Podcasts about Gretta Vosper

Dennis Augustine a former evangelical minister who now identifies as an atheist and a humanist. His journey out of faith was a slow and somewhat painful realignment, unravelling and reintegration that took more than a decade. Today he's a tech entrepreneur three times over and a board member of the Clergy Project, a private forum consisting of over a thousand past and current clergy with no supernatural beliefs, of West Hill United, a dogma-free congregation within the United Church of Canada that's lead by openly atheist minister Gretta Vosper. Dennis has left dogma behind and now lives a life based on a deep reverence for the interconnectedness of all life and the thoughtful consideration of what our response to that principle should be. Dennis brings us his perspective on living an integrated life from the inside-out rooted in a appreciation of our interconnectedness with all of life. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/free2think/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/free2think/support

On this episode we open with a wrap up discussion on our last episode with Gretta Vosper an Atheist Pastor from Toronto. We talk about some of the listener reactions to the past episode and some of our own thoughts after having her on the show. Lastly we talk about the new religious adviser to Dotard, Paula White. We also discuss her horrible, nasty, and awful husband.   Links:   Paula White: https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/02/us/politics/paula-white-trump.html     Email - Godlessheathens@yahoo.com Twitter - @godlesspodcast Facebook Discussion Group - https://www.facebook.com/228801104333716 Patreon - https://www.patreon.comGodlessHeathens - Any help is greatly appreciated

On this episode, after months of idle threats, we welcome as our special guest, "Honorary Heathen", Friend of the Pod, and Atheist Pastor Gretta Vosper. Jeff and Gretta have been friends for years. After Jeff reminds Gretta about an experience she has tried to forget, (when they first met) we have a conversation about who she is and how she came to be an atheist who happens to be the Pastor of a United Church of Canada congregation in Toronto. We talk about her work with Oasis in Toronto and building communities. We also dig into the story of her "Heresy Trial" and where she is today in it's aftermath.   Recommendations:   Jeff's Recommendation: William Barr: https://youtu.be/IM87WMsrCWM   Jerry's Recommendations: Chris Hayes WITH: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/msnbc/why-is-this-happening/e/63798921 German Techno Marching Band: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY3cAFsquIk7VGMuk-V8S3g   Don's Recommendation: https://www.secularsurvey.org/survey       Email - Godlessheathens@yahoo.com Twitter - @godlesspodcast Facebook Discussion Group - https://www.facebook.com/228801104333716 Patreon - https://www.patreon.comGodlessHeathens - Any help is greatly appreciated

Vanessa Gomez-Brake preached a sermon titled “Redefining Sacred” on July 21, 2019 at the Stanford Memorial Church.  The readings for the sermon was “Lost” by Henry David Thoreau and “The Invisible Line” by Gretta Vosper.

Gretta Vosper is a best-selling author and an atheist minister at West Hill United Church. She envisions an all-inclusive religion where people of different worldviews can build right relationships with themselves, the environment and other humans. I enjoyed our chat.

Robin on the Islamic State’s “leftover” women, Easter’s real meaning, remembering the Watergate women, downtrends in US religiosity, and the gender gap on perceiving progress. Guest: Rev. Gretta Vosper, the atheist minister who “deconstructed God.”

Gretta Vosper is an ordained minister of the United Church of Canada who, as a self-professed atheist, has survived an official review from her denomination and continues to serve as the pastor of her congregation.In this conversation, Bart Campolo talks with Gretta about the story of the last few years, why she stays in her church, what her congregation believes about a supernatural God (Gretta doesn't think it matters), whether the foundational narrative underlying the good morality Gretta is teaching is important or not, the differences between the United States and Canada and whether the social safety net has an effect on the amount of religiosity, and their shared mission.Gretta Vosper's website can be found at GrettaVosper.ca.—Follow this podcast to stay up-to-date:Twitter: @HumanizeMePodInstagram: @HumanizeMePodcastFacebook Group: Facebook.com/HumanizeMeNot a supporter on Patreon yet? Join up at Patreon.com/HumanizeMe and get extra content for it!Got a question for Bart to answer in a future show? Call the ‘Q Line’ at (424) 291-2092.Humanize Me is hosted by Bart Campolo and is produced by John Wright at JuxMedia.com.

