Podcasts about emptythepews

In this episode, we talk with Chrissy Stroop, an ex-evangelical writer, speaker, and advocate. We talk about Chrissy's journey out of evangelicalism, her creation of the hashtag #EmptyThePews, and her thoughts on Christian nationalism today. We also talk about Christian privilege and how it can be unwittingly maintained even by atheists. In the lightning round, we learn whether a “true atheist” can be a Christian nationalist.In the bonus section, available exclusively to supporters on Patreon, we talk with Chrissy about her time studying and teaching in Russia, and how her experience foreshadowed the state of Russia today.Chrissy's website: https://cstroop.com/ Chrissy's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cstroop Chrissy on Twitter: https://twitter.com/C_Stroop Find Chrissy's article on Religion Dispatches: https://religiondispatches.org/author/chrissy_stroop/And on openDemocracy: https://www.opendemocracy.net/en/author/chrissy-stroop/ Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexander Nathan's website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/ If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism We are grateful for every contribution.Beyond Atheism is produced and distributed by Atheists United Studios: https://www.atheistsunited.org/au-studios

OUTLINE of today's show with TIMECODESWATCH: "American Carol" predicted FBI labeling Christians as terrorists AND predicted the underwear bomber, long before it happened — "It's the Christians!", those “Radical Traditionalists”. 2:28 A cop is praised for an incredibly kind gesture caught on body camera after stopping to help a weeping man in need of kindness. 7:39The most disturbing soundbite from Congressional Twitter hearings this week came from Democrats only witness who explained what their goal was… 17:32Jonathan Turley explains "the most regrettable and misunderstood judicial soundbite" — "you can't yell fire in a crowded theater". 25:00 WATCH: Trump's first campaign ad tackles Biden's "energy" policy and refers to the Paris Climate Accord. For the record, here's how Trump AVOIDING ENDING PARIS when he was President, as he continues to skirt the climate issue 30:18New York City is so bad that migrants are fleeing to Canada in the middle of winter! And NYC Mayor is paying for the bus trip. Perhaps Trump should've focused on building buses instead of "building the wall" 44:54Underwriters Lab and the growing threat of lithium battery fires as the devices go from cell phones to trucks and planes 50:02The mineral shortage in EVs. Making China the new Saudi Arabia of energy 54:18Biden & the Dems' plan to destroy suburbs and the single family home begins with every local jurisdiction required to report. NY Gov Hochul's scheme shows the specifics 59:25BANK ROBBERY: London steals Venezuela's gold. 1:07:05Burt Bacharach: The John Williams of Pop Music. Bacharach just died at the age of 94. Grammy & Oscar winning songwriter whose music was, as Paul McCartney said "more musical and technical" than the Beatles. And a quick look at the curmudgeon director John Ford who didn't use his "Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" 1:13:55 The Super Bowl is coming up and the sand Tom Brady was standing on when he retired again is on auction at Ebay and already at nearly $100,000 1:23:28SuperBowl "He Gets Us" Ad — But Do THEY "Get" Jesus? Jesus apparently needs a bloated ad campaign to reach people. But Edward Bernays, the father of Madison Ave advertising, was a propagandist pushing psy-ops. So why do Christians think the tactics of Satan are more powerful than the unashamed truth about Jesus? 1:27:18CNN's religion correspondent is trans, ex-evangelical who pushes #EmptyThePews campaign. No bias at all 1:35:12Archbishop Says He'll "Root Out" Anyone Who Holds Biblical Views of Marriage or Gender. Tolerance? No, his NEW religion is truly "homophobic", fearing homosexuals, and not "theophobic", fearing God. God as Father and trad marriage are NOT what the left think it's about 1:42:44INTERVIEW: Time to "Rage Against War". Gerald Celente, TrendsJournal.com, on the what the rapidly escalating events of the last week tell us about the warpath we're on and a rally for the public to push back - details at RageAgainstWar.com 2:02:47Business Insider's reporting on Syria and Iraq. 2:05:43What's going on in the world of cyber attacks. 2:11:15Rage Against War rally at Lincoln Memorial. 2:14:36WHAT? Fed Chair Powell says "wages are the main driver of the underlying inflation" — 2:48:37Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.com If you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here:SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation through Mail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money is only what YOU hold: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silver

