Restorative Faith Podcast

In our opening episode of Season 1, we explore why the story of Adam and Eve has been such an enduring explanation of the genesis of evil in our world. We speak with Francie Taylor, a member of my congregation who grew up believing that everything written in the Bible was literal, factual history. We also interview Dr. Gregory Sapp, professor of religious studies at Stetson University about the historical roots of why modern Christians are so wedded to a literal reading of the Adam and Eve story. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Francie Taylor Dr. Gregory Sapp

In episode 2 of Season 1, we explore the role of angels and demons in how Christians account for evil in the world. We speak with Dawn Bruce, a member of my congregation, who grew up in a very conservative church. When she unexpectedly became pregnant at the age of 14, the members of her church told her that she was carrying the Devil's child. We also interview Dr. Donald Kaasch about the historical roots of how angels and demons became intertwined in the Christian faith. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Dawn Bruce Dr. Donald Kaasch

In episode 3 of Season 1, we explore the role of generational sin (the idea that God passes a curse from one generation to the next) in how Christians account for evil in the world. We speak with Jane Treppa and Steve Drey, two people who have had to deal with the tragic repercussions of mental illness in their family of origin. We also sat down with Rabbi Rob Jury to learn about the Jewish take on the Old Testament scriptures that claim God curses our families. Finally, we interview psychotherapist, Samantha Bill, about the psychological science that cause parents to pass both positive and negative behaviors down to their children. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Jane Treppa Rabbi Rob Jury Samantha Bill Steve Drey

In episode 4 of Season 1, we discuss what is perhaps the most cited reason for rejecting God and the church—the atrocity of genocide. We speak with Magda Brown, a survivor of the Auschwitz concentration camp. We also interview Dr. Peter Lourgos, a forensic psychiatrist who studies criminal behavior, who helps us to delve into the psychological roots of what allowed the Holocaust to transpire. Finally, we hear from Rabbi Lisa Bellows, who explores the Jewish reaction to the Holocaust via post-Holocaust theology. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Magda Brown Dr. Peter Lourgos Rabbi Lisa Bellows

In episode 5 of Season 1, we discuss the idea of corporate sin. Perhaps the greatest corporate sin in which all humans participate is climate change. We speak with Emily Alford, a member of my congregation, who tells her story of how she came to have a deep passion for promoting proper stewardship of our planet. We also interview Dr. Jenny Dunn, research professor in Chemical Engineering at Northwestern University. Dr. Dunn studies emerging technologies, their energy and environmental impacts, and their potential to shift the tide of climate change. Finally, we caught up with Dr. Dixon Sutherland, professor of religious studies at Stetson University, who has spent his career studying the Christian interplay with environmental ethics. Dr. Dixon helps us to understand the theology behind why the evangelical Christian movement is so committed to the denial of climate change science. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Emily Alford Dr. Jenny Dunn Dr. Dixon Sutherland

In the final episode of Season 1, after exploring all the various ways that the Christian faith has fallen short when it comes to defining evil, we ask the question: does Christianity still have something to offer when it comes to our understanding of right and wrong as we enter into a future where organized religion is becoming less and less relevant? We begin by speaking with Lori Jones, a friend of my colleague Rebekah Anderson, who describes the events that compelled her to abandon the church. We also interview Dr. Reza Aslan, the New York Times bestselling author of No God but God and Zealot. Dr. Aslan discusses why the church is in crisis and what the church needs to do in order to survive in our current cultural environment. Finally, we talk with Rich Havard, the founder of the Inclusive Collective, a group that draws on college students from several academic institutions around the city of Chicago, who is in the process of building the church of the future. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Lori Jones Dr. Reza Aslan Rich Havard

Each season of Restorative Faith revolves around a specific theme that has caused people to walk away from the Christian faith. This season is about evil and its role in driving people away from the church. Each episode includes human interest stories, experts in science and psychology and biblical scholars the likes of Reza Aslan. Join me, Alex Lang, as we break down the Christian faith one piece at a time and rebuild it into something that is actually worth believing.

