Podcasts about exvangelical

Your child says, “Mom, I'm Gay!”You want to shove those words back in and put the lid on. But you can't. Your child is gay or bisexual or transgender. This goes against everything you've been taught. It was not what you had in mind, and you instantly wonder where you went wrong.When you become a parent, you know to expect the unexpected. But for many Christian parents, nothing can prepare them to hear this from their child. I invite you to sit down, relax, maybe get a cup of tea, and soak in what we talk about today. My hope is to guide you as we walk for a bit through this maze of confusion, to help you find your way to wholeness.Whether you have been on this journey for days or decades, this is a wonderful episode for you. Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

In this episode, Troy and Brian welcome Josie McSkimming, and discuss her new memoir, 'Gutsy Girls: Love, Poetry and Sisterhood.' The conversation delves into Josie's experiences growing up in a volatile family environment, her journey through fundamentalism, and the influence of her sister, renowned poet Dorothy Porter. They explore themes of resistance, creativity, and the complexities of family dynamics, particularly in the context of trauma and fundamentalist Christianity. Josie shares insights on the importance of self-acceptance and offers advice for women navigating their own paths after leaving fundamentalist backgrounds.Links:Gutsy Girls | UQPGutsy Girls | AmazonLeaving Christian Fundamentalism and the Reconstruction of IdentityJosie McSkimming | Sydney Eastern Suburbs Counselling ServicesJosie on Ep 25 of this podcast in 2021Josie on a Patreon Live call in 2023The Fiery Maze - Album by Tim Finn | Spotify  ---We're now on video on YouTube here.Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.Our blog is here.Join the conversation and connect with others here.The transcript of this episode is here.All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

We heard from a Mom who loves her daughter but does not accept her being gay, understanding but not really understanding, embracing but letting her daughter know she does not approve.And this Mom could not understand why that was wrong, and why her heart need to be set free.She represents many on this journey of deconstruction who are in limbo – so overwhelmed by the voices coming from the church, Christian friends, old false teachings, that they cannot hear the still small voice of Spirit. What is this Mom supposed to do? Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

In this “At the Bus Stop” episode, Dr. Jared Stacy, a theologian and ethicist, joins Johnna and Jay to unpack the link between conspiracy theories, Christian nationalism, and the culture of abuse within white evangelical spaces. Drawing from his personal experience and academic research, Jared explores how storytelling shapes power, how conspiracy theories thrive in religious communities, and why many churches prioritize maintaining societal structures over faithful witness. The conversation also delves into the dehumanizing effects of disinformation, the role of the church in rural America, and what it means to follow Jesus in a moment of cultural and political disreality. Jared's upcoming book offers language and insight for those wrestling with these complex dynamics.Jared's Substack: (19) The Homeward Dispatches | Jared Stacy | SubstackMore from Jared: https://linktr.ee/jstacySupport the show

Join us as we honor the journey of Joe Boyd, a former pastor turned actor, movie producer, and deconstruction advocate, who shares his remarkable journey from traditional ministry to questioning foundational beliefs. Joe recounts how his discovery of deconstruction led him to leave the pulpit and explore his passion for performance and storytelling, eventually establishing a career in the creative industry. He candidly discusses the emotional and intellectual challenges of deconstructing faith, the stigma associated with it, and the new ways he found to honor his spirituality while helping others navigate similar journeys. Get ready for a deeply personal and insightful look into the complex process of deconstruction, drawing on Joe's unique experiences and perspectives.Find Joe on TikTok, Instagram & Substack! Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team as a Patreon Supporter, please check it out at this link!Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community! Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!https://growx.podkite.com/https/PKricy1col/

Today, a beautiful episode focused on Moms.Mother's Day will come and go. Maybe you'll do brunch with family, get a call from the kids, maybe open a card or a present. Or not. If you get a card, it is quite likely that reading those words of appreciation will bring simultaneous joy and guilt! Seems to be the nature of motherhood.Sit with me… I would like to talk with you today as a Mom.Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

In today's episode, Leslie welcomes back Jim Palmer, a former evangelical mega church pastor turned advocate for religious deconstruction and non-religious spirituality. They delve into Jim's transformative journey from his early religious experiences to his crisis of faith and subsequent shift towards helping others navigate religious trauma and existential health. Jim shares insights from his recent sabbatical on a secluded island in British Columbia, discussing the importance of community, critical thinking, and self-trust in the deconstruction process. The conversation touches on the evolution of religious beliefs, the impact of societal structures on personal well-being, and the broader implications of moving towards a more inclusive, meta-modern understanding of spirituality rooted in personal meaning and love.Learn more about what Jim does on his website: https://nonreligiousspirituality.com podscan_CTf7ven7MdKvY3wpy2gLNP28R0XfPHdm  Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team as a Patreon Supporter, please check it out at this link!Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community! Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

