Podcasts about do i stay christian

In this episode of 'The Biggest Table,' Brian McLaren, a noted author, speaker, activist, and theologian, joins me to discuss his latest book, 'Life After Doom.' McLaren delves into the concept of 'doom,' describing it not as an apocalyptic end but as a psychological feeling of overwhelming crises such as climate change, economic inequality, and the rise of surveillance capitalism. He shares insights from his journey of theological shifts, his understanding of historical and ecological cycles, and the importance of fostering resilience through community, character, and simple joys in nature. The conversation also highlights the significance of diverse perspectives in interpreting the Bible and nurturing a sense of collective and individual hope amidst prevalent global challenges.Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation. and a podcaster with Learning How to See. He is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest books are  Faith After Doubt (January 2021), Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022), and Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart (2024). His co-authored children's book Cory and the Seventh Story was released in 2023. The first book of a new science fiction trilogy, The Last Voyage, will be published in summer, 2025.This episode of the Biggest Table is brought to you in part by Wild Goose Coffee. Since 2008, Wild Goose has sought to build better communities through coffee. For our listeners, Wild Goose is offering a special promotion of 20% off a one time order using the code TABLE at checkout. To learn more and to order coffee, please visit wildgoosecoffee.com. 

In Season 3 we were lucky enough to get to interview one of the poster boys for progressive Christianity, Brian McLaren. He was a Charismatic Evangelical pastor for twenty-four years and is now a progressive author, activist, public theologian. In this episode, we talked with Brian about his book, Do I Stay Christian? which gives reasons why people should stay but also why people should leave. You'll really enjoy this interview regardless of how you now define your spirituality (or lack thereof).You can find Brian's book here.As part of our 2025 Down Under Summer Series, we're replaying out best episodes. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did.  We'll be back with new episodes later in 2025!---Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.Join the conversation and connect with other listeners here.All our links are here. Transcript of this episode is here.Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

This Quoircast podcast episode is brought to you by I Was A Teenage Fundamentalist Podcast. Brian and Troy used to be loyal Christian megachurch leaders. They're not anymore. This podcast explores life after fundamentalism. In this episode we chat with Brian McLarenBrian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member and Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation. and a podcaster with Learning How to See. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest books are Faith After Doubt (January 2021), Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022), and Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart (2024). His co-authored children's book Cory and the Seventh Story was released in 2023.You can follow Brian on:Facebook     TwitterYou can find all things Brian McLaren related on his websiteYou can purchase Brian's book on Amazon.comou can connect with This Is Not Church on:Facebook     Instagram      Twitter     TikTok     YouTubeAlso check out our Biolink for all things This Is Not Church relatedPlease like and follow our Quoircast Partners:Heretic Happy Hour     Messy Spirituality     Apostates Anonymous    Second Cup with Keith     The Church Needs TherapyIdeas Digest      Snarky Faith Podcast     Wild Olive     Deadly Faith     Spirituality Brew Pub     Faith For The Rest Of UsJonathan_Foster     Sacred Thoughts     Holy Heretics     Reframing Our Stories     Bros Bibles & Beer      Liminal LivingLove Covered Life     The Social Jesus Project     I Was A Teenage FundamentalistEach episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you're thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

WARNING: on this episode we reference topics of spiritual and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised.Pastor Jonty and Rev Ness ask themselves the uncomfortable question: "Do I Stay Christian?" Using Brian McLaren's book of the same name as a launching off point, we unpack some of the compelling reasons to stay Christian despite everything.Buy Jonty's short story collection: https://www.amazon.com.au/Where-Lies-Strangling-Fruit-2017-2019-ebook/dp/B084RM7JX8Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/FilthyHopeEmail us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/FilthyHopeListen to Into the WordSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/24pRK5xEVz6TOeihxnmC7g?si=26a641cd9c774b20Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/into-the-word/id1734437831YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA1zq_mnGIs&t=413s&ab_channel=FilthyHopeStudiosTimestamps:0:00 - Theme song0:14 - Welcome1:47 - Vent Central8:19 - Do I Stay Christian by Brian McLaren8:42 - Leaving the faith hurts allies helps their opponents23:44 - Because leaving defiantly and staying compliantly aren't my only options30:07 - It would be a shame to leave a religion in its infancy41:04 - Because of our legendary founder (Jesus)47:14 - We're really sorry.56:01 - Final thoughts57:36 - Outro song Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WARNING: on this episode we reference topics of spiritual and sexual abuse. Listener discretion is advised. Pastor Jonty and Rev Ness ask themselves the uncomfortable question: "Do I Stay Christian?" Using Brian McLaren's book of the same name as a launching off point, we unpack some of the compelling reasons why people are leaving the faith in an attempt to search for a way through these questions.Join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/373445507761084Become a Patreon member: https://www.patreon.com/FilthyHopeEmail us: filthyhopepod@gmail.comFollow us on Socials:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/filthyhopestudios/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/filthyhopepodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@filthyhopestudios?_t=8lLmIm1duvC&_r=1X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/FilthyHopeListen to Into the WordSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/24pRK5xEVz6TOeihxnmC7g?si=26a641cd9c774b20Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/into-the-word/id1734437831YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA1zq_mnGIs&t=413s&ab_channel=FilthyHopeStudiosTimestamps: 0:00 - Theme song0:14 - Intro2:03 - Vent central14:13 - Do I Stay Christian?19:52 - The church's real master is money30:51 - Is the church run by white patriarchy?35:16 - Toxic theology is killing Christianity47:31 - The church has to transform to survive58:46 - Constricted intellectualism1:06:38 - Baby Reindeer1:08:11 - Final thoughts1:09:28 - Outro song Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How does one go about navigating a world at odds with each other? Heading into another contentious political cycle, is there hope? What can we do to navigate this feeling of doom in our relationships with each other AND the planet? These are just a few questions asked in the latest episode of The DTALKS Podcast! Joe welcomes back good friend of the podcast, author & theologian Brian McLaren to the show! Brian and Joe get into a fascinating conversation about Brian's latest book 'Life After Doom' and what people can do to navigate what's just around the corner and keep some humanity intact.  It's an important conversation, tune in! About Brian McLaren Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member and Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation. and a podcaster with Learning How to See. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest books are  Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022). His next release, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, is available for pre-order now and will release in May 2024. Born in 1956, he graduated from University of Maryland with degrees in English (BA, 1978, and MA, 1981). His academic interests included Medieval drama, Romantic poets, modern philosophical literature, and the novels of Dr. Walker Percy. In 2004, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree (honoris causa) from Carey Theological Seminary in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and in 2010, he received a second honorary doctorate from Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal). About 'Life After Doom' For the last quarter-century, author and activist Brian D. McLaren has been writing at the intersection of religious faith and contemporary culture. In Life After Doom, he engages with the catastrophic failure of both our religious and political leaders to address the dominant realities of our time: ecological overshoot, economic injustice, and the increasing likelihood of civilizational collapse. McLaren defines doom as the “un-peaceful, uneasy, unwanted feeling” that “we humans have made a mess of our civilization and our planet, and not enough of us seem to care enough to change deeply enough or quickly enough to save ourselves.” Blending insights from philosophers, poets, scientists, and theologians, Life After Doom explores the complexity of hope, the necessity of grief, and the need for new ways of thinking, becoming, and belonging in turbulent times. If you want to help yourself, your family, and the communities to which you belong to find courage and resilience for the deeply challenging times that are upon us — this is the book you need right now.   Make sure to check out the Dtalkspodcast.com website! Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.   With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)   Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com AND Thanks to Self Unbound for this episode of the podcast: Your quality of life: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, is a direct reflection of the level of abundant energy, ease, and connection your nervous system has to experience your life!    At Self Unbound, your nervous system takes center stage as we help unbind your limited healing potential through NetworkSpinal Care.    Access the first steps to your Unbound journey by following us on Facebook, Instagram, or at www.selfunbound.com

With the continued decline of churches and denominations, many pastors and church leaders are facing a future filled with doom. In this conversation, Brian McLaren discusses his new book Life After Doom and how the four possible scenarios for the future of our world mirror the reality of institutional church: collapse avoidance, collapse rebirth, collapse survival, and collapse extinction. McLaren emphasizes the need for pastoral care and support in the face of these challenges and encourages individuals to show up for what they love. He also suggests reimagining the Christian faith as a series of movements rather than institutions. McLaren emphasizes the importance of small groups of people coming together to live simpler and more meaningful lives, focusing on conversation and enjoying the beauty of nature. Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member and Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation. and a podcaster with Learning How to See. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest books are  Faith After Doubt (January 2021), Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022), and Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, (May 2024). Born in 1956, he graduated from University of Maryland with degrees in English (BA, 1978, and MA, 1981). His academic interests included Medieval drama, Romantic poets, modern philosophical literature, and the novels of Dr. Walker Percy. In 2004, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree (honoris causa) from Carey Theological Seminary in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and in 2010, he received a second honorary doctorate from Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal). Past Episodes with Brian: https://futurechristian.podbean.com/e/brian-mclaren-on-faith-after-doubt/ https://futurechristian.podbean.com/e/do-i-stay-a-christian-with-brian-mclaren/   Presenting Sponsor: Phillips Seminary Join conversations that expose you to new ideas, deepen your commitment and give insights to how we can minister in a changing world.    Supporting Sponsors: I Help Pastors Get Jobs: Use code 'futurechristian' Torn Curtain Arts is a non-profit ministry that works with worship leaders, creatives, and churches to help avoid burnout, love their work, and realize their full creative potential.   Future Christian Team: Loren Richmond Jr. – Host & Executive Producer Martha Tatarnic – Guest Host / Co-Host Paul Romig–Leavitt – Executive Producer Danny Burton - Producer Dennis Sanders – Producer  

Listen to the after show for the Brian episode where we talk about why the Church tries to control beliefs What if being a Christian wasn't about what you believed? Nate & Shelby talk with Brian McLaren about his influential works, including Do I Stay Christian? and his latest, Life After Doom. Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.com Become a member and get: 1. Bonus episodes of our after show for each interview 2. All full-length episodes 3. Access to our private community of 350+ listeners Become a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world is falling apart. The earth is hotter than it has ever been since we have been recording temperatures, the ocean is heating up. We have polarization that tears us to pieces. We are good at division. There is war over resources and power. What can we do? We need some wisdom and courage to move forward together in a world like ours. And Brian McLaren brings it to us in this conversation. Brian helps us to reframe our stories and perspectives, slow down to appreciate beauty, find wise guides, overcome biases, and respond to issues with compassion rather than fear or complacency. So join us as we find wisdom and courage for a world falling apart. Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member and Dean of Faculty for the Center for Action and Contemplation. and a podcaster with Learning How to See. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest books are  Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022). His next release, Life After Doom: Wisdom and Courage for a World Falling Apart, is available for pre-order now and will release in May 2024. Brian's Book:Life After DoomBrian's Recommendations:Civil WarThe Dao of Civilization: A Letter to China by Freya MatthewsConnect with Joshua: jjohnson@allnations.usGo to www.shiftingculturepodcast.com to interact and donate. Every donation helps to produce more podcasts for you to enjoy.Follow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Threads at www.facebook.com/shiftingculturepodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/shiftingculturepodcast/https://twitter.com/shiftingcultur2Consider Giving to the podcast and to the ministry that my wife and I do around the world. Just click on the support the show link below. Support the Show.

For this week's episode, we're sharing one more talk with you from our Restore gathering in 2022. This was one of our absolute favorite sessions, and it was the final presentation, right at the end on Saturday afternoon. We were privileged to hear from Brian McLaren, who shared his simple and incredibly resonant framework for faith development. It's one that we've referenced before on this podcast, and we think you'll love hearing Brian teach it. Brian does a beautiful job emphasizing that the point isn't to get everyone to a particular “stage” of faith — rather, it's creating a Church and a community where each stage is welcome and included.First, you'll hear Brian give his presentation, and afterward, Tim and Aubrey sit down for a live Q&A with him. We think Brian brought really key insights to both parts of this session. When we listened back, there was so much there that we hadn't fully absorbed, and even if you were with us at Restore last year, we think this one's really worth a listen.For those of you who haven't heard Brian from before, he's a bestselling author, speaker, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for a Christianity that is just, generous, and works with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member of  The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. His newest books are  Faith After Doubt, released in 2021, and Do I Stay Christian?,  which was released in 2022.

We (Larissa and Kim) had the absolute privilege of interviewing Brian McLaren. As many of you know, Brian is a well-known spiritual influencer who has made significant contributions to the world of faith and spirituality. In this episode, we had the privilege of sitting down with him to discuss his life's work, including his four stages of faith development.We dive deep into who Brian is as a person, his books, and his passion for creating a new kind of Christianity that is inclusive, compassionate, and committed to social justice.If you're interested in exploring new ideas and perspectives on faith and spirituality, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Tune in now and join us in the conversation!What We Discuss: -Faith vs. Certainty -Theology of Change -Criticism-The Four Stages of Faith Development-How Brian Played a Role in Larissa and Kim's Coming Out Story-Shaping the Future of Church -Mental Health in the Church The Four Stages of Faith Development:The Four Stages of Faith Development that Brian described (after briefly talking about a few of the other models/descriptions that other theologians, psychologists, etc., have put forth) are:Simplicity — You're either for us or against us. It's all or nothing.Complexity — There's more than one way to do things.Perplexity — Everyone has an opinion. Who knows who is right?Harmony/Humility — Seek first God's Kingdom… love God, love neighbors… in essentials unity… focus on a few grand essentials.About Brian:Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for "a new kind of Christianity" - just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a core faculty member of The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest books are Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022).Connect With Brian:www.brianmclaren.net

Besides being an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian, McLaren says he's a "passionate advocate for 'a new kind of Christianity' – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good." April, Jeremy and Paul talk with Brian about his newest book "Do I Stay Christian?" Get Brian's book and learn more about his work at www.brianmclaren.net Check out our new Merch ISH or join our ISH Community: www.evangelicalish.com Follow the Evangelicalish team on Tiktok, IG, FB & Twitter: @evangelicalish, @pastorpaul_tiktok, @pastorfromok, @aprilajoy Or email us: evangelicalish@gmail.com

Dr. Brian D. McLaren started his career as a college English teacher, then became a pastor, and then put the two together to become a spiritual writer. He loves the outdoors (fly fishing especially), music (jazz and folk especially), and reading (novels and poetry especially). He has four adult kids and five amazing grandchildren and will show you photos without your permission. His new book, Do I Stay Christian? (St. Martins, 2022) is on Publisher's Weekly's top 20 books of 2022. He and his wife, Grace, just survived Hurricane Ian and can be found walking the beach, pruning trees in their little mango orchard, and watching tortoises cross the road. He looks forward to returning to Calvary and telling the honest truth (as he sees it) about the future of faith.