OUTLINE of today's show with TIMECODESWATCH: "American Carol" predicted FBI labeling Christians as terrorists AND predicted the underwear bomber, long before it happened — "It's the Christians!", those “Radical Traditionalists”. 2:28 A cop is praised for an incredibly kind gesture caught on body camera after stopping to help a weeping man in need of kindness. 7:39The most disturbing soundbite from Congressional Twitter hearings this week came from Democrats only witness who explained what their goal was… 17:32Jonathan Turley explains "the most regrettable and misunderstood judicial soundbite" — "you can't yell fire in a crowded theater". 25:00 WATCH: Trump's first campaign ad tackles Biden's "energy" policy and refers to the Paris Climate Accord. For the record, here's how Trump AVOIDING ENDING PARIS when he was President, as he continues to skirt the climate issue 30:18New York City is so bad that migrants are fleeing to Canada in the middle of winter! And NYC Mayor is paying for the bus trip. Perhaps Trump should've focused on building buses instead of "building the wall" 44:54Underwriters Lab and the growing threat of lithium battery fires as the devices go from cell phones to trucks and planes 50:02The mineral shortage in EVs. Making China the new Saudi Arabia of energy 54:18Biden & the Dems' plan to destroy suburbs and the single family home begins with every local jurisdiction required to report. NY Gov Hochul's scheme shows the specifics 59:25BANK ROBBERY: London steals Venezuela's gold. 1:07:05Burt Bacharach: The John Williams of Pop Music. Bacharach just died at the age of 94. Grammy & Oscar winning songwriter whose music was, as Paul McCartney said "more musical and technical" than the Beatles. And a quick look at the curmudgeon director John Ford who didn't use his "Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" 1:13:55 The Super Bowl is coming up and the sand Tom Brady was standing on when he retired again is on auction at Ebay and already at nearly $100,000 1:23:28SuperBowl "He Gets Us" Ad — But Do THEY "Get" Jesus? Jesus apparently needs a bloated ad campaign to reach people. But Edward Bernays, the father of Madison Ave advertising, was a propagandist pushing psy-ops. So why do Christians think the tactics of Satan are more powerful than the unashamed truth about Jesus? 1:27:18CNN's religion correspondent is trans, ex-evangelical who pushes #EmptyThePews campaign. No bias at all 1:35:12Archbishop Says He'll "Root Out" Anyone Who Holds Biblical Views of Marriage or Gender. Tolerance? No, his NEW religion is truly "homophobic", fearing homosexuals, and not "theophobic", fearing God. God as Father and trad marriage are NOT what the left think it's about 1:42:44INTERVIEW: Time to "Rage Against War". Gerald Celente, TrendsJournal.com, on the what the rapidly escalating events of the last week tell us about the warpath we're on and a rally for the public to push back - details at RageAgainstWar.com 2:02:47Business Insider's reporting on Syria and Iraq. 2:05:43What's going on in the world of cyber attacks. 2:11:15Rage Against War rally at Lincoln Memorial. 2:14:36WHAT? Fed Chair Powell says "wages are the main driver of the underlying inflation" — 2:48:37Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.com If you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here:SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation through Mail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money is only what YOU hold: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silver

Today, Allen Parr discusses why millennials are leaving the church. And I help him formulate a plan to bring them back.Step 1: Start teaching true things.Step 2: ???Step 3: Profit.Sources:The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050: https://pewrsr.ch/3wTL1uR“Nones” on the Rise: https://pewrsr.ch/3zuVVcrYoung adults around the world are less religious: https://pewrsr.ch/2UCOnFEWhy some Americans left religion behind: https://pewrsr.ch/3upCkHYViews of Homosexuality Around the World: https://pewrsr.ch/2UJRFXwWhat Affects Divorce Rates in the U.S.?: https://bit.ly/3wZvdqFDoes evidence support supervised injection sites?: https://bit.ly/3eOfIvfPortugal's radical drugs policy is working. Why hasn't the world copied it?: https://bit.ly/2W2c3DBCatholic priest fired after Judas-themed 'gay sex parties': https://bit.ly/3zrEycdSeven Gay Texts: Biblical Passages Used to Condemn Homosexuality: https://bit.ly/3eOQoFBOriginal Video: https://bit.ly/2UuWLHlCards:Slavery was ok...if I edit the Bible to make it ok!:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H51nZGF4IHoProof of Not God? An Atheist Claims to Falsify God.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LszC4yJa1X0

This week! Uncle Doug introduces us to one badass lady with Ishtar, Uncle Dan brings some belief relief and Chrissy Stroop and Lauren O'Neal Join to discuss their book, Empty the Pews!