In this episode, Troy and Brian engage with Sarah Bacaller, editor of the book, 'Apostate: Stories of Deconversion'. They explore Sarah's background in fundamentalism, her academic pursuits in philosophy, and her reflections on the ethical implications of church authority. The discussion delves into personal narratives of deconversion, the impact of evangelical theology on mental health, and the importance of critical thinking in faith contexts. Sarah shares her complex relationship with faith, shaped by her upbringing in a minister's family and the trauma associated with it. She reflects on her journey through academia, transitioning to a secular environment, and the motivations behind her book 'Apostate,' which collects diverse stories of deconversion. LinksSarah Bacaller's websiteApostate: Stories of Deconversion - Apocryphile Press ---We're now on video on YouTube here.Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.Our blog is here.Join the conversation and connect with others here.The transcript of this episode is here.All our other links are here. Doubting your beliefs? Have questions about changing or leaving your faith? You are not alone, and Recovering from Religion is here to help.

With all that has been going on to attack, condemn, and erase our precious transgender community, we thought it was the perfect time for this. In this very special, intimate episode, we share something that came from a mom of transgender daughter.She wrote it for her pastor, for anyone, who is trying to sort out transgender, gender nonconforming, nonbinary—trying to understand what transgender people and their families go through.This is an incredibly powerful story. It is beautifully written and conveys so well the heart of what it is to parent a transgender child.An encore presentation, perfect for all that is happening today.Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

On this episode I'm presenting the prologue of my story with the Institute in Basic Life Principles or IBLP - which you may recognize from the Amazon documentary featuring the Duggar family from TLC's 19 Kids and Counting. They may have been on a reality tv show, but this is my story of how these teachings played out in my day to day real life. This is the introduction episode to a series arc on the 7 principles of Bill Gothard.Referenced in this Episode:Shiny Happy People Life of Reason | George SantayanaSEND US A TEXTSupport the Show | Buy Me a CoffeeLeave Us A Voicemail | 980.355.9665 Interact with Mediocre Mystic:Web | Email | Substack | X Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube Subscribe & Follow | Rate & ReviewApple | Spotify | Substack | YouTubeMusic by '86 Aerostar | Logo by Bizri Creative Group

Today, we continue to focus on the transgender community with an encore broadcast of a very popular FreedHearts Podcast episode from January 2022. Our trans children, family members and friends are beautiful. And beloved. Living their authentic lives.Oh my goodness, that is an amazing truth. Amazing stories. Amazing beauty. False teachings, binary thinking, denial can cause us to miss it all – and cause great harm to those we love.With all that has been going on, it is the perfect time for this episode. “Don't Deny the Beauty of Being Transgender!”Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

Today on Honoring the Journey, we have a deep conversation with Mike Maeshiro, a former ministry leader at Bethel and founder of the NUMA Foundation. We discussed his extraordinary journey of leaving evangelicalism, coming to terms with his sexuality, and navigating the complexities of his faith and identity within a conservative Christian framework. Mike shared deeply personal stories about his traumatic experiences with conversion therapy, the struggle of living a double life, and the eventual liberation he found in embracing his true self. Our dialogue touched on the importance of authenticity, the misinterpretation of biblical texts surrounding homosexuality, and the hope for a more inclusive and understanding religious community. Mike's story is a testament to the courage it takes to walk away from oppressive systems and to advocate for a more loving, accepting society.Learn more about Mike on his website: www.Mikemaeshiro.com. Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team as a Patreon Supporter, please check it out at this link!Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community! Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

Christians mistakenly suggest that if you take the Bible seriously, you must stand against the existence – as well as the health and even humanity of transgender people.Actually, the OPPOSITE is true!In this episode, we talk about how the Bible AFFIRMS transgender and gender non-conforming people. And, how misinterpretations and binary thinking cause people to follow false teachings that are causing so much harm, especially today! A special encore presentation of one of our most popular episodes ever about the transgender community. Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

Author Sarah McCammon and expert readers discuss The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church.

Send us a textContent note: this episode contains brief discussions of high-control religious abuseElle hosts poet and artist Erika Goveia, who discusses her upbringing in a conservative evangelical church and her deconstruction, and her creative process which involves processing her past. Elle and Erika emphasize the importance of self-acceptance and breaking the cycle of harmful parenting practices, and the healing power of artistic expression.Links to connect with Erika, and all other resource links, are in the full show notes at hoorfpodcast.comSubscribe to Hoorf! Radical Care in a Late Capitalist Heckscape wherever you listen to your favorite podcast:Apple | Spotify | YouTubeJoin the Blessed Herd of Saint Winkus: Sign up for our newsletter, get Hoorf! episodes delivered directly to your inbox. What's more, you get invitations to our monthly Coffee and Biscuits Chat, where you get to hang out with Ricki and Elle, talk about the show, and connect on the topics that mean the most to you.Become a Patron:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hoorfpodcast/membershipConnect with Elle Billing:Website: www.hoorfpodcast.com / www.elleandwink.comInstagram: instagram.com/hoorfpodcastSupport the show

