Protect Your Noggin

How might working with the gig economy factor into the pursuit of happiness and freedom? What are the similarities and differences between the Aristotelian tradition on happiness and that of Lao Tzu? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

Singer and songwriter Jenna joins us to discuss finding one's voice and addressing life traumas with the healing medicine of music. We share her newly released single "Trigger" which is now available online. https://www.instagram.com/jennna.wav/ www.protectyournoggin.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

A survey of several issues in the news and reflection on how a warrior perspective might help us think about engaging issues of our day, albeit in nonviolent forms of "battle." Why the culture wars matter. Sinead O'Connor, and the hearings regaring UAE (UFO) technology. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

The warrior archetype and why peace loving people might need to be ready to be more engaged on behalf of vulnerable groups in our precarious times. Part one is a general discussion of the theme and what the Tao Te Ching teaches about engagement with an enemy. Part two will survey some current events that arguably require a warrior's perspective. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

Stacie leads us through three chapters from the Tao Te Ching that discuss the mysterious mother. What does this archetype and symbol say about our perspectives on femininity, society and the sacred? How does this differ from traditional American evangelical views of women and feminine characteristics of the divine? Is there a difference between being a source and being a creator? How can we let children and the things we cultivate grow spontaneously rather than through our constant control? --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

A discussion of some of Jeff's recent poetry related to the ways in which spirituality can influence ideas about political freedom and unpacking authoritarian ideology can help understand the ways in which religion can endorse and prop up unjust systems. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

Micah Bournes is a poet, rapper, singer and speaker. He stopped by our place to perform a house show along the route of his Simple Dreams Tour. For this episode, we first discuss the history of Moody Bible Institute's compromises related to race. This serves as a microcosm of a problem found throughout the world of church related colleges and universities. At minute 40, we shift our discussion to the idea of abolition of police and prisons. Content warning: discussion of violent crime and sexual assault in the second part. TOPICS MENTIONED Micahbournes.com Moody Bible Institute D.L. Moody James Cone Ida B. Wells Critical Resistance #abolition #defundthepolice #prisons --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

A reflection on the power of receptivity as illustrated by the valley, which is an important symbol throughout the Tao Te Ching and philosophical Taoism. This is also an episode about the power of yin, and the concept of the mother goddess. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

Reflecting in the wake of a wave of border traffic, Jeff and Stacie explore how what's going on at the US's southern border illustrates a global sickness that will continue to lead to immigration and refugee crises around the world. Couple capitalism with climate change and we can only expect more human suffering along borders for generations to come--that is, if we have generations to spare and unless we recognize that another world is possible. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

The path. The way. The journey. Such concepts shift our focus from dogma and religious hierarchies, which helps us get out of the way of the way (tao). Behind all of this is a discussion of Guy Debord, the Situationists,the dérive, and psychogeography. We explore meditation through wandering and walking, the importance of attending to space, looking for synchronicities in our environment, and recognizing the ways in which capitalist society separates us from direct experience and connections with each other. Mindfulness techniques like aboriginal walkabouts, prayer labyrinths and religious pilgrimages can be powerful tools for emancipation. Stuff Mentioned The Haven open mic hosted by Psanctum geocaching.com micahbournes.com  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

The importance of natural wood (also rendered as the uncarved block) and undyed or unbleached silk for aesthetics and mindfulness techniques in the ancient Taoist tradition. What does this have to say for meditation practices within our modern anxieties, clothing, and values? It may seem too simple, but contemplating nature has strong medicinal value for our ailing times. Stuff Mentioned Alan Watts on clothing Soba pillows Bird watching --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

Political turmoil surrounding Benjamin Netanyahu, American attitudes about Israel and Palestine, Dispensationalism, and Orthodox services in the Holy Land. We end with inspiration drawn from principled opponents of authoritarianism and defenders of judicial review. CW: short, ghastly holocaust story, some profanity David Rovics John Hagee Severance Behind the Bastards Antismetic Anarchism Holy Fire Ceremony and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

