Pilgrims and Prodigals | Exploring Religion and Philosophy

Keith, Ben, and Nate talk about some big changes that are coming to the show. They also have their friend Alex on the show to discuss the impact the show has had on her life personally. We hope you enjoy this episode as we reminisce on the past two years of our lives and look forward to the future See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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Keith gets Andrew Jasko on the line to have a talk about healing from spiritual abuse. They cover alot of topics in this series so keep a keen ear open to catch it all. They cover everything from their past and what has led them to the place that they are individually at to meditation. Stay tuned for another great episode of Pilgrims and Prodigals podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is our final installment of our conversation with Professor Dan Ipollito from Anderson University. We wrap up our talk about evolution and hear his final thoughts on the matter. We had a great time interviewing him and can't wait to have him in the studio again. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is our second installment of our interview with Professor Dan Ipollito Of Anderson University. We talk more in depth about his specific beliefs in god and how science gets interwoven into that mix! We hope you enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is part 1 of 3 with Professor Dan Ipollito. He is the professor of Biology at Anderson University in Anderson Indiana. He believes in god and also ascribes to the theory of evolution. In this episode we learn a little bit about his past and what has influenced his life. Then we begin to tackle this idea of evolution and the scientific proofs behind it. We hope that you enjoy this as much as we did. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is our final installment of our talk about simulation theory! For the sake of words I'm not going to repeat what I put in the last 2! Enjoy See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

(2/3) Keith and Nate talk about the Simulation Hypothesis and the constraints that puts on the world, or opens up about the world. What if all that we see is on a huge megaserver somewhere? What actions does that have on our lives? With this idea gaining traction in the modern scientific realm, does it scare you? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Kieth and Nate sit down and talk about the basics of simulation theory. Could we all be holograms on a projector? Could be all be bit echoing from a server somewhere? There seems to be a certain amount of data to maybe back that up, or at least make you think. Warning: We are not professionals or scientists. Just two guys who have nothing else to do with their time. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is the third installment of our interview with Clint Heacock from MindShift Podcast. He talks with us about what it looks like to reconstruct our Christianity after it has been torn to the bones. Maybe we're always in a state of reconstruction and we don't even know it. Maybe we will never reconstruct. Lets discuss these things and more in this episode of Pilgrims and Prodigals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is a continued episode with Clint Heacock. In this one we go over Deconstruction which is the process of eliminating the aspects of our faith that we either no longer believe or found to be untrue or unfair. Clint goes into a little of his deconstruction process and talks about how he has changed from being a pastor for ten years to where he is now. Enjoy this episode of Pilgrims and Prodigals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Keith and Ben sit down With Clint Heacock from the MindShift Podcast And talk about how some Evangelicals can twist the authenticity of the scriptures to have a singular meaning that lines up with their beliefs. This is especially scary when their beliefs don't line up with even the church down the road. Keith and Ben also talk for a moment about the positive effects of the legalization of Marijuana. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Nate, Keith, and Nate’s friend Crystal talk more in depth about her interactions with possible alien abductions. Does the existence of ET life mean bad news for the gospel? Does it disprove religion? Are aliens just a form of mortal life or do they transcend into immortality? Find out in this installment of pilgrims and prodigals podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Joseph Shipley appears for his 4th installment on the podcast. He speaks with Keith and Ben about the harmful effects fundamentalism has had on both the church and it’s interaction with the world.What problems arise when you have to take everything in the Bible literally? What about when you have fundamental views that aren’t even covered much in the Bible itself? Let’s find out. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Suzanne DeWitt Hall Is a devotional and kids short story author who mainly writes about the emerging LGBT culture in the modern day church. In this episode we had her on to give her input on the current state of the church and to ask her how hopeful she is for the future. We also talk about current politics and their weight on that culture. She describes her story going from being in an unhappy heterosexual marriage to meeting and falling in love with her wife and the implications this has had on her life and relationship with the church. We hope you genuinely enjoy this episode, I know we did. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Keith and Nate talk about different theories as to how human life got here, Why we are here, and the implications those have on the existence of a god, or gods. Could evolution have been the most viable answer to how we came to be here? Was it really all a divine plan from the beginning of time? Or could the anthropologists be correct in their assumptions that we simply evolved into the current state of being that we are currently in? And if so, what does that mean for our future? Join us as we discuss these thoughts and more on this weeks episode of Pilgrims and Prodigals! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Keith and Ben sit down and kick it old school with a simple Q&A type episode. We discuss Our favorite Heresy, as in the thing that we believe that would get us marked by the modern day evangelical church. We also talk about our favorite bible passages, yes you heard us correctly. Even though we may look at the bible a little differently now I firmly believe that there is still intrinsic value in it. So sit back and relax and enjoy our latest installment of Pilgrims and Prodigals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we have The one and only Rebecca Lempke on for her second appearance on the podcast. We talk about her new project that she is working on and her life recently. We also cover some of the struggles of social media and the feeling of always seeming to step on someone else's toes. Its a crazy time we live in where information is always so readily available. So enjoy this episode but I will warn you that we have 4 people on this episode so it gets intense at times!!! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Keith and Libby talk to Author and Ex-Pastor Steve Austin(no not stone cold). We talk about his new book that is about to release and specifically cover a chapter about what it means to be a spiritual misfit. Is there something wrong with us? Are we really lost? Or are we just the ones who are honest enough to admit where we are and the things that we struggle with? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is more of a raw and uncensored episode where Keith and Nate sit down and address some of the negative criticism they have received since starting the podcast and beginning this journey of faith and pursuit of truth. Beware though, this is not your typical episode, we get uncensored on this one. We address some of the issues like are we really making a positive impact on culture with this? Are we really helping people find truth? Are we actually trying to unite the body of christ or are we trying to dismantle it? I guess thats up to you to decide. Enjoy this latest installment of Pilgrims and Prodigals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Keith talks about his awkward encounter at work when he was eating his lunch and a group of evangelical church goers decide to pray loudly in the middle of the building. Also Ben is being his normal goofy self and makes some guest appearances as a Canadian and an Australian. C'mon guys, this is some quality content if I've ever heard it!! Enjoy this latest installment of the Pilgrims and Prodigals Podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Keith and Nate sit down and talk about Hopsin's song 'Ill mind 7'. We review all the questions and statements that he makes in his song and how evangelical pastors and leaders will give you some kind of fake answers and refuse to face the harsh reality on unbelief. It's crazy how we can just skip over the tough questions and have a falsified religion. This episode may not relate to all but if this speaks to you let us know! Enjoy this latest installment of Pilgrims and Prodigals Podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