Today we feature the pilot episode of Marie D'Elephant's new podcast, "Everyone's Autonomous." It's a spin-off of this podcast and we're excited to promote it. For short, we call it EA2 and this show EA1. It'd be great if you could subscribe to EA2 and support the work. Cheers! 

Hey! Lauren coedited an anthology called Empty the Pews: Stories of Leaving the Church! You can read an excerpt and get a preorder discount at bit.ly/EmptyThePews. To celebrate we’re rerunning our episode with her coeditor, Dr. Chris Stroop. Original show notes: Lauren and Niko welcome Dr. Chris Stroop to the show to talk about growing up Christian in Indiana, a twenty-year crisis of faith, battling demons Hulk-style, and everything else in the book of Philippians. Plus: rejoice in the Lord always, and again, I say, rejoice! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode my guest is Kimberly Stover. Kimberly works in the space of losing religion recovery. She describes this process as as having three phases: Reflect, Recover then Rise. Kimberly and I discuss religious trauma syndrome, the #EmptyThePews movement, how narcissism relates to Evangelicalism and rising up out of recovery. On Kimberly's site she has resources for those in the process of losing their religion. If you are in the process of losing your religion, you don't have to do it alone. Reach out to Kimberly and the resources she has available. Links: kimberlystover.com facebook.com/realkimberlystover twitter.com/realkimstover instagram.com/kimberly_stover_writer Kimberly's book recommendation: Leaving the Fold: A Guide for Former Fundamentalists and Others Leaving Their Religion by Dr. Marlene Winell https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1933993235/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1933993235&linkCode=as2&tag=kimberlystove-20&linkId=a6f03da1054ca490dcb844408377e3e0 Attribution: "Waves" track written and produced by Makaih Beats http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Makaih_Beats Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/gracefulatheist/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/gracefulatheist/support

This week on the podcast I speak with Emily Joy about her experience leaving evangelicalism under a cloud of sexual abuse. Years later she and a friend started the #ChurchToo hashtag which has become a national phenomenon.BIOEmily is a spoken word poet, yoga teacher and activist living and working in Nashville, Tennessee. Her advocacy takes place at the intersection of faith, sexuality and healing, and her work has been featured in Time, Cosmopolitan, Jezebel, Mother Jones, The Huffington Post and more. Emily is the co-creator of the #ChurchToo hashtag, a #MeToo spinoff exposing sexual violence in Christian churches and other faith communities. She is also a sexuality education writer for the website Scarleteen and in her spare time, works at a church. More about Emily and her work can be found at emilyjoypoetry.com. You can find Emily online on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook at the username, @EmilyJoyPoetry (links below).LINKS Emily Joy's website | http://www.emilyjoypoetry.comAs a Teen, Emily Joy Was Abused by a Church Youth Leader. Now She’s Leading a Movement to Change Evangelical America | https://www.motherjones.com/crime-justice/2018/05/evangelical-church-metoo-movement-abuse/The #ChurchToo Movement Isn’t Just About Gender | https://jezebel.com/the-churchtoo-movement-isn-t-just-about-gender-1826431915Inside the Scam of the "Purity" Movement | https://www.cosmopolitan.com/politics/a26026217/sexual-abstinence-joshua-harris-purity-movement-scam/Sexual Abuse Happens In #ChurchToo — We’re Living Proof | https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/sexual-abuse-churchtoo_us_5a205b30e4b03350e0b53131Abuse of Faith | https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/investigations/article/Southern-Baptist-sexual-abuse-spreads-as-leaders-13588038.phpLIFE AFTER GODWebsite | http://www.lifeaftergod.orgFacebook | http://www.facebook.com/ourlifeaftergodTwitter | http://www.twitter.com/ourlifeaftergodInstagram | http://www.instagram.com/ourlifeaftergodSupport the production of this podcast and the work of Life After God by becoming a Patronhttp://www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod

Content Advisory: religious trauma, physical and sexual abuseToday on The Ex-Files I speak with Alexis Record. Alexis is a former Christian, raised in a fundamentalist home. In our conversation she recounts her experiences of profound loss, her harrowing encounters with fundamentalism in Christian missions, brushes with death, extreme shaming, and misadventures in Christian education.Today, Alexis the mother of two remarkable children, a volunteer leader at Sunday Assembly San Diego, an the author of the chapter, Women v. Indoctrination, in the book, Women v. Religion: The Case Against Faith—and for Freedom, edited by Karen Garst, and published by Pitchstone Publishing. Elements of Alexis’ story are being told here for the very first time and may be difficult listening, especially if you have survived abuse of any kind, but especially religious abuse.Women v. Religion, edited by Karen Garst | https://goo.gl/gcoiX6#Exvangelical#ExposeChristianSchools

Several months ago, Andrew was a guest on MindShift podcast and provided a lot of very helpful analysis regarding much of what causes religious trauma--particularly in evangelical Christianity. In this episode, Andrew and I get into the specifics of what emotional health looks like, particularly for the person who has de-converted from religion. Andrew not only explores spirituality as a path for healing from religious trauma, he also provides a wide range of options for exploration.

In September of this year, I caught up with Andrew Gurevich down in Portland, OR and sat down for a great interview around the topic of "reconstruction after deconstruction." In this process, it turns out that reconstructing involves nothing less than...a total reorientation of our former worldviews, belief systems, and identities. If you've left religion behind, and are wondering what happens next--then you'll get a lot out of this wide-ranging and challenging conversation.

In this special edition of MindShift podcast, I talk to filmmaker Christopher Maloney about his project entitled "In God We Trump." What are the implications for the evangelical church going forward, based upon the fact that 81% of (largely white) evangelical Christians not only voted to elect Trump in 2016, but many continue to support him and many of his policies? Statistics have shown that thousands have left evangelical churches over the issue; and beyond that, many have given up their Christian faith also, citing this "deal with the devil" as the last straw. Listen in as Chris and I discuss the film, the reasons so many voted Trump, and what the future holds for evangelicalism in America--and the world.  

This week's episode features a conversation with Canadian ex-fundamentalist Janice Selbie. Now a trained counselor, she now helps people cope with the grief, loss and trauma associated with deconversion and spiritual transitions.   This is Janice's passion--to assist people in dealing with issues and problems from their past that may well be negatively impacting their lives and mental health currently. Leaving one's religion behind is incredibly difficult, and along with that decision comes oftentimes a high social cost that must be paid also.   In this edition, Janice offers up practical, helpful advice for those who are...walking the path of deconversion.

Deconstruction looks different for everybody--this is something I've learned from talking to many ex-evangelicals. Some become atheists, agnostics, angry theists; in fact there's a spectrum of paths people take.   In the case of Jimmy, however, his deconstruction looked entirely different: the sloughing off of the structures and strictures of evangelical, "American Christianity." What was left was...a return to a profound experience of God he'd had as a young man.   Find out more of Jimmy's journey in this episode!

In this episode, I talk to author and ex-fundamentalist, Sheri Pallas. Her new book is entitled "Man Has Ruined God: My Journey out of Religion and Into the Arms of God."   This is the substance of our great conversation--how exactly has Sheri survived such a toxic religious background, only to deconstruct her beliefs and yet somehow retain a view of God?   Although, as we will discover, this view of God is radically different than her former evangelical belief. Join myself and Sheri for a thought-provoking conversation!

Back in September of 2018, myself and Stacie Rae, "The Resting Traveller," put on a live podcast in the Seattle, Washington area. Together with a live audience, we had a great discussion on the topic of "reconstruction after deconstruction."   If you've left the church behind--and possibly your former faith too--where do you go from here? Turns out that deconstruction isn't the end game; rather, we need to go about reconstructing a brand-new identity: the reconstruction piece.   Join us as we explore this important topic!