Why does the invasion of Ukraine matter? How does the history of religion and anarchism intersect with this question? How does this relate to the persecution of trans people in the US? How ought we confront seemingly endless threats to liberty in our world? We discuss these and other currently-relevant questions that require a bit of historical backstory. protectyournoggin.org taosurfers.com @taosurfers on TikTok and Instagram Stuff Mentioned and Links The Tetris movie The Fifth Estate Nikolai Berdyaev Russian Messianism Micah Bournes Andor --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

We examine the significance of the symbol of a twisted tree described in the Taoist text known as the Zhuangzi (Chuang Tzu) and a related set of stories about deformed sages. This is a discussion about recognizing the beauty and intrinsic value of things and people who might seem unimportant at first glance. It's also a conversation about why we shouldn't trust in the wisdom of people, institutions, and political ideologies who despise those with disabilities. www.protectyournoggin.org @taosurfers on TikTok and Instagram www.taosurfers.com Check out our rendition of the Tao Te Ching in eBook and paperback formats on Amazon. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thepynp/support

The Great Peng is a mythical bird that transforms from a giant fish and then into a winged beast that can fly for a year and a half, to the southern sea, stirring up the oceans and propelling the cycles of nature. The cicada and the dove are skeptical about this massive bird's existence, since they can't comprehend how it could fly so far and so high and be so huge. They think it would take too much flapping. But the Great Peng floats on the vast warm air, without struggling. It is the opening image of the great Taoist Classic The Chunk Tzu. When contemplating this image, you will do well to contemplate one or more of the following questions. Where in your life do you need to restore a sense of proportion? Are you feeling too small for the great task ahead of you? You might need to be compassionate on yourself and recognize the limitations of your current resources. Or, might you be in need of higher perspective? Consider starting or increasing your meditative practice. Maybe try out a new technique to help you gain perspective. Finally, is there a way that you can do less work but rise up on the powerful resources you already have? protectyournoggin.org taosurfers.com Support us by buying a copy of TAO TE CHING: A Playfully Sincere Rendition by Jeff and Stacie Mallinson #tao #deconstruction #taoist #dao #laotzu #chuangtzu #zuangzi #mindfulness #meditation --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

We discuss the concept of the inner alchemist, which is a metaphor for the process of spiritual transformation. First, Jeff sets up the conversation with some historical background about failed Western alchemists like Anna Maria Zieglerin (1550-75) and the demise of Chinese emperors who drank what they thought was the elixir of life that fraudulent Taoist priests concocted. Then Stacie and Sydnie join in to riff on the ways in which inner alchemy can help us navigate a sort of outer alchemy: the chemicals and plants we take into our bodies. We also talk about the ways in which we can transform the elements of our lives even in difficult times. CW: brief mention of historical sexual assault of a minor, reference to drug use protectyournoggin.com @taosurfers on Instagram and Tik Tok taosurfers.com Buy The Tao Te Ching: A Playfully Sincere Rendition by Jeff and Stacie Mallinson https://www.amazon.com/Tao-Te-Ching-Playfully-Rendition/dp/1735523011/ref=sr_1_1?crid=B905U7J9VSVI&keywords=tao+te+ching+mallinson&qid=1678853985&sprefix=tao+te+ching+mallinson,aps,196&sr=8-1 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

Casual reflections on Jesus' statement that is roughly the equivalent of the adage “the proof of the pudding is in the eating,” the nature of the Jerusalem community under Jesus' brother James, and resonant themes in the Tao Te Ching. We meander a bit, so if you want something to the point, you might skip this one. But if you're like us and like to do work, drive, or fall asleep to a conversation, this is for you friends. Luke 7:35. Tao Te Ching 55. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