We start off this episode with a discussion about Andrew Sullivan's recent article about religion in New York Magazine. We transition into a deep dive on Gretta Vosper and her heresy case's resolution with the United Church of Canada plus the surrounding issues of having an openly atheist minister lead a church congregation. 　 Links: 　 Andrew Sullivan: http://nymag.com/intelligencer/2018/12/andrew-sullivan-americas-new-religions.html https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/12/11/18131370/andrew-sullivan-religion-tribalism-christianity-trump 　 Contemplative Prayer: https://youtu.be/b0o5J0-8OA0 https://youtu.be/5FWvxwfN_CE 　 God is Dead: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/12/02/obituaries/thomas-altizer-dies-at-91.html 　 Gretta Vosper: https://thehumanist.com/news/religion/case-against-atheist-pastor-dismissed#.XA-0eTKn-yZ.google_plusone_share https://youtu.be/qRtJPSmI9pY https://youtu.be/go9zwqmUiY0 　 Email - Godlessheathens@yahoo.com Twitter - @godlesspodcast - Proudly blocked by Ken Ham!! Facebook Discussion Group - https://www.facebook.com/228801104333716/ Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GodlessHeathens - Any help is greatly appreciated

A United Church minister who had faced an unprecedented ecclesiastical court hearing over her professed atheism is no longer in danger of a defrocking after the two sides reached an agreement in the long-running case.  Rob speaks with Gretta Vosper about her story.

FFRF lead attorney Rebecca Markert, celebrating 10 years at FFRF, updates us on the legal department's past year of litigation and non-litigation victories for state/church separation. After hearing Joni Mitchell sing "Big Yellow Taxi" and Dan Barker sing "Bread & Roses" (in honor of Annie Laurie's birthday), we talk with United Church of Canada pastor Gretta Vosper, an open atheist and author of With Or Without God, who is undergoing a "heresy trial" even though her congregation wants her to remain in the pulpit.

On this episode we talked about...well what didn't we talk about. We started off by discussing the news that Twitter permanently banned the accounts of Alex Jones and Info Wars and we ended up with idea that Vice President Pence might be the possible source of the recent Op Ed piece in The New York Times. Along the way we hit on Social Media, Brett Kavanaugh, The Good News Club, Mormons, Evangelicals, Mainline Christians, Sunday Assembly, Gretta Vosper, Seventh Day Adventist, and American Atheist naming their new President.   P.S. I know, I know, Mary Baker Eddy started the Church of Christ, Scientist. It was Ellen G. White that started The Seventh-Day Adventist. I had consumed almost an entire bottle of wine and momentarily got my wired crossed when it comes to women who founded churches in the late 1800's. I'll try and not let it happen again.   Links:   Brett Kavanaugh https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/06/us/politics/kavanaugh-leaked-documents.html Fast forward to the 3 hour 57 min mark (this video is almost 12 hours long) to see the exchange between Kavanaugh and Sen. Cornyn on school prayer and The Good News Club https://youtu.be/8MkyxSyUf9o   Gretta Vosper https://vimeo.com/channels/1401738/287487806 https://vimeo.com/channels/1401738/287668697 https://vimeo.com/channels/1401738/287697233   Nick Fish vs. Robert Jefferess Debate on Fox Newshttps://youtu.be/5aJz52bBS3c Washington Post article released on the same day American Atheist anounces it's new President https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2018/09/06/americas-leading-atheist-accused-of-sexual-misconduct-speaks-out/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.b81bfc098a48   Mike Pence http://thehill.com/hilltv/rising/405526-omarosa-nyt-op-ed-is-similar-to-documents-that-come-out-of-pences-shop     Email - Godlessheathens@yahoo.com Twitter - @godlesspodcast - Proudly blocked by Ken Ham!! Facebook Discussion Group - https://www.facebook.com/228801104333716/  Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/GodlessHeathens -  Any help is greatly appreciated  