This is part FIVE of a five part series analyzing Brian McLaren's book “Do I Stay Christian”. In each of these episodes, Val and Nathan go through McLaren's 10 compelling reasons to LEAVE institutionalized Christianity and 10 compelling reasons to STAY. In this episode the two reasons discussed to LEAVE are as follows: 9) Because of its tendency to constrict intellectualism [please jump over to episode 79 of this podcast for a deep dive into the damage done due to constrictive intellectualism and many cognitive biases common to underdeveloped Christian thinking] and 10) Because Christianity is “SHRINKLING” [shrinking+wrinkling]. The two final reasons discussed in this episode to stay Christian are, 9) To Free God from the dangerous image as the angry old white guy full of judgement and wrath, and 10) Because of Fermi's Paradox and the Great Filter [yep…you'll clearly need to tune in to have the first clue about what he means here!!] ***************Val and Nathan respect McLaren's straightforward, honest look at our Christian history and share in his trust that each of us is wise enough to look truth straight in the eye in order to forge our own path towards health and wholeness. Sunstone Symposium address referenced in this episode [Val's favorite symposium address of all time]: OWN YOUR RELIGION: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sunstone-magazine/id1113651395?i=1000580244207. Book referenced in this episode [other than ‘Do I Stay Christian', is ‘Faith After Doubt' by Brian McLaren.******************************* Contact Valerie at info@valeriehamaker.com to get on a waitlist for one of her space limited processing/support groups mentioned in detail in th

This is part FOUR of a five part series analyzing Brian McLaren's book “Do I Stay Christian”. In each of these episodes, Val and Nathan go through McLaren's 10 compelling reasons to LEAVE institutionalized Christianity and 10 compelling reasons to STAY. In this episode the two reasons discussed to LEAVE are as follows: 7) Because Christianity is STUCK due to its “belief policing” and its accompanying resistance to scientific advancements that might push up against traditional religious ideas, and 8) Because Christianity as a religious system has arguably failed in its prime purpose: to transform people into loving, caring human beings. Reasons to stay in this episode are as follows, 7) Leaving complex and messy systems is arguably buying into a similar superiority complex that often draws people into Christianity in the first place and 8) Christianity is both getting better and it is getting worse. On the side of better: Christianity in some traditions is finally waking up after “hitting bottom” due to the internet's built-in ability to demand openness and accountability. Christianity is arguably getting worse in that ‘Christian Nationalism' and other toxic co-opting of the Christian name is proving to be a brand of belief that waits in the wings to fill the pews and the airwaves if Christian-reformers leave. ********************************Val and Nathan respect McLaren's straightforward, honest look at our Christian history and share in his trust that each of us is wise enough to look truth straight in the eye in order to forge our own path towards spiritual health and wholeness Book referenced in this episode [in addition to “Do I Stay Christian”] is "Extensions of Power" by D. Michael Quinn ************************************************* Contact Valerie at info@valeriehamaker.com to get on a waitlist for one of her space limited processing/support groups mentioned in detail in th

This is part THREE of a five part series analyzing Brian McLaren's book “Do I Stay Christian”. In each of these episodes, Val and Nathan go through McLaren's 10 compelling reasons to LEAVE institutionalized Christianity and 10 compelling reasons to STAY. In this episode the two reasons discussed to LEAVE are as follows: 5) Because of Christianity's "real" master...MONEY.  In this section Nathan and Val break down both how this issue applies to both "big" Christianity and to our our faith tradition's specific complex and problematic relationship with money, and 6) Because of serious harm done due to white male patriarchy.   The two viable reasons to STAY in institutional Christianity discussed in this episode are: 5) Due to Christianity's legendary founder.  This section focuses both on expanding our understanding of the difference between scriptural literalism and scriptural literary value and also helps readers of scripture understand the human tendency to expand the stories of legendary people, sometimes causing mistrust and confusion.  The final reason to stay is this episode is 6) because innocence is an addition and solidarity is the cure.  What McLaren means by this is that those who leave Christianity are enjoying the luxury of privilege.  Listen in to capture what he means by this!  Val and Nathan respect McLaren's straightforward, honest look at our Christian history and share in his trust that each of us is wise enough to look truth straight in the eye in order to forge our own path towards spiritual health and wholeness Book referenced in this episode [in addition to “Do I Stay Christian”] is "Extensions of Power" by D. Michael Quinn ************************************************* Contact Valerie at info@valeriehamaker.com to get on a waitlist for one of her space limited processing/support groups mentioned in detail in this episode.

This is part TWO of a five part series analyzing Brian McLaren's book “Do I Stay Christian”. In each of these episodes, Val and Nathan go through McLaren's 10 compelling reasons to LEAVE institutionalized Christianity and 10 compelling reasons to STAY. In this episode the two reasons discussed to LEAVE are as follows: 3) Because of the huge world-wide death toll and life toll due to Christian imperialism/ colonization, and 4) Because of perpetual issues with loyal Christian “company men” who value loyalty to institution over loyalty to those whom they are serving who come to worship God and find healing community. The two viable reasons to STAY in institutional Christianity discussed in this episode are: 3) Because those who value the rhythms of community worship will find that there is no human-run institution that will be exempt of the complexities of human-run institutions, and 4) Because when speaking relative to the creation of the universe, Christianity is in its infancy and very young things are very underdeveloped by necessity. Val and Nathan respect McLaren's straightforward, honest look at our Christian history and share in his trust that each of us is wise enough to look truth straight in the eye in order to forge our own path towards spiritual health and wholeness Book referenced in this episode [in addition to “Do I Stay Christian”] is “The Creation of Patriarchy” by Gerta Lerner ************************************************* Contact Valerie at info@valeriehamaker.com to get on a waitlist for one of her space limited processing/support groups mentioned in detail in this episode.

This is part one of a five part series analyzing Brian McLaren's book “Do I Stay Christian”. In each of the next 5 episodes, Val and Nathan go through McLaren's 10 compelling reasons to LEAVE institutionalized Christianity and 10 compelling reasons to STAY. In this episode the first two reasons to LEAVE are as follows: 1) Because of the brutal treatment of Jewish people by Christians throughout Christianity's history, and 2) Because of Christianity's long history of brutality to their own brave dissenters who have seen institutional problems of blindness, ignorance, and corruption have called them out, and have been physically or psychologically punished. The two viable reasons to STAY in institutional Christianity discussed in this episode are: 1) Because leaving Christianity hurts those valiantly trying to heal systemic problems [and those staying comprise some of the bravest, noblest badasses you can find anywhere

Brian McLaren is an author, activist and theologian. His many books and his public speaking have been an important resource for Christians seeking a more inclusive faith, a generous orthodoxy. Brian has a pastoral voice that is both challenging but also can be nurturing to those who have been hurt by their experience with faith. In this interview Corrymeela's Public Theology Programme Manager Jonny Clark raises questions about Brian's latest two books Faith Beyond Doubt and Do I Stay Christian.

In this episode Val and Nathan review several common cognitive biases that many Christians struggle with due to their Christian leadership's tendency to constrict intellectualism.  When intellectualism is stifled, we do not become complex thinkers and we tend to overlook these biases and shortchange our own God-given abilities to grow in knowledge, truth, and wisdom.  The biases are these:  1. Confirmation bias 2. Complexity bias 3. Community bias 4. Comfort and compancency bias 5. Confidence bias 6. Conspiracy bias 7. Catastrophe/normalcy bias  8. Cash bias.  Books referenced in this episode:  “Do I Stay Christian?” By Brian McLaren 2. Origins of Power by D. Michael Quinn   Book referenced in this epode:  Living an Examined Life by James Hollis (one of Valerie's top scholarly crushes). ************************************************* Contact Valerie at info@valeriehamaker.com to get on a waitlist for one of her space limited processing/support groups mentioned in detail in this episode.

Today we welcomed Annie King, a fellow therapist and colleague of Kelsi's in Chillicothe, OH to share her personal journey deconstructing faith. She discusses the waves of emotions and transitions felt throughout this process, as well as the importance of remaining open. Annie provides tangible recommendations for anyone also in a deconstructing process, as well as some book recommendations. Subscribe to Annie's Blog here Authors recommended: Brian D. McLaren, Rachel Held Evans, Kate Bowler, Sarah Bessey, Diana Butler Bass, Barbara Brown, Taylor Richard Rhor Books recommended: A New Kind of Christian by Brian D. McLaren, Faith After Doubt by Brian D. McLaren, Do I Stay Christian by Brian D. McLaren, Traveling Mercies by Ann Lamott, Inspired by Rachel Held Evans, Freeing Jesus by Diana Butler Bass, Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies I've Loved by Kate Bowler #Wellness #GrowYourPathToWellness #Podcast #Vlog #Deconstructing #DeconstructingFaith #Faith #Religion #ReligiousTrauma #Christianity #Christian --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gyptw/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gyptw/support

Do I Stay Christian? addresses in public the powerful question that surprising numbers of people―including pastors, priests, and other religious leaders―are asking in private. Picking up where Faith After Doubt leaves off, Do I Stay Christian? is not McLaren's attempt to persuade Christians to dig in their heels or run for the exit. Instead, he combines his own experience with that of thousands of people who have confided in him over the years to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity.There is a way to say both yes and no to the question of staying Christian, McLaren says, by shifting the focus from whether we stay Christian to how we stay human. If Do I Stay Christian? is the question you're asking―or if it's a question that someone you love is asking―this is the book you've been waiting for. This is a recording of our book club's virtual Q&A session with Brian, recorded on November 30, 2022. Enjoy!

Join us as we welcome guest speaker Brian McLaren, author of “Do I Stay Christian”, as we walk through a passage in Acts where we find Jesus' apostles ushering in a different economy, a different politic, and a dangerously subversive picture of God's Kingdom versus the culture of the day.

Our fall series, "Do I Stay or Do I Go?" is based on Brian McLaren's new book "Do I Stay Christian?" Together, we wonder and question whether to practice fidelity to Christ in a time when Christians practice harm in Christ's name.

Our fall series, "Do I Stay or Do I Go?" is based on Brian McLaren's new book "Do I Stay Christian?" Together, we wonder and question whether to practice fidelity to Christ in a time when Christians practice harm in Christ's name.

In this talk, Pete gives an overview of many reasons why people are not just leaving churches, but the faith itself. He then shifts to a number of reasons why he chooses to stay using Brian McLaren's framework in is book, Do I Stay Christian?

Book interview with Brian McLaren for “Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned”

Nathan and Steve go through the survey "The State of Theology" which was published recently and find that, not only are they both wildly heretical, but that the Ligonier group writes REALLY bad questions. Steve and Nathan are both exhausted because they're privileged Nathan is overly concerned with the Trump Mar-a-Lago case Pep Band is fun Church is weird “Do I Stay Christian” by Brian McLaren The State of Theology Survey (https://thestateoftheology.com) Ligonier Ministries (http://www.ligonier.org) R.C. Sproul (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/R._C._Sproul) Reformed Theology (https://www.ligonier.org/learn/series/what-is-reformed-theology) Martin Luther (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther) Calvinism (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvinism) Doctrine of “Original Sin” (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin) Survey Data Explorer (https://thestateoftheology.com/data-explorer)

In this episode, we were honored to bring back our friend Brian McLaren to talk about his brand new book, Do I Stay Christian?In this new book, Brian addresses a real question which underlies a startling sociological truth: people are leaving Christianity at a rapid pace. In fact, Pew Research shows that today, about 64% people in the US identify as Christian, after falling rapidly from a high of 90% just a few decades back.Brian's book takes an unflinching look at the reasons people might leave Christianity, before spending a lot of time on why someone might choose to stay, as Brian has. But you won't find any “apologetics” here — rather, Brian looks at staying as part of a broader faith journey — one that can take us out of a simple world of black-and-white into a new “stage” of our faith: one filled with paradox, mystery, and love. In one of the most compelling and memorable parts of the book, Brian asks “What if you're really trying to change stages, not religions?”While truly not prescribing any particular path for readers, Brian shows how all people of good will — including those with doubts, questions, and criticisms — can do so much to benefit their institutions and traditions if they choose to stay. We think this book does so much good work to paint compelling reasons for doing so, and to help illustrate a path forward.Brian McLaren an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. We'd also recommend going back and listening to Brian's first appearance on the Faith Matters podcast in episode #67, where we discuss his book Faith After Doubt.

A weekly podcast exploring stories at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens. This week: Missy's inner fundamentalist drops in after author Brian McLaren opens the door. Guest: Author, speaker and activist Brian McLaren, whose most recent book is "Do I Stay Christian?" "Good Faith Weekly" is produced out of Norman, Oklahoma. Music is by Pond5. Learn more at www.GoodFaithMedia.org and @GFMediaOrg Links: Brian McLaren ~ https://brianmclaren.net/ "Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned" ~ https://www.amazon.com/Do-Stay-Christian-Disappointed-Disillusioned/dp/1250262798

I get sick when I see how so-called Christians have taken over our name. I am embarrassed to identify with this group of vicious, judgemental people. And yet, I love Christ. Many parts of Christianity feel like it has been hijacked and replaced with something I don't recognize. Author Brian McLaren has written a book for those who feel like we are on edge. Should we jump off the cliff or hang on for a bit longer? This book may be the most important book you read this year (no hyperbole). I hope this conversation with McLaren will resonate with your spiritual journey. Do I Stay Christian? Get his book HERE Visit Brian's website Watch the Interview HERE

Brian McLaren joins Everything is OK Podcast to answer our burning questions about is newest book Do I Stay Christian?

Plenty of pastors have considered quitting, but what about quitting Christianity altogether?  Andy Peck chats to Brian McLaren about his latest book: ‘Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed and the Disillusioned.' They look at the reasons why people want to leave and why handling doubts is an important aspect of Christian leadership.