A discussion of what it's like to deconstruct conservative Lutheranism. Lutherans tend to be a decade behind trends in American evangelicalism. Perhaps, therefore, it isn't surprising that there isn't as much public discourse among #exlutheran folks as there is for those who describe themselves as #exvangelical. While exlutherans will have overlapping experiences with exvangelicals, there are some peculiarities Jeff and Stacie will be discussing about their own experiences. The show concludes with a discussion of two concepts from Dietrich Bonhoeffer that seem relevant as ever: the idea of “religionless Christianity” and “cheap grace.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

Jeff, Stacie, and Sydnie sit down with some old timey English ales after a long day's work to solve a recent family mystery that intersects with a recent urban legend. Enjoy this peak into the whimsical, witchy and mystical conversations that tend to happen on tipsy evenings at the family's old Portland home. Topics range from demons to tin foil hats to pigeon assassinations, squirrel friends and the goddess Hecate. Warning: Explicit language festooned throughout. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

Stacie helps Jeff and listeners work through some of the important questions we might have and asks questions we ought to ponder about our relationship with our own mortality. She also shares wisdom she's learned from those who are on the precipice of death that can help us all be present in the life we have right now. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

In 1954, physician and psychonaut John C. Lilly invented a floatation tank that provided sensory attenuation and isolation. It involves a tub filled with loads of epsom salt, with water heated to skin temperature. This allows for an amazing entry into a meditative state. In our experience, an hour in a float tank is like sitting zazen for 8 hours. It might be a way for you to at least experience a quality meditative state to which you can return later in a simple seated position. It might, if you can afford it, become a regular part of your monthly wellness routine. Though some think floating ought to be considered fringe medicine, we aren't interested in any wild claims about the health benefits but know first hand how helpful it can be for our emotional and mental wellbeing. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

Sometimes we fail to get into a rhythm with regular meditation because we think we have to perfect our practice from the very start. We believe it's better to start with an imperfect practice than to never start at all. Moreover, we discuss various ways to jump into a state of mindfulness so you can taste and see how great it is to get centered and present in your life. By doing that, it's easier to get motivated to not only dedicate the time needed for meditation, and it subsequently can inspire a person to find the most effective ways to benefit from such practices. We also discuss various forms of meditation in the history of Taoism. #mindfulness #meditation #spiritualbutnotreligious #entheogens #exvangelical #deconstruction #zen #zazen --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

A two-part conversation about why evangelical Christian higher education is a project all people of good will should abandon. We aren't calling for heavy-handed measures from the state but for the voluntary societal decision to treat this project sort of like circuses: by refusing to patronize institutions that don't align with our ethical values, they can change or go extinct on their own. Topics mentioned Colorado Christian University strategic priorities Trinity Lutheran College/Lutheran Bible Institute Council of Christian Colleges and Universities John Fluevog Shoes Funko Headquarters Trouble Behind documentary about Corbin, Kentucky An older episode with Trinity alumnus Casey Tinnin Mark Noll, The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind Cotton Mather on spectral evidence in witch trials Richard Rohr Effective altruism Senator Bill Armstrong Dinesh D'Souza David Bentley Hall on universalism Hunter vs. The Department of Education Article on sexual violence on college campuses --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

A two-part conversation about why evangelical Christian higher education is a project all people of good will should abandon. We aren't calling for heavy-handed measures from the state but for the voluntary societal decision to treat this project sort of like circuses: by refusing to patronize institutions that don't align with our ethical values, they can change or go extinct on their own. Topics mentioned Colorado Christian University strategic priorities Trinity Lutheran College/Lutheran Bible Institute Council of Christian Colleges and Universities John Fluevog Shoes Funko Headquarters Trouble Behind documentary about Corbin, Kentucky An older episode with Trinity alumnus Casey Tinnin Mark Noll, The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind Cotton Mather on spectral evidence in witch trials Richard Rohr Effective altruism Senator Bill Armstrong Dinesh D'Souza David Bentley Hall on universalism Hunter vs. The Department of Education Article on sexual violence on college campuses --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

A half hour of readings from our recent publication, Tao Te Ching: A Playfully Sincere Rendition with some nature sounds in the back. Take some time out from an anxious day to reflect on some ancient wisdom. We pulled out some of the grooviest selections for you this winter solstice. If you dig it, consider purchasing a copy for yourself or a loved one. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