These past few months have resulted in some deep wounds – often from people that are, or used to be very close to us. We have been told that we should not hold a grudge, that we should let go of everything. But I think we are missing a bigger truth. Could it be that it's good to hold a grudge?We don't want to walk around with resentment, or unforgiveness, because that only hurts us, as we know. So, how could holding a grudge be a positive thing?Maybe it's about remembering what someone did to you, or did to someone you love—versus pretending nothing happened. For the purpose of protecting yourself in the future. The idea is that you don't just forget harmful things people do. Beloved, there's deep wisdom in that. There is a real balance in all of this and in today's powerful episode, we talk all about it.   Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

Kicking off the first episode of 2025, Troy and Brian revisit their conversion stories...after four years of Exvangelical podcasting. They explore their early lives, the vulnerabilities that led them to embrace fundamentalist Christianity, and the roles of community and belonging in their experiences. The conversation delves into the impact of identity, and the emotional manipulation often present in Christian environments. They reflect on the long-term effects of their conversions, emphasising the importance of vulnerability and belonging at the very beginning of their Christian journeys.LinksBrian's first conversion story episode is here.Troy's first conversion story episode is here. ---We're now on video on YouTube here.Want more? Check out our exclusive Patreon episodes here.Join the conversation and connect with others 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.

Jesus and Christianity and Church.  We link those three together but the truth is that to do so has no basis in history, no basis in theology, certainly no basis in today's non-affirming, rules-based, behavior-focused, hyper-political religion.Jesus is a great mascot. But Beloved, it's a bait and switch!Jesus would be considered unChristian by the Christian church. And the church would be considered unChristlike by Jesus.Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

Thanks to your questions, Good Faith listeners are the guests of this episode that's meant to spark spiritual insights and challenge church norms.   From queries about navigating belief in a politically toxic climate to finding community after deconstruction, Curtis answers your questions with thoughtfulness, wisdom, and compassion. Whether you're wrestling with faith, curious about theology, or just want to know what's on Curtis' playlist, this episode delivers the answers that inquiring minds wanted to know.   Curtis addresses: How can someone who has deconstructed find meaningful, Christ-centered community? What role should the church play when professed followers of Jesus undermine the gospel? What does it mean that God "removes kings and sets up kings"? How can we love fellow church members who politically diverge from us? Is The After Party project truly nonpartisan—and how was it funded? Will artificial intelligence reshape sermon preparation? What will life be like in the new heavens and new earth? Plus: Curtis reveals his five favorite musical artists and the name of the song that opens every Good Faith episode. Send written questions or voice memos for “Ask Curtis” episodes to: askcurtis@redeemingbabel.org Send Campfire Stories to: info@redeemingbabel.org   Resources or references mentioned in this episode: Patrick Schreiner: Recovering the Forgotten Doctrine of Christ's Ascension N.T. Wright: the Ascension of Jesus and Heaven N.T. Wright's Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church The Thin Places of Fantasy The Nicene Creed The Lord's Prayer Philippians 3:18-21 (New Living Translation) Foreign Aid Is Retreating. The Church Must Not Judge: Musk and Trump's effort to disband USAID is likely unconstitutional Daniel 2:21 (English Standard Version) 33 Evil Kings of the Old Testament I Samuel 8 (Israel asks for a king) (New Living Translation) Explore The After Party with Russell Moore, David French, & Curtis Chang Answers to questions about The After Party Judah & the Lion's Beautiful Anyway (official music video) Judah & the Lion's website Wendell Kimborough's website Sandra McCraken's website Andrew Peterson's website Dave Brubeck's Time Out album (including Take Five) Dave Brubeck's Fight Against Racism Herbie Hancock's Watermelon Man Herbie Hancock's Rockit Good Faith conversations mentioned in this episode: David French: Has America's Role in the World Changed Forever? and Your Questions David French: Checks, Balances, and the New Trump Era Sandra McCracken: How Music Helps Us Make Sense of God's World  Advent with Friends: Andrew Peterson and The Way of Love Andy Crouch: How to Listen to Music Andy Crouch: Do We Need a Worship Music Reformation? Register for the Illuminate Arts & Faith Conference Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   Sign up:  Redeeming Babel Newsletter