Should-heads, we are back with our first full-length episode in what feels like forever! We had a great time discussing the book and hopefully you've read it already. If not, be aware that we have some major spoilers. Look for the books mentioned in this episode on Libro.fm by using our affiliate link. When you buy using this link, you are supporting the podcast! AND if you use our code WYSR at checkout you can get your first two books for the price of one.  Check out our recommendations here: https://libro.fm/playlists/2450  Discussion links:Ron Bass is also going to update Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility. Austen fans have...feelings about this. (Read the comments!)BOTM Podcast interview with Blake CrouchCurrently Reading: Bekki: How Rory Thorne Destroyed the Multiverse (K. Eason) and Namesake (Adrienne Young)Julia: Meredith, Alone (Claire Alexander), The Bodyguard (Katherine Center) and Honey & Spice (Bolu Babalola)Kelly:  Carrie Soto is Back (Taylor Jenkins Reid)Rachael: Upgrade (Blake Crouch)Recent Acquisitions:Bekki: The City and the City (China Mieville), Embassytown (China Mieville), The House of Shattered Wings (Aliette de Bodard), The Monster at the End of This Book (Jon Stone and Mike Smollin) and Do I Stay Christian? (Brian D. McLaren)Julia: The Bodyguard (Katherine Center), Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow (Gabrielle Zevin), The Lost Ticket (Freya Sampson), French Braid (Anne Tyler), Persuasion (Jane Austen; read by Juliet Stevenson), The Guncle (Steven Rowley) and One Night on the Island (Josie Silver) Kelly: Drunk on Love (Jasmine Guillory), A Scatter of Light (Malinda Lo), When We Had Summer (Jennifer Castle), Opening My Eyes Underwater (Ashley Woodfolk) and Improbable Magic for Cynical Witches (Kate Scelsa)Rachael: Part of Your World (Abby Jimenez), March (Geraldine Brooks), The Swallows (Lisa Lutz), The Alice Network (Kate Quinn), The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy (Jenny Han), Labor Day (Joyce Maynard), The Buried Giant (Kazuo Ishiguro), Never Let Me Go (Kazuo Ishiguro), Cracked Pots (Heather Tucker), A Snake Falls to Earth (Darcie Little Badger) and The Kaiju Preservation Society (John Scalzi)Our next book club book: Meredith, Alone (Claire Alexander)Follow us:Twitter and Instagram: wysr_podcastFollow Bekki:https://www.instagram.com/bekki_the_gingernut/

In this episode, Brian gives language to the spiritual frustration many of us have felt at times and the importance of stage theories when understanding the maturation of our faith journey. He and Richard discuss the nature of Christian identity, non-dualism, and faith deconstruction. Brian is the author of 'Faith After Doubt' and 'Do I Stay Christian'. Visit the links below for his website and publications.https://brianmclaren.net/ https://www.amazon.com.au/Faith-after-Doubt-Beliefs-Stopped/dp/1529384451/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= https://www.amazon.com.au/Do-Stay-Christian-Disappointed-Disillusioned/dp/1250262798/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= 

Brian McLaren is at it again, writing a book for people on the edge of Christianity, just barely holding on. Do I Stay Christian? is a brilliant book that takes a very honest look at Christianity, ponders reasons to go, and reasons to stay, while presenting us with a new kind of Christianity...one that's more Christ-like and rooted in this moment and on this earth we find ourselves on. I know...weird, right?In this episode, we tasted both the spectacular Wild Turkey Father and Son 13 Year and a select offering from New Riff Distilling.The beverage tasting is at 3:18. To skip to the interview, go to 8:26.Content note: this episode contains some mild profanity and mention of (biblical) sexual assault and murder.Support the show

Friends we are back with Season 2 of the REVcovery Podcast! We are so excited for what the next season holds and this episode is the perfect kickoff. Our guest today is Brian Mclaren. In addition to being a former pastor Brian is the author of several books about new ways of practicing faith and his latest book "Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned" is out now. Sarah and Justin interview him on what is it like to hold faith in our current context as when as share stories about how the book impacted them. Are they still Christian? Listen to find out! If you are at all interested in the question of whether or not you are still a Christian and what that even means this is an excellent episode and we highly recommend the book. Welcome once again to the REVcovery Room. If you would like to join a community of like minded people check out our Patreon: patreon.com/revcovery If you would like to see us live we will be at Theology Beer Camp in Chapel Hill, NC on October 13-15. If you use the code "REVcovery" you get $50 off your registration fee. Sign up here www.TheologyBeer.Camp Coaching is one way we offer additional support but sometimes the cost is out of reach. You can help someone else get the support they need by donating to Sarah's account at Souleader: https://www.souleader.org/single-donation This podcast is edited by Elizabeth Nordenholt from Podcat Audio: https://elizabethnordenholt.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to madang. Madang is the outdoor living room of the world. Here, we invite you to sit and tune into unreserved, remarkable conversations with renown authors, leaders, public figures and scholars on religion, culture and everything in-between. This is the 19th episode where I converse with Brian McLaren on his new book, "Do I Stay Christian?" He is an author, activist, public theologian, and frequent guest lecturer for gatherings in the U.S. and internationally. His work has been covered in TIME Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, The New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, and many other media outlets. Conversations on White Christianity, parenting, heresy, Jesus is an oppressed brown Palestinian Jew, Roman Empire, The Doctrine of Discovery... I am thrilled to announce that Madang podcast is hosted by The Christian Magazine. Please visit their website for the latest Madang podcast as well as current articles on Christianity, culture and society. I have written several pieces for the Christian Century and welcome this new partnership. https://www.christiancentury.org/madang --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/grace-ji-sun-kim/support

In this episode we welcome back author, activist, and public theologian Brian McLaren. This time we talk with Brian about his new book Do I Stay Christian?, in which he helps us reflect on the pros and cons of holding onto a Christian identity and, more importantly, what it means to stay human.  Interview starts at 17m 46s Show Notes → Nomad is able to produce episodes like this one because a group of faithful listeners help us pay the bills. Our supporters gain access to the Nomad community - which manifests as Nomad Book Club and The Beloved Listener Lounge - and bonus episodes, such as Nomad Contemplations, Nomad Devotionals and Nomad Revisited. And you may find yourself the proud owner of a Beloved Listener mug! Head over to our Patreon page and our own members page to donate. You might also want to have a look at our blog, which we use to share the stories of the evolving faith of our podcast listeners. And if you're looking for other people to share this journey with, then register on our Listener Map and our Nomad Gathering Facebook page, and see if any other nomads are in your area.

In this conversation we talk about his newest book, "Do I Stay Christian?" what you gain after you experience relational loss, and giving Christianity permission to evolve.

We talk to Brian MacLaren about his new book – Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned. The book explores the reasons for leaving and reasons for staying, and the real question that affects us all, whether we stay or leave: 'what kind of person do I want to be?' Support the podcastContact the podcast through your email machine Mentioned in this episode: Cotswold Sculpture ParkBrian McLaren: Do I Stay Christian?

Brian McLaren was a Charismatic Evangelical pastor for twenty-four years. Now he's an author, activist, public theologian, and arguably the poster boy for Progressive Christians everywhere. In this episode, Troy and Brian chat with Brian McLaren about his new book, Do I Stay Christian? which gives reasons why people should stay but also why people should leave. You'll really enjoy this interview regardless of how you now define your spirituality (or lack thereof). You can find Brian's book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Do-Stay-Christian-Disappointed-Disillusioned/dp/1250262798  Our links: https://linktr.ee/iwatf  Email us: hhandhillsong@gmail.com 

Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity”—just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good.  He is a faculty member of The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. In this episode, Brian and Rabbi Rami discuss progressive religion, political extremism, and Brian's book Do I Stay Christian? This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Life is full of twists and turns, stress, changes, grief, moments of growth, and moments where we feel like we're taking a few steps back. It's important to show up for yourself through all of the struggles that life can bring. BetterHelp online therapy is here for the twists and turns, and will assess your needs and can match you with your own licensed professional therapist in less than 48 hours. Special offer for Spirituality & Health listeners: get 10 percent off your first month at betterhelp.com/spiritualityhealth.

Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity”—just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good.  He is a faculty member of The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. In this episode, Brian and Rabbi Rami discuss progressive religion, political extremism, and Brian's book Do I Stay Christian? This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. Life is full of twists and turns, stress, changes, grief, moments of growth, and moments where we feel like we're taking a few steps back. It's important to show up for yourself through all of the struggles that life can bring. BetterHelp online therapy is here for the twists and turns, and will assess your needs and can match you with your own licensed professional therapist in less than 48 hours. Special offer for Spirituality & Health listeners: get 10 percent off your first month at betterhelp.com/spiritualityhealth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Caleb talks with Brian McLaren about his book, Do I Stay Christian? and more.Links MentionedBrian McLarenDo I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned by Brian McLarenEpisode 217: Brian McLaren on the Four Stages of Faith, How Faith and Doubt Work Together, and Why Only Doubt Can Save the World

Could technology be key to deepening our faith experience? From the printing press to podcasts, the newest technology has been inviting people into faith conversations for centuries. On this episode, Brian is joined by theologian and podcaster Tripp Fuller as we embrace walking towards a fresh and vibrant theology that is accessible to everyone. Tripp is a self-described “theology nerd,” and brings his deep knowledge of Biblical history and a commitment to creating space for everyone to cultivate a more authentic relationship with their faith. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here Tripp's podcast, Homebrewed Christianity is available wherever you like to download podcasts. Everyone who purchases a copy of Brian's new book Do I Stay Christian? from our online bookstore will be invited to participate in an exclusive Community Read-Along on Facebook! There will be discussion questions, prompts, and shared practices as we move through the book each week. The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) is an educational nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. When you purchase this or any other book from our online bookstore you help us to introduce seekers from around the world to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. (Everyone who purchases a copy of Do I Stay Christian? will receive a URL to join the discussion group via email.) Connect with us: We'd love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Tripp Fuller: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

At some point in your deconstruction journey, you are probably going to be faced with the question, "Do I stay Christian or do I walk away from this movement altogether?" If that is where you are today, this episode is for you.It's been a minute since Western Christianity has looked anything like Jesus. For the last 1,700 years Christianity has been known more its violence, patriarchy, domination, nationalism, and racism, instead of love and compassion. Christianity jumped the religious tracks a millennia ago. American Christianity is experiencing a rebirth in Christian nationalism, a movement seeking to force its will on the world. It's so bad that many of us no longer even want to be associated with the term Christian. So what's next? Is this movement even worth saving and if so, how do we do it? In this critical episode, Brian McLaren helps us discern the reasons why you should stay Christian as well as a myriad of reasons why you should not stay Christian. But even more important, he ponders what Christianity might look like in the future if those of us in the deconstruction community decide to participate in the recreation and resurrection of a more mystical, ancient form of faith. If you are seriously considering throwing in the spiritual towel, join us for this timely conversation. I think you'll find that Brian offers a way forward through the difficulty and dissonance many of us feel as we navigate this critical question along our faith-seeking journey. BioBrian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest book is Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and his next release, Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022) can be preordered now. His recent projects include an illustrated children's book (for all ages) called Cory and the Seventh Story and The Galapagos Islands: A Spiritual Journey.Born in 1956, he graduated from University of Maryland with degrees in English (BA, 1978, and MA, 1981). His academic interests included Medieval drama, Romantic poets, modern philosophical literature, and the novels of Dr. Walker Percy. In 2004, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree (honoris causa) from Carey Theological Seminary in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and in 2010, he received a second honorary doctorate from Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal).From 1978 to 1986, McLaren taught college English in the DC area, and in 1982, he helped form Cedar Ridge Community Church, an innovative, nondenominational church (crcc.org). He left higher education in 1986 to serve as the church's founding pastor and served in that capacity until 2006.Brian has been active in networking and mentoring church planters and pastors since the mid 1980's, and has assisted in the development of several new churches. He is a popular conference speaker and a frequent guest lecturer for denominational and ecumenical leadership gatherings – across the US and Canada, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. His public speaking covers a broad range of topics including postmodern thought and culture, Biblical studies, church leadership and spiritual formation, pastoral survival and burnout, inter-religious dialogue, and global crises.Please follow us on social media (use the buttons below) and help us get the word out! (Also, please don't hesitate to use any of these channels or email to contact us with any questions, concerns, or feedback.)If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and a review

This week we're joined by author, speaker, and Emergent Church pastor, Brian McLaren (the interview starts at 1:27:00)! His most recent book is entitled “Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned,” and in it, he attempts to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity by asking some of the toughest and most common questions about their faith. Follow Brian on Twitter (@brianmclaren), visit www.brianmclaren.net for more resources and information, and pick up a copy of “Do I Stay Christian?” wherever books are sold!   …but first, we have to talk about last week. The SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe v. Wade rocked the country, and there's been little else on most people's minds. Rather than weigh in with opinions that we're certain aren't unique or profound, we thought it might be helpful to walk through the history of the anti-abortion movement in America. You might be surprised to hear that there hasn't always been so much consensus on abortion among Christians, and that it only recently became such a galvanizing social issue. Our retelling is a bit muddled, at times, so for those of you who would like a more linear, cohesive account of the history, we highly recommend an episode of Throughline, an NPR podcast, called “The Evangelical Vote (2019).”

Many of us are wondering if we should stay Christian or break from the shackles of this religion. What are the reasons for leaving? What are the reasons for staying? And no matter what we choose, how best do we live with the decision we make? Join Pastor Adam and Brian McLaren with your comments and questions as they talk about Brian's latest book "Do I Stay Christian?" "One Question with Pastor Adam" is back for Season 3! Tune in to the live broadcast on the Pastor Adam Facebook page on Thursdays at 11a Pacific Time. Podcast episodes will become available the following Monday. Have a question you'd like to see answered on the podcast? Submit it via email to aericksen@ravenfoundation.org.