Catch this great conversation between myself and my sister, Valerie Heacock Cunningham! This is a 1-year update from our podcast we did last year entitled "Surviving a Fundamentalist Upbringing."   What's changed in both of our lives since last year? How have we processed the traumatic experiences from our evangelical and fundamentalist past, and moved past it? How have we disentangled ourselves from religion, and how has that changed us?   Find out in this episode!

Catch the second half of my conversation with Australian Dr Josie McSkimming, a clinical social worker and ex-evangelical who now focuses on helping those who come out of controlling and fundamentalist religions. In this second half of our conversation, Josie and I delve a bit more into her book, "Leaving Christian Fundamentalism and the Reconstruction of Identity." This piece of "reconstruction after deconstruction" is hugely important, and in this episode we get into a great discussion about the dynamics around what this looks like.  

In this special bonus edition of MindShift Podast, I interview Andy Herndon as we discuss his important upcoming domentary film entitled "The eXvangelicals: A Documentary." Not only do we get into Andy's own backstory of deconstructing his former evangelical faith, we discuss what led him to start this journey of documenting the many stories of people from the ex-evangelical community. Find out how you can be involved in this exciting project by listening in!

Part 1 of my conversation with Dr Josie McSkimming from Sydney, Australia, focuses on her own backstory in evangelicalism, and how she escaped the system. Now a clinical social worker who counsels those who have left religion behind, she has since authored the book "Leaving Christian Fundamentalism and the Reconstruction of Identity." Find out more in this fascinating conversation with an ex-fundamentalist from Down Under!

In this Part 2 episode with Cindy Wang Brandt from Taiwan, we get into more specifics around how exactly one might classify raising children within evangelicalism as "predatory." Is it good and right for parents to pass along core values that are important to them? Including their own religion? Or should parents give children the space and autonomy to choose their own path spiritually? Find out more in this thought-provoking conversation!

Should raising children in an evangelical Christian environment be considered "predatory" on the part of the parents? My guest today, Cindy Wang Brandt from Taiwan, believes that in certain circumstances it absolutely is predatory. Children may not have the capacity or awareness to filter out teaching that may, in the end, prove to be abusive or harmful to their psychological, sexual, and relational development. Find out more in Part 1 of this fascinating conversation!

In this second episode with David Haward, "the Naked Pastor," we get even more in depth processing the experiences of those who are deconstructing their former faith. David breaks down exactly just how all-pervasive religion can be, as well as the effects on their followers. Thus, leaving such a context--where we formed relationships and our very identities--is extremely difficult. It will likely take us...the rest of our lives! Join us on the journey.

Are you an ex-evangelical who is deconstructing your former evangelical faith? Then you will benefit from this very helpful conversation with Canadian ex-evangelical pastor David Hayward, who is also known as "The Naked Pastor." I learned so much from this very practical conversation--coming from a man who not only walked away from the church (and quite possibly the Christian faith too), but who also now sees it as his mission to help others with their journey of deconstruction and discovery. In this episode we discuss David's backstory and then get into the practicalities of what deconstruction actually looks like in the real world.

Here's my chat with the wonderful Chris Stroop (@C_Stroop), Exvangelical activist and writer, creator of #EmptyThePews. We talk, Trump, Russia, Bannon, Exvangelical & Ex Muslim communities, and much more. You can find his blog here: https://chrisstroop.com/ Here are some of the articles we mentioned in the convo: http://religiondispatches.org/anti-gay-evangelicalism-is-the-norm-a-less-rosy-take-on-the-evangelical-tipping-point/ https://chrisstroop.com/2018/02/11/why-i-am-not-an-atheist/ https://chrisstroop.com/2017/05/03/about-those-trump-voters-for-god-stop-calling-them-fake-christians/ --------- If you enjoy the show pls consider supporting via Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nicemangos - without listeners like you this show isn't possible. Leave an iTunes review and help support the show that way! https://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/polite-conversations/id1086199663?mt=2

In this second half of my conversation with self-confessed "exvangelical" and Twitter personality Chris Stroop, we finally get to the conclusion of Chris's story of deconstructing his former beliefs and ultimately walking away from the evangelicalism he grew up with. We also delve into the background of the Religious Right in America, tracing their roots back to the early days of fundamentalism. Chris develops how that reactionary and militant movement still finds its expression not just in American right-wing politics today, but also is heavily involved in trying to win what they view as a "global culture war."    