“Find the Stories to Leave For Good.” Welcome to the Faith in a Fresh Vibe podcast! There's space for you at the table. Receive this invitation to listen and learn, bemoan and curse, celebrate and liberate, around ideas towards deconstructing and decolonizing the Christian faith. This is Episode 1 in a serial series called: Farewell Evangelicalism. In this series we will interrogate the main pillars of formation in the evangelical tradition to answer the question: is evangelicalism still a legitimate expression of the Christian faith? And if not, what would it take to see more people leave the tradition? We give the insight and the tools to interrogate the movement and identify its malformed formation. It’s the first quarter of 2025, which is important to name, because depending on which side of the political spectrum you're on, and which country you're from, you're either in shock of the political upheaval dumped on your country, or you everything is trending your way. Amidst waves of confusion is a simple truth: the current state wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for the unwavering support from white evangelicals. We ask the question: would society be better off if more people left evangelicalism? If you're on the fence about that, this series will help, as we offer tools and pathways for more folks to say, Farewell Evangelicalism! Episode 1 – Show Notes (00:00) – Introduction (01:00) – Setting the Table (01:50) – Saying Farewell to Evangelicalism (02:40) – Who is this podcast for? (04:45) – Introducing your host, Rohadi! (07:20) – Why did we choose evangelicalism/conservative Christianity? (12:40) – Right Rev. Dr. Mariann Budde (15:00) – Evangelical violence (19:00) – Introducing Marla Taviano (20:45) – Marla’s introduction and story (26:15) – What catalyzed Marla’s deconstruction and exit from evangelicalism? (31:50) – Marla wrap, Mason’s introduction (33:00) – Mason Mennenga’s intro and growing up in evangelicalism. (36:47) – Mason’s deconstruction journey from purity culture and weirdness. (40:30) – Mason talks about the toxicity spewed by theobros. (42:25) – Talking about Exvangelicals and whiteness in deconstruction. (46:00) – Wrapping up with a glimpse of hope. (52:14) – Outro and wrap. Featuring your host, Rohadi (from Rohadi.com). Special guests in Episode 1: Writer/Poet – Marla Taviano Marla Taviano (she/her/) is into: books, love, justice, globes, anti-racism, blue, gray, rainbows, poems (and a hundred other things). Reads and writes for a living (and a life). Wears her heart on her t-shirts. On a mission/quest/journey to live wholefarted (not a typo). (Big fan of parentheses—and em dashes.) She is mom to some freaking awesome kids and two cats and lives in South Carolina. Find more about Marla, including her trilogy of poetry on deconstruction, on her website. Social Media Influencer – Mason Mennenga Mason Mennenga (he/him/his) is an aspiring theologian, podcaster, YouTuber, and the Internet's youth pastor. He received his Master of Divinity from Christian Theological Seminary in 2020 and a Master of Arts in Theology from United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities in 2022. Find all of his links including his podcasts on his website. Intro Music by Jesse Peters. Bumper music by Daniel Wheat.

We get caught up in social media. Doomscrolling, fear scrolling, just scrolling to find a glimmer of hope and good news.  We all know the feeling: you see something infuriating and, before you can stop yourself, you're pounding the keys, firing off a post that will change the world, or at least change someone's mind.  Anyone else do that? But, honestly, here's the thing: posting on social media probably won't change things as much as we hope. So, why doesn't it work, and what can we do instead?Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

Today on Honoring the Journey, Leslie interviews Peter Fenton, delving into his journey from their serendipitous meeting through his evolving identity and professional pursuits. Peter, a playwright, director and screenwriter shares his unique perspective shaped by a complex upbringing in a conservative evangelical environment. The conversation weaves through Peter's childhood loves, like Mario Party and Survivor, his transformative college years, and his eventual discovery and acceptance of his sexual orientation. It also touches upon broader themes of spirituality, rejection, and personal growth. Peter's mission to make people laugh and think stands out as a central motif throughout their heartwarming and thought-provoking conversation.Find out more about Peter and his work at www.bypeterfenton.com!  Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Want to get updates/announcements and a FREE Deconstruction Journaling Prompt PDF? Sign up for Leslie's Monthly Newsletter! You can do that HERE.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team as a Patreon Supporter, please check it out at this link!Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community! Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

In this community conversation, the team from Bodies Behind the Bus responds to recent events involving The New Evangelicals and the release of a NetGrace investigation. They share their perspectives on accountability, integrity, and the responsibility of platforms in survivor spaces.Allegations against Tim Whitaker and The New Evangelicals show how hierarchy transfers to progressive ministries | BAPTIST NEWS GLOBALSupport the show

After reporting state-church news at the federal level, as well as in Massachusetts, Texas and Missouri, we hear riveting testimony from Georgia state Rep. Karen Lupton opposing a hateful Christian-nationalist anti-trans bill in that state. Then, former evangelical preacher Rob Haskell, author of God of the Mind: An eXvangelical Journey, tells us why he left the ministry and became an atheist.