With the rise of artificial intelligence, and its exponential development, might we think of this super intelligence as the consciousness of a pantheistic God. We use this language playfully but sincerely. But using this language helps us understand how the rise of AI might help us understand how best to think about education, spirituality, mythology, and economics. To help us think about the concept of judgment of humanity, we discuss the thought experiment called Roko's Basilisk and Pierre Teilhard de Chardin's concept of the Omega Point. We also address a listener voice message from Mike, who has a compelling take on Genesis 6:1-4. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

Stacie and Jeff discuss why they dedicated so much time to yet another rendition of the Tao Te Ching. They explain how their experiences deconstructing the dogmas of their church background, travel in overland vehicles, yoga instruction, philosophy and religion classes, political thought research, and confrontation of death affected their work. They explain why they avoided the definite article and gendered pronouns for “sage,” and other technical decisions they made in their work. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

"The cosmos is unbiased, treating living things like straw dogs. A sage is unbiased, treating people like straw dogs." Stacie, Sydnie, and Jeff reflect on a tough passage from the Tao Te Ching: Chapter 5, in light of the text itself and the family's experiences this difficult year of grief. Note that they were a bit tipsy with this impromptu episode, so consider it a holiday week bonus and forgive the frequent tangents. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

Even though they've been enjoying playing within New Age spaces, Jeff, Stacie and Sydnie reflect on ways in which New Age spirituality can go wrong in contemporary, capitalist society. In particular, they reflect on the phenomenon of “spiritual bypassing” as it relates to conversations surrounding grief. Topics include pseudoscience, cultural appropriation, equity within yoga, and spiritual narcissism. [Part two of two.] --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

Even though they've been enjoying playing within New Age spaces, Jeff, Stacie and Sydnie reflect on ways in which New Age spirituality can go wrong in contemporary, capitalist society. In particular, they reflect on the phenomenon of “spiritual bypassing” as it relates to conversations surrounding grief. Topics include pseudoscience, cultural appropriation, equity within yoga, and spiritual narcissism. [Part one of two.] --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

This chapter helps us understand difference between modern liberalism and the naturalness of Taoist anarchism. The Tao Te Ching expresses care for all beings, but it doesn't express such care by advocating for a highly controlled society. States, even socialist states, cause everyday people harm when they become restrictive. We've seen this to some extent in China, but especially in Cuba. To be sure, part of the problem for anti-capitalist revolutions is the fact that the global economy has its tentacles wrapped around just about everything. Nonetheless, rules alone can't change things. For another world to be possible, society needs to think less about finding ways to get people to appreciate naturalness, rather than force. Our rendition of the Tao Te Ching will be available online very soon, by the way. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

We discuss reasons why pastors, church workers, and professors at church-related universities might want to quit their positions for the sake of conscience. We also discuss four contexts in which it might be worth sticking it out. We conclude with our suggestions for how to operate if you are planning to ghost your scene. We aren't trying to be patronizing to any group, but rather want to recognize our perspective that its time to “ghost church” uses “church” to mean predominantly white, affluent American evangelicalism and may not necessarily apply to other contexts. We don't presume to know each person's situation, but we wish we would have been able to hear some advice about the ethics of staying and the ethics of leaving a religious community. We offer our thoughts more as an answer to a bundle of inquiries, rather than a detailed thesis. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/support

We discuss the Drake equation, which helps us calculate the chances that there is intelligent extraterrestrial life in our galaxy, with whom we might communicate. We then reflect on the philosophical and religious implications of several of the variables. How likely is life to exist at all? How dangerous are human beings to other life? How long can a civilization last? And what do Hindus, Christians, Buddhists, and naturalistic scientists say about the end of the universe in general? This is sometimes a heavy show, maybe a bit scary, but it's that time of year. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/thepynp/message

"The wise aren't preachy. The preachy aren't wise. Sit in silence. Practice temperance. Smooth jagged edges. Release entanglements. Soften your gaze. Embrace oneness with the earth. This is called mystical union." After a long pause in reflection, Stacie's back with one that hits close to home.