In our opening episode of Season 2, we explore the roots of the modern evangelical purity culture. We speak with Linda Kay Klein, the author of Pure: Inside the Evangelical Movement That Shamed a Generation of Young Women and How I Broke Free, about her experiences growing up in purity culture. We also speak with Rev. TC Anderson, a Presbyterian pastor who is attempting to reform the way youth are taught about sex and sexuality in the church. Finally, we interview Dr. Gregory Sapp, professor of religious studies at Stetson University about the historical background of why the church has traditionally been so fearful of anything having to do with sexuality. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Linda Kay Klein Rev. TC Anderson Dr. Gregory Sapp

In episode 2 of Season 2, we consider the moral connection between sex and life. We speak with Felicia Bruce, who was sexually assaulted as a teenager, and explore how she dealt with the mental, physical and emotional aftermath of that violation. We also interview Dr. Melissa Perrin, a clinical psychologist, who discusses the role of repression in our lives. Finally, we catch up with Dr. Dixon Sutherland, professor of religious studies at Stetson University, who helps us to understand the theology behind the modern abortion debate. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Felicia Bruce Dr. Melissa Perrin Dr. Dixon Sutherland

In episode 3 of Season 2, we examine the connection between sex and marriage. We speak with Liz, who was ostracized by her church community for divorcing her husband. We also discuss the history of human sexuality with Dr. William Jankowiak, anthropologist at UNLV and the history of marriage with Dr. Agustin Fuentes, anthropologist at Princeton University. Finally, we are provided a unique window into the open marriage of Doug and Lynn, a couple who have been married for 30 years. Each has a significant other—Doug has a girlfriend and Lynn has a boyfriend. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Liz (last name redacted to maintain anonymity) Dr. William Jankowiak Dr. Agustin Fuentes Doug and Lynn (last name redacted to maintain anonymity)

In episode 4 of Season 2, we discuss the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. We speak with Juan Pablo Herrera who grew up in conservative Christianity and was sent three separate times to conversion therapy. We also discuss the history of homosexuality in the Bible with Dr. Kate Ott, assistant professor of Christian social ethics at Drew University. Finally, we interview Miranda Fanella about the stigma she endured as a result of her relationship with her girlfriend. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Juan Pablo Herrera Dr. Kate Ott Miranda Fanella

In episode 5 of Season 2, we explore the roots and impact of clergy sexual abuse. We speak with Larry Antonsen, a leader of SNAP (Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests), who tells us his story of being abused by an Augustinian priest. We once again interview Dr. Melissa Perrin, who specializes in working with victims and perpetrators of clergy sexual abuse. Finally, we speak with Rev. Mark Francis, the President of Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and a member of the Clerics of St. Viator who discusses the vows of chastity and celibacy in contributing to clergy abuse in the Roman Catholic Church. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Larry Antonsen Dr. Melissa Perrin Rev. Mark Francis

In the final episode of Season 2, we explore the future of sexuality in America and whether or not the Christian faith is able to speak to the changing sexual ethics of the 21st century. We speak with Tiffany, a student working towards becoming a physician’s assistant who is utilizing sex work to pay for her education. We also interview Dan Leal, a porn star/porn producer who has been a major player in the porn industry for 20 years. Finally, we return to many of the experts and scholars we interviewed in previous episodes to get their take on the future of human sexuality and how the church needs to change to remain a relevant force for good. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Tiffany (name changed to maintain anonymity) Dan Leal Dr. Agustin Fuentes Dr. Melissa Perrin Dr. William Jankowiak Dr. Kate Ott

Each season of Restorative Faith revolves around a specific theme that has caused people to walk away from the Christian faith. This season is about sexuality. We will be discussing premarital sex, marriage, divorce, adultery, rape, abortion and homosexuality. Each episode includes human interest stories, experts in psychology and anthropology, and biblical scholars. Join us as we explore the ways in which the Christian faith needs to change and adapt to speak to the sexual ethics of the 21st century.