There isn't much to this episode. Keith and Nate discuss modern Christian Worship. The main question here is what does god desire? Do you think he wants this trimmed and proper Sunday morning church thing? Or maybe, just maybe does he want something deeper, something more real? I personally think that God desires whats really in our hearts and not just what we claim to believe. I'll let you be the judge on this one. Enjoy this episode of Pilgrims and Prodigals Podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This is actually a recording that was sent to me via dropbox from a different podcast that I guest appeared on. In this episode we talked about tribalism in the church, The struggles of evangelicalism, and the journey that we've been on. I have to say that it is such a relief to meet others that are on the same path of deconstruction that I find myself. Enjoy this episode of Pilgrims and Prodigals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Joseph comes onto the podcast again to talk about a few things. One we talk a religion a bit and dig into a few different basic principles. Then we get into politics and how the Christian should look at it from his opinion. Take what we say with a grain of salt but try to enjoy! See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ben and Keith talk to one of Ben’s friends who is a follower of Wicca. We discuss his beliefs, how he arrived at such a place in his life, and his views on spirituality. We also dig into his past with the church and how he’s been treated by it. And ultimately what drove him away from conservative Christianity to a more secularized spirituality. Enjoy this installment of Pilgrims and Prodigals Podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

keith and Nate talk about morality from a deconstructing Christians view. Does God care more about your morality or your heart? Enjoy this episode of the Pilgrims and Prodigals Podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ben and Keith review thoughts about accountability in the Christian realm. Should pastors really have the power to lord over their congregations? I don’t think so. Should a believer be reprimanded for not holding a specific belief about a certain bible verse or theological veiwpoint? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

today I’m sitting down with Nate and talking about my recent venture into meditation. No, not on the word of god but meditation of the mind. Does it really offer a sense of peace? We talk about bhudism and their practices of meditation and the positive wffects it has on their psychological state of well being. Are there actual health benefits to meditation? Can it delay cognitive disorders like dimentia? Let’s find out in this episode. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Keith and Ben talk about how their lives are going since leaving church. This begs the question do we need church? What does God think about people who choose to stay home on a Sunday morning? They also talk about the struggles they face looking back at their experience with church. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Wow! It’s been a while. We are officially back from our 2 month break! And we are ready to rock. In this episode Keith and Ben talk about spiritual freedom. Does this mean that you won’t sin again? Does it mean that god loves you through the sin? Does it mean that all sin is covered by Christ? Enjoy this episode of Pilgrims and Prodigals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