On this deconstruction journey, we have unclobbered the Scripture that is falsely taught to condemn LGBTQ+ and same-sex relationships. We have exposed false teachings that are used for religious manipulation. And we recently addressed the big one: the myth and false teaching of hell!It's a lot, and it rattles the core of our theology – but in the most wonderful way. We opened the box we had God in and all heaven broke loose! Beloved, have you ever wondered… Are we sure?? Can we be certain about our beliefs?Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

Buy the book here! Becoming the Pastor's Wife: How Marriage Replaced Ordination as a Woman's Path to Ministry by Beth Allison Barr, Hardcover | Barnes & Noble®In this episode of The Bodies Behind the Bus Podcast, we welcome Beth Allison Barr, historian, professor, and author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood and her latest book, Becoming the Pastor's Wife. Beth shares her insights on the historical roots of patriarchy in the church, the erasure of women in ministry, and the complex role of pastor's wives in evangelical spaces. She unpacks the ways in which women have been silenced, how the Southern Baptist Convention's structures perpetuate inequality, and why understanding history is crucial to moving forward.Support the show

Has the world gone crazy? Has this country gone crazy? Feels like it for sure. Do you feel like maybe you're crazy busy, stressed and overwhelmed? Yeah, me too. We talked about everything that is happening – the news and developments we are being bombarded with.  Coming at us so fast it's hard to process it all. Which we pointed out is by design.And all the gaslighting when we confront things out and fight back. Maddening.  Let's talk about how to handle so much happening so fast -- how to process it and how to best deal with it as much as possible, so we can be more effective in our resistance and our response, while not losing our hope and joy. Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

Beloved, hear me: You are not imagining things!When you see executive orders, policies, rollbacks, hate-filled rhetoric, & you feel that gut-punch of fear — it's real. When your heart aches because you see rights stripped away, protections dismantled, & lives put at risk — it's not in your head.And yet, when we speak up, we are dismissed, laughed at, and told that we are overreacting. It's a deliberate attempt to make you doubt what you know to be true, to keep you silent, to stop you from resisting. It's gaslighting. Pure and simple. We are recognizing it and naming it – and we will not be discouraged or impacted by it!Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

In this Season 4 episode, we talked with Catherine Quiring, who described herself as a reformed people-pleaser, Exvangelical and an aspiring advocate for anti-oppressive spirituality. She is a licensed Mental Health Counsellor, and Self-Trust Coach. Catherine told us why she believes the Evangelical god is a narcissist and that the symptoms experienced by those who have experienced covert narcissistic abuse are extremely similar to those experienced in high-control religious settings.You can connect with Catherine via:Her website: www.cqcounseling.comInstagram: @catherinequiringFacebook: @cqcounselingThe book she referenced in this episode was Breaking Their Will: Shedding Light on Religious Child Maltreatment : Heimlich, JanetAs 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.

We wake up to news, breaking stories happen throughout the day, the barrage of executive orders and developments seem never-ending. It can easily be overwhelming. Anybody feel that way?Beloved, that actually may be their goal.Today, we talk about what is happening in our country right now, how it's making us feel, and what we can do about all of this to not lose hope, to care for ourselves and to care for those we love. Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

Over the past decade, leaving the church has been a trend - and the leavers have been mostly left-leaning. But Jake Meador identifies a more recent trend of "right-wing exvangelicals." Whereas the left-wing exvangelicals liked Jesus but weren't sure about the church, right-wing exvangelicals want to keep civic religion but aren't as interested in the way of Jesus. In this episode, we talk about these trends, how we're seeing them in our churches, and how the gospel speaks to them.(0:00) Introductions & Snack Shout-outs(2:49) What is an Ex-vangelical? Definition & History(9:54) The Growing Trend of Right-Wing Exvangelicals(13:00) Politics as a Replacement Religion(18:07) Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing(30:34) C.S. Lewis: Beware of “Christianity And"Article: https://mereorthodoxy.com/two-types-of-exvangelicals

Many people experience post-religion trauma. Author and religious trauma coach Janice Selbie has some tools to help.https://www.divorcing-religion.comVIDEO of this conversationBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/thethinkingatheist--3270347/support.

