The Space Between

In this episode William provides a quick update about Season 2 of The Space Between. Stay connected with us on instagram @thespacebetweenuk https://www.instagram.com/thespacebetweenuk/?hl=en Music provided as part of a subscription to epidemic sounds.

In this episode William speaks with Professor Ian Bradley about the updated release of his book God is Green. They discuss the anthropocentrism which is often present in many discussions around climate, the original greenness present within Christianity, how the narrative of the fall plays in to the topic of climate action and the implications of the concept of the cosmic Christ and a panentheistic approach to Christian theology. You can purchase God is Green here: https://www.dartonlongmantodd.co.uk/titles/2285-9780232534702-god-is-green

In this bonus episode William has a conversation with Melanie from Holy Heretics and Katherine from Uncertain Podcast to discuss why swear words, smoking and tattoos were considered to be sinful within evangelicalism despite the severe lack of condemnation found in the pages of scripture. They discuss the cultural influences and power differentials that made swearing, smoking and having tattoos clear indicators of where an individual was in their walk with God. They also discuss how all this relates to class and gender and how the Church often takes more of a steer from culture than it likes to admit when it comes to morality. Follow Holy Heretics on Instagram @holyhereticspodcast : https://www.instagram.com/holyhereticspodcast/?hl=en Follow Uncertain Podcast on Instagram @uncertainpodcast : https://www.instagram.com/uncertainpodcast/?hl=en

In this episode William talks with David Bennett. David is a DPhil candidate at Oxford University originally from Sydney Australia. William talks to David about his conversion to Christianity, how he ended up in academia and specifically studying theology and his thesis for his doctorate, "Queering the Queer". Additionally they also discuss what it means to be a celibate gay Christian, what the Church of England terminology of side A and side B means, how the Church has failed those who feel called to celibacy and often turned relationships and marriage into an idol. You can connect with David here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dacbennett/?hl=en Book (A War of Loves): https://www.zondervan.com/9780310538103/a-war-of-loves/

In this episode William speaks with the author of The Gospel for the Privileged Nehemiah Olson. They discuss the concept of privilege when it comes to economic status, race and sexuality, how the Church either dismisses or fails to acknowledge when they have these types of privilege and what the gospel is and what it has to say to both the privileged and the oppressed. You can find the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Gospel-Privileged-Nehemiah-Olson-ebook/dp/B09449KN3Q You can connect with Nehemiah on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/gospelfortheprivileged/

In this episode William talks with Staci Frenes. Staci is a songwriter, author and speaker and she joined us here on the podcast to discuss her new book "Love Makes Room: And Other Things I Learned When My Daughter Came Out". In this episode we talk about Staci's experience in conservative evangelical Churches when her daughter came out to her as a lesbian. We discuss the ways in which theology detached from practice and experience can harm people, especially the LGBTQ+ community, the ways in which the Church can get better at talking about LGBTQ+ issues, the role of scripture and stories in how Staci came to an affirming viewpoint and more. You can connect with Staci here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stacifrenes/?hl=en Website: https://www.stacifrenes.com

In this episode William speaks with Ross Greer. Ross is a Member of Scottish Parliament for the Scottish Green Party. In this episode William and Ross discuss the role of faith in politics, what Christianity has to say when tackling the climate crisis, the differences between white American religious nationalism and Scottish nationalism, combatting reactionary right wing politics and how Ross' Christian faith leads him to be a socialist and helps to energise his political action. Here is where you can connect with Ross: Twitter: @Ross_Greer https://twitter.com/Ross_Greer Instagram: @rossgreer https://www.instagram.com/rossgreer/?hl=en Here is where you can find out more and connect with the Scottish Green Party: Twitter: @scottishgreens https://twitter.com/scottishgreens Instagram: @scottishgreenparty https://www.instagram.com/scottishgreenparty/?hl=en Website: https://greens.scot

In this episode William speaks with Troy from Religion Shouldn't Hurt. They discuss why the statement religion shouldn't hurt should be uncontroversial and be a unifying belief no matter our background, faith or belief. They discuss the recent campaign that Troy organised to spread this message to help amplify the stories of victims of religious and spiritual abuse. They also discuss how religious and non religious people can work together based on common compassion rather than common belief. You can find Troy on Instagram @religion.shouldnt.hurt https://instagram.com/religion.shouldnt.hurt?utm_medium=copy_link

In this episode Katy and William share about their experience on the island of Iona spending a week with the Iona community for the reopening of the Abbey on what some would call a spiritual retreat. They discuss their expectations before going, experience while they were there and why they are part of the Iona community. They also share some prayers and short meditations throughout. You can find out more about the Iona Community here: iona.org.uk