What if questions are God's way of communicating? Could we learn to embrace asking questions as a spiritual practice? For this episode, Brian McLaren invites two great wisdom teachers of our time, Dr. James Finley and Dr. Barbara Holmes into a conversation about the simple steps we can take to celebrate the sacredness of each moment. This conversation journeys into the heart of embracing mystery and all that is unsolved in your heart.  Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here Dr. Barbara Holme's podcast, The Cosmic We can be found on: CAC | Apple or wherever you like to download podcasts. Dr. James Finley's podcast, Turning to the Mystics can be found on: CAC | Apple or wherever you like to download podcasts. Everyone who purchases a copy of Brian's new book Do I Stay Christian? from our online bookstore will be invited to participate in an exclusive Community Read-Along on Facebook! There will be discussion questions, prompts, and shared practices as we move through the book each week. The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) is an educational nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. When you purchase this or any other book from our online bookstore you help us to introduce seekers from around the world to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. (Everyone who purchases a copy of Do I Stay Christian? will receive a URL to join the discussion group via email.) Connect with us: We'd love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

This episode of A People's Theology is sponsored by United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities. Receive a $1,000 scholarship when you apply and are admitted: unitedseminary.edu/apeoplestheology In this episode Mason chats with Brian McLaren about his new book, Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned. They chat about all the reasons why you should and shouldn't stay a Christian and how we ought to move forward. Guest Bio/Info: Brian McLaren is an activist, public theologian, and author of many books including most recently, Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned. Find Brian here: brianmclaren.net Twitter: @brianmclaren Facebook: facebook.com/mclaren.brian Special music by Valleyheart: Spotify: Valleyheart Instagram: valleyheartma Get connected to Mason: masonmennenga.com Patreon: patreon.com/masonmennenga Twitter: @masonmennenga Facebook: facebook.com/mason.mennenga Instagram: masonmennenga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the Christian Cult of Innocence and how does it limit our view of ourselves, God, and Christian wisdom? In this episode, Brian McLaren continues his journey of discovering wisdom and perspectives that can break Christianity open. In this conversation, Fr. Richard Rohr and Paul Swanson explore how embracing our flawed human nature can free us from limiting judgements that keep us and everyone else limited, small, and feeling unworthy of Divine Love. Learn to liberate yourself and everyone else you know to be unapologetically human!  Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here Everyone who purchases a copy of Brian's new book Do I Stay Christian? from our online bookstore will be invited to participate in an exclusive Community Read-Along on Facebook! There will be discussion questions, prompts, and shared practices as we move through the book each week. The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) is an educational nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. When you purchase this or any other book from our online bookstore you help us to introduce seekers from around the world to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. (Everyone who purchases a copy of Do I Stay Christian? will receive a URL to join the discussion group via email.) Connect with us: We'd love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

Renowned civil rights leader and best-selling author Valarie Kaur joins Brian for this episode of Learning How to See. In this conversation, they help us see how learning about another faith tradition can help us see our own tradition in a different way. Valarie Kaur is a renowned civil rights leader and celebrated prophetic voice "at the forefront of progressive change" (Center for American Progress). Valarie burst into American consciousness in the wake of the 2016 election when her Watch Night Service address went viral with 40 million views worldwide. Her question "Is this the darkness of the tomb – or the darkness of the womb?" reframed the political moment and became a mantra for people fighting for change. Valarie now leads the Revolutionary Love Project to reclaim love as a force for justice in America.  Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here Valarie Kaur's work with Revolutionary Love can be found here. Everyone who purchases a copy of Brian's new book Do I Stay Christian? from our online bookstore will be invited to participate in an exclusive Community Read-Along on Facebook! There will be discussion questions, prompts, and shared practices as we move through the book each week. The Center for Action and Contemplation (CAC) is an educational nonprofit organization whose mission is to strengthen compassionate engagement in the world. When you purchase this or any other book from our online bookstore you help us to introduce seekers from around the world to the contemplative Christian path of transformation. (Everyone who purchases a copy of Do I Stay Christian? will receive a URL to join the discussion group via email.) Connect with us: We'd love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Valarie Kaur: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

This week we talked to the GOAT, Brian McLaren about his new book "Do I Stay Christian?"  Regardless of where you are in your journey, this book is for you.  Enjoy! SHOW NOTES: MY BOOK: https://www.amazon.com/Re-Thinking-Everything-Spiritual-Journey/dp/B09QNV8QX7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=V52CPQJD7N53&keywords=glenn+siepert+book&qid=1643323104&sprefix=glenn+siepert+book%2Caps%2C71&sr=8-1  PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/whatifproject  BUY ME A COFFEE: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/whatifproject  HERETIC SHOP: https://www.bonfire.com/store/the-heretic-shop/  BRIAN MCLAREN: https://brianmclaren.net  DO I STAY CHRISTIAN?: https://www.amazon.com/Do-Stay-Christian-Disappointed-Disillusioned/dp/1250262798/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1654110174&sr=8-1  (SPECIAL MUSIC) YUNG CITIZEN: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/yung-citizen/945553400 

Antisemitism, theology, empire—this week's episode invites us to examine our histories and faith traditions with an honest lens. Explore a different perspective of Christianity with Rabbi Jill Jacobs, who discuss what is means to have Christianity as a neighbor.  Rabbi Jill Jacobs (she/her) is the CEO of T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights, an organization that trains and mobilizes more than 2,300 rabbis and cantors and their communities to bring a moral voice to protecting and advancing human rights in North America, Israel, and the occupied Palestinian territories. She is the author of Where Justice Dwells: A Hands-On Guide to Doing Social Justice in Your Jewish Community and There Shall Be No Needy: Pursuing Social Justice through Jewish Law and Tradition, both published by Jewish Lights. Resources: The transcript for this episode can be found here Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here Rabbi Jill Jacob's work with T'ruah can be found here. Connect with us: We'd love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Rabbi Jill Jacobs: Website | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

We continue our conversation with noted author and activist Brian McLaren. In this episode: white supremacy, the cost of following Jesus, and our faith; and why Brian asked the question Do I Stay Christian? in his latest book.

Brian McLaren talks with Word&Way President Brian Kaylor about his Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned. He also discusses issues of faith, doubt, younger generations, and hope. Note: Don't forget to check out our subscriber e-newsletter A Public Witness that helps you make sense of faith, culture, and politics.

Do I stay Christian? A question countless pastors, church leaders, and followers of Jesus could never have imagined themselves asking, yet when confronted with the behavior of modern-day Christians and the historical legacy of Christianity, many can't help but ask themselves the question. In our conversation, Brian talks about the complexity of what it even means to be a Christian, why solidarity--not supremacy--should be the model for Christianity moving forward, and why some people may need to simply leave a form of Christianity rather than the whole religion. A former college English teacher, Brian was a pastor for twenty-four years. Now he's an author, activist, public theologian, and frequent guest lecturer for gatherings in the U.S. and internationally. His work has been covered in TIME Magazine, Newsweek, USA Today, The New York Times, Washington Post, CNN, and many other media outlets. The author of more than 15 books, including Faith After Doubt, A New Kind of Christian, and Do I Stay Christian? Brian is a faculty member of The Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation. McLaren lives in Florida. The Future Christian Podcast is a production of Torn Curtain Arts and Resonate Media.

Author of books “A New Kind of Christian” and “Faith After Doubt”, stops by, along with friend of the pod Mike Petrow, to chat about Brian's new book “Do I Stay Christian?”.   https://www.amazon.com/Do-Stay-Christian-Disappointed-Disillusioned/dp/1250262798/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3A676B9AKNZG6&keywords=do+i+stay+christian+by+brian+mclaren&qid=1652990282&sprefix=Do+I+s%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-1

In this episode we chat with Brian McLaren. Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of  The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest book is Do I Stay Christian which was released May 24, 2022 by Macmillan. You can connect with Brian on: Facebook     Twitter     Instagram You can find all things Brian McLaren related at his website You can purchase Brian's book at Amazon.com You can connect with us on    Facebook     Instagram      Twitter     TikTok Also check out our Linktree for all things This Is Not Church related Each episode of This Is Not Church Podcast is expertly engineered by our producer The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you're thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

Brian D. McLaren https://brianmclaren.net/  är författare, föreläsare, aktivist och populärteolog. Som f.d. lärare i engelska och pastor, är han en passionerad förespråkare för ”en ny sorts kristendom” – rättvis, generös, and samarbetande med människor från alla trosinriktningar för allas bästa. Han ingår i fakulteten vid The Living School och han gör podcasten Learning How to See, vilka båda är del av the Center for Action and Contemplation https://cac.org/  Hans nyaste böcker är Faith After Doubt (January 2021), och den helt nya Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022).  Vi pratar om hans egen resa i tro och liv och om hans bok ”Faith After Doubt”. Vi nämner också lite om hans nyaste bok ”Do I Stay Christian”, vilket är en fråga många av oss säkert ställer sig någon gång i livet om man är på en resa där tron prövas.   Gilla och dela gärna avsnittet på sociala medier och till vänner, samt följ podcastens Facebooksida https://www.facebook.com/Gudpunkten  och Blogg https://gudpunktenpodcast.blogg.se/  Skriv gärna dina funderingar och kommentarer antingen i kommentarsfältet under avsnittet på Facebooksidan eller kommentera på bloggen.   Intro och outtro-musik: Johan Klingstam

On the second episode of this season, Brian is joined by Lisa Sharon Harper and Gigi Ross exploring the many ways colonialism has injected racism into Christianity, politics, and the culture we live in. Utilizing theology, research, and drawing heavily from Lisa's work in her latest book Fortune, this episode offers a gripping examination of slavery's lingering impact on the shadow of Christianity. Please be advised this episode discusses topics around sexual violence that may elicit difficult emotions and memories for some.  Note: This episode was recorded on March 10th, 2022, before the Supreme Court draft opinion potentially overturning Roe vs. Wade was leaked. Some elements of the conversation will reflect this. Resources: The transcript for this episode will be available Monday May 31, 2022 Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? can be found here Lisa's book, Fortune: How Race Broke My Family and The World and How to Repair It All can be found here. Connect with us: We'd love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Lisa Sharon Harper: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

In this episode of "Henri Nouwen, Now & Then", New York Times best-selling author Brian D. McLaren grapples with the issues that have prompted the doubters, the disappointed, and the disillusioned to ask "Do I Stay Christian?" * EPISODE PAGE: https://henrinouwen.org/listen/brian-mclaren-2/ To PURCHASE "Do I Stay Christian?" by Brian D. McLaren Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/3MR32Tp Amazon Canada: https://amzn.to/3wVEJNE To PURCHASE "The Return of the Prodigal Son" by Henri Nouwen Amazon USA: https://amzn.to/2B7qE6u Amazon Canada: https://amzn.to/2UsWt04 ____________ * TO WATCH FEATURE LENGTH DOCUMENTARY "Journey of the Heart: The Life of Henri Nouwen": www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U8M1gx5Rk4&t=1808s * LISTEN on iTUNES: podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/henr…ty/id1468489942 * LISTEN on SPOTIFY: open.spotify.com/show/2Cxu6BwtNHlzFT7RzlixWJ * WATCH the PODCAST on YOUTUBE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iObxkzRYD…hJK5NW-5ERuN2XAH0 * TO SIGN-UP FOR FREE DAILY E-MEDITATIONS: henrinouwen.org/meditation/ * FOR HENRI NOUWEN SOCIETY CAREGIVING RESOURCES: henrinouwen.org/caregiving/ * MORE FREE RESOURCES: www.henrinouwen.org * READ HENRI NOUWEN BOOKS: henrinouwen.org/read/

When I friend drops a new book it is a good day to have a podcast! Today Brian McLaren puts his newest book out into the world. Do I Stay Christian? is completely wonderful. I was thrilled to get to stream with him about yesterday and here it is for your listening pleasure. In the… Read more about Brian McLaren: Do I Stay Christian?