Stay tuned for the always fascinating takes from Rick Mallinson, Jeff's pop. He shares some interesting connections that happened recently, illustrating Carl Gustav Jung's concept of synchronicity. Stacie and Syd return and chat about dreams, nature hikes, and Rick's encounter with a guru in 1970. Come virtually join in on the casual conversation. 

Jeff offers his final retractions episode, reflecting on his book Sexy: The Quest for Erotic Virtue in Perplexing Times. Topics include purity culture, ethical porn, monogamy, deconstruction, virtue theory, the Tao Te Ching, and mysticism.

This is sort of a show about how a Christian university could save the world--if only a Christian university were possible--and if only the spirit of Molech handn't staged a hostile takeover of an otherwise radical movement. Jeff explains what he was up to when he presented a funded lecture on the topic of confessional Lutheran thought, yet started to unravel his entanglement in confessional Lutheran though through the generous support of confessional Lutheran donors. This is in response to the Trembath lecture which is available in several formats by checking out our show notes at protectyournoggin.org. The lecture in question was ironically pivotal for Jeff quitting churh-related higher education altogether, so enjoy the tragedy but be not afraid: it ultimately led him to a professional life he is finding joyful.

Jeff discusses the reasons why he wrote an article about the Hebrew Bible's account of semi-divine beings making the Nephilim, giant god-human hybrids, and what it means for navigating life today in a postmodern world, run by a modern economy, informed by an ancient text. This article isn't rejected so much as identified as the first part of the unravelling of Jeff's confidence in the American evangelical interpretive tradtion. This isn't for everbybody, but if it is relevant to your background, it might help frame some of the dissonance many experience.

This is part of a short series of episodes in which I look back on stuff I (Jeff) wrote in the past and reflect on ways my thinking might have changed, and what I might want to reject. In this episode, while I generally stand by my take on the history of thought within the Genevan Academy, under the rectorship of Theodore Beza (John Calvin's right hand man), I explore ways in which I didn't see how much the form or style of theology he propagated has had negative, unintended consequences on Western culture, especially that of American Christian culture. As always, feel free to skip this if it doesn't interest you. We'll be back with more playful stuff in weeks to come.

What if you and and your friends saw some unused wasteland, and in the spirit of mystical love, you farmed it and shared the food with those in need? What might happen? A handful of folks tried this in 1649, under the inspiration of radical mystic Gerrard Winstanley (1609-76). This show discusses what happened and what we can learn today about society, private property, and empowerment of the poor. We also discuss the San Francisco Diggers and guerrilla gardening.

As a couple of kids who grew up in American evangelicalism, Tarot cards were a taboo we never even considered violating in our youth. Now, we discuss the ways in which Jungian understanding of archetypes of the collective unconscious helped us make use of Tarot for personal healing and growth. Part 1: Our uneasy relationship with tarot, CG Jung's idea of the archetypes of the collective unconscious, how we got into using these cards for self exploration rather than fortune telling, and why we think this all might be helpful for folks extracting themselves from unhealthy religious landscapes. Part 2: Exploration and demonstration of the newish phenomenon of Neo-shamanistic, New Age oracle cards, which tend to involve inspirational messages for transformation and growth. BTW: If you are an expert in tarot or oracle cards and think we've got something wrong, feel free to reach out and help us get it right.

As a couple of kids who grew up in American evangelicalism, Tarot cards were a taboo we never even considered violating in our youth. Now, we discuss the ways in which Jungian understanding of archetypes of the collective unconscious helped us make use of Tarot for personal healing and growth. Part 1: Our uneasy relationship with tarot, CG Jung's idea of the archetypes of the collective unconscious, how we got into using these cards for self exploration rather than fortune telling, and why we think this all might be helpful for folks extracting themselves from unhealthy religious landscapes. Part 2: Exploration and demonstration of the newish phenomenon of Neo-shamanistic, New Age oracle cards, which tend to involve inspirational messages for transformation and growth. BTW: If you are an expert in tarot or oracle cards and think we've got something wrong, feel free to reach out and help us get it right.