Part 1 of my conversation with fellow ex-evangelical and "Twitter personality" Chris Stroop features an exploration of his own journey out of evangelicalism. What happened to Chris when, as a student in a Christian high school, had a crisis of faith? Like so many, he sought help from a pastor friend...but was that encounter successful in keeping him in the faith? Find out more about Chris and his journey in this episode!

This week's episode features the second half of my conversation with a buddy with whom I went to a fundamentalist Christian high school back in the mid-1980s. Jeff and I share hilarious and poignant stories of what it was like growing up in such a conservative environment. Is it any wonder that kids raised in such a repressive context tend to rebel against any and all authority? Tune in for Part 2 and laugh through the tears...

While on a recent trip to Seattle, Washington, I met up with a former classmate of mine, and good friend, Jeff Judd. We went to a conservative evangelical Christian high school back in the 1980s, and together, Jeff and I reminisce about the nutty, zany, and just downright insane aspects of...growing up evangelical. You literally could not make this shit up. Come along and laugh with us in this first episode!

Timed to coincide with a workshop entitled "Reclaiming Sexuality from Religion" that my guest, Andrew Jasko, is doing in Oakland, CA on the 14th of August, this episode takes a deep dive into religion and its effects. Religion is ultimately disempowering, claims Andrew, because you are taking the word of another person--an authority figure--not only to diagnose your spiritual problems, but also to provide the solution. This dynamic leads to all sorts of abuses: spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, and in terms of sexuality. Join us as we discuss all of this and more in this fantastic episode!

Many stories that come out of evangelicalism and fundamentalism are simply...too bizarre to have been made up! In this episode, I'll delve into some of the craziest church stories you've ever heard, drawn from the great interaction I've been having with Exvangelicals on Twitter. And what does all of this have to do with having dinner with Satan?? Listen in to find out--!

In the second half of my conversation with Twitter personality and ex-evangelical Daniel Hobbs, we get into the future of the ex-evangelical, or exvangelical, movement...whatever it actually is. What's his vision for this movement? Is it merely a reactionary thing that is upset and angry at being hurt by forces within evangelicalism? Where is it going, what's the point, and what does he see for the movement in the future? Coming from a very well-reasoned and well-thought-through place, Daniel shares his insights, thoughts and comments as to where it's all headed...and what his part is in it all.

In this Second of two parts we discuss the Hulu Series The Handmaid's Tale in it's second season. In part 2 we talk about the Gilead within. We talk about Longing and it making you do weird things. We give our predictions for season 3: Pt. 1: https://www.spreaker.com/user/9452487/lets-talk-about-the-handmaids-tale-s2-ptMusic: http://Bensound.com --Funky ElementThe Patron Saints to Podcon: https://www.gofundme.com/patronsaintstopodcon

In Part 2 of my conversation with ex-evangelical Brian Staples, we'll dive further into our views of God, experiences of fundamentalist Christianity, and talk about the impact evangelicalism is having on American politics today. Brian will also offer up advice for those who have left the church behind, but aren't sure where to go next...or maybe those who are still within the church, but are questioning everything.  Where do you go from there? Listen in to find out!

While on a recent trip to the States from the UK, I met up with an old Bible College buddy, Brian Staples. We had a great conversation about his own journey of deconstruction and discovery of his former Christian faith. In Part 1, we'll delve into Brian's backstory: raised in a narrowly fundamentalist church by a father who subscribed to white supremacist "Christian" views, how did Brian escape that world, and somehow not hold the exact same point of view? Find out in Part 1!

In Part 2 of my chat with Steve Stone Sr., the "Starbucks Pastor," we get into the motivations behind Steve's often provocative and (to some for sure), irritating Facebook posts. Steve regularly posts strong statements about Christianity...religion...politics in America...the evangelical support for Donald Trump...and for the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community within the Christian church. To say that these posts are controversial, for a retired pastor of more than 20 years, would be an understatement. Just reading the responses Steve gets runs the gamut: from outraged fundamentalists to those who support him wholeheartedly. Find out why he puts himself on the firing line in Part 2!