In our opening episode of Season 3, we explore the roots of sexism and patriarchy in the church. We speak with Jennifer Tillman, who grew up as a Jehovah's Witness, about how the men in her church used their authority to control and suppress her claims of sexual abuse. We also talk with Dr. Elaine James, associate professor of Old Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary, about the interpretation of gender roles in the Bible. Finally, we interview Rev. Susan Victor, the director of Women's Space, a non-profit organization that specializes in helping those who are the victims of domestic and sexual violence. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Jennifer Tillman Dr. Elaine James Rev. Susan Victor

In episode 2 of Season 3, we consider the prejudice faced by those suffering from mental illness. We speak with Patricia Tomasi, a mental health advocate who spent most of her young adult life swinging between bouts of mania and depression. We also interview Dr. Frieda Fatouh, a clinical psychiatrist, who explains the neurological science behind mental illness. In the same vein, we interview Rev. Mary Jane Inman, the Director of Pastoral Services at Trenton Psychiatric Hospital about what happens when individuals with severe mental illness require hospitalization. Lastly, we talk with Ayana Lage whose severe anxiety and depression were seen as demonic forces by the Pentecostal church in which she was raised. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Patricia Tomasi Dr. Frieda Fatouh Rev. Mary Jane Inman Ayana Lage

In episode 3 of Season 3, we examine the role of Christianity in perpetuating anti-Semitism and anti-Jewish hate. We speak with Derek Black, a former White Nationalist, who illuminates the inner workings of the white supremacy movement. We also interview Rabbi Yehiel Poupko, a scholar at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, who talks about the long history of Christian oppression of the Jews. Finally, we speak with Dr. Amy-Jill Levine, distinguished professor of New Testament and Jewish Studies at Hartford International University, about the roots of anti-Jewish thought woven into the New Testament documents. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Derek Black Rabbi Yehiel Poupko Dr. Amy-Jill Levine

In episode 4 of Season 3, we discuss how the white Christian church is one of the primary drivers of racism in America. We speak with Dr. Bernard Lafayette, a central activist and leader of the original Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 60s. We also interview the Rev. Dr. Julian Cook, the Director of Houghton University Buffalo, who outlines the role of the white church and Christian theology in the development of systemic racism in American culture. In conclusion, we speak with Charmaine Pruitt, a black Christian who reflects on being part of a white evangelical church in Texas during Donald Trump's rise to power. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Dr. Bernard Lafayette Rev. Dr. Julian Cook Charmaine Pruitt

In episode 5 of Season 3, we explore the connection between Christianity and nationalism. We begin by speaking with Nick Stutzman, a radio host who found himself sucked into the underground world of the QAnon conspiracy. We also interview Dr. Leigh Ann Perry, associate professor of psychology and behavioral science at the United States Naval War College, who explains the psychological factors undergirding the belief in conspiracy theories. Tying the episode together, we talk to Dr. John Wilsey, associate professor of church history at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, who discusses the connection between Christian Nationalism and Manifest Destiny. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Nick Stutzman Dr. Leigh Ann Perry Dr. John Wilsey

In the final episode of Season 3, we discuss the predatory practices of the prosperity gospel in targeting poor and desperate individuals. We hear the story of Lawrence Fardette who gave tens of thousands of dollars to televangelists over decades only to be rejected by them when his family was in desperate need. We interview Dr. Phillip Lucas, professor emeritus of religious studies at Stetson University, about the history of the prosperity gospel. Lastly, we speak with Pete Evans, the director of the Trinity Foundation and Barry Bowen, a staff investigator for Trinity, about their work to uncover the unethical and often illegal tactics employed by the ministries of prosperity gospel preachers. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Lawrence Fardette Dr. Phillip Lucas Barry Bowen Pete Evans

Each season of Restorative Faith revolves around a specific theme that has caused people to walk away from the Christian faith. Season 3 is about discriminaton. We will be discussing sexism, patriarchy, mental illness, racism, antisemitism, Christian Nationalism and defrauding the poor and destitute. Each episode includes human interest stories, experts in sociology and psychiatry, and biblical scholars. Join us as we explore the ways in which the Christian faith needs to change and adapt to speak to the sexual ethics of the 21st century.

