad day. From there we discuss how the Western church as we know it is crashing and crumbling before our eyes. So many of us don't know how to function in a healthy spirituality. As we walk away from the institution and system we've called church, can we live in the simple freedom of Jesus? What does that look like for us? Join as as we discuss these topics and more. Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes twice a month! gloriousthingspodcast.com Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

This week Ashley was watching a documentary called "Hillsong, A Megachurch Exposed". Shannon was listening to a podcast called "Leaving Hillsong". We were a bit overwhelmed by what we heard from those who were used, abused and exploited by the the church. In this episode, we're sharing some of the Hillsong stories. We recall some of our own experiences. We admit we're at a loss and are angry at the injustice. Our hearts are hurting for these people. Where do we go from here? How do we help? We hope you'll listen and share your own thoughts on this situation. And oh yeah, Ashley tells a story of beautiful, healing love towards the end that made us cry. There are some good and amazing people out there who convey the love of God very well, and for that, we are thankful. Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes every other Friday! gloriousthingspodcast.com Donate at: gloriousthingspodcast.com/donate Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

Welcome to this deep dive into our ever evolving beliefs about hell. From our turn or burn past to our current hope filled take on the afterlife. Think you want to skip this one? Oh hell no! Sorry, had to say it. WARNING: We do briefly mention suicide 9 minute and 3 seconds into the episode. We do not discuss it in detail but do talk a little about it. We want to give you a head's up in case it's something you want to skip. You can contact us at gloriousthingspodcast@gmail.com or on our Contact page at www.gloriousthingspodcast.com Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes every other Friday! https://www.gloriousthingspodcast.com/donate Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

We're doing it! We've been asked by a listener to talk about scapegoating and satan. Oh how our views have changed along this journey of ours. We highly recommend going to our website to watch the videos and read the articles we're referencing in this episode. www.gloriousthingspodcast.com Glorious Things is hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes every other Friday! Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

This week we hear from our friend Mark Thomas from Adelaide, Australia. He brings us into his journey as we hear how his perspective on mission and life have changed over the years. He dives deep into some beautiful thoughts about what is sacred and hearing Jesus any place on earth. And there is so much more. It's a deep and fantastic conversation that will make you think and give you hope. Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes every other week! gloriousthingspodcast.com To donate: gloriousthingspodcast.com/donate Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

This week we discuss the weird declaration of war against deconstruction (and all going through the process) by Skillet's lead singer, John Cooper. We also talk about how a lot of Christians seem to feel threatened by any viewpoint other than their own. And finally, we look at Jesus, the compassionate, living Word Himself, who has never declared war on any of us. Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes every Friday! gloriousthingspodcast.com Donate at gloriousthingspodcast.com/donate Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

This week we discuss an article we recently read about a pastor publicly burning books. We go down memory lane to a time when we got rid of all our rock music and troll dolls because we were told they were evil. From there we consider the wide-open freedom God gives to us as human beings. Glorious Things podcast is hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes every Friday! gloriousthingspodcast.com Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

In this episode, we're talking with Leigh Ann Dailey. We hear about her realization that the weight of the world's salvation is not hers to bear alone. We discuss how we learned to measure what was truth and what wasn't in our younger years growing up in church. And how God built a foundation of love and truth in our lives throughout it all. Looking back, we can see that now. And finally, we reminisce about the fact that Leigh Ann and Shannon didn't shower for five days in a row when they first met each other. Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes every Friday! gloriousthingspodcast.com Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

This week we continue our conversation with Sean J. Stevens of the Harkening Deer podcast. We talking about idolizing the Bible, our doctrines, and our own viewpoints, God's healing power (why don't we see it more often?), how the story of Jonah is a story of forgiveness, not judgment, losing faith and more. (And just a head's up and apology for whatever was going on with the mic on our end during some points of this conversation) Sean's website is: https://harkeningdeer.square.site (Seriously, it's wonderful) Glorious Things podcast is hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons. New Episodes every Friday! gloriousthingspodcast.com Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