In this episode William speaks with Allison Tash Montgomery. Allison is a coach specialising in the intersection of gender, sexuality and spirituality. In this episode William and Allison discussed how we define gender, sexuality and spirituality, spiritual practices which help enable a more embodied and confident sexuality, purity culture, how sexuality and spirituality are connected and how to be an ally if you are not LGBTQ+. You can connect with Allison here: Website - https://www.montasherycoaching.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/allisontashmontgomery/?hl=en-gb Allyship in Action course: https://www.montasherycoaching.com/allyship-course

In this episode William speaks with Phil Drysdale.  Phil researches the deconstruction movement and helps those who are experiencing significant changes of their core values and religious beliefs.  We discussed what deconstruction is, who is most likely to deconstruct, the current data surrounding deconstruction and whether reconstruction is a separate phenomena from deconstruction. You can connect with Phil and his work here:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phildrysdale/ Website: https://www.phildrysdale.com The Deconstruction Network: https://thedeconstructionnetwork.com

In this episode William talks with Kristina of the DTR Blog about the role that comedy and humour has in faith change, how comedy can help speak difficult truths in a way that leads to reconciliation and a whole load of other rabbit trail discussions on everything from Bethel Church to faith preachers pushing people over while praying for them.   You can connect with Kristina here: Website: https://www.thedtrblog.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedtrblog/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/thedtrblog

In this episode William speaks with Kurtis about how the Church in America and globally is changing, how the deconstruction movement is a good thing for the Church, Kurtis's recent article published by Relevant Magazine and a relationship centric rather than belief centric Christianity both with others and with God. Instagram: @kurtisvanderpool Website: kurtisvanderpool.com The Age of Deconstruction and the Future of the Church by Kurtis Vanderpool in Relevant Magazine

In this episode we have a round table (zoom) discussion about community during and after deconstruction or a significant faith change. Featured in this episode is: - Joey from Dismantle Pod - Emily from The Post Modern Fish - Katherine from Uncertain Podcast - Tim from The New Evangelicals - Melanie and Gary from The Holy Heretics Podcast

In this episode William speaks with Jo Luehmann.  Jo shares about what toxic and colonising theology looks like and how we tackle it, the importance of listening to those who are most marginalised, what healthy and decolonised theology is and then Jo practically applies these topics by talking briefly about critical race theory.   You can connect with Jo and her content by following the links below: Instagram: @joluehmann Twitter: @joluehmann

In this episode William speaks with Joey the host of Dismantle Podcast. They talk about the complexities, challenges and benefits of remaining part of a Church or religious community even when your beliefs are changing; when to leave harmful Churches and communities; creating good conversations and fostering healthy dialogue with those with whom we disagree; dealing with emotional and spiritual fatigue when going through deconstruction or doubt; and setting boundaries for when you don't have the energy to have those healthy and necessary conversations. Episode Links: Dismantle Podcast ( Apple Podcast / Spotify ) Dismantle Podcast Instagram

TRIGGER WARNING: This Podcast contains discussion of sexual assault, rape, FGM, human trafficking and violence against women. In this episode William talks with Meghan Tshanz about her upcoming book 'Women Rising'. Meghan is also the host of the 'Faith and Feminism Podcast'. Meghan shares her experience as a missionary and how this experience revealed to her the ways in which the patriarchy, violence against women and the Church can be found to link together. She shares how the church's teaching on gender roles and women are part of the problem and that they contribute to things such as rape culture, trafficking and FGM. Meghan also shares a blueprint of what it means to fight injustice against women and what it means to uphold a biblical standard of equality. Links: Meghan's Instagram Faith and Feminism Podcast Women Rising Book Preorder (Amazon / IVP Press) Meghan's Website

In this episode Katy and William share some of their thoughts and experiences of money and the Church. This episode covers what tithing is and the history of the concept, different political and economic structures and how those are relevant to faith and the Church, the prosperity gospel and more. Also at the end of the episode there are some short clips where some friends of the podcast share their thoughts on the Church and money. Contributors to this episode: Tim Whitaker ( @thenewevangelicals ) Jessie ( @exvangelicallessons ) Elvis Nonso Aidan Branch

This week William speaks with Will Thorpe of @heretical_theology about atheism and secular humanism.  In this episode William and Will discuss common misconceptions that Christians often have of atheism and secular humanism, Will's view on morality, meaning, critical thinking and how religious people and atheists can better work together for the betterment of humanity.  You can find the link to Will's instagram below:  @heretical_theology