Cass Midgley and Jennifer Kates interview Nicole, who wishes to remain anonymous. Bob was out of town for this one. Nicole was raised as a devout, non-denominational Christian and home-schooled for most of her youth. She gave her life to the lord as a young teen and became involved in the “apostolic church” movement. In her early 20’s, she served as a deacon in a charismatic, evangelical church and led a home group for several years. She has worked as a nurse for 15 years in pediatric oncology and pediatric critical care at a university hospital in California. She also facilitates courses for health-care workers on self-compassion and self-care. In learning about the neurobiology of self-compassion, and seeing the healthiness, joy and peace of the “un-believers” she worked with, she began to question the health of some of the Christian teachings. A journey of seeking health above all slowly changed her view of what “righteousness” was and changed how she saw the world around her. Valuing health over righteousness led to leaving her church and she is now slowly dismantling the beliefs and experiences that have shaped her identity and worldview. She is replacing what once was “a beautiful faith” with personal agency and a freedom to be healthy, no matter what. I want to share something from Gretta Vosper. She's our Canadian friend whose been on the show twice, episodes 67 and 188. She's developed a conference as a fundraiser for their refugee family. Sobak Pakhi is one of the most threatened secular bloggers in Bangladesh and has been in hiding since September 2015. I was in Chattanooga TN this weekend speaking to the Humanist Assembly with my friend Tad Beatty and someone asked me if I knew about the persecution and even execution of atheists in that country. We Gretta's church, West Hill United has been approved as Sobak's resettlement sponsor. They are trying to get his processing expedited. It is a long and dangerous time for him, his two small children, and his wife. I cannot even imagine. So she's doing this conference up there in Canada for you Canadian listeners to raise money for this cause. What: Lives in the Balance ConferenceWhere: Factory Theatre, 125 Bathurst Street,TorontoWhen: Saturday 2 June 2018, Registration at 08:00 am. Events 8:45 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.Cost: Early registration - $125 until the end of April; $150 following. Here is the website: livesinthebalance.ca. Here is the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/livesinthebalance2018/ The second thing I want to talk about that came in our talk with Nicole was the word "supposed." We learned early on that we were supposed to behave certains ways, talk in certains ways, and, conversely don't behave or talk in certain ways. NOW, as free moral agents, we get to decide who we are and how we show up, without any wagging fingers shaming us for following our own moral compasses. So, in summary, the only thing we're SUPPOSED to be is US! Here's your freedom, your licence, my admonition: DO YOU. That's it: DO YOU. And trust yourself. You don't need any external laws, rules, or parameters to guide your heart. It's not impure; it's good. You're good. Unless you're a psychopath or sociopath, you know what's right and wrong for you and the way you treat others. That should go without saying, but for those of us who left the faith, it's music to our ears and empowerment to our integrated selves, welcoming our bodies into our minds into our hearts and ourselves into reality. It's beautiful. Come on in, the waters warm.   We taped this conversation on March 25th, 2018. We interview people you don’t know, about a subject no one wants to talk about. We hope to encourage people in the process of deconstructing their faith and help curb the loneliness that accompanies it. We think the world is a better place when more people live by sight, not by faith. Please subscribe to our podcast, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Also, we offer these podcasts freely. And your support truly makes a difference. You can support us monetarily in two easy ways: you can pledge a monthly donation through Patreon. that’s www.patreon.com/eapodcast,  or leave a lump-sum donation through PayPal at our website, www.everyonesagnostic.com. Credits: "Towering Mountain of Ignorance" intro by Hank Green https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3v3S82TuxU Intro bumper "Never Know" by Jack JohnsonThe bumper music on this episode is by The Best Deep House Chill Out Music Thanks for listening! And be a yes-sayer to what is. 

Cass Midgley and Bob Pondillo interview another Canadian guest, 2 weeks in a row. A guest we talked to back in October of 2015 on episode 67, Gretta Vosper.  Gretta is an ordained minister of the United Church of Canada who is an atheist. Her latest book is titled, "Time or Too Late: Chasing the Dream of a Progressive Christian Faith. Her other books include the best-selling "With or Without God: Why The Way We Live is More Important Than What We Believe," and "Amen: What Prayer Can Mean in a World Beyond Belief in 2012." She has also published three books of poetry and prayers.Vosper is a graduate of Mount Allison University, and received her Master of Divinity degree from Queen's Theological College in 1990 with ordination in 1992. She has been a minister with West Hill United Church in Toronto since 1997. Gretta Vosper is also founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity.Despite a finding in September 2016 by the church's Toronto Conference Review Committee that her atheism made her "not suitable to continue in ordained ministry", her congregation has remained staunchly supportive. The matter has been referred to the church's General Council for a decision that could have her defrocked. As of September 2017, the matter remains unresolved.Her work bridges progressive Christianity and atheism exploring beyond the boundaries of Christian thought. Her website indicates, "In 2001, I made it clear that I did not believe in a supernatural, interventionist, divine being. At first, I identified as a non-theist as I do in my first book published in 2008. Then, in my second book, I felt the need to further distinguish myself from those who used the term non-theist but retained a belief in the supernatural aspects of god; there, I identified as a theological non-realist. In 2013, I embraced the term atheist which means, literally, no belief in a theistic, supernatural being." I've met Gretta. She's a very impressive, powerful woman. One thing I love about Gretta and her work is the level of honesty she exudes and in fact personifies. Having graduated from Vanderbilt Divinity school, my professors and my fellow classmates looked at things honestly and each found their own unique measure of faith in the supernatural that could remain true to the facts and the truth in front of them. This goes on in academia every day. And yet, these clergy, ministers, and pastors graduate and are ordained and get into their congregations and their pulpits...and they can't say to these poor people in their pews what they just learned in their seminaries. In fact, whole Bible Colleges have been erected to teach people how to REALLY tell the people what they want to hear and our proud to do so. But for those with a conscience, with values and moral integrity who've become scholars in theology find themselves having to be disingenuous from their pulpits if they're going to keep people coming. Enter Gretta Vosper...and David Dark...and Stan Mitchell...and all the many ministers who are walking that tight rope of theology and honesty and integrity and love and trying to find this tiny little space that the Christian narrative and reality share. And there are those that just can't give up the ghost of Jesus but aren't willing to sell their souls, bury their heads in the sand, and hang on to that which they know is only embraced because they need it to be true. Bob and I really enjoy talking to Gretta and I think you will enjoy this conversation too. We enjoy talking to all our guests and helping people through this difficult journey of life, feel less alone. Religion, like any other drug or alcohol can make some people's life easier and destroy others. And one thing you're doing by trying to stay honest, and maintain your agency and freedom as a thinking human being is truly be the steward of your own happiness and not make the values and priorities that work for you the measuring stick of what everyone else should believe. And that can be hard sometime because your epiphanies have brought you so much joy that you want to share them with others. In that way it can feel like your loving them, but when it infringes on their freedom and agency to think for themselves it ceases to be love. That reminds me of a story from my life. During my high school years I lettered in varsity basketball and I had multiple coaches but this is the tale of two coaches. The first was a guy who was really just a dick. He was insecure. He didn't like himself and so in order to save himself from drowning in his own self-loathing he would elevate himself by lowering others. So when he was critical of your playing or dribbling or shooting, the undertone was judgment, condemnation, and spiteful. Another coach I had later was Jeff Levitzow. I remember his name because a made a wholesome impression on my life. He loved us and we all knew it. He believed in us. He never said as much but you could just feel it. He smiled a lot. We could tell he really enjoyed being with us and teaching us and encouraging us to be the best players we could be in the short time we had together. Certainly he would also critique our playing but it was assessment and evaluation and feedback from an expert. The last thing he wanted to do was crush us or diminish our confidence. Quite the opposite. So that's my tale of two coaches. We, as a team, had no incentive to play hard for our coach or even listen to him, and we sucked. And didn't care. Conversely, we all love playing for Levitzow, we wanted to hustle, he motivated us to excellence. And under his leadership, we made it to the State playoffs for the first time in decades at that little rural Oklahoma high school. So when we're critiquing others or offering feedback, first of all, make sure it's solicited feedback, and secondly, check your heart to make sure you love that person just as they are and not who you wish they were. We taped the following conversation with Joy Hopper on January 27th, 2018. We interview people you don’t know, about a subject no one wants to talk about. We hope to encourage people in the process of deconstructing their faith and help curb the loneliness that accompanies it. We think the world is a better place when more people live by sight, not by faith. Please subscribe to our podcast, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Also, we offer these podcasts freely. And your support truly makes a difference. You can support us monetarily in two easy ways: you can pledge a monthly donation through Patreon. that’s www.patreon.com/eapodcast, or leave a lump-sum donation through PayPal at our website, www.everyonesagnostic.com. Credits:"Towering Mountain of Ignorance" intro by Hank Green https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3v3S82TuxU Intro bumper "Never Know" by Jack JohnsonThe segue music on this episode is "Lost in You" by Dirty Loops The GoFundMe for Gretta Friends of Gretta Vosper Foundation on FB  