In our opening episode of Season 4, we explore how the theory of evolution sparked the modern schism between science and Christianity. We speak with Hannah Pynn and Leah Davis, sisters who grew up in the anti-science fundamentalist movement, People of Praise. We also talk with Pulitzer Prize winning author Dr. Edward Larson about the history of Darwin's journey to the Galapagos Islands, his development of the theory of evolution and its impact on the church. Finally, we interview Dr. Anne Stone, Regents professor at Arizona State University in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change about the modern science surrounding evolution and what it has to teach us about the propagation of life on our planet. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Hannah Pynn Leah Davis Dr. Edward Larson Dr. Anne Stone

In episode 2 of Season 4, we consider how the science of climate change has become one of the key issues defining the evangelical mindset. We speak with Jon Peerbolt, an international aid worker for the NGO Novi who was raised among onion farmers in Michigan by parents who were deeply entrenched in the conservative Christian ecosystem. We also interview Dr. Ryan Juskus, assistant professor and faculty director at Notre Dames' Institute for Social Concerns who walks us through the historical roots of environmentalism within the evangelical movement. Finally, we talk with Dr. Paul Thagard, distinguished professor of philosophy emeritus at the University of Waterloo, who spent his career working in the cognitive sciences, explaining why the human mind is so susceptible to misinformation. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Jon Peerbolt Dr. Ryan Juskus Dr. Paul Thagard

In episode 3 of Season 4, we explore the science of free will and to what degree God exerts control over our lives. We begin with Mike Genna, a prominent musician in the 1980s who spiraled into drug addiction after tragedy. Helping us to fully understand the science of addiction, we interview Joseph Caravella, an addiction specialist at the Betty Ford Clinic in St. Paul, Minnesota. From there, we delve into what physics tells us about free will with Dr. Robert Bishop, Professor of Physics and Philosophy at Wheaton College. Finally, we caught up with Dr. Raymond A. Blacketer, a scholar in the area of biblical exegesis, about the Christian perspective on free will and suffering. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Mike Genna Joseph Caravella Dr. Robert Bishop Dr. Raymond Blacketer

In episode 4 of Season 4, we discuss the inherent skepticism that many Christians still maintain towards modern medical treatment. We speak with Lauren Hunter who was raised as a Christian Scientist, a denomination of Christianity that, rather ironically, does not acknowledge the science of disease. We also interview Dr. John Horgan, assistant professor of history at Concordia University in Wisconsin who specializes in the history of diseases and epidemics, about the genesis of germ theory. Finally, we sit down with Dr. Mark Lewis, a gastrointestinal oncologist who describes the role of faith and prayer when his patients undergo treatment for cancer. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Lauren Hunter Dr. John Horgan Dr. Mark Lewis

In episode 5 of Season 4, we explore the science of memory in connection with the accounts of Jesus' resurrection. We start with Meredith Maran, an activist and journalist, who found herself at the center of the recovered memory movement in the late 1980s. We then interview Dr. Elizabeth Loftus, an experimental psychologist and distinguished professor at UC Irvine who is responsible for conducting ground-breaking studies in the reliability of human memory. Tying the episode together, we talk to Dr. Dale Allison, professor of New Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary, one of the foremost scholars on the history of the resurrection about what likely happened after Jesus' death. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Meredith Maran Dr. Elizabeth Loftus Dr. Dale Alison

In the final episode of Season 4, we discuss the science of consciousness and what it reveals about life on our planet, life in our universe and life beyond death. We start with Dr. Eben Alexander III, a Harvard trained neurosurgeon who had a remarkable Near-Death Experience after falling into a coma due to bacterial meningitis. From there, we discuss how consciousness might be a fundamental property of the universe with Dr. Gregory Matloff, professor of physics at New York City College of Technology. Next, we interview Dr. Avi Loeb, professor of science at Harvard University, who is leading the charge in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and extraterrestrial technology near Earth. Finally, we spoke with Dr. James Bernat, professor of neurology at Dartmouth University, who was instrumental in developing the medical definition of brain death that has been adopted by legislatures and physicians all around the world. Featured Guests (in order of appearance): Dr. Eben Alexander III Dr. Gregory Matloff Dr. Avi Loeb Dr. James Bernat

Each season of Restorative Faith revolves around a specific theme that has caused people to walk away from the Christian faith. Season 4 is about science.  We will be discussing the science of evolution, climate change, free will, disease, healing, memory and consciousness. Each episode includes human interest stories along with experts in history, biology, physics, astrophysics, medicine, addiction, sociology and psychology, and biblical scholars. Join us as we explore the ways in which the Christian faith needs to change and adapt to the scientific discoveries driving the 21st century.