This week William speaks to Lucy Davies from @aqueersearchforfaith about her experience being raised catholic and coming out as lesbian. We discussed pope Francis recent statements about the LGBTQ+ community, the complexities of existing as a Christian in the LGBTQ+ community and as a queer person in the Church. We also talk about how coming out has affected Lucy's relationship with God, devotional life and spiritual practices. Find a link to Lucy's instagram and the resources mentioned in the podcast below: @aqueersearchforfaith (Instagram) Queer Theology Podcast Vicky Beeching Undivided Queer Theology Reading List

This week William talks with Tim from 'The New Evangelicals'. In this episode William and Tim talk about what it means to be an evangelical, whether evangelicalism is worth saving, whether it is possible for the often negative connotations of evangelicalism with conservative American politics to be overcome and what reform and change would look like in the Church. If you enjoy Tim's perspective and the discussion you can find him here: Instagram: @thenewevangelicals Podcast: Coffee, Theology and Jesus

In this episode William talks with Brittney Moses. Brittney is the host of the faith and mental wellness podcast and is a research assistant at UCLA studying psychology. In this episode William and Brittney discuss mental health and faith, the Church at its best and worst when it comes to mental health and other topics such as spiritual bypassing and finding healthy community. Please find links to Brittney's work below: Instagram: @brittneymoses The Faith and Mental Wellness Podcast ( Apple Podcasts ) ( Spotify ) Brittney's Blog

This week William speaks to Andrew Kerbs from @deconstruct_everything about religious deconstruction. Andrew was part of the Seventh day Adventist Church before deconstructing. He is now a mental health counsellor and he shares his experience of religious deconstruction on Instagram. We discuss what deconstruction is and what common experiences people have while deconstructing. You can find Andrew and his content on Instagram @deconstruct_everything ( https://instagram.com/deconstruct_everything?igshid=w261o4flh208 )

Trigger Warning: Today's episode contains sensitive topics including - Grooming of a child, sexual abuse, religious abuse, emotional abuse and other difficult topics. In today's episode William talks with Maggie Mae of Trauma Stronger.  Maggie shares with us her #ChurchToo experience and some of the work she does now and hopes to do in the future for those who have experienced abuse at the hands of youth pastors and other leadership figures. After the interview, William provides a statement on the recent investigation of Ravi Zacharias and the findings of abuse.   Katy ends the episode with a prayer for victims and survivors of abuse. You can find Maggie Mae on Instagram @TraumaStronger ( https://instagram.com/traumastronger?igshid=a24gua9g4x24 ) You can also read her blog for more of her story and perspective here: justmaggiemaeblog.com

In this episode William speaks to Lindsay Helm about the Mormon faith, her experiences converting to Mormonism as a teenager and eventually leaving the Church of Latter Day Saints. We also discuss what it means to live authentically, especially discovering our identity after leaving controlling religious environments. You can find Lindsay on Instagram @linds.helm (https://instagram.com/linds.helm?igshid=1fruplnv9u419). On Facebook at Lindsay Helm Writer (https://m.facebook.com/lindsayhelmwriter/). Her website is: www.lindsayhelmauthor.wordpress.com where you can find her blog and all the information about her upcoming book release. If you sign up to her email you can read the first chapter.

In this episode Katy and William have a discussion about women in Church. Katy talks about her experiences of being a woman in Church and the unspoken expectations that often exist. William talks about the Churches influence in his political views about women and how they have changed over time. Throughout there is mention of scripture, it's interpretation and the outworking of different theologies in Church life. At the end Katy and William discuss the divine feminine and finish with a short meditation from Peter Millar's book Waymarks on using feminine pronouns for God and a prayer titled “Blessed is she”.

Today William speaks to Linda Salm. Linda came to the U.K at the age of 7 as a refugee from Iraq, in this episode Linda shared some of her experience growing up in the U.K as a Muslim and a refugee. We also discuss her job as a life sciences and clinical account manager and her experiences as a woman in the sciences. Throughout the episode we talk about the role that Islam has played in Linda's life.

In this podcast Katy and William talk to Mark Knox founder of Aspire NI about the work they do to close the educational attainment gap by working with young people in Northern Ireland. We discuss tackling poverty, social justice and biblical justice and moving away from a Sunday centric Christianity towards a Christianity more concerned with practice than belief. You can support the work of Aspire at https://www.aspireni.org/

In this first episode of The Space Between Podcast Katy and William introduce themselves and share a little about their background and experience of Faith and Church. In addition, for those who are struggling right now with all that is happening in the world, this podcast includes a recording of a short prayer/meditation followed by a monologue on lament and grief titled A Psalm of Christian Atheism. This is a recorded version of a blog written by William a couple of years ago, you can find the full blog and further resources here: https://thespacebetweenbloguk.wordpress.com/2019/12/06/psalm-151-a-psalm-of-christian-atheism/ Podcast Art by Cami Zea support her here: https://zea-ink.myshopify.com