With life constantly changing and morphing, how do we keep up with the callings that God has on our lives? How do we do church when we have no church? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Keith talks about an experience that he had with a certain group of people See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The guys discuss the ideology of blind obedience and the implications it has in ones life. What does it look like? Should we just blindly trust anything? Where does proof and signs fit into the equation of belief? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Keith, his wife and Libby talk about their past experiences in the church that they came out of. They talk about doubting spiritual experiences, theological viewpoints, and current state of being. So many people have been harmed by churches when they either leave or are removed. Can those wounds be healed? How many of those wounds are self inflicted? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ben and Keith get into a heated discussion about the validity of the gospel, the Bible, and ultimately God. Does Christianity have viable proof to it? Is it just a history book of fairy tales? Is there actual proof to the existence of god? We get deep on this episode in the age old question of ‘does God exist?’ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode we talk about a theological viewpoint called escapism. Pretty much it’s an outside term that’s been coined to define the christians’ view of hell as this bad place that the bad men go but if you’re good enough you go to the good place ie heaven. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ben and Keith talk through this idea of working through what they believe. Should churches stop people from using their brains? Should they stop people from questioning their beliefs? I don’t think so. We need to stop working from a fear mindset and be free to find god, or not find him. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Keith gets his old youth pastor on the phone to talk about the bible, proper ways to read it, and how scary it is to change the scriptures to apply your context. Does the bible have one way to be read? Is it literal? Is it metaphorical? Should we hold it as the guiding light of our faith? These are some of the topics we hit in this episode of Pilgrims and Prodigals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Ben and Keith talk about the potential of returning to church and leadership. They also cover this idea of Do-it-yourself projects versus hiring a trained expert in a field of study or work. Would you rather try to sail yourself, or hire a captain who has been sailing for years? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Keith talks about his pursuit of truth and putting his belief in god on the chopping block. Some would say this is a scary outlook on religion and faith but in order to have that personification of strength in our faith we have to be sure that we have it. What do you struggle with in your faith? Let us know at on: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Keith and Nate have an impromptu episode about what’s going on in their lives. We discuss Rob Bell and some of the theological things he believes and how they’re not so crazy. We also talk about how it’s important to have grace with the ones we disagree with. There are a lot of things on the evangelical side of the aisle but I am no better than the church that kicked me out if I relatiate in the same way See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Keith poses a question that he has been thinking about for a while now. “Would it be bad if we lived in a world without religion?”throughout history we have seen more deaths, wars, judgement, and dissension because of religion than anything else. If we lived in a world where nobody believed in any gods, would things be easier? Or would we simply find something else to fight about? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It’s finally happened folks! Bens making his journey back to church. In this episode we talk about his excitement and fears of going back to a system that has caused him so much pain in his life. What about you listener? Have you been burned? Do you currently go to church? Let us know on our socials. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Keith and Nate talk about different church movements, specifically the modern day charismatic movement and the modern day Megachurch setting. Should Church change with culture to adapt to the changing desires of the secular culture? Today we discuss these topics and much more. Churches these days are more or less hour long concerts with an inspirational message at the end. Is this okay? Who knows. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode Keith and Nate go over the alien survey that was discussed in the last episode. They also talk about their faith and how science has a factor in that. We can not rule out science in our pursuit of truth! There are tons of Christians who would even use science to back up their beliefs. If God created the physical constructs of this world, those constructs don't disprove God. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Keith and Nate talk with their Guest speaker Crystal as she describes her supposed experiences with ET lifeforms. She retells her story of what she believes to be an alien abductions. Also they talk about how these things correlate to god. If another lifeforms exists does this rule out the possibility of God? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Why would a God thats so simplistic and whole create a way to follow him thats so complicated? Even the Bible says that the road is not easy, it probably wasn't meant to be but dang, it doesn't have to be so tough. An answer that might suffice is the idea that the things that are worth more in life usually cost something. Maybe God wants us to sacrifice what we have to gain Heaven. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Is it better to just follow an image of who God is supposed to be based off of what you've been told, or to search every philosophy, religion, and line of thinking in search of truth? How rock solid can we be that Yahweh is the One and only when we've not yet begun to seek the many religions that have existed before and after Christianity? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Keith Gets his old Pastor on the bull horn this week to talk Church Finance, Pastors, and Tithe. Should pastors get paid to do their job? If so how much of a salary is a feasible amount? They talk about Tithe and what the bible has to say about it. If the majority of scriptures in the bible that support Tithing are in the old testament, are they really reliable? Sit back and relax and enjoy this episode of Pilgrims and Prodigals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Keith and Ben review an article written by an author talking about the reasons Millenials don't attend or feel comfortable at church. What we desire is more community, not more rules. We want more acceptance, not more restrictions. If the modern conservative church doesn't learn to become mroe understanding of our generation I fear the repercussions could be catastrophic. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.