Episode 106 We are thrilled to be joined today by author, speaker, and public theologian, Brian McLaren. His new book, "Do I Stay Christian?: A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned" is an absolute must-read for any Christian struggling to make sense of things in this crazy world we live in. We talk about creating hope, fighting white supremacy, re-wilding Christianity, and the playful joy of reimagining religion.  Speaking of reimagining religion, have you checked out Zack's new podcast with his wife Nichole, "Reimagining Faith with the Pastors Jackson"? If you enjoy DtW (and of course you do), then you should check it out!    Support this podcast on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/DowntheWormholepodcast   More information at https://www.downthewormhole.com/   produced by Zack Jackson music by Zack Jackson and Barton Willis    Transcript  This transcript was automatically generated by www.otter.ai, and as such contains errors (especially when multiple people are talking). As the AI learns our voices, the transcripts will improve. We hope it is helpful even with the errors. Zack Jackson 00:04 You are listening to the down the wormhole podcast exploring the strange and fascinating relationship between science and religion. Our guest today is an author, speaker, activist and public theologian. He is the author of over 15 books including faith after doubt, a generous orthodoxy and a new kind of Christian which got me in a whole lot of trouble at my home church 20 years ago, his new book do I stay Christian, a guide for the doubters, the disappointed and the disillusioned is an absolute must read for any Christian struggling to make sense of things in this crazy world we live in is an absolute joy and honor to welcome to the podcast, Brian McLaren. Oh, joy   Brian McLaren 00:45 and honor for me to be with you guys. So, so glad to be here.   Zack Jackson 00:49 Yes, I was thrilled to death to get that the email confirming that you had time in your very busy schedule to be with us today. We're all big fans, and I'm sure a lot of folks on the of our listenership likewise.   Brian McLaren 01:03 Well, hey, and I gotta say, now that I know about you guys, I'm your fan as well. And, you know, this subject of the inner interaction between faith and science, my goodness, so important these days. So really happy to be in this conference. Yes, thank you.   Zack Jackson 01:21 I love the way that you weave these two things together in your writings, by the way, and I've noticed it really in the past 10 years worth of books are so it seems, it seems almost effortless that every once in a while you're just gonna get some reference in there to evolution, some reference in there to the cosmic origins of the universe, it just seems like it is. It is always somewhere in the back of your mind.   Brian McLaren 01:45 Well, it's Yeah. And maybe I could say it this way. Without science. I don't think I could be a Christian. So. So yeah, I can't imagine how anyone would want to have a faith that were they had to keep their faith in one compartment. And then everything else. Another compartment compartments, right. Yeah.   Zack Jackson 02:10 Well, that's a sound clip that I'll definitely Absolutely. So Ian and I have been talking a lot recently about your new book, which when the time this podcast launches will have been released yesterday, so available to all of your major retailers. So this book, which is just so helpfully entitled, do I stay Christian? answers that question, which I think a lot of folks have had over the past couple of years, especially. But it's it's very helpfully organized into three sections, the answer that question that? No, I will not stay Christian. And here's why. Yes, I will stick it out and stay Christian. And the last section is how, which of those sections is taking up the most real estate in your mind? And in your day to day life?   Brian McLaren 03:03 Well, let's see. I think all of them jostle for the top position. But I think actually, the writing of this book propelled the third question up in importance. Because in the writing of this book, I realized it's just inevitable. Some people cannot stay Christian, the religion is killing them. It's damaging them, they need to get away at least for a time. And, and other people will stay Christian, it's who they are, and how could they deny who they are? And, and then what I realized is, even whatever you decide on staying Christian, you have to wake up the next morning, and ask what kind of a human being am I going to be? And that I hope that the Reading of the book helps lift the importance of that question up for everybody.   Ian Binns 04:02 Well, and I, you know, Brian, I really appreciated that aspect of the book. And as I said, Before recording, I absolutely loved the book, you know, so for me, I don't have the kind of historical experiences that I know, Brian, you talk about in your books, and that Zach has had and talked about before, the feeling I needed to leave, like, deconstruct and then come back or anything like that. But one of the things that I've always struggled with, is and you you do so well, in the first several chapters, when the answer to your question is no, you know, those chapters explaining No, just really stood out for me. And so but sorry, I know, I'm rambling. This is normal for me. But at the end, I loved as you just said, to connect it back to what kind of human do we want to be? You know, I tell people a lot when they question, my faith, because I'm open with my doubts and questions and the idea of a literal resurrection. I think those are all questions and doubts I have. And I don't know if I'll ever be able to resolve them yet. But I think I prefer to think of it as that I want to live my life, fighting for what Jesus fought for,   Brian McLaren 05:12 what a great way to what a great way to sit.   Ian Binns 05:15 Right? And so if it's more of that's the way I live, I don't have to stand on a rooftop and scream, everyone be a Christian. It's more of a this is the life I want to live. And I love that you did that.   Brian McLaren 05:26 And isn't it ironic that major sectors of the Christian religion are really uninterested, whether you want to fight for the things Jesus fought for, they're really interested in whether you will check certain boxes, agreeing with their authority figures about what you're supposed to say about Jesus. So I just can't help but think that Jesus would be happier with someone who's ready to join him in the struggle with his word for that was follow me, then then have certain opinions about me. In fact, you know, there's that password thing in the Gospels where he says, You know, I really don't care if you call Me Lord, Lord, I mean, what difference does that make the words you use about me? If you don't do what I say so?   Ian Binns 06:10 All right. Well, and in this book, and also to in your podcast, learning how to see, you start off talking about something that was very close to me. So I got my PhD from the University of Virginia. And so I was in my wife and I were in Charlottesville was the first place we really lived as a young married couple. Were there for 208. And so when the the situation happened in Charlottesville in August of 2017, that was very challenging for us, because the grounds of UVA are places I spent four years of my life that we love that town. And so that was very challenging for us. And then hearing you on your podcast and Reading this book. I would love to, if you could talk more about that experience. Because I didn't realize you were there. And so I just curious if you can kind of talk about that. Yeah.   Brian McLaren 07:04 Well, the story of how I ended up there was kind of interesting, I had introduced this couple to each other who ended up getting married, and both were seminary graduates. And so they were a ministry couple in Charlottesville, and they contacted me and they said, Look, Brian, we you may not have even heard about this. And I hadn't it it turns out, you know, before, was it August 10. I forgotten the date now. Whatever the date was, in August, they'd had a series of Ku Klux Klan rallies, it was like it. A lot of people don't know this. But there is a group of people who are planning for a civil war. And they want to make Charlottesville the capital of the new Confederacy.   Ian Binns 07:46 I did not know that part.   Brian McLaren 07:48 Yeah, it's scary. And it's crazy stuff. But and, and yet very disturbing. And they said, so a really big one is coming in August. And we're we're trying to get clergy to come support us, and to stand with us. And they said, we're finding a lot of clergy of color. And we're finding a lot of women, clergy who will come we're really finding it hard to get white male clergy to come. And of course, there's a big supply of them, but they just couldn't get them to come. So they said it. They said, Is there any chance you could come you need to know it's going to be dangerous, there going to be a lot of guns there. Several militia have already signed up to be there. And they'll all come heavily armed. And I said, I'm not going to tell that last part to my wife. But yes, I would be honored to be there. Actually, she knew that there would be some danger. And she made me make certain promises to her about what I would do and not to when I was there, but it was just an experience I'll never forget first seeing how organized these folks were. They were super, super highly organized. I was invited into a meeting an Antifa meeting of people who were organizing to try to not let these folks sort of rule the city for a day. And I never thought in my lifetime, I would see people carrying Confederate flags, and Nazi flags and a bunch of other flags along with Bibles and other Christian paraphernalia. I never thought I would see that. And of course, and I happen to be just up the street when Heather hair and other was killed and others were injured by a guy using a car as a terrorist weapon to drive through a crowd. And a group of us clergy went I was wearing you know, black leather shoes and I just remember the feeling of my feet slapping against the ground as I ran down this hill into this crowd where there's chaos and people screaming and crying. And so an experience I'll never forget. But then January 6 2021 happened and I just thought there they are again, you know, and in between, I'd organized an a public An event here in Florida where I live, where we had been, our event was disrupted in the entrances were blocked by the proud boys. So I yeah, this has been a big part of my experience and watching the complicity of major sectors of the Christian faith with these folks has been the AI, it's highly significant in the way I wrote this book, do I stay Christian? Because I feel like that I wish I'd put the sentence in the book. But it only became clear to me actually, in the last few days, that one of the reasons I wrote the book the way I did, and I took those first 10 chapters to really take the No seriously is because I am worried that those 10 chapters give a kind of overview of some of Christianity's crimes. And through the centuries, I'm worried that the worst things Christianity has ever done will be exceeded in the next few years. And that's why I feel anyone who stays Christian, better be aware of the danger that our religion poses to this world and to many of our neighbors. And that then puts a kind of responsibility on us to say, if I'm going to inhabit this religion, I better take responsibility for trying to stand up to some of the harm that it is in danger of doing and not just in danger of doing it is actually doing, you know, as we speak, no, yeah.   Zack Jackson 11:29 I mean, we're not just complicit in the rise and spread of white supremacy. Western Christianity is the author of white supremacy, it is very much our child. And it is completely inseparably intertwined with Western Christianity as we know it. And so this is not an issue for the black church to figure out or to lead us in. This is not an issue for people of color to be taking charge. This is our problem, our sin and our need to, to work on to fix to fight. And you're somebody who's been at the frontlines of that. It seems, what what can the rest of us do us white Christians out here? How can we help fight the scourge? I mean, just look, even as we're recording this, we just, we just witnessed another white supremacist, killed 10 people in a buffalo grocery store. And by the time that this podcast launches, who knows? We'll have there will be another one. It just seems like we're just spinning our wheels. Yes.   Brian McLaren 12:31 Well, let me say first, I really agree with you that white Christians really have a responsibility right now. And one of our responsibilities is to listen to the cries and the agony and the frustration of our neighbors of color. who are who are just, you know, who can blame them for saying, you know, if they hear thoughts and prayers one more time, you know, I mean, it's just, it's just, yeah. So here's what one thing I think we can do, I think we can all make a commitment that we will never let a racially harmful statement go unchallenged. And, and I think we have to learn how to challenge them in ways that don't create a worst blowback. But silence is its own vote of confidence, and its own voters support for outrageous, immoral, harmful, dangerous statements. So my little recommendation to people is that you've developed your own version of this five word statement, here's my version of it. Wow, I see that differently. It's instead of, you know, you're such a bigot, you're, it's I see that differently. I throw a while in there, because I want to add a little bit of emotional intense intensity without having to yell or scream. Wow, I see that differently. And almost every time I say that, people say, What do you mean? What do you mean? And if it's in public, I say I say to them, I'd rather talk to you about this in private. If you'd like to ask me about it in private some other time, I'll be glad to talk to you. And the reason I say that, and there might be times to have the conversation in public. But what I've noticed is that anytime these conversations happen in public egos are so involved, people are defending themselves, people are performing their loyalty to whatever group it is. And so it seldom becomes an act of communication, and usually becomes the kind of argument that hardens people and their positions. And I would like to be someone who helps little cracks form in their position or, or helps soften their position. And if if I can set up the terms of that discussion, then I'll say to them, if you're ever curious about why I see things differently and how like came to see things differently. I'll be glad to have that conversation with you and private. Just let me know when you'd like to know how I came to see things differently, because I'm not asking them to tell me how they see things. I'll listen respectfully if they want. But I've been listening respectfully, that's what got us into this situation. And so while I see that differently is my, my mantra in these circumstances?   Ian Binns 15:27 Well, that's very disarming, I   Brian McLaren 15:29 think, and I go, and I feel it's honest, and it's not aggressive. But it also is an act of protest. And it's just an act of deferring boldly, hopefully, graciously, non hatefully, you know? Yeah. And frankly, I'll just say, frankly, late in the book there, in that house section of the book, there's a chapter called, announce and renounce, or renounce and announce, and in some ways, it's the same thing. It's, it's, it's having more and more of us just have the courage to say, I am not where you are. And to do it in a way that says, It's not that I hate you. It's not that I am going to insult you. In fact, I'm going to just state in a way that says, I don't, I'm nothing's changing in our relationship, but I'm not where you are. If that creates a problem for you, then we'll deal with it. But I need to let you know I can be at a different place than you are. So I thought   Ian Binns 16:31 that story you told in that chapter about John Ray and Amanda was really powerful. And one of the phrases that stood out, it was after early on in the story. When John Ray comes back to Amanda and says, I was confronted by your father for 20 minutes. And the phrase that you use in the book was he felt that he was in the presence of Christian hate? Yes. And I thought that was just just those four words, or five words. Yeah, forward presence of Christian hate just really kind of caught me of because I feel like that's what we're seeing a lot of right now.   Brian McLaren 17:08 Yes, yes. And of course, Christians will say, that's not hate, that's love. And they, and they're satisfied with that. But there is something really ugly going on. It's just ugly. And I've experienced that. And my gosh, when you're on Twitter, and Facebook, you know, I grew up fundamentalist. And part of being a fundamentalist is you didn't cuss? And you didn't use crude language. And you you felt this obligation to be decent and, and respectful. But my gosh, the profanity and I mean, it's just, it's just shocking to me to see what what people are doing in the name of Jesus, and it's all sort of acceptable. And of course, some of this is because they're imitating their new leader, you know, Donald Trump, who's, in a sense, the new leader of their denomination that has that has newly formed and, and, and part of this is just stuff that's been in the American psyche for a long time, and maybe we're better with a profanity, because it's, you know, somebody said, what I mentioned, I've had a lot of interactions with the proud boys, they said, there, it's just the kk k with that, and the sheets are off. And I think that's, there's some truth to that. So this is a historical reckoning, that needed to happen. So better now than not letting it happen, you know, letting it fester for another 100 years.   Zack Jackson 18:35 Yeah, that chapter, which kind of tells the story of a couple whose ideologies had changed, their faith had changed, and they hadn't really let their family know, which I think a lot of folks who have deconstructed can relate to because they're going to, they're afraid of then being renounced by their family. And she gathers up the courage after her husband has been sort of accosted for 20 minutes to go up and just tell her father, this is how it's going to be from here on out. And you talked about that in terms of a coming out story for her. And that framing, I think is really helpful. And something that queer theologians, this gift that they have given us, this idea of coming out, it is a vulnerable experience, in which you can be hurt in all new ways. But it is such an empowering experience. I read one, one theologian referred to John one as God's coming out that Jesus is incarnation is him, showing who he truly is to the world and offering up himself to be either accepted in new ways or hurt in all new ways. And I honestly had never understood the Incarnation until then. But this idea that those of us us who are straight sis hetero folks who have never had the need to come out to people to tell them, This is how you have perceived me. But this is how I truly am. We've just always been known for who we are, that this is something that we we should learn, that we should need to love louder than the hate and that we need to be more vocal. It's not enough to just love on our own, but that we need to love loudly and outwardly. Yeah,   Brian McLaren 20:30 another little saying that has kind of been sitting with me lately is I would rather be rejected for who I am then accepted for who I am not.   Ian Binns 20:39 And I wrote that down. Well, like I, I want to tattoo that on my arm or something, because I think that's such a powerful phrase. It really is.   Brian McLaren 20:47 And I think what one of the things that just saying it that way helps me do is realize that the fear of rejection has so much power over so many of us. And as someone who's experienced a bit of rejection. And now I know Zach has led to other people to being rejected. But, but it's, it's not the end of the world. It's not the worst thing that ever happens to you. In fact, some pretty amazing positive things happen can happen in the experience of rejection. So And isn't it interesting in the gospels, this is really a major theme of Jesus teaching. Hey, guys, if you take seriously what I'm saying, you're gonna be rejected, here's what's gonna happen and it and then we're surprised when it happens.   Zack Jackson 21:39 Right? The high priest is gonna block you on Twitter at this point. And   Ian Binns 21:44 well, and I think you mentioning the rejection, the fear of rejection, I mean, that's something that cripples me at times, you know, with my own work of wanting to write, as an academic for more public audience, it, it, something that holds me back quite a bit. And Reading, you know, your book has helped and then also Rob Bell's work as well as helping me remember that it's not, I cannot control people's reactions to my work in my message.   Brian McLaren 22:14 And so we're writing about things that matter than then there are things that people have strong opinions about, and they have vested interests in. And so of course, there'll be pushback, like, you know, every once in awhile, I have to sit down with myself and just say, of course, people would get upset. What were you expecting to get a Nobel Prize? You know, of course. So, yeah, that's just the territory. And it's, it's, it's part of the privilege of talking about things that really matter and, and working on things then that matter. So I like that doesn't it doesn't make it easy, but it does, I think it is, it's something we have to do that helps us navigate through those first few experiences of rejection, that that can either scar us for life or become our hazing. For for a member membership, and a new, a new community.   Zack Jackson 23:19 And I've experienced a lot of the dirty underbelly of the Christian church growing up in, in the back rooms of the church, and then being a part of church leadership, the first 10 chapters of your book, where you talk about all the reasons why you should leave Christianity. I, at the end of every chapter, I thought to myself, I know where he's going. I know there's a there's a part two, but I'm almost ready to just like, just close the book here and be like, yeah, no, he does have a point, why should I be a part of this and re even Reading part two, a couple chapters in where you're talking about why we should stay Christian. And I thought, these don't quite outweigh yet in my mind, where, where Part one was. And then then I hit chapter 14. And you asked us to consider an anticipatory Christianity that is leaning towards the future. And I love that phrase so much. I highlighted it, I wrote it down. And anticipatory Christianity because it describes the stance towards the future in which that doesn't necessarily claim that everything in the future is better than everything in the past that we're evolving into something better, just something different to newer and maybe better adapted. Would you care to unpack that phrase for us? Yeah. Wow. That is bringing you life and older.   Brian McLaren 24:46 There's a lot of ways to do it. But a kind of fun way is to say that both in religion and science, a lot of us inherited a religion, where the Locus of Power was always in the past. So So the, you know, the big bang happens. And I bet most of us have seen this in a science movie somewhere. And it's like somebody's playing pool and they hit the cue ball and the cue ball hits the rack of, you know, balls, and everything is action reaction being driven from the past. And that describes, that's one way of looking at the universe. It's one way of describing the universe. But there's another way to look at it to say, to think of the Locus of Power, not just being in the past, but actually being the future itself, that opens, that constantly gives everything a chance to move in some new direction. And the way that theologians have talked about this is to say instead of thinking of God, pushing things out of the past into the future, imagine God in the distant future, inviting things to keep moving toward maturity. The one of the early church scholars, who is a very imaginative fellow, his name was Gregory of Nyssa. And Gregory, got in trouble with a lot of his fellow scholars, because they all bought into this idea of Greek philosophy that perfection is static, because perfection can only get worse, if it could change, it wouldn't be perfect. If it could change for the better, it wouldn't be perfect. So perfection is always static. And Gregory said, that's just not good enough. He said, perfection is infinite progression, this idea of an endlessly open future for endlessly new possibilities, you know, and so that way of thinking, instead of God's sort of being in control, either behind us or standing over us, it's God inviting us into greater freedom, and greater wholeness and greater maturity and greater relationship and greater diversity and greater beauty, which is actually what we see kind of unfolding in the universe, you know, there was no Mozart or Bob Dylan or Taylor Swift, you know, 4 billion years ago. And so these things, new things that you never ever would have anticipated, are baked into the possibilities and, and have chances to open up. So that's, and when we let that kind of almost scientific view, also have a theological expression. It helps us think about Christianity, not as something that is already set in concrete, but something that is, in its very early stages.   Zack Jackson 27:48 It is hard to think about Christianity in its early stages, 2000 years later, but that is, that can be helpful,   Ian Binns 27:56 if we can, you know, I think I said before we started recording that, especially Reading the first part of your book, where you're providing, you know, many reasons why the answer to your question will be no, that's when I was Reading it near my wife, and I would stop and be like, Oh, my God, I have to have to read this for you. So if I can read a quote to you, that just really stood out for me. And I just would love to get your thoughts on it a little bit more, but it's in the chapter. Because Christianity is a failed religion. And at the very end, you talk about, you know, you kind of are speaking to that your reader, obviously, of asking if that was harsh to them, for people to consider many of the things you've already shared. But you say if you persist in minimizing these failures of the past and brushing them aside as trivial matters, then please realize, to growing millions of people, you now represent the contemporary failure of Christianity to transform lives. To put it more bluntly, you are a living example of the failure of Christianity, and you are another reason for them not to stay Christian, which resonated with me. I mean, I probably I'm very emotional person. And I started crying when I read it, but it was just a, I'd love to know, how did that feel. As a leader in Christianity, many people look to you to write that sentence.   Brian McLaren 29:21 Yeah, I remember writing it and I and I have been in so many of those conversations. I won't mention this name just out of politeness, but a leader of people in my generation, and probably your generation would know his name. He died a few years ago, but he was super well known, highly respected on Christian radio and all that sort of thing. And we once had an email exchange and he gave me permission to go public with it, but I just couldn't do it. And in that email exchange, he said the Crusades weren't that serious. The Witch burnings were exaggerated, he just minimized every single thing. And I just thought to myself, you know, you think you're making Christianity look better. And something else I realized about him is that, for him, Christianity and Western civilization were fused together. And his defense of Christianity was a defense of Western civilization. And in that way, it was an act of aggression toward Muslims, and Buddhists and Hindus. And so it all sort of was of a piece, you know, and I think that's part of what so many of us just don't want to be part of anymore, we don't want to be part of that kind of dismissive defensive. Christianity. And, and, of course, you know, I'm not wanting to go around and vilify all these people of the past. I mean, they are what they are, and they did what they did. And, and, and if I'd been alive, I may have done many of the similar, similar things. But to say that the message of Jesus Christ should not have demanded more of people. It just feels to me like a pretty low opinion of the of Jesus and His message.   Ian Binns 31:21 Well, and as I said, early on to, you know, I try to live by his message and what he fought for, and died for, right. But one other thing you said a little bit earlier in the text, you said, you know, teaching others by their example, to live by Jesus's spiritual method of radical non discriminatory love and courageous truth telling, you know, that's gotten me in trouble at times. With some, and I don't do it nearly as much as I used to. And Zach has actually said, and some of my science education friends have said that they're really happy that I don't engage as much on Twitter, as I used to, partly because I was blocked by Ken Ham, who is still welcome to be on the show. But what I also have several friends who are members of the LGBTQ community, and who are people of faith, and I remember telling one of them one time when we were having a conversation about some of their struggles, and I just kind of said that I believe in a God who loves us for us. Yeah. And that if that makes me wrong, when I have to face God, it didn't my time. And I'm told that's not the way it works. My response to my friend was, I don't want to be there anyway. Like if that if that's what can get me into heaven. If Heaven is a place that they say, you messed up, you have to renounce that I'd say I'm going somewhere else.   Brian McLaren 32:49 Yes, that that God is not good enough. Right? That's just not good enough. My friend Tripp fuller says, Look, if if your view of God isn't half as nice as Jesus, there's something wrong. So, right,   Zack Jackson 33:06 how can Christians take Jesus and like, look at him in the Gospels? And then be like, All right, well, but at the end of it all, we're gonna meet scary God. And he's going to do the scary judge thing. While Jesus the guy, you know, the don't cast the first stone guy. He's just going to be in his room because he's a naughty boy or something. I don't know. Why is he not up on the jet like we can affirm that all members of the Trinity are of one substance, according to the ancient Creed's, but yet won't apply Jesus's examples of grace to the judgments that we fear from God, there   Brian McLaren 33:46 was a Quaker theologian who I just think captured what we're discussing right now. So aptly, he said, it was Elton Trueblood. And this isn't a quote, but this is sort of the substance of one of his ideas. He said, The Christian understanding of the deity of Christ did not mean that we had a definition of God. And Jesus came along and we lifted him up to that definition. He said, what this really is supposed to mean is that we had a definition of God. And Jesus came along, and we had to adjust our definition of God. And I think that's very well, I think that's very well said, I think that's what it should have been. I don't know if that is what happened historically. But I think that's how it should have been.   Zack Jackson 34:38 Yeah, if I can, if I can pivot here for a second. We've we've been on some heavy topics. I want to I want to lighten things up a little bit. I your chapter on rewilding ourselves and our faith and humanity itself was far and above my favorite chapter of the book. I highly They did. The basically the whole thing. It reminded me very much of a conversation those longtime listeners might remember, way back in 2020, episode 42 with Dr. Scott, the paleontologist from PBS, his dinosaur, I   Ian Binns 35:15 remembered it too. First thing I thought about called   Zack Jackson 35:19 reinventing the natural world was was his and his theory. And his, the whole devotion he has towards educating children is that in in order in order to save the world, from climate disaster from environmental disaster, we will not do that by better spreadsheets. Because nobody is apathetic because they don't know the facts. They're apathetic because they don't care. And so his entire life Miss mission is to help children fall back in love. I love to read and chant nature, and to get them outside. And even while watching television to then inspire them to go outside afterwards. Because when you fall in love with the world, then you want to save it. It's your mother. Again, it's not it's not just a commodity anymore. And Reading your chapter about being out on a kayak in the middle of the of Florida. And there's gators and birds and fish and the whole deal. I'm I'm there in my mind. And I'm imagining my own slice of wild here in the Pennsylvania mountains. And I'm wondering if you can talk a little bit about how the natural world and how this process of rewilding has awoken your spirituality and how we might best share that with people.   Brian McLaren 36:40 Well, maybe I could just tell you two quick stories. One from yesterday, we had a death in the family over the last week. And so I was out of state. I was in New Jersey, for the funeral. And I had to do a whole bunch of interviews for this book. So I was in, in the home office of my deceased brother in law. To conduct these interviews, I brought along my microphone and had my computer set up. And right outside his window. There's a dogwood tree and in the dogwood tree, about two feet from the window was Robin building her nest and so I was doing interviews literally from you know, 10 in the morning till 11 At night, cuz some of them were Pacific Coast time. And so as I sat there through the day, I watched the mother Robin, come and go and come and go mouthful of mud a mouthful of grass and watching her use her the shape of her body to form the perfect cup. If you've ever observed a bird's nest, it's just this perfect semi sphere. Oh my goodness, it's just an I never gotten to watch that. That's such a intimate angle. And if that wasn't good enough, just before dark, she was out, I guess gathering more materials. And a little English Sparrow came in and climbs into her nest and steals a bunch of grass. And it was just great. And I just felt like I just got to see a little bit of mischief and fat, all the rest of it. But just all felt I just it just was it. There's a poet. What a great resume. There's a fellow named Lanham from Clemson University, who's a biologist and a poet. Isn't that a great combination? And he uses that term in one of his poems orgasm, that we have these experiences of oh, that produce this sort of delight you know, that's that goes beyond words. And, and I had said I felt watching that all unfold. And then another experience. Last summer I fall in love with a place I highly recommend it for people who like this sort of thing called ring Lake Ranch. It's a Christian based retreat center, but it's just a place that brings you out into the wilderness of Wyoming and you get to ride horses and fly fish and hike and and just enjoy an incredible a place with deep history for the sheep eat or people that Native American people that area and, and I took a hike with a botanist. And as we walked through a Badlands area along the Wind River Gorge. She would just everything she talked about was the relationship. We came along she said see that flower there says I've never seen that flower in bloom during the daytime. It's a night blooming flower. And she said there is one species of wasp that pollinates that flower and it only comes out at night. And she said isn't it amazing to think one species of Wasp and one flower have evolved to be sort of partners in their in one another survival, you know, and then we'd come upon a sagebrush, and she talked about before she was done, you just felt you were on holy ground, it was like a burning bush. But it was the sagebrush because she explained, this is high desert. And in the in the winter, snow drifts form around sage brushes, and that snow drifts, then when it melts, it concentrates moisture around the base of the sagebrush, which helps the sagebrush live but also becomes like a little oasis of moisture. And then she starts talking about all the creatures that depend on that moisture of the sagebrush. And I mean, you're done. And you're just, you're, it's ecstatic to think of the web of life that is around you. And, and that sense of connectedness, if that's not holy, I don't know what it is, you know. And so any kind of Christianity that wants to ignore all that and just look at the world as something that God plans to destroy, because he wants to suck our souls up into heaven or send them somewhere else. You just think what, what a blasphemy to, to discount and the wonder and glory that's there, you know, in that a Badlands of the Wind River Gorge.   Zack Jackson 41:27 You talk about that sort of mutual evolution. And the two things that when we first were developing the ideas of evolution, the common conception was survival of the fittest, the strongest, right the the beefiest and biggest teeth. And we've learned that the in many ways that was just white supremacy, Reading itself into science, when the truth is that it's survival of the most adaptable, the most resourceful, the best collaborators is, is survival of those who can work with others best is is how species evolve and continue that relationality is just,   Brian McLaren 42:10 and if we're going to survive, we have to learn that wisdom from from creation, I was honored to be invited to write a book about the Galapagos Islands. So I've had a chance to visit there a few times. And I in my book, I wrote a couple of chapters about Charles Darwin and I, I got to read his biography while I was there, and and then just did a bunch of research and that term survival of the fittest, you may know this. It wasn't Darwin's term. And Arthur, Arthur Wallace, I think it was Arthur was his first name, I, he, he recommended the term because natural selection sounded like it personified nature too much, you know that nature is making choices. Like a Calvinist, God makes choices, and they wanted to get away from that. When they use the word fittest, it meant fit best, the opposite of the most domineering and aggressive, it's those who fit best.   Zack Jackson 43:06 So yes, yes, you will love my favorite. That my favorite new fact in physics that is just that is filling my soul with all in wonder these days. Is that do you think about the part of the atom that makes that has stuff, right? That has mass that has the stuff that makes you a thing, and not just nothing? Where does your mask come from? Well, only 9% of the mass of an atom comes from the particles of the atom 91% of the mass of every atom comes from the interaction between the atoms, the forces created by the protons and neutrons, generate the the 91% of the mass of you and I and the planet and the stars. Everything is a relationship between things without the relationship, the things that exist don't exist. And I love that. I mean, that is just, that's the illogical.   Brian McLaren 44:05 Literally the weightiest part of the universe is its relationships.   Zack Jackson 44:10 Exactly. It is it is, if you ever wanted to find a fingerprint of a relational Creator, who created a creation that continues to create, it's right there.   Brian McLaren 44:20 And this is when you were talking about anticipatory Christianity. This is if if what will happen if we're given the chance to incorporate all of these magnificent understandings into our theological work, and not just be stuck under this very low ceiling of Neoplatonic philosophy? Which has its own beauties and all the rest, but you know, yeah, so all of this is one of the other reasons it's a little hard to walk away in spite of all the horrible things because somebody is going to get to do this kind of revisioning of what we mean when we say the word God, in light of all of this, and what we mean when we say the word human in light of all of this, and it's sort of would be a shame to miss miss that fun.   Zack Jackson 45:15 It is fun, isn't it?   Ian Binns 45:17 Well, and, you know, Reading throughout your, your book too about, you know, the interconnectedness of all things, and just the importance of, you know, stepping back from that just developing those connections and those relationships, you know, that's something that as a teacher, I do with my students, and, you know, I teach future elementary school teachers how to teach science. And so one of the first things I really focus on is not necessarily, let's get into teaching science immediately, it's, let's develop a connection to each other a relationship. And, you know, I've been told by some of my colleagues that they've always been impressed that typically by week two, I've developed a very strong rapport with my students. And I tell my students, this is my messaging to them all the time, is that if you're able to connect with your students, on a personal level in some way, you can teach them anything there is yes, yes, yes. Because they will learn to trust you and know they're in a safe space.   Brian McLaren 46:21 Yes. And in the presence of that kind of respect and affection, you know, and in the presence of that, our curiosity comes out. And so then we become natural learners because we feel safe and all the rest. Oh, it's so true. And this, again, is one of the things that I think we have to realize that the Christian religion, by working so much on a base of fear and shame, creates an antagonistic environment to learning and curiosity. And it might be one of the factors in the lack of transformation we were talking about before, it makes people sort of hunker down, rather than open up.   Ian Binns 47:07 Well, that's, you know, part of that, too, with developing that relationship and connection is in it kind of touches on something. Zack, you said earlier when talking about Dr. Scott, coming on, as you know, teaching people to love nature, again, is that I approached my class, also teaching them to not fear science. Yes. And to realize why it's such an incredible thing to teach. And that children are natural born scientists. Yes. Just they'll whole notion of being curious and wanting to ask a question is doing science. And so I remind them of that. And then I say, Now let's have some fun, and focus on ways to teach it. But if they can get that down, yeah, pretty quickly, we're gonna have a good time. So   Brian McLaren 47:54 be a nice thing for seminarians to hear.   Zack Jackson 48:00 I mentioned before we started recording, friend of mine just wrote his first book, called Jesus takes the side embracing the political demands of the gospel, his name is Johnny Rashid. By the time this episode airs, I think it'll be a week out from release. And in it, one of the things he argues is that Western Christianity doesn't have a sense of honor, but it does have a sense of shame. And most societies are honor shame based, and his family comes from Egypt, and they have a deeply ingrained system of honor and shame and honor and shame is how you keep society together, how to keep religion together, but Western Christianity has a lot of shame. But we have no systems of honor. anymore. And so we cling desperately, to our our dogma, our beliefs, our right thinking, because it is so easy to feel shame, and so hard to find honor in the system anymore. Sounds remarkable. It is. And it's it's a great book, and everyone should read it. But I think that when we're talking about reimagining the church and reimagining our faith and our religion and what it means to follow Christ. I mean, I can't think of another historical person who spent more time pouring honor on people that other people poured Seamus. Yes, yes, yes. And if we're going to reimagine this faith, I think we put that near the center. I love it. As as we're, as we're sort of wrapping up our time together. I want to I want to ask you one more question. That for me, is very full circle. Because back in 2006, I preached a sermon as a teenager, at my home church, based on your brand new book, The secret message of Jesus. A part of that book is in which you talked about how the phrase the kingdom of God doesn't work. In this post monarchical world. You know, nobody knows what a kingdom is anymore. Jesus was using a metaphor for his time that no longer works, and probably carries too many too much baggage for it to be useful. And you propose a dozen different solutions. The the, my favorite one at the time was the dream of God, that was the name of the sermon, actually just listen to the sermon today, it was very hard to listen to an 18 year old me preach a sermon. But here we are. I wonder if in the past 16 years, you've found a version of the kingdom of God that resonates deeper with you. And with the current reality, we find ourselves very   Brian McLaren 50:40 much. So that's very relevant to our discussion today. You know, there, there's a chapter in the book called to free God and, and I, I have a beautiful quote from Barbara brown Taylor that plays heavily in the book and and, in fact, maybe the way for me to say the phrase is to say that I think this phrase refers to the kingdom of God. And I think it refers to God. In that chapter I talk about in do I stay Christian, I talk about the you that we refer to God, that seems to me becomes a we, because the the nature of God, it seems to me is a God of participation, who invites us into participation in the divine life. And so anyhow, the phrase is the web of life. And, in fact, I, I wrote a little table grace, that is my table grace for the last several years. And it's I just say, for this breath, for this heartbeat, for this meal with these companions. For the web of life of which were part we give thanks with all our heart. And it's an as I'm saying, the web of life. I realized, I'm not just talking about you that web of life includes God. It's a we that's God and creation in that one web. So that now I think the web is what weighs 91%, or this 91% of the mass.   Zack Jackson 52:20 Yes, absolutely. It is all about how we are connected to one one,   Ian Binns 52:24 if I may ask one more question. Brian is based on something you said to us at the very beginning. After you talked about your experience with Charlottesville, you said you kind of alluded to that you are concerned about things to come. Yeah. Right. So that was hard to hear. Yeah. So what gives you hope? Yeah. Because January 6 was rough. It was rough. For those of us who admit what happened.   Brian McLaren 52:57 So in that's really an important question. And in fact, that's going to be at the heart of the next book I write actually. And I guess one thing I can say is the word hope used to mean for me, where do I see trend lines that make me think things might get better? And I'm not defining hope that way anymore. I'm not defining hope as having anything to do with evidence or not, not depending on evidence. And because what I expect this is what's helping me have hope, to not have to depend on evidence for things getting better. What I expect will happen is that forms of Christianity will get worse than they've ever been. I think that's almost unavoidable. I think, I can't imagine it not happening. i There are people who want it to happen, they want Christianity to become in words I would use uglier, more selfish, more vicious, more violent. And I have no hope that that will not happen, like that will happen. But here's the here's what I think, as that happens, I'm quite certain that we are seeing and we'll see extraordinarily beautiful expressions of Christian faith and other expressions of human life as well. Just because the ugliness that we'll see will will provoke many of us to step out of sort of complacency into a more vigorous and robust expression of beauty and pursuit of beauty. And, and the lies and conspiracy theories on one side will make us more passionate to actually know and face the truth and and, and, of that, of course, I do see evidence I see our conversation being evidence all The three of us are different than we were three years ago. And, and so, you know, it's just all around us. I would I was, you know, I said I was out of town. And when I was on a plane coming home this morning, as I walked down the aisle of the plane, I just had one of those kinds of grace moments, where as I walked down the aisle, I, this guy is asleep. And this woman is tending her child, and this older person is Reading a magazine. And as I'm walking down the aisle toward my seat at the back, cheap seat of the plane, I just felt this tenderness and love and saw the beauty of these people was one of those moments where you just sort of you feel every one of these people is beloved, you know, and, and I just think more and more of us are moving in that direction. But that won't stop the ugly people the ugly things from happening, and taking over more and more people's lives to so that's how I that's how I survived i i have to be able to expect the worst will happen and and the best will happen.   Ian Binns 56:07 So then we'll just also have to have you back on when you finish that next book. Okay. I would like that. I would appreciate that response. Brian. That helps a lot. salutely Thanks. Yeah.   Zack Jackson 56:18 The book is called do I stay Christian, a guide for the doubters, the disappointed and the disillusioned, it is available wherever you get your books as of yesterday. Brian has been such a pleasure to talk with you for the past hour. Thank you so much for carving time out of your ridiculously busy life to be   Brian McLaren 56:38 such a delight. It's just been a pleasure. I'm, I feel energized and I'm so glad you're doing what you're doing. Thanks for having me on. And please keep up the good work. It's important. Thank you      

We had a fantastic time hanging out with Brian McLaren to talk about his new book, "Do I Stay Christian?" – the follow-up to his book "Faith After Doubt". The book first answers with "No" then "Yes" and then discusses "How" we should live, regardless of the way we answer that question. It's a brave, humbling, and important book. READ IT! Book: “Do I Stay Christian?” by Brian McLaren (https://amzn.to/3LIGNhc) Website: www.brianmclaren.net Book: “Faith After Doubt” by Brian McLaren (https://amzn.to/3MFQPAW) “By their fruits you shall know them…” - Matthew 7:15-20 (https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207%3A15-20&version=NRSVUE) The Reformation (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reformation) Council of Trent (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Council_of_Trent) John Philip Newell (https://www.earthandsoul.org/john-philip-newell) Video: Presentation Steve attended by John Philip Newell (https://youtu.be/sDn7aGbWySo?t=1363) Richard Rohr (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Rohr) Center for Action and Contemplation (https://cac.org) Black-Owned Book Stores in the United States (https://aalbc.com/bookstores/list.php) Special Guest: Brian McLaren.

In this special encore of a recent webcast, we'll be in conversation with Brian McLaren about his book called Do I Stay Christian: A guide for the doubters, the disappointed, and the disillusioned. I'll be cohosting with Victoria Loorz of the Wild Church Network, and Kate Davis from the Center for Transforming Engagement at The Seattle School. Together we'll pay particular attention to the Brian's ideas about something Brian calls “re-wilding.” As he describes it in his book, re-wilding is all about re-aligning and re-orienting our hearts, minds, and bodies with the natural world. Re-wilding is about re-connecting to the earth as our teacher, and seeking the wisdom that is found in wilderness. Comments or questions?  Send us an email: earthkeepers@circlewood.online Guests:Brian McLarenHis new book Do I Stay Christian? A guide for the doubters, the disappointed, and the disillusionedVictoria LoorzHer new book Church of the Wild: How Nature Invites Us into the SacredSeminary of the Wild & Wild Church NetworkKate Davis The Center for Transforming Engagement Mentions:  Dr. Miguel De La Torre - theologian Greta Thunberg - activist Janus faced - definition Ilia Delio - Franciscan nun & theologian Karenna Gore - Union Seminary vision quest definition J. Drew Lanham - biologist & poet Randy Woodley Richard Twiss Robin Wall Kimmerer - scientist, author,  Mark Charles - writer Kaitlin Curtice - poet & writer Key Words:re-wilding, wild church, forest church, nones and dones, earth stewardship, yoga, outdoor church, post-evangelical, creation theology, Josh Packard

This week, Julie concludes her 3 Part series, 'What is the Church?', with an interview of Brian McLaren( https://www.celebratestorypod.com/guests/brian-mclaren/). Brian is the author of more than 15 books, including Faith After Doubt, Do I Stay Christian?, and A New Kind of Christian, he is a faculty member of The Living School at the Center for Action and Contemplation. Please enjoy this great conversation between Julie and Brian!Link to Brian McLaren's new book, 'Do I Stay Christian?'To cap off this series we are running a promotion! Please share your favorite episode from the 'What is the Church?' series to social media and tag Julie (links to her socials can be found at www. celebratestorypod.com) for a chance to win the 3 books from this series (A Church Called TOV, The Other Half of Church and Do I Stay Christian?). You can also share to your friends directly by text or email ... just send a screenshot to celebratestorypod@gmail.com.

Special guest, author and activist Brian McLaren joins Sojourn this week to give a talk titled, “Jesus Beyond Dualism.” Brian shares ideas from his latest book, “Do I Stay Christian?” Which can be checked out here: http://brianmclaren.net/books-by-brian-mclaren

What does “Christianity” mean to you? Do you see it as a force for good in the world? How much harm has it caused? Do you want to stay Christian? And if so, what kind—and how? In this first episode from season three of Learning How to See, host Brian McLaren goes straight to the heart of these questions and more. Joined by scholar and historian of Christianity Diana Butler Bass, Ph.D., and CAC staff member Mike Petrow, Ph.D., these theologians discuss the diverse experiences they have with Christianity. Informed by Brian's new book Do I Stay Christian?, season three of Learning How to See will challenge listeners to relearn how they see Christianity by embracing exploration over explanation and dialogue over dogma. From transcending toxic theology embedded in childhood to applying ancient wisdom to modern life, this first episode sets the trajectory for an enlightening and transformative season.  Resources: The transcript for this episode will be available Monday May 23rd, 2022 Brian's new book, Do I Stay Christian? releases on May 24th, 2022. Diana's book, Freeing Jesus can be found here. Connect with us: We'd love to hear your thoughts, comments or feedback. Send us an email at podcasts@cac.org Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Website| Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Diana Butler Bass: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter This podcast is made possible, thanks to the generosity of our donors. If you would love to support the ongoing work of the Center for Action and Contemplation and the continued work of our podcasts, you can donate at cac.org/podcastsupport Thank you!

On the third season of Learning How to See, Brian McLaren invites us to see and experience Christianity in new ways. Exploring sections from his new book Do I Stay Christian?  Brian helps listeners at a spiritual crossroads to honestly examine their evolving faith.   Joined by guests Diana Butler Bass, Lisa Sharon Harper, Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Valerie Kaur, Richard Rohr, James Finley, Barbara Holmes, and Tripp Fuller, Learning How to See season 3 reveals how a contemplative mind can help us see, understand, and engage with the Christian faith. Season 3 begins May 20th, 2022.

On Todays Episode I sit down with Brian McLaren to talk about his new upcoming titled called "Do I Stay Christian?" It was a great conversation all around a question that many people find themselves asking. Amazon Link Brian's New Title: Do I Stay Christian?

A conversation with Brian McLaren, author, speaker, activist, and public theologian about his latest book, Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed and the Disillusioned. Find more of Brian McLaren's great work at: Website: brianmclaren.net Twitter: @brianmclaren Facebook His books

A conversation with Brian McLaren, author, speaker, activist, and public theologian about his latest book, Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed and the Disillusioned. Find more of Brian McLaren's great work at: Website: brianmclaren.net Twitter: @brianmclaren Facebook His books

Author Brian McLaren visits with Steve & Matt to discuss his latest work, "Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubter, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned".

Author, Speaker and Pioneer Brian McLaren joins the show once again to discuss his new book "Do I Stay Christian" which comes out on May 24th. This is a complex question and the answer is not black and white. What do we even mean when we say the word Christian? How do we talk to people who think differently about this? Is Brian a Christian? I guess the answer to that last question may depend on who answers it for you. In this interview Brian will answer for himself. Pre-Order the book Do I Stay Christian HEREBe sure to check out Brians website at https://brianmclaren.netBe sure to check out my website to listen to past episodes and see what else is happening including info about my upcoming book Bring it Home which is set to be released in September at www.mattkendziera.comFind me on Instagram @mattkendzieraFind me on Facebook HEREReligion has too often put a dark stain on history and has left a lot of destruction in its wake. Because of this, we are at a time in history when many are rethinking religion and faith altogether. The exciting part is that In in the midst of this faith shift lies hope for a better future. A future where faith acts not as an opportunity to oppress but as a catalyst to do good.Outside of the religious systems of our past life is beginning to bloom as many dedicated people of faith are coming up with new culture changing ideas to create a better and more humane world. The work being done is difficult and time consuming leaving little space for those engaged in it to share their stories. Matt Kendziera uses his voice to elevate the voices of these changemakers.Stories give courage to the dreamers and hope to the discouraged. Each one has the ability to motivate and inspire the next brilliant idea from the next social entrepreneur or faith leader. Through speaking, writing, and producing Matt brings these stories, causes and thoughts to the forefront so that they can be seen heard and experienced.Matt has had the honor to work with incredible difference making organizations such as Fierce Freedom, Rachels Challenge, Ashoka, Soularize, Celtic way and others create the space necessary to inspire the world to act out of kindness, compassion and love.There is hope in the voices and stories of people of faith. When hope emerges, change happens. When change happens, the world becomes a more beautiful place.

In our last episode Kevin and Lee (and Daniel!) interviewed Brian McLaren and discussed his upcoming book "Do I Stay Christian?", which is currently available for pre-order everywhere Christian books are sold. This week, Kevin and Lee follow up with a candid conversation about why they have stayed Christian in spite of their questions and doubts.    Enjoying the podcast? Have questions? Let us know at exploringfaithpursuinggrace@gmail.com   Thanks for listening!  

In this episode, I speak with one of my favorite authors, speakers, and thinkers-Brian McLaren.Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of  The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest book is  Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and his next release, Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022) can be preordered now. His recent projects include an illustrated children's book (for all ages) called Cory and the Seventh Story and The Galapagos Islands: A Spiritual Journey.I talked to Brian about the process of decided to stay Christian...or not. We also talked about Brian's role in my own spiritual journey, his involvement in the Center for Action and Contemplation, and got a quick update on Father Richard Rohr.Be sure to check out Brian's website here.You can find Brian on Facebook and Twitter as well. Thanks so much for listening! We'd really appreciate your positive ratings and reviews on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. You can sponsor the next episode of our show by donating via Cash App ($MessySpirituality) or Venmo (@messyspirituality).This episode was mixed and engineered by Eric "The Podcast Doctor" Howell.  Get bonus content on Patreon Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. Oord focuses in one of the reasons Brian McLaren, in his latest book "Do I Stay Christian?, gives for why he's stays Christian.

In these five episodes of Season 5, we'll be meeting stunning spiritual entrepreneurs who are making a profound impact as they follow God's call on their lives. They are the recipients of the 2022 Locke Innovative Leader Award.  To help us set the stage for these conversations, we begin with Brian McLaren! In book after book (his newest book Do I Stay Christian? comes out in May… we talk about it!), with startling clarity, he lays bare the deeply troubling and the fundamentally beautiful aspects of the church and what it means to be the Body of Christ in the world. Being human, being Christian, is messy and imperfect. Christ, have mercy. And still, God is good. And the Holy Spirit is at work in the world. Our conversation is as challenging as it is hopeful. May it spark new conversations, renewed hope, and new imagination for what is possible.   QUOTES “You realize for many people Christianity is defined by adherence to a set of beliefs. You can be a racist. You can be a bigot. You can be an abuser, but you're still an orthodox Christian because of beliefs. So it just raises this question, what does this word even mean?” -Brian McLaren [19:20] “Don't imitate. Innovate.” -Brian McLaren [34:43]   TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Intro [00:45] Co-host Matt Russell [01:47] About the Locke Innovative Leader Award [04:21] About Brian McLaren [10:00] Brian's faith journey [16:42] Defining the word, Christian [22:14] What it is to be a new kind of Christian [31:01] The role of leaders and spiritual entrepreneurs [40:39] Outro   RESOURCES & RELEVANT LINKS Brian McLaren's newest book Do I Stay Christian? A Guide for the Doubters, the Disappointed, and the Disillusioned, is coming out on May 24th but can be preordered now here. RSVP for the Locke Leader Virtual Event You are invited to attend a virtual event honoring the 2022 Tom Locke Innovative Leader Award recipients. Earlier this year, four extraordinary leaders received a surprising letter from our organization. Without their knowledge, each leader had been nominated and selected to receive the second annual Tom Locke Innovative Leader Award. We would be honored if you would join us to celebrate them at a virtual event on Sunday, May 22 at 5 pm CT / 6 pm ET. RSVP and find out more about the Locke Award at award.wesleyaninvestive.org. Expect to be inspired by their stories and filled with hope for the future of the church's witness! (45 minute virtual event, register today!) This podcast is brought to you by the Leadership Ministry team at TMF and Wesleyan Investive. Leadership Ministry connects diverse, high-capacity leaders in conversations and environments that create a network of courage, learning, and innovation in order to help the church lean into its God-appointed mission. Subscribe to our Leadership Ministry emails here. If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts / iTunes?   Brian McLaren Bio Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of  The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest books are Faith After Doubt released in January 2021, and his next release, Do I Stay Christian is coming out in May and can be preordered now.

In this current cultural climate, with so many different ways to divide ourselves into separate camps how can we possibly find a way forward, together? In this episode of the podcast I welcome back author, theologian, and good friend Brian McLaren to the podcast.  Brian and I discuss his latest book "Do I Stay Christian?" (May 24, 2022) and how he has provided a guide for navigating these interesting times whether or not you're religious, and whether or not you stay Christian. It's a fascinating conversation you won't want to miss! About Brian McLaren Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of  The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest book is  Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and his next release, Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022) can be preordered now. His recent projects include an illustrated children's book (for all ages) called Cory and the Seventh Story and The Galapagos Islands: A Spiritual Journey. About "Do I Stay Christian?" Do I Stay Christian? addresses in public the powerful question that surprising numbers of people―including pastors, priests, and other religious leaders―are asking in private. Picking up where Faith After Doubt leaves off, Do I Stay Christian? is not McLaren's attempt to persuade Christians to dig in their heels or run for the exit. Instead, he combines his own experience with that of thousands of people who have confided in him over the years to help readers make a responsible, honest, ethical decision about their religious identity. There is a way to say both yes and no to the question of staying Christian, McLaren says, by shifting the focus from whether we stay Christian to how we stay human. If Do I Stay Christian? is the question you're asking―or if it's a question that someone you love is asking―this is the book you've been waiting for. In case you want to watch the conversation between James Baldwin & Nikki Giovanni I reference on this episode CLICK HERE To quickly and easily leave a rating/review for this podcast please go to:  https://ratethispodcast.com/dtalkspodcast Thanks to Empire Toys for this episode of the podcast! Nostalgia is something everyone loves and Empire Toys in Keller Texas is on nostalgia overload.   With toys and action figures from the 70's, 80's, 90's, and today, Empire Toys is a one-stop-shop for a trip down memory lane and a chance to reclaim what was once yours (but likely sold at a garage sale)   Check out Empire Toys on Facebook, Instagram, or at TheEmpireToys.com The DTALKS Podcast has also been ranked #9 in the "Top 40 Detox Podcast You Must Follow in 2020" according to Feedspot.com for our work in the Cultural Detox space. Thank you so much to the Feedspot team!  https://blog.feedspot.com/detox_podcasts/

Brian McLaren (http://brianmclaren.net) is the author of an upcoming book entitled, "Do I Stay Christian?" The book is broken up into three parts: No, Yes and How. It gives an honest look at the reasons why someone might want to leave Christianity, reasons why someone might want to stay, and some perspectives on how someone might choose to stay. So here is an interview about "Do I Stay Christian?" Enjoy! John Chaffee (http://johnchaffee.com) is a NJ native with 20 years of professional ministry background and two masters degrees turned professor/writer/holy fool. You can join his weekly email list by signing up at his website.

On this episode of Love Period, Brian McLaren joins Jacqui to discuss the themes found in Chapter Six of Fierce Love: Think Inclusively. They're Your People, Too! Brian McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of  The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest book is  Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and his next release, Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022) can be preordered now. His recent projects include an illustrated children's book (for all ages) called Cory and the Seventh Story and The Galapagos Islands: A Spiritual Journey. Resources: Jacqui's new book Fierce Love can be found here. A transcript for this episode will be available Friday December 17th. Connect with us: We'd love to hear your thoughts, comments, or feedback. Send us an email. Rev. Jacqui Lewis Ph.D.: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Brian McLaren: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Website Center for Action and Contemplation: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

SHOW NOTES “ I can either pretend and say things I don't really believe so that I'll fit in or I will be honest, even knowing that that's going to create some difficulties for me.” - Brian McLaren We're in the midst of a conversation with Steve and Brian McLaren, talking about the four beautiful heart stages and phases that all of us go through in life. This episode is our 100th! And to celebrate we will have a giveaway of Steve's NEW book 30 Days with the Potter. Head on over to our Potter's Inn Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pottersinn and look for a post celebrating our 100th episode - it will be up later today! You are the reason we do this podcast, and we are so grateful you have been here, with us, for this soul care journey. Special Guest Brian McLaren Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest book is Faith After Doubt, and his next release, Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022) can be preordered now. Brian is married to Grace, and they have four adult children and five grandchildren. His personal interests include wildlife and ecology, fly fishing and kayaking, music and songwriting, and literature. Brian McLaren's Website   Mentioned in podcast Faith After Doubt by Brian McLaren Moment to Breathe — from An Approach to God by Rev. Dr. Doug Gay The Four Stages of Faith Development that Brian described: 1. Simplicity (Stage of Dualism) — You're either for us or against us.  It's all or nothing. 2. Complexity — There's more than one way to do things. Learning to think for yourself. 3. Perplexity — Everyone has an opinion.  Who knows who is right? 4. Harmony/Humility — Seek first God's Kingdom; love God, love neighbors; unity.   MUSIC USED IN PODCAST First Music Break at 15:41 - Artist: Christian Andersen | Title: Big Passion | courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Second Music Break at 35:05 – Artist: Johannes Bornlof | Title: Godsend | courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Donate Here for an individual contribution or on Patreon to set up monthly support.   CONTACT US podcast@pottersinn.com   INTERESTED IN MORE SOUL CARE RESOURCES? Check out our recommended reading, books on spiritual growth, and our soul care blog. Want to experience soul care in person? Learn more about our soul care intensives and retreats. 

And so a big part of my life has been helping people find a way to stay Christian when the forms of Christianity they grew up with feel like a really badly fitting suit of clothes. -Brian McLaren SHOW NOTES Steve had an incredible conversation with author, pastor, theologian, and activist Brian McLaren and today is Part 1! Brian's story resonates with so many of us who feel lost, confused, and in tension about all that is happening in the world and in our hearts. This podcast will help you feel not so alone - we found Brian incredibly humble, honest, and wise. There's so much truth here - dive in and please, talk to us below in the comments. We would love to hear what you thought about today's conversation. Special Guest Brian McLaren Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest book is Faith After Doubt, and his next release, Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022) can be preordered now. Brian is married to Grace, and they have four adult children and five grandchildren. His personal interests include wildlife and ecology, fly fishing and kayaking, music and songwriting, and literature. Brian McLaren's Website    MENTIONED IN PODCAST Faith After Doubt by Brian McLaren The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard A Prayer for Enemies by Nikolaj Velimirović Moment to Breathe Music - from Psalms from Scotland: Psalm 139, set to the tune Highland Cathedral. The First 2 Stages of Faith Development that Brian described: 1. Simplicity (Stage of Dualism)— You're either for us or against us.  It's all or nothing. 2. Complexity — There's more than one way to do things. Learning to think for yourself. (Stages 3 and 4 will be discussed next week in Part 2)   SUPPORT THE PODCAST Donate Here for an individual contribution or on Patreon to set up monthly support.   CONTACT US podcast@pottersinn.com   INTERESTED IN MORE SOUL CARE RESOURCES? Check out our recommended reading, books on spiritual growth, and our soul care blog. Want to experience soul care in person? Learn more about our soul care intensives and retreats. 

Welcoming back a PWNA regular, [Subscribe here to keep up with all things "Pastor With No Answers" as well as a new digital family we'd love to have you a part of.  Click here to lock yourself in as a $5 patron in an $8 Patreon giving tier.  You don't have to be alone in your spiritual questions  and you don't have to play by society's "new standard" of taking sides and being polarized.  Join us!]Joey, in this brand new episode fresh after reading Faith After Doubt, probes many topics including the uneasiness Christians have when people find some truth in other religions, whether Christian leaders use fear to control "flocks," and how our beliefs about God will most certainly affect how we represent God and God's kingdom. Brian McLaren is committed to Jesus now more than ever, but equally more than ever, is staunchly opposed to Christianity being supreme over all over religions. Brian also updates us on the upcoming follow up to “Faith After Doubt,” “Do I Stay Christian” (release Spring 2022)."Ellen, Jed and Joey discuss masturbation, how their church-upbringings addressed sex in youth ministry and how church leaders 20 years ago, tried to use Joey's “yet to be conceived” daughters to scare him from porn viewing/addiction. Brian McLaren Brian McLaren TwitterOther Episodes with Brian McLaren:273 - Brian McLaren and His New Book Faith After Doubt 230 - Why Does Jesus Sound So Harsh? Ellen Mauro InstagramJed Payne InstagramJed Payne's “Church and Other Drugs” PodcastJoey/PWNA Instagram and Twitter Current DonorSee giving opportunity Support Us: Join us as a patron! or leave a Venmo tip Join the PWNA Discussion Facebook Group PWNAcontact@gmail.com  for correspondence. Theme song, courtesy of Derek Minor Other music originally composed by Joel Hamilton and Joel Hamilton + friends. Executive Producer of PWNApod:  Jared Svendsen *Chapter markers inserted for your listening convenience*Support the show

Join us as we sit down with one Time Magazine's "25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America", Brian McLaren, to discuss his new book, "FAITH AFTER DOUBT". Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of  The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and works closely with the Wild Goose Festival, the Fair Food Program, Vote Common Good, and Progressive Christianity. His recent projects include an illustrated children's book (for all ages) called Cory and the Seventh Story and The Galapagos Islands: A Spiritual Journey.  His newest book is  Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and his next release, Do I Stay Christian? will be available Spring 2022.SEE MORE FROM BRAIN MCLAREN AT THE LINKS BELOW:Website: https://brianmclaren.net/ Podcast: https://cac.org/podcast/learning-how-to-see Books: https://brianmclaren.net/books-by-brian-mclaren/––––––––LINKS AND SOCIAL MEDIAWebsite • Facebook  •  InstagramEmail: christianafpodcast@gmail.comSupport the show (https://paypal.me/ChristianAFPodcast)

Author and public theologian Brian D. McLaren is former college English teacher whose newest book is Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and his next release, Do I Stay Christian? will be available Spring 2022. In 2004, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree (honoris causa) from Carey Theological Seminary in Vancouver, BC, Canada, and in 2010, he received a second honorary doctorate from Virginia Theological Seminary (Episcopal). Listen to No-Prize From God: Playlist For the Podcast on Spotify. Follow No-Prize From God, Ryan J. Downey, and check out Downey's other podcasts: PopCurse (Musicians Talking Movies) and Speak N' Destroy (Interviews About Metallica).