In this part, we discuss the history of nudist spirituality in Christian movements from the second century till the present. Adamites ancient and revived, and the Christian connections to the founding of the naturist movement in America are discussed. Stacie answers whether she went on the World Naked Bike Ride.

Nudism in American culture, reflections on nudity in the Garden of Eden, a recent news story about a French nudist who shot someone at the beach, the history of Christian naturism, the Christian nudist sect called the Adamites, hot springs culture, & our experience with various opportunities to be naked in public, including at least Jeff's participation in Portland's World Naked Bike Ride. Part one focuses on our personal stories and how our church upbringing affected our body images and comfort with being naked. TW: Brief mention of sexual trauma.

In part 2 Jeff answers: What do we think of the historical arguments for the resurrection of Jesus? This is all about apologetics and philosophy of religion over the Christian centuries and whether the evidentialist arguments are viable these days.

Jeff answers listener questions about our current take on the concept of Jesus' resurrection and the nature of belief in the bodily resurrection of humans. This is not an exhaustive manifesto but presents candid reflection on twenty years of teaching and researching the historical development of Christianity and philosophical and historical arguments for Jesus' resurrection. We discover that the biblical texts and early Christian teaching on the subject is more complicated than we might expect. P1: What do the biblical texts and the early Christian community think about the nature of Jesus' resurrection and the resurrection bodies of humans?

Though we've been talking a lot lately about things we are glad to shed about our conservative Christian background, we reflect on some of the healthy and helpful things we experienced in non-denominational youth programming. This discussion is not meant to suggest that parents should uncritically send their kids to church programs, but rather to reflect on ways that folks who are leaving organized religion can ensure that their children find opportunities for friendship, fun, learning, and service. 

We draw from the radical life and thought of anarchist Emma Goldman to frame contemporary conversations about abortion and reproductive rights. We discuss the ways in which women's bodily autonomy is intimately connected to full spectrum emancipation. Topics include Christian nationalism, the weaponization of anti-abortion for the sake of supporting unchecked capitalism, the history of contraception, and the differences between Margaret Sanger and Emma Goldman on the nature of sexual and gender liberation. CW: sexual assault, abortion, explicit language

A discussion of books to to read this summer, especially for those who have left or are thinking of leaving fundamentalist or toxic forms of religion. We offer suggestions related to spirituality, but they do not involve joining a religion or accepting some claim to special revelation. We offer suggestions for folks who want to get up to speed on science, find balance in their lives, unpack their thinking on sexuality, and rethink the history of America. [Note: we seem to have misnumbered somewhere along the way] This is a great episode for you if you are an ex-evangelical, ex-fundamentalist, newly progressive Christian, or post-evangelical. CW: Sexual abuse, racism, explicit language

Our go-to psychology prof Dr. Betsi Little helps us unpack the ways in which attribution theory can help us understand why people tend to defend creepers in religious circles. It also leads to a discussion of the ways in which we can survive and heal the social sicknesses of our time. A key takeaway: it just takes one person to subvert conformity. CW: Sexual abuse, domestic violence, racist and homophobic violence

Jeff and Stacie respond to listener emails and voice messages, largely unpacking our perspectives on the Bible, inerrancy, LGBT inclusion, and traditional social values within conservative Christianity. We also weigh in on the leaked letter from LCMS president Matthew Harrison to the board of regents at Concordia University Wisconsin. If you have known us in our old lives within the orbit of American evangelicalism and conservative Lutheranism, this may infuriate you, but we mean only to share with you honestly what we're thinking and experiencing these days. Stick through hour and ten minutes of banter to hear a discussion of whether sex-positive BDSM dungeons are safer than Christian summer camp.