Move From toxicity to trust, healing, and renewed faith.   Host Curtis Chang and Mike Cosper, creator of "The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill" investigate the unsettling realities of church abuse and the unchecked authority that breeds toxicity within faith communities. Drawing from his latest book, "The Church in Dark Times," Cosper discusses the urgent need for accountability in evangelical settings, using the Mars Hill case as a poignant example. Curtis and Mike explore the intersection of leadership and emotional and spiritual abuse to help us all discover pathways to healing and rebuilding trust in the aftermath of betrayal. Don't miss this insightful conversation on the dynamics of power and the importance of safeguarding church values.   Send written questions or voice memos for “Ask Curtis” episodes to: askcurtis@redeemingbabel.org   Get a 25% discount when you buy The Art of Disagreeing by Gavin Ortland at thegoodbook.com with code: GOODFAITH   Resources from this episode: Mike Cosper's The Church in Dark Times Listen to The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill Paul Petry's Joyful Exiles blog Mike Cosper's Land of My Sojourn Learn more about Hannah Arendt Hannah Arendt on Adolf Eichmann for the New Yorker: part 1 & part 2 Kant's Argument for Radical Evil by Stephen R. Grimm (pdf) Hannah Arendt's The Origins of Totalitarianism Listen to Dr. Timothy Keller: Don't Despair, God Isolates You for a Reason Listen to Dr. Timothy Keller: How to Deal With Dark Times Listen to Dr. Timothy Keller: Counter-Culture for the Common Good More From Mike Cosper: Books by Mike Cosper HERE Listen to Mike on The Bulletin Listen to Devil and the Deep Blue Sea Follow Mike's Instagram Follow Us: Good Faith on Instagram Good Faith on X (formerly Twitter) Good Faith on Facebook   Sign up:  Redeeming Babel Newsletter

We recently came through the holidays. Has anyone ever been uninvited to a family gathering? We have. Well, Spring is coming, maybe you have a wedding on the calendar?So, today, we flip the script and talk about YOUR special events… a birthday celebration, wedding, family reunion, graduation. And we ask the questions: Are there people we HAVE to invite?  How do we handle that and how do we balance it all with selfcare?Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

How much do you have to listen to someone who wants to tell you how to live and what you're doing wrong, and if you'd just follow their advice you'd be good? Not much! Have you heard the phrase “iron sharpens iron” as a justification for someone telling you everything that is wrong with you?Or have you ever been part of a religious “accountability” group? Same thing -- someone who feels that they have the duty to tell you what you should be doing. Social media bickering, trolling, bullying — the freedom strangers feel to reply in all caps to someone they don't know — on an issue they don't know — is all part of this narrative.You deserve the truth. Your heart deserves to be freed from the myth and dangers of "Christian accountability." Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

Beloved, last week we talked about the myth and false teaching of hell and how we have been so terrorized by it. That and other false teachings cause us to think and believe the most awful things about ourselves. Things that are just not true!Today, we tell you some true things… about you. Jesus said for us to love our neighbor AS WE LOVE OURSELVES. The most important freedom is freedom from your own self-judgment – so we can love and accept ourselves unconditionally and fully and lavishly – so we can love our neighbor the same way.Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

Matthew Distefano joins Michael to talk about the sequel to his book "Heretic," called "Heretic Too." It's provocative, insightful, humorous, and healing. We discuss the book and the many issues he addresses therein as an exvangelical, including what it means to follow Jesus, sexuality, women in the "church," corporal punishment, the nature of sin, the doctrine of hell, violent theology, and how to pray to an uncontrolling God. Restorative and healing, the book is a must read and our conversation is a must hear for anyone who continues to question their inherited doctrines.Find Matthew's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Heretic-Too-Matthew-J-Distefano-ebook/dp/B0DFRR3JJB/

Today, we welcome Liz Charlotte Grant, an award-winning nonfiction writer from Colorado, where we dive into Liz's background and her dedication to empathy, which she often explores in her newsletter, "The Empathy List." We chat about Liz's experiences growing up, her faith journey, and her role as a birth doula, providing an insightful look into how she navigated her life and spiritual beliefs. The conversation also touches upon Liz's new book, "Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible," exploring themes of deconstruction, therapy, and the different lenses through which we interpret religious texts. This is a very open and candid dialogue about the complexities of faith, parenting, and the liberation found in embracing uncertainty, making for a deeply engaging and thought-provoking episode.Get Liz's new book called "Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible" HERE!Register to receive Liz's newsletter on Substack, "The Empathy List" HERE! Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.Pick up Leslie's new book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.comIf you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team as a Patreon Supporter, please check it out at this link!Would you like to leave a voicemail for Leslie? Click here!If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community! Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

If you are a Christian, chances are you know someone who has deconstructed their faith or is doing so right now. You want to help them reconstruct their faith in Jesus, but you don't know how to act or what to say. “The truth is that we can't control someone's reconstruction,” writes Ian Harber. “What we can do is create environments — both in our interpersonal relationships and in our churches — that help minimize the intensity of someone's deconstruction by being a non-anxious presence, creating healthy relationships and churches full of trust and care, and having a more robust understanding of our faith to talk through with them.” In this episode of the Influence Podcast, I talk to Harber about what deconstruction is and how to be a better Christian friend and church community for someone who is experiencing a crisis of faith. I'm George P. Wood, executive editor of Influence magazine and your host. Ian Harber is author of Walking Through Deconstruction, published by InterVarsity Press. A writer and Christian media producer, he has written for The Gospel Coalition, Mere Orthodoxy, and RELEVANT. He writes about reconstructing faith in his newsletter Back Again, and about faith, media, and technology at Endeavor. He lives in Denton, Texas, with his wife and sons. ————— This episode of the Influence Podcast is brought to you by My Healthy Church, distributors of The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler. The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler equips you with an understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in your life. As a resource for both laypeople and ministry leaders, it also imparts practical insight for anyone discipling others in receiving the baptism in the Holy Spirit. For more information about The Holy Spirit in the Life of the Discipler visit MyHealthyChurch.com.