Progressive Spirit is now one hour! (Technically 54 minutes to accommodate top of the hour news). Ask your local public radio station to carry Progressive Spirit! I am thrilled to have my conversation with Gretta Vosper be the first show in the now expanded Progressive Spirit! Gretta Vosper is an atheist minister in the United Church of Canada. She is the author of 'With or Without God: Why The Way We Live is More Important Than What We Believe'' and 'Amen: What Prayer Can Mean In A World Beyond Belief.' She is the leader of an exciting community in Toronto, West Hill United Church, that has been under fire from its larger institution for moving beyond the language of the church. Gretta discusses the work of this community and her own struggles with the larger institution. Because of her theological views she was reviewed and declared to be "unsuitable" for ministry. Is there a larger story, though? Gretta also talks about how the liberal United Church in order to grow has accepted into its clergy pentecostals and fundamentalists without examining their theology. The result, according to Gretta, is a church that is losing its progressive principles in order to increase its numbers. In this interview she discusses her review process with the denomination, what she means by "atheist", the doublespeak of clergy who use the word "God" but do not mean it the way it is commonly understood, and the need for communities who want the ethical and spiritual vitality of a community without the archaic language of theism.

Deshna Ubeda is the director of Progressive Christianity Dot Org. She is directing The Embrace Festival, May, 4, 5, and 6 in Portland. Similar to Burning Man, Beloved, and Wild Goose, the Embrace Festival will feature presentations, art, music, dance, community and food for the purpose of building sacred community and inspiring social transformation. Here is its vision: In May 2017, people from all over the world will gather in Portland, Oregon to share knowledge and wisdom, learn from each other, celebrate, be inspired, and find the tools needed to create and enliven local movements within our communities. Together we will explore sacred oneness, Christ Consciousness, Buddha Nature, eco-spirituality, social justice and the way of universal and personal transformation that honors the Divine in all. One of the presenters at the Embrace Festival is Gretta Vosper, an atheist minister in the United Church of Canada. She is the leader of an exciting community in Toronto that has been under fire from its larger institution for moving beyond the language of the church. Gretta discusses the work of this community and her own struggles with the larger institution. Brett Webb-Mitchell brings sacred community and transformation outdoors and revisits the ancient practice of pilgrimage. He is the author of ten books and in his latest, Practicing Pilgrimage, he provides a trail map as to how pilgrimage can be a path for liberation and social justice.

Carter Warden is a former conservative pastor of 25 years, now openly atheist. Using the pseudonym “Adam Mann”, he was a founder of The Clergy Project, an on-line support group for clergy who no longer believe the doctrines of the churches they serve. “Adam” was one of the original five interviewees in the 2010 Dennett-LaScola article, “Preachers who are not Believers.” While still in ministry, he was interviewed undercover by ABC World News Tonight and the Canadian Broadcasting Company. Last fall he "came out" publicly as an atheist at the Freedom From Religion Foundation's annual gathering. A press release was picked up by the Johnson City Press and Carter was outed to his church, friends, and extended family. In this interview, he talks about that experience, the challenge facing clergy who no longer believe yet who make a living for their families by serving their churches, and the liberation when people are able to be honest with themselves and others about what they really believe. Hear previous interviews on Progressive Spirit with individuals connected to the Clergy Project including Linda LaScola, Daniel Dennett, Dan Barker, Gretta Vosper, Ryan Bell, David Hayward, Pat Green, John Loftus, Bart Campolo, and Jerry DeWitt.

Gretta Vosper is the United Church of Canada minister who announced she was atheist but continued to lead her congregation, West Hill Church in Toronto.

Rob welcomes to the show Gretta Vosper, atheist minister, ordained by the United Church. 

In this special update I speak with Gretta Vosper about the decision that just came down last week, declaring that she is "unfit for ministry in the United Church of Canada." This decision has come after a year and half of investigation into Gretta's beliefs after she said publicly that she does not believe in a theistic God.For more background on Vosper's work at West Hill United Church in Toronto and the United Church of Canada's investigation into her fitness for ministry, please listen to Episode 2: http://www.spreaker.com/user/lifeaftergod/2-interview-with-gretta-vosper"Flock sticks with atheist United Church minister," Toronto Star, Sept. 11, 2016https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/09/11/flock-sticks-with-atheist-united-church-minister.htmlGretta's personal website: http://www.grettavosper.caWest Hill United Church's website: http://www.westhill.net

Rev. Gretta Vosper has been deemed unsuitable for ministry in the United Church of Canada due to her atheist beliefs. She believes she fits right in with the congregation at West Hill United Church. Vosper joined The John Oakely Show.

In the 19th episode of NEOHUMAN, Agah is chatting with Reverend Gretta Vosper. Gretta is the Atheist minister of United Church of Canada and the author of the best selling book, With or Without God.... The post 19: Reverend Gretta Vosper appeared first on LIVE IN LIMBO.

This week I speak with renown Biblical scholar, Bart D. Ehrman, about his new book, "Jesus Before the Gospels: How the Earliest Christians Remembered, Changed, and Invented Their Stories of the Savior." We talk about his research into memory and how the stories about Jesus were passed along orally in the 6+ decades before they were written down. We also talk about the role the Bible plays in American public discourse and what can be done about it.I also check in with Gretta Vosper and Helen Stringer about some new developments at the West Hill congregation.*LINKS*West Hill United Church | www.westhill.netOasis Network | www.peoplearemoreimportant.orgMICAH Project Recovering from Religion Conference | http://www.micahprays.org/events/conferences.htmTo learn more about Life After God, visit www.lifeaftergod.org.Please support this show by visiting www.patreon.com/lifeaftergod

Cass interviews his friend of 25 years, Hunter McFarlin.  They met in a prayer meeting at Belmont Church in Nashville around 1991. Today we witness the enormous theological cavern that can form between two people in that span of time. Cass is an atheist, but when Hunter and he met, they were both passionate Christians. Hunter still is.    In this interview, you’re going to hear Hunter’s dogged faith in the Bible and everything in it being confirmed by the revelations of science, his unfazed belief that resurrections happen, his opinion that the problems of the world are due to the fact that not enough people are Christian, or at least are living out the power and inheritance that Jesus’ provides to true believers.   One take-away that I think some might gain from this conversation is two-fold and perhaps seemingly contradictory: If you have a perspective that all Christians must be, by default, be stupid because of the absurdity of their beliefs, Hunter would be an exception to that. He’s a highly intelligent man and has given a lot of thought over the years to the formation of his beliefs. He’s also pursued emotional health more aggressively than most Americans. That said, you may find that these facts make his beliefs and/or his self-awareness even more confounding given the audacity of his claims and imaginations.  Also, as a warning, Hunter refers to homosexual people as sexually mis-oriented. Keep in mind that people like Hunter mean well when they think they’re being honest and even helpful by helping homosexuals get their sexual compasses corrected. The conversation with Hunter is an hour and 12 minutes, followed by a reflection with Bob and Cass that lasts about 52 minutes and includes some audio comments by Gretta Vosper, the United Church of Canada minister who is now atheist. Then Cass reads some comments by Jaron Hudgins, who was home-schooled, raised conservative Christian,and is now an atheist practicing law in Austin Tx. Also included is an excerpt by comedian Todd Green on growing up gay and in the closet. We taped this talk on Feb 6th, 2016. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn and most podcast platforms.  If you’re feeling grateful for our podcast, Patreon.com is like a per episode tip jar for our work. Credits:"Towering Mountain of Ignorance" intro by Hank Green https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3v3S82TuxUIntro bumper "Never Know" by Jack JohnsonThe segue music on this episode is Duke’s Lullaby by Steve Gadd  Thanks for listening and be a yes-sayer to what is. Link to Hunter’s claim that “7 Nobel winning Physicists support Intelligent Design” Roger Scruton’s quote from Gretta Vosper Comedian Todd Glass on the Bullseye podcast Nobel Laureates supporting ID? http://www.uncommondescent.com/intelligent-design/seven-nobel-laureates-in-science-who-either-supported-intelligent-design-or-attacked-darwinian-evolution/ The fastest growing demographic in America are those unaffiliated with organized religion: http://www.pewforum.org/2015/05/12/americas-changing-religious-landscape/  

Cass Midgley & Bob Pondillo talk with Gretta Vosper, pastor of West Hill United Church in Scarborough, Ontario. She’s also founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity back in 2004. Over the last decade, she has written about the rejection of an interventionist god and the impervious idea that the Bible is the ultimate authority for all time and people and yet remained the pastor of a Christian church. You heard me right: an “out” non-theist pastor still in the pulpit.   We taped this talk on Oct 3rd, 2015. Subscribe to our podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, TuneIn and most podcast platforms.  If you’re feeling grateful for our podcast, Patreon.com is like a per episode tip jar for our work.   Credits: "Towering Mountain of Ignorance" intro by Hank Green https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3v3S82TuxU Intro bumper "Never Know" by Jack Johnson All other music is written and performed by Cass Midgley  

SUPPORT OUR SPONSOR:  http://www.naturebox.com/thinkingatheistGretta Vosper has been an atheist for many years, and she preaches/teaches from the perspective of a Bible skeptic, a rationalist, a humanist, and a non-believer in a literal god.  Now, the United Church of Canada is considering her removal from church leadership because of her atheism.  In this broadcast, we talk with Gretta personally and ask: Why does an atheist minister belong in a church? 

Gretta Vosper, a minister in the United Church of Canada, and pastor of West Hill United Church in Toronto, Ontario, is under fire from her denomination. Like many clergy, myself included, she doesn't believe in a supernatural, interventionist god, or a god called God. She is an atheist. She calls herself that. She has been one for a long time. Now, officials want to review her credentials for ministry which is a first for this denomination.  She returns to Religion For Life to tell her story and report on the support her congregation is giving her.   Full disclosure: my letter of support for her.

Gretta Vosper has been the minister of West Hill United Church of Canada for the past 18 years. She now faces expulsion from the denomination if they determine she is unsuitable for ministry based on her belief that God does not exist.::Links::Life After God | www.lifeaftergod.orgGretta Vosper | www.grettavosper.caWest Hill United Church | www.westhill.netHuge thanks to these amazing folks...I Doubt It with Dollemore podcast | www.dollemore.comCaitlyn Mayers design | http://caitlynmayers.com

In this special hour and a half episode, we hear from several humanists on a variety of issues covered this past May 7-10 at the AHA's 74th Annual Conference in Denver, CO. Listen as Kim Ellington interviews Gretta Vosper, Kevin Jagoe, Steve Hill, Joe Brady, Dr. Calvin and Tonda Kelly, Stephanie Downs Hughes, Juhem Navarro-Rivera, and Bishop McNeil.

EICC founder Rev. Joe Boot and Gretta Vosper, founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity, discuss profanity in the culture and issues surrounding funding for In Vitro Fertilization.

EICC founder Rev. Joe Boot and Gretta Vosper, founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity, discuss profanity in the culture and issues surrounding funding for In Vitro Fertilization.

EICC founder Rev. Joe Boot and Gretta Vosper, founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity, discuss profanity in the culture and issues surrounding funding for In Vitro Fertilization.

EICC Dr. Scott Masson, and Gretta Vosper of West Hill United Church, debate the morality of the recently-passed law outlawing homosexual behaviour in Uganda, and related issues of religion, culture, and international relations.

EICC Dr. Scott Masson, and Gretta Vosper of West Hill United Church, debate the morality of the recently-passed law outlawing homosexual behaviour in Uganda, and related issues of religion, culture, and international relations.

EICC Dr. Scott Masson, and Gretta Vosper of West Hill United Church, debate the morality of the recently-passed law outlawing homosexual behaviour in Uganda, and related issues of religion, culture, and international relations.

EICC founder Rev. Joe Boot debates Gretta Vosper, founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity, on whether it is the responsibility of government to redistribute income to feed the poor, and whether prostitution should be legal in Canada.

EICC founder Rev. Joe Boot debates Gretta Vosper, founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity, on whether it is the responsibility of government to redistribute income to feed the poor, and whether prostitution should be legal in Canada.