In Part 1 with Steve Stone Sr., also known as "the Starbucks Pastor," Steve shares his backstory: growing up in a fundamentalist church in the South...yet at the same time experienced life in the real world that did not match the narrow message they preached. Find out how Steve's journey took him away from fundamentalism, into a life of sex, drugs and rock n' roll, and then later discovering the ethic of love--as he believes the simple message of Jesus to be, as portrayed within the Gospels. What is this "ethic of love" and how does it relate to his vision of spirituality and loving inclusion of "the other"?  

In Part 2 of my conversation with Canadian Sam Morse from the Out of Eden podcast, we delve further into the question of how (or indeed, why) a person might be able to retain various aspects of his or her Christianity--post-deconstruction. This involves, of necessity, a re-examination of one's views on both God and the Bible--how you approach the text (hermeneutics, or lens through which we read Scripture) will of necessity change your views of God and Jesus. This strikes at the very heart of the issue: change your views on God and the Bible, and your former Christian faith (if you have any left) will never be the same again.  

If you've deconstructed your former Christian faith, do you believe there's anything worth salvaging? This week's guest, Sam Morse (host of the Out of Eden podcast) and I discuss this very question: can you retain a view of God once you begin to question the whole construct of Christianity? For Sam, the answer is Yes--albeit with a very radically deconstructed and different view of both God and the Bible.  Find out where he is on the journey in Part 1.

What do you do when evangelicalism no longer works for you? This involves your views of God...the Bible...and Christianity in general. Are you deconstructing your former faith? If so, where are you on this spiritual journey? This question I've been asking over the last few weeks continues with Dr Josh deKeyzer from The Netherlands. While in seminary in the USA, he began deconstructing his former very narrow evangelical faith. In this episode Josh tells his story and how he began to view everything differently...and what that did to his entire belief system.

On this episode I speak with scholar and writer, Christopher Stroop. As an ex-evangelical himself, Chris has been instrumental in galvanizing the ex-evangelical voice online with the hashtags #EmptyThePews, #Exvangelical, and #HowToEvangelical. His mission is to foster community for those harmed by and alienated from conservative religious communities. His recent writing has appeared in Religion Dispatches and Playboy.LINKSChris's website | www.chrisstroop.comChris's Twitter | www.twitter.com/C_Stroop#Exvangelical Twitter hashtag | www.twitter.com/search/?q=%23exvangelicals#EmptyThePews Twitter hashtag | www.twitter.com/search/?q=%23emptythepewsWhy I Am Not an Atheist | www.chrisstroop.com/2018/02/11/why-i-am-not-an-atheist/The Spectacular Nadir of American Evangelicalism | www.playboy.com/read/the-spectacular-nadir-of-american-evangelicism-1Support the Life After God podcast at www.patreon.com/lifeaftergodLife After God website | www.lifeaftergod.org

Brian Peck, Carolyn Golden, and James Connelly explore how beliefs impact the deconversion process and create challenges for relationships.This episode is part two of a conversation recorded on March 13, 2018. You can listen to part one here:http://www.lifeaftergod.org/059-how-and-why-we-believe-part-1/or read the transcript here:https://www.roomtothrive.com/blog/2018/3/24/how-and-why-we-believeIn this episode, James talks about going through a deconversion when your partner is still a believer. Mixed-faith relationships are common and can be maintained but they often test the strongest of bonds as a couple renegotiates the essential elements of their relationship.By focusing on HOW we believe we can more easily unite around the shared human experience of living with a believing brain. Of course, WHAT we believe will continue to be important but perhaps understanding the HOW and WHY will allow us to relax our grip a little bit on the WHAT.In addition to discussing how divergent beliefs impact relationships, the guests offer practical things you can do to support more meaningful human connections._____Brian Peck, LCSW is a clinical social worker who specializes in religious-based trauma in his private practice and guides individuals through their deconversions with evidence-based practices online. Brian loves discovering and adopting new and healthier ways to be human on the other side of religious belief.Carolyn Golden, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist, who, in addition to her clinical practice, teaches psychology at Boise State University. Carolyn’s interest in how we create and maintain beliefs resulted in her developing and teaching The Psychology of Belief.James Connelly, Psy.D. is a clinical psychologist with and an infectious curiosity about how our brains work and a fascination with WHY and HOW we believe. James is currently writing a book in which he explores the psychology of religious belief through the lens of his LDS background.LINKSRoom to Thrive | https://www.roomtothrive.com

In this mini episode that ended up being longer than intended Joe and Brandi discuss the #EmptyThePews and #HowToEvangelical hashtags.

Chris Stroop, PhD created the #EmptyThePews Movement to ask Evangelicals to examine the fruits of their religion and walk away from its grip. Chris joins Brady and Chuck on this episode of The Life After, focusing on the community of ex-evangelicals, bound together through the WWW. Chris discusses the history of how abortion became the foundation of religious right-wing politics, how his degree in Russian history has made him a unique expert in these unpredictable political times, and Chris shares their heart-breaking story of spiritual abuse. You can find Chris's blog, Not Your Mission Field, at chrisstroop.com. They are a common guest and contributor to our friends, the #Exvangelical community.   The Life After Podcast and Community | Live Real-Life We Hold Space for Those Leaving Their Faith in a Secret Facebook Group and Slack Channel. thelifeafter.org      

Many Atheists, Agnostics, and Christians, despite their stark differences, have the common ingredient of being “Ex-Evangelical.” Within the faith of Christianity, the scales have been tipped (credit the November 2016 Presidential Election) to cause a large sect of Christianity to bow out of evangelicalism. How important is it for this movement to grow? Self-identified nerd and Ph.D. in Russian history (Stanford), Christopher Stroop is an Ex-Evangelical and started the movement #EmptyThePews. He is a compelling voice for evangelicalism to pack its bag and go the hell back to where it came from. Matt’s eccentric personality is reflected in his parenting as he shares a story on his refusal to allow his daughter to comply.   Links & Sponsors: badchristianmedia.com thebcclub.com emerymusic.com Lyft: lyft.com/BADCHRISTIAN Indochino: indochino.com code BADCHRISTIAN

This week we talk about Community in the context of Stranger Things 2. We talk about dealing with a paradigm shift in the context of community. We talk about a community of outcasts. We also discuss the finer points of Steve. Shout out to the Exvangelical Podcast and the #EmptyThePews campaign who are helping to form new communities! Music By: Rick Lancaster Music (https://youtu.be/jRRlavNNlEY)

My guest this week is Chris Stroop. Chris was a guest back on episode 15 of the show, and since that time he has become well-known for his essays on Religion Dispatches (as well as his threads on Twitter, including the trending hashtag #EmptyThePews) about the global Religious Right, particularly in American and Russian politics, as well as Exvangelical experience more broadly. He is also a fellow administrator of the Exvangelical Facebook group. We talk at length about #EmptyThePews and the stories people have told through it, as well as the value of sharing ex-Evangelical stories in private and in public. You can support Chris's work via Patreon at patreon.com/cstroop and follow him on Twitter @C_Stroop. You can also support this show via Patreon at patreon.com/exvangelicalpod. Join the Exvangelical facebook community here: http://bit.ly/2gZQEql. Follow me on Twitter @brchastain, and follow the show on Twitter @exvangelicalpod. Follow the ephemeral podcast at anchor.fm/exvangelicalpod. Intro/Outro: "Night Owl" by Broke for Free Interlude 1: "Pure Comedy" by Father John Misty Interlude 2: "Culture War" by Arcade Fire

A rundown of the travesty of Hurricane Harvey and the glaring lack of response from Lakewood Church, Houston’s (and one of American’s) biggest churches. While Joel Osteen hides away in his mansion thousands suffer. What should Christians do when their churches fall short? What happens when business-as-usual gets in the way of a mission. Hint: nothing good. Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com

This week we talk about Spiderman: Homecoming. We talk about the presents of presence. We talk about how the definition of words matter. We also talk about trust vs. faith, how actions don't need to be grand to be good, and how a few minutes can make all the difference. Music: http://Bensound.com --Instinct