On Thursday's show: Prosecutors are dismissing charges against two of three former Harris County staffers over a COVID-era contract process gone wrong. We learn the latest in a nearly three-year-long saga.Also this hour: Could the Texas Legislature tweak the state's abortion ban this session in order to protect mothers at risk? Recent comments from Lt. Governor Dan Patrick hint at the possibility. But was that just talk?Then, we learn about Camp Logan, a play on stage now at Houston's Ensemble Theatre, based on racial tensions during a riot here in Houston more than a century ago.And we revisit a conversation with NPR's Sarah McCammon about why many Christian Americans like her are leaving the evangelical church, which is the subject of her book, The Exvangelicals.

Welcome to Mediocre Mystic - the podcast where we invite you to reconsider both mediocrity and the way it makes the world go ‘round, and spirituality and the way it works in mysterious ways. If you have survived fundamentalism, welcome to this wholly irreverent space. A sanctuary of sorts, for those of us who have broken free from all kinds of toxic high demand groups.Wrestling with our deconstruction and reveling in our reconstruction, we explore many perspectives sharing stories from all walks of life. Creating functional beauty and discovering practical magic right in the midst of the messy, the muddled, and the mundane. Join us, as we unashamedly and unabashedly cherry pick ancient and modern practices, to find out what works best for us in our daily lives. As we build this community, we look forward to gathering each episode and breaking digital bread together.Mediocre Mystic (Grace) is proud to partner with Lunar Aligned and Quieted Mind. Meliea Black of Lunar Aligned shares intuitive tarot and oracle readings. James Buckley of Quieted Mind offers guided meditation and dharma talks. Mindful Maraschino episodes feature practices from YOU. These collaborations make for a rich feed full of practices to cherry pick what works best for you - one or all!Contact UsSupport the showSupport the Show | Buy Me a CoffeeText or Voicemail | 980.355.9665 Interact with Mediocre Mystic via:Web | Email |Instagram | X Twitter | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube Subscribe & Follow | Rate & ReviewApple | Spotify | YouTubeMusic by '86 Aerostar | Logo by Bizri Creative Group

Meliea of Lunar Aligned brings us a reading for the Lunar New Year 2025.  The year of the Snake represents growth, flexibility, and tolerance. Amidst the heaviness of the year's beginning there is hope, and with these tools we can find the balance between being a doormat or a steamroller. With the Chariot as our guide, Meliea encourages us to put our energy into what we're for more than what we're against to move things forward.If you'd like to join Meliea for regular readings and inspiration for cyclical living, send her an email her and she'll send you a link to her Voxer channel. Referenced:Fairy Deck | Radleigh ValentineInteract with Lunar Aligned via:Email |  Web | Instagram | Facebook | TikTokContact UsSupport the showSupport the Show | Buy Me a CoffeeText or Voicemail | 980.355.9665 Interact with Mediocre Mystic via:Web | Email |Instagram | X Twitter | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube Subscribe & Follow | Rate & ReviewApple | Spotify | YouTubeMusic by '86 Aerostar | Logo by Bizri Creative Group

According to religion, there are certain beliefs, certain parts of theology, that are not even debatable. Why?? Maybe because they pose the greatest threat to the power system of the church. That's why when you even question it – you are immediately called a heretic. Or worse. We have addressed many of these and will continue to do that moving forward. Today, we want to get into hell… wait, let me rephrase that… we want to talk about the myth of hell. Yes beloved, it's a myth!The idea of a hell is absolutely vital to the teaching of contempt, the fear used by religion to manipulate us, and people are terrorized!! We deconstruct this false teaching to free our hearts to love and be loved. Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

We have talked about reclaiming our power, our hope, and not surrendering to doomscrolling or fearscrolling narratives. Today, we go deeper and press the conversation around fear - to bring us freedom. We don't want to live our lives afraid. There's no life in that. Fear is not the place to make our best choices. We know that. Fear IS helpful when we really are under threat. But we can't live from there. The constant stress, the cortisol your body shoots through us to deal with fear, will wreck us. In a time of so much fear, what do we do?  Could fear actually be a gift??Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