EICC founder Rev. Joe Boot debates Gretta Vosper, founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity, on whether it is the responsibility of government to redistribute income to feed the poor, and whether prostitution should be legal in Canada.

Gretta Vosper is a minister in the United Church of Canada.   She identifies herself as “author, minister, atheist.” She is a minister at the West Hill United Church in Toronto.  She has written a number of books including With Or Without God:  Why the Way We Live Is More Important than What We Believe and Amen:  What Prayer Can Mean In A World Beyond Belief.  She spoke with me about her own journey as a minister and an atheist and what church looks like beyond god.

EICC founder Rev. Joe Boot and Gretta Vosper, founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity, discuss the reaction atheists have to Christmas, the Pope's view of capitalism, and whether gender guidelines for schools, allowing students to choose a third gender option, are rational.

EICC founder Rev. Joe Boot and Gretta Vosper, founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity, discuss the reaction atheists have to Christmas, the Pope's view of capitalism, and whether gender guidelines for schools, allowing students to choose a third gender option, are rational.

EICC founder Rev. Joe Boot and Gretta Vosper, founder of the Canadian Centre for Progressive Christianity, discuss the reaction atheists have to Christmas, the Pope's view of capitalism, and whether gender guidelines for schools, allowing students to choose a third gender option, are rational.

EICC founder, Rev. Joe Boot and Dr. Charles McVety, President of Canada Christian College, debate the minister of West Hill United Church and founder of the Centre for Progressive Christianity, Gretta Vosper, on the Syrain civil war, the broader Middle East crisis, and whether Christianity offers the solution. The live debate aired on AM640 in Toronto on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 9:00AM.

EICC founder, Rev. Joe Boot and Dr. Charles McVety, President of Canada Christian College, debate the minister of West Hill United Church and founder of the Centre for Progressive Christianity, Gretta Vosper, on the Syrain civil war, the broader Middle East crisis, and whether Christianity offers the solution. The live debate aired on AM640 in Toronto on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 9:00AM.

EICC founder, Rev. Joe Boot and Dr. Charles McVety, President of Canada Christian College, debate the minister of West Hill United Church and founder of the Centre for Progressive Christianity, Gretta Vosper, on the Syrain civil war, the broader Middle East crisis, and whether Christianity offers the solution. The live debate aired on AM640 in Toronto on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 9:00AM.

EICC founder Rev Joe Boot debates Gretta Vosper, minister of West Hill United Church and founder of the Centre for Progressive Christianity, on the recent introduction of a third gender identity in Germany, the TDSB's so called obesity letters, the military coup in Egypt and Christian persecution. This live debate aired Tuesday August 20 2013, at 9:00 AM.

EICC founder Rev Joe Boot debates Gretta Vosper, minister of West Hill United Church and founder of the Centre for Progressive Christianity, on the recent introduction of a third gender identity in Germany, the TDSB's so called obesity letters, the military coup in Egypt and Christian persecution. This live debate aired Tuesday August 20 2013, at 9:00 AM.

EICC founder Rev Joe Boot debates Gretta Vosper, minister of West Hill United Church and founder of the Centre for Progressive Christianity, on the recent introduction of a third gender identity in Germany, the TDSB's so called obesity letters, the military coup in Egypt and Christian persecution. This live debate aired Tuesday August 20 2013, at 9:00 AM.

EICC Founder Rev. Joe Boot returns to the John Oakley Show on AM640 to discuss the Supreme Court's recent overturning of the Defense of Marriage Act. Joe debates Gretta Vosper of the Centre for Progressive Christianity on the implications of this decision. This live debate aired on Tuesday, July 2 2013.

EICC Founder Rev. Joe Boot returns to the John Oakley Show on AM640 to discuss the Supreme Court's recent overturning of the Defense of Marriage Act. Joe debates Gretta Vosper of the Centre for Progressive Christianity on the implications of this decision. This live debate aired on Tuesday, July 2 2013.

EICC Founder Rev. Joe Boot returns to the John Oakley Show on AM640 to discuss the Supreme Court's recent overturning of the Defense of Marriage Act. Joe debates Gretta Vosper of the Centre for Progressive Christianity on the implications of this decision. This live debate aired on Tuesday, July 2 2013.

Hasa Diga Eebowai! An atheist songwriter tells us why we should "Not Be Mad At God." FFRF attorney Patrick updates us on government prayer controversies, as well as a victory stopping church discounts at Milwaukee's Mexican Fiesta. Then we speak with Gretta Vosper, a pastor in the United Church of Canada who is now a nonbeliever and author of the bestselling book, With Or Without God: Why the way we live is more important than what we believe.

EICC Fellow and associate pastor at Westminster Chapel, Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper of the Centre for Progressive Christianity on questions of fairness and equality in the church and society, in light of the news of Pope Benedict's resignation, the Crossroads funding debacle, and the appointment of Premier Kathleen Wynne. This live debate aired on Tuesday, February 12 2013.

EICC Fellow and associate pastor at Westminster Chapel, Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper of the Centre for Progressive Christianity on questions of fairness and equality in the church and society, in light of the news of Pope Benedict's resignation, the Crossroads funding debacle, and the appointment of Premier Kathleen Wynne. This live debate aired on Tuesday, February 12 2013.

EICC Fellow and associate pastor at Westminster Chapel, Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper of the Centre for Progressive Christianity on questions of fairness and equality in the church and society, in light of the news of Pope Benedict's resignation, the Crossroads funding debacle, and the appointment of Premier Kathleen Wynne. This live debate aired on Tuesday, February 12 2013.

EICC Fellow and associate pastor at Westminster Chapel, Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper of the Centre for Progressive Christianity on the recent bid towards the normalization of pedophilia. This live debate aired Tuesday, January 15 on the John Oakley Show on AM 640.

EICC Fellow and associate pastor at Westminster Chapel, Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper of the Centre for Progressive Christianity on the recent bid towards the normalization of pedophilia. This live debate aired Tuesday, January 15 on the John Oakley Show on AM 640.

EICC Fellow and associate pastor at Westminster Chapel, Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper of the Centre for Progressive Christianity on the recent bid towards the normalization of pedophilia. This live debate aired Tuesday, January 15 on the John Oakley Show on AM 640.

EICC Fellow Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper, of the Centre for Progressive Christianity, on the recent school shooting in Newtown, and discusses the nature of evil, and the nature of mankind and human rights. This live debate aired on Tuesday, December 18 2012.

EICC Fellow Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper, of the Centre for Progressive Christianity, on the recent school shooting in Newtown, and discusses the nature of evil, and the nature of mankind and human rights. This live debate aired on Tuesday, December 18 2012.

EICC Fellow Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper, of the Centre for Progressive Christianity, on the recent school shooting in Newtown, and discusses the nature of evil, and the nature of mankind and human rights. This live debate aired on Tuesday, December 18 2012.

Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper, of the Centre for Progressive Christianity, on the issue of the culture war between conservatives and liberals, including religious freedom, moral relativism, and the role of the church in society. This live debate aired on Tuesday, November 27 2012.

Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper, of the Centre for Progressive Christianity, on the issue of the culture war between conservatives and liberals, including religious freedom, moral relativism, and the role of the church in society. This live debate aired on Tuesday, November 27 2012.

Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper, of the Centre for Progressive Christianity, on the issue of the culture war between conservatives and liberals, including religious freedom, moral relativism, and the role of the church in society. This live debate aired on Tuesday, November 27 2012.

Hosted by Michael Dowd, these conversations with leading Christian theologians, clergy, and scientists were recorded during the Christian season of Advent in 2010. Ten of the 38 hour-long episodes have been excerpted here for an hour-long podcast. Speakers are: Denis Lamoureux, Joan Chittister, Bruce Sanguin, Kenneth Miller, Gail Worcelo, Ross Hostetter, Brian McLaren, Philip Clayton, Gretta Vosper, and John Shelby Spong. The entire series can be accessed at EvolutionaryChristianity.com. Subsets of the series (an Evangelical subset and a Catholic subset) will be sampled in the following two podcasts.

EICC Fellow Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper on The Culture Wars, with John Oakley. This live debate aired on AM640 in Toronto on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 9AM

EICC Fellow Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper on The Culture Wars, with John Oakley. This live debate aired on AM640 in Toronto on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 9AM

EICC Fellow Dr. Scott Masson debates Gretta Vosper on The Culture Wars, with John Oakley. This live debate aired on AM640 in Toronto on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 9AM

Reverend Joe Boot debates Abortion with Gretta Vosper, member of the Canadian Center for Progressive Christianity, on the John Oakley Morning Show AM640

Reverend Joe Boot debates Abortion with Gretta Vosper, member of the Canadian Center for Progressive Christianity, on the John Oakley Morning Show AM640

Dr. Scott Masson debates euthanasia with Gretta Vosper, an ordained pastor with the United Church and Founder of the Canadian Center for Progressive Christianity, on the John Oakley Show AM 640.

Dr. Scott Masson debates euthanasia with Gretta Vosper, an ordained pastor with the United Church and Founder of the Canadian Center for Progressive Christianity, on the John Oakley Show AM 640.

EICC Fellow and Associate Professor of English at Tyndale University College, Dr. Scott Masson, debates Gretta Vosper on the topic of "A Christianity without Christ," on the John Oakley Show AM 640.

EICC Fellow and Associate Professor of English at Tyndale University College, Dr. Scott Masson, debates Gretta Vosper on the topic of "A Christianity without Christ," on the John Oakley Show AM 640.

Segment 1 - Christianity without Christ? A look at Gretta Vosper's call to eliminate Jesus and the Cross from Chrisianity. Segment 2 - Seeds of Compassion or Seeds of deception? - Part 1 of an in depth Biblical analysis of Rob Bell's appearance at the Seeds of Compassion Inter-spiritual panel discussion.