This week we had the awesome privilege of having Sean J. Stevens from the Harkening Deer podcast with us! In our conversation with him we hear about his journey, his podcast that helps us come into that space and stillness with God that we need so much, raising our children, and how doing life with others who may not believe exactly as we do can be a good and rich experience. As Sean said, there is room at the table for everyone. Join us next week for Part 2 of our conversation with Sean. His website is: https://harkeningdeer.square.site/ (It's wonderful! We highly recommend checking it out.) Glorious Things podcast is hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes every Friday! gloriousthingspodcast.com Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

This week we talk about the God who leaves the 99 to find the 1. We discuss and wonder why we don't see miracles in our own lives or from churches filled with people every Sunday when it only took 12 disciples to follow in Jesus' footsteps as they began to heal the sick and raise the dead. We're friends with God like they were. They were normal people like we are. It's an interesting discussion and we hope you'll enjoy it. Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes every Friday! gloriousthingspodcast.com Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

This week we're discussing how our friend Leigh Ann sent Ashely a message that started us thinking about what triggers us as we untangle ourselves from religion. We're also unpacking how easy it is to sit in darkness or bitterness or bitchiness rather than actually loving people and praying for people who we don't like. Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes every Friday! gloriousthingspodcast.com Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

This week we're discussing spiritual abuse. What kicked it off was Ashley listening to a podcast called The Rise & Fall of Mars Hill by Christianity Today. From there we get in to a little of our own personal experiences with overreaching church powers and how calling it out doesn't necessarily mean you're a rebel - it means the Spirit who lives in you has given you discernment. Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes every Friday! gloriousthingspodcast.com Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

For our Christmas Eve episode we're talking about grief. About how the baby who was born two thousand years ago is truly the same God who steps into our unbearable grief here and now. He stepped into Shannon's grief when her sister died in 2020 and He is here to step into yours too. We are not alone and we are so loved. Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons (and many thanks to Morgan McCormick for her behind the scenes contributions!) New episodes every Friday! gloriousthingspodcast.com Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

In this episode we're discussing how we were brought up to view and read the Bible versus how the early church fathers and thoughtful theologians interpret(ed) it. It makes a big difference in understanding that Jesus truly is the picture of a loving, kind and good Father who doesn't wipe out (or ask us to wipe out) his enemies! We also touch on why a misunderstanding of the Bible leads to twisted doctrines and theology. (Please note: We are OBVIOUSLY not theologians, scholars or historians. Please have some grace as we discuss and figure out these things while on our journey because I guarantee we will get some facts or history wrong, but we are continually working it out as we learn how to study and research biblical history and get to know God more. Thanks!) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

Guest Morgan McCormick joins us to discuss how religion is sometimes used as a manipulation tool with children who grow up in it, exploring our beliefs for ourselves and a thought-provoking email from a friend about untangling toxic beliefs and questions about God as Love. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

On the lighter side, my nieces & I discuss comedy holiday traditions and memories of growing up in church during Christmas. We hope you enjoy! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

This week we get to hear some of Ashley's beautiful story as we discuss our discovery of contemplative prayer and the voice of God. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

We cover a myriad of subjects in this episode: Deconstruction (a word we never knew before we started this podcast), questioning things being taught, hearing God for ourselves (and doing what He said), some Shannon stories and Jesus as the center. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

Our main questions this week are: Where was God when Jesus was on the cross (did he really abandon Jesus)? And why did Jesus have to die if we're all included in his love? So, just a couple of lighthearted questions to get this whole thing started! Hosted by Shannon Ruddy & Ashley Simmons New episodes twice a month! gloriousthingspodcast.com Follow us on... twitter.com/pod_glorious facebook.com/gloriousthingspod instagram.com/gloriousthingspodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support

A lot of us grew up in church. Some of us stayed in the church lifestyle and some of us have been on a different journey. No matter where you are now, I invite you to come with us as we explore what it means to know God for ourselves, outside of the dogmas and denominations we grew up in. What happens when we unpack the Christian beliefs we were raised with and hold them up to Jesus himself? Will they stand? Are they based in love or in fear? Our intent is to ask questions we've had burning in our hearts for a long time and, through conversation, to get the message out that you're loved and worth it and included – and that our questions matter to God. And we have so many questions about pain and hell and scriptures and everyday life and a million other things. We'll see you soon. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gloriousthingspodcast/support