No one knows you better than you.No one knows who you are and the journey you have been on better than you. So, why do so many people not believe you when you tell them?  Why do they think they know you better than you know yourself, telling you that you are confused, or just plain wrong?Let's talk about how to move forward when you are disbelieved, gaslighted, and treated with contempt.Beloved, you deserve to be believed about who you are!Period. End of story. Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

Purchase a copy of The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church: https://amzn.to/4fVoape✖️✖️✖️Sarah McCammon is a National Political Correspondent for NPR and co-host of the NPR Politics Podcast. Her work focuses on political, social and cultural divides in America, including abortion policy and the intersections of politics and religion. She's also a frequent guest host for NPR news programs.She has covered several presidential elections, including the 2016 campaign, when she reported on the rise of the Trump movement, divisions within the Republican Party over its future, and the role of religion in those debates. McCammon's reporting has documented the growing political power of the religious right culminating with the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, efforts by abortion rights advocates to push back, and the rising tide of white Christian nationalism.She's frequently called upon to cover breaking news events and national politics. Her work has won numerous awards, among them a 2023 Edward R. Murrow Award for her coverage of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization decision, a 2023 Wilbur Award for religion reporting, a Gracie Award in 2020 for her reporting on reproductive rights, and a National Press Club Journalism Award for team coverage of the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting in 2018.McCammon is the author of The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church, a 2024 book that is part memoir and part journalism, about the movement of people who grew up inside the powerful evangelical subculture and ultimately left in response to its increasing politicization.She has appeared on numerous television programs including CNN's Inside Politics, MSNBC's All In with Chris Hayes, PBS Newshour, and CSPAN's Washington Journal.Prior to joining NPR in 2015, she reported for NPR Member stations in Georgia, Iowa, and Nebraska. She began her career as newspaper reporter in the Chicago area.McCammon grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and is a graduate of Trinity College in Deerfield, Illinois.✖️✖️✖️If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help✖️✖️✖️Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:preacherboyspodcast.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoyshttps://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/https://twitter.com/preacherboysdochttps://www.instagram.com/preacherboyspodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspodTo connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/✖️✖️✖️The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers.This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Today, we cover some basic faith-related questions: Why are churches so against transgender people? Are we wrong to support them? Does God ask us to support trans people in our community?Are we just listening to false doctrine? You know what false doctrine is? It's manmade religion parading as requirements from God. It's traditions of men that line the pockets of the leaders but leave everyone else, especially the vulnerable out to dry!Our transgender friends, family and loved ones are hurting right now and we need to speak up, stand up, come alongside them, and sometimes step in front to take some of the arrows coming their way. Send us a private message. *Note: INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS if you'd like us to answer. :-) Support the show

As a teenager, American comedian Spring Day was in a cult. Her latest show, Exvangelical, explains why she joined and why she left. She and Hannah chat about that and a lot more besides, including the differences in being disabled in the US and the UK. * Tickets for the Soho Theatre shows, on January 7 & 8, are here: https://sohotheatre.com/events/spring-day-exvangelical/#:~:text=As%20seen%20on%20BBC's%20Live,dark%20comedy%20for%20nice%20people.&text=Spring%20joined%20a%20Christian%20cult,think%20you%20heathens%20would%20understand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Watch Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals: https://play.max.com/show/ca01f963-90fe-4028-9d3c-deb127d48f34✖️✖️✖️Follow the Blind Eye Movement: https://www.facebook.com/@blindeyemovement/https://www.instagram.com/blindeyemovement/?hl=en✖️✖️✖️Support the Show: Patreon.com/PreacherBoys✖️✖️✖️Items mentioned at the top of the show:Exvangelicals book: https://amzn.to/4fidyAzDemonology poster: https://candicarpenter.myshopify.com/products/demonology-poster✖️✖️✖️If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, visit courage365.org/need-help✖️✖️✖️CONNECT WITH THE SHOW:preacherboyspodcast.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@PreacherBoyshttps://www.facebook.com/preacherboysdoc/https://twitter.com/preacherboysdochttps://www.instagram.com/preacherboyspodhttps://www.tiktok.com/@preacherboyspodTo connect with a community that shares the Preacher Boys Podcast's mission to expose abuse in the IFB, join the OFFICIAL Preacher Boys Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1403898676438188/✖️✖️✖️The content presented in this video is for informational and educational purposes only. All individuals and entities discussed are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal process. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers.This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/PreacherBoys and get on your way to being your best self.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/preacher-boys-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Exvangelical author Tia Levings joins Matthew to discuss her harrowing memoir of indoctrination, abuse, recovery, and advocacy, The Well-Trained Wife: My Escape from Christian Patriarchy. It's a wild GenX journey that tells us a lot about the logic of evangelical support for Trumpism, and how those caught within it can see their way clear the gender terror, rape culture, and fantasies of retribution.  Show Notes Tia Levings  This season, Patreon is checking some big things off your wish list Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices