The Messy Spirituality Podcast

In the Margins

Wed, 17 May 2023 18:22:50 GMT

In this episode, Lola interviews ordained priest and writer Shannon Kearns.

Shannon TL Kearns is a transgender man who believes in the transformative power of story. As an ordained priest, a playwright, a theologian, and a writer all of his work revolves around making meaning through story. He's the co-founder of QueerTheology.com and his first book, In the Margins: A Transgender Man's Journey with Scripture was published by Eerdmaan’s books. He was the founder and Artistic Director of Uprising Theatre Company in Minneapolis. Shannon is a recipient of the Playwrights’ Center Jerome Fellowship in 20/21 and he was a Lambda Literary Fellow for 2019 (in playwriting) and 2022 (screenwriting) and a Finnovation Fellow for 2019/2020. He is a sought after speaker on transgender issues and religion as well as a skilled facilitator of a variety of workshops. His work with Brian G. Murphy at QueerTheology.com has reached more than a million people all over the world through videos, articles, and online courses and community.

Follow the crew:

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (because he's way too old for TikTok).

Be sure to check out our Youtube channel.

Also, please join the conversation over on our Messy Conversations group on FB!

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating or review and subscribe or follow the show on your platform of choice!

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When It's Time to Walk Away

Mon, 01 May 2023 15:51:09 GMT

This Quoircast podcast episode is brought to you by The Wild Olive Podcast. Check them out!

This episode is also brought to you by Peaceful Warrior Coffee Company where they perfectly roast their single-origin beans on the same day they ship to you and shipping is always free. Jason recommends trying the Gourmet Breakfast Blend!

In this episode, the crew talks about how we can know when it's time to walk away from a toxic religious environment.

The crew welcomes Instagrammer, YouTuber, and soon-to-be author, Laci Bean to the show to unpack her spiritual journey.

You can follow Laci on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Laci will be speaking at Awaken Nashville 2023. Register now before all the tickets are gone!

Follow the crew:

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (because he's way too old for TikTok).

Be sure to check out our Youtube channel.

Also, please join the conversation over on our Messy Conversations group on FB!

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating or review and subscribe or follow the show on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Living More Authentically

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 15:38:44 GMT

This Quoircast podcast episode is brought to you by the book, Drugs and Jesus, by Joshua Lawson which is available now!

In this episode, the crew talks about how we can live more authentically as our true selves and some common obstacles to being who we really are.

Jason interviews author Karen Shock. Karen is the author of the brand-new book, Too Much and Not Enough: Sacred Thoughts Said Out Loud" which releases on April 18, 2023. You definitely do not want to miss this book! It's absolutely incredible! Be sure to be on the look-out for Karen's new podcast "Sacred Thoughts Said Out Loud" coming soon!

You can follow Karen on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow the crew:

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (because he's way too old for TikTok).

Be sure to check out our Youtube channel.

Also, please join the conversation over on our Messy Conversations group on FB!

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating or review and subscribe or follow the show on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PREVIEW: Parenting Deconstructed-The Podcast

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 22:16:34 GMT

In this introductory episode of his brand-new podcast, Jason Elam discusses the need for a wholesale re-evaluation of our parenting methods in light of spiritual deconstruction.

You can purchase a copy of the book, Parenting Deconstructed: Navigating Your Spiritual Evolution Without Leaving Your Family Behind, here.

Please follow Parenting Deconstructed on Facebook and Instagram.

Up next: Chapter One featuring Keith Giles, releasing Friday, April 7th, 2023.

Please be sure to follow or subscribe to "Parenting Deconstructed-The Podcast" on your podcasting app of choice. Thank you!

This episode was brought to you by Peaceful Warrior Coffee Company where specialty grade, single-origin beans are perfectly roasted and shipped the same day giving you the freshest coffee available. Shipping is always free to U.S. addresses! Use code "Family" for 15% off your first order.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Compassionate Response to Addiction

Mon, 03 Apr 2023 14:15:21 GMT

This Quoircast podcast episode is brought to you by The Story of Christianity Told As Good News for All by Ric Machuga which is available now!

This episode is also brought to you by Peaceful Warrior Coffee Company where they perfectly roast their single-origin beans on the same day they ship to you and shipping is always free.

In this episode, the crew talks about substance use disorder, harm reduction, and how people of faith can respond more compassionately.

For insight on this, Jason talks to Joshua Lawson who has written two books on the subject. Josh lives with his family in southern Ohio, where he works in a variety of roles to support and empower the most vulnerable members of his community. His experience in Christian ministry spans the gamut from house church facilitator to small group director to lead pastor. After serving in both evangelical and progressive circles for two decades, he stepped away from formal ministry to live and work as a regular human being.

Be sure to pick up Josh's books, The Face of Addiction and Drugs and Jesus (releasing April 11).

You can follow Josh on Facebook.. Subscribe to Josh's Substack here.

Josh is also a co-author of the compilation book, Parenting Deconstructed: Navigating Your Spiritual Evolution Without Leaving Your Family Behind, with also includes chapters from some of your favorite heretics!

Follow the crew:

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (because he's way too old for TikTok).

Be sure to check out our Youtube channel.

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating or review on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are You Ready to Get Unstuck?

Mon, 20 Mar 2023 15:29:41 GMT

Hey, everyone. Jason here again. I got so much great feedback from the "Jesus the Mystic" message that I did a couple of weeks ago, that I decided to turn it into a series. Here is the second installment, "Are You Ready to Get Unstuck?".

Sometimes, the way out of our rut is simpler than we think.

What is your next step to getting unstuck? We'd love to hear from you in our Messy Conversations group on Facebook.

By the way, the Robcast episode that I refer to in this message can be found here. It's the best argument I've heard against cancel culture and very much worth considering.

If you'd prefer, you can watch the video of this episode on our Youtube channel.

Referred to in this episode:

The Wisdom of Hobbits by Matthew J. Distefano

Parenting Deconstructed Compiled by Jason and Brandi Elam

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Wisdom from The Shire

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 15:23:45 GMT

This Quoircast podcast episode if brought to you by Keith Giles' latest book, Sola Mysterium: Celebrating the Beautiful Uncertainty of Everything. Order your copy of this groundbreaking book today!

This episode is also brought to you by Peaceful Warrior Coffee Co. Use promo code "Messy" for 20% off of your first order!

In this conversation, Lola, Kyle, and Jason are joined by publisher, author, and podcaster Matthew J. Distefano to discuss finding inspiration among the hobbits of J.R.R. Tolkien's Shire.

Matthew J. Distefano is the author of multiple books, including the wildly popular Heretic! and From the Blood of Abel. He is an audio engineer, the producer of the Heretic Happy Hour podcast, cohost of Apostates Anonymous, and is a regular columnist for Patheos. He holds an undergraduate degree in Education from California State University, Chico. Matthew enjoys gardening, bicycling, and European football. He is a huge Tolkien nerd who one day hopes to live in Bag End with his wife and daughter. You can find his work at allsetfree.com.

Be sure to check out Matt's brand-new book, The Wisdom of Hobbits, when it releases on March 14, 2023!

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group.

Don't miss our new compilation book, Parenting Deconstructed: Navigating Your Spiritual Evolution Without Leaving Your Family Behind, with chapters from some of your favorite heretics!

Follow the crew:

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (because he's way too old for TikTok).

Be sure to check out our Youtube channel.

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating or review on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Cost of Censorship

Mon, 06 Mar 2023 12:00:17 GMT

This Quoircast podcast episode is brought to you by the book "What Can't Be Hidden" by Brandon Andess. Order your copy today here.

In this new episode, Lola, Kyle, and Jason welcome Quoir Publishers and authors Matthew J. Distefano and Keith Giles for a conversation about censorship and its' high cost for society.

Books you are going to want to check out after listening to this episode:

The Kingdom of God is Within You by Leo Tolstoy

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll

A Spring Harvest by Geoffrey Bache Smith

Sola Mysterium by Keith Giles

The Wisdom of Hobbits by Matthew J. Distefano (releasing March 14)

Returning to Eden: a field guide for the spiritual journey by Heather Hamilton

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group.

Don't miss our new compilation book, Parenting Deconstructed: Navigating Your Spiritual Evolution Without Leaving Your Family Behind, with chapters from some of your favorite heretics!

Follow the crew:

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (because he's way too old for TikTok.

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating or review on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sunday Sermon: Jesus the Mystic

Sun, 05 Mar 2023 20:22:04 GMT

Hey, everyone! Jason here. I was in the car for 10 hours yesterday and had bursts of conversation with God. I took some notes to share with you. This one is a little out there and might stretch some of my evangelical friends. Please stick with me. I think you'll like where we end up.

In this talk, I discuss:

The need to separate Jesus the first-century teacher from the religious icon passed down to us.
The first century understanding of some of Jesus' key teachings.
What forgiveness and loving our enemies really look like.
The value of surrender
What it really means to be "woke".

I hope you'll find this talk helpful. If so, please let me know. I'd love to hear from you in the comments at MessySpirituality.org.

Question for discussion in the comments:

What is your place of surrender?

*These are affiliate links and buying these books from these links will send us a small stipend that will help us keep making these videos.

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Is There a Way Back to Eden?

Mon, 20 Feb 2023 14:56:37 GMT

In this brand-new episode, Jason speaks with author Heather Hamilton about her spiritual journey, mystical experiences that change our lives, and her brilliant new book, Returning to Eden.

Heather Hamilton received her B.A. in Journalism from Georgia State University and spent many years doing video production before discovering her love of writing. After filming and editing stories with people from all over the world—celebrities, orphans, religious leaders, royal family members, political figures, and everyday people—Heather recognized the common threads and themes intertwining all humans across religions, cultures, classes, and demographics. She is passionate about fostering human connection through storytelling, writing, art, and exchanging ideas. She lives in Atlanta with her husband and three children.

You can purchase her new book, Returning to Eden, on Kindle, in paperback, or in audiobook format here.

Be sure to visit Heather's website and connect with Heather on Facebook and Instagram.

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group.

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating or review on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Magic of Letting Go

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 17:37:39 GMT

This Quoircast podcast episode is brought to you by the This is Not Church podcast featuring our friends Jon and Nat Turney. If you're not listening to them already you should definitely check them out!

In this episode of Messy Spirituality, Jason interviews author and former pastor Kevin Sweeney about his spiritual journey and the hidden power of letting go. You're going to love this conversation!

Be sure to check out Kevin's books The Making of a Mystic and The Joy of Letting Go.

Kevin Sweeney was co-founder and lead pastor of Imagine Church—an urban church in Honolulu that is welcoming of all people, sees imagination as the key to the future, chooses authenticity over performance, substance over hype, and quality over quantity.

He is the host of podcast “The Church Needs Therapy” and lives In Honolulu with his wife and co-founder of Imagine, Christine, and their two kids, True and Mikayla.

You can follow Kevin on Facebook and Instagram.

Be sure to follow Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as well.

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group and follow the show on Facebook and Twitter!

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a five-star rating and enthusiastic review on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Uncovering Religious Art

Wed, 18 Jan 2023 21:02:31 GMT

This Quoircast podcast episode is brought to you by the Heretic Happy Hour podcast. If you're not listening to the granddaddy of all destruction podcasts you definitely ought to check them out!

In this episode of Messy Spirituality, Lola interviews Canadian born artist, Bri Shaw, about her life and work. You're going to love this conversation!

You can follow Bri on Instagram and follow her art page here. You can get one of Bri's prints for free by following Birmingham Free Art.

Be sure to follow Lola on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well!

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group.

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a five-star rating and enthusiastic review on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Favorite Books of 2022

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 19:35:09 GMT

This episode is sponsored by the incredible book Divine Echoes by Dr. Mark Gregory Harris. If you haven't already read this book you're missing out!

In today's episode, Jason speaks with Brent Schebler of Ink Drinker Editing and Literary Services about his spiritual journey and some of his favorite reads of 2022.

Books mentioned in this episode:

The Shack by William Paul Young

Parenting Deconstructed: Navigating Your Spiritual Evolution Without Leaving Your Family Behind

The Hidden Lives of Trees

Kissing With Eyes Wide Open

The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group.

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating or review on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brad Jersak Returns!

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 23:03:40 GMT

This QuoirCast podcast episode is brought to you by our friends at the Heretic Happy Hour podcast! Check them out wherever you listen to podcasts!

On this episode, Jason interviews returning guest Brad Jersak to discuss reframing the conversation about deconstruction and its impact.

Brad Jersak is an author and teacher based in Abbotsford, BC. He currently serves as the Dean of Theology & Culture at St. Stephen’s University (SSU.ca/graduate) in New Brunswick and teaches peace studies courses with IRPJ.org and is a regular speaker with the Open Table Conference crew.

He writes regularly for the Clarion Journal and CWR magazine.

You can order Brad's new book, Out of the Embers, here and follow him on Facebook

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group.

Don't miss our new compilation book, Parenting Deconstructed: Navigating Your Spiritual Evolution Without Leaving Your Family Behind, with chapters from some of your favorite heretics!

Follow the crew:

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating or review on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Angels and Demons Real?

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 06:00:19 GMT

This QuoirCast podcast episode is brought to you by the Ideas Digest podcast from two Aussie blokes-Konrad and Matt. Check them out!

On this episode Lola, Kyle, and Jason discuss our current understandings/beliefs about angels, demons, and the spirit realm. Auntie Lola also has an all new WTF Bible Story that you're gonna love.

During our interview segment, Jason interviews author Eric English who recently released a new book entitled, "UNnlightenment: A Theological Foundation for Deconstructing and Reconstructing the Christian Faith".

Eric Scot English writes the UNenlightenment column for Patheos Progressive Christian. Eric also hosts a podcast called UNenlightenment where he interviews leading thinkers in the Christian faith about various topics associated with progressive Christianity and evangelicalism. Eric holds advanced degrees in philosophy and theology. Eric lives in the Grand Rapids, MI area with his wife Cynthia, and their three children.

You can order Eric's new book here and follow him on Facebook

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group.

Don't miss our new compilation book, Parenting Deconstructed: Navigating Your Spiritual Evolution Without Leaving Your Family Behind, with chapters from some of your favorite heretics!

Follow the crew:

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (because he's way too old for TikTok.

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating or review on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Makes You Grateful?

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 21:30:58 GMT

This QuoirCast podcast episode is brought to you by the Ideas Digest podcast from two Aussie blokes-Konrad and Matt. Check them out!

On this episode Lola, Kyle, and Jason discuss what makes each of them grateful. Auntie Lola also has an all new WTF Bible Story that will make all the ladies very grateful.

During our interview segment, Jason interviews author Daniel Henderson who recently released "Confessions of a Recovering Evangelical".

With a 40 year career in education, Daniel Henderson has the grounding of being a life-long mid-westerner, and having traveled extensively. His teaching career in the field of history and religion has given many of his students inspiration and motivation to pursue their own careers in these fields. Dan has traveled to Europe and Central America and all over the United States. He has a passion for history and historic sites. He is currently publishing a personal story of his own faith journey called, "Confessions of a Recovering Evangelical" available today from Quoir.

You can order Dan's new book here and follow him on Facebook.

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group.

Don't miss our new compilation book, Parenting Deconstructed: Navigating Your Spiritual Evolution Without Leaving Your Family Behind, with chapters from some of your favorite heretics!

Follow the crew:

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating or review on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Happens After We Die?

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 19:37:08 GMT

This QuoirCast podcast episode is brought to you by This is Not Church podcast featuring our good friends Jon and Nat Turney. Check them out!

On this episode Lola, Kyle, and Jason discuss what each of them think might happen after we die. Auntie Lola also has a very spooky Halloween edition of WTF Bible Stories.

During our interview segment, Jason interviews poet Darrell Epp about life, art, and art's impact on the world.

Darrell Epp is a poet, freelance journalist, and playwright whose work has appeared widely in magazines around the world, including Maisonneuve, Poetry Nottingham, Sub-Terrain, and The Saranac Review. Born in Toronto, he currently resides in Hamilton, Ontario where he earns a living locking up trains for CN Rail.

You can order Darrell's new book here and find him on Facebook and Twitter.

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group.

Follow the crew:

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating or review on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Happens to People Who Commit Suicide?

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 01:50:23 GMT

This QuoirCast podcast episode is brought to you by This is Not Church podcast featuring our good friends Jon and Nat Turney. They drop new episodes every Monday and their latest episode features none other than our own Lola Robbins!

This brand new episode features:

A big announcement worthy of celebration!
A special Halloween edition of "Auntie Lola's WTF Bible Stories"
An interview with recording artist and all-around badass Hailey Dixon!
A conversation about what happens to those who commit suicide.

Hailey Dixon is a writer, songstress and a woman with a bone to pick with the American evangelical church. Growing up queer and with a severe mental disability, Hailey often felt rejected not only by the god she grew up with, but by the church as a whole. She escaped a cult only to be brought down by what others assumed were good, healthy churches. Now Hailey lives to tell the tale by writing songs that feel like worship music with just a hint of sacrilege.

You can listen to Hailey's music here and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

If you’re struggling to hang on, please call or text 988 from any cell phone to talk to a professional counselor who can help.

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group.

Follow the crew:

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

Thanks for listening! Please leave us a rating or review on your platform of choice!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slavery On the Ballot?

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 14:19:05 GMT

This QuoirCast podcast episode is brought to you by This is Not Church podcast featuring our good friends Jon and Nat Turney. They drop new episodes every Monday so check them out!

In this new episode, Lola, Kyle, and Jason discuss ballot initiatives in several states that seek to end forced labor in U.S. prisons and lingering racial injustice in the United States.

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group.

Please take a minute to like our Facebook page and follow/friend all of our hosts on social media!

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (because he's way too old for TikTok).

Please rate and review this show on your podcast platform of choice. That really does help us find our way to new ears!

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

We'll be back with a new episode every two weeks! Thanks for listening to the podcast. We love having you with us on this journey!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Can't We Be Friends?

Fri, 09 Sep 2022 14:39:51 GMT

In this conversation, Lola, Kyle, and Jason discuss the news regarding Matt Chandler, lead pastor of The Village Church in Flower Mound, TX who recently stepped down due to what he referred to as "non-sexual, non-romantic, unwise course joking" with a female via direct messages. We look at how the situation was handled and the questions raised by the church's response.

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group.

Please take a minute to like our Facebook page and follow/friend all of our hosts on social media!

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (because he's way too old for TikTok).

Please rate and review this show on your podcast platform of choice. That really does help us find our way to new ears!

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

We'll be back with a new episode every two weeks! Thanks for listening to the podcast. We love having you with us on this journey!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does God Need Our Money?

Mon, 22 Aug 2022 21:12:37 GMT

In this new episode, Lola, Kyle and Jason discuss one of the most disgusting stories in the Bible and take a look at rampant financial exploitation and manipulation in the church.

Join the conversation on our Messy Conversations Facebook group.

Please take a minute to like our Facebook page and follow/friend all of our hosts on social media!

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (because he's way too old for TikTok).

Please rate and review this show on your podcast platform of choice. That really does help us find our way to new ears!

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

We'll be back with a new episode every two weeks! Thanks for listening to the podcast. We love having you with us on this journey!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dangers of Fear Based Religion

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 05:00:22 GMT

In this new episode, Lola, Kyle and Jason discuss performance art at CPAC, the injustice of mass incarceration, another twisted Bible story, and the negative impact of religions based on fear.

Take a minute to like our Facebook page and follow/friend all of our hosts on social media!

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (because he's way too old for TikTok).

Please rate and review this show on your podcast platform of choice. That really does help us find our way to new ears!

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

We'll be back with a new episode every two weeks! Thanks for listening to the podcast. We love having you with us on this journey!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thriving Outside of Organized Religion with Karl and Laura Forehand

Mon, 15 Aug 2022 02:14:46 GMT

In this new uncut conversation, Jason Elam discusses finding life and community outside of church with authors Laura and Karl Forehand.

Karl Forehand is the award-winning author of Apparent Faith, The Tea Shop, Being, and The Hotel. Laura Forehand is an educator specializing in whole brain teaching. Laura and Karl are the authors of the new book, Out into the Desert: Thriving Outside Organized Religion which is available now in paperback and e-book format. Karl and Laura host The Desert Sanctuary podcast. Karl is a columnist for Patheos. They have three children and three grandchildren that they adore.

Here's Jason's quick review of Out Into the Desert:

"Many of us are on a spiritual journey with no known destination. We have tried mainstream religion and have found it to be lacking and often corrupt. So we walked away from it all with no particular place to go. This journey into the unknown is a lonely quest and the isolation can sometimes feel overwhelming. Karl and Laura Forehand have been there and share their wealth of transparency and hard-fought wisdom with us in the pages of "Out Into the Desert". Laura and Karl are on this unfamiliar path right beside us and don't pretend to have all the answers. Their only agenda is to help us know that we're not alone and that this desert isn't as barren as it seems."

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Messy Conversations: Andrew Pledger

Mon, 01 Aug 2022 20:07:32 GMT

In this Messy Conversations interview, Lola speaks with Andrew Pledger about life, God, and his unconventional spiritual journey.

Andrew Pledger is a religious trauma survivor who escaped fundamentalist Christianity (the IFB cult). He brings awareness to spiritual and religious abuse. Andrew's podcast Speaking Up with Andrew Pledger offers a platform for people to share their stories of surviving toxic religion. Being a part of the LGBTQ+ community, and experiencing religious trauma has inspired Andrew to pursue psychology to help survivors.

To connect with Andrew, please check out his website.

Please rate and review this show on your podcast platform of choice. That really does help us find our way to new ears!

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

We'll be back with a new episode every two weeks! Thanks for listening to the podcast. We love having you with us on this journey!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Dark Side of VBS

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 18:10:09 GMT

In this episode Lola, Kyle, and Jason discuss the question "Could Church Be Harming Our Kids?", the recent video of Uvalde police officers, and rethinking whether or not David was really a "man after God's own heart".

Take a minute to like our Facebook page and follow/friend all of our hosts on social media!

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (because he's way too old for TikTok).

Please rate and review this show on your podcast platform of choice. That really does help us find our way to new ears!

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

We'll be back with a new episode every two weeks! Thanks for listening to the podcast. We love having you with us on this journey!

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Can I Trust My Own Heart?

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 05:00:31 GMT

Welcome to Season 4 of the show! We're excited to welcome Kyle Butler and Lola Robbins as our new co-hosts and we're launching a new format that we hope you will love!

In this first episode of the new era, we discuss new beginnings, the story of Esther in the Bible, the US Supreme Court decision regarding Roe vs. Wade, and learning to hear the language of God/The Universe/love to you. It's a great conversation and we'd love to hear what you think over on the Messy Conversations group on Facebook.

While you're there, take a minute to like our page and follow/friend all of our hosts!

You can find Lola on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

You can find Kyle on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

You can find Jason on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Please rate and review this show on your podcast platform of choice. That really does help us find our way to new ears!

Want to be a producer of the show and get exclusive access to videos, blog posts, and merch from the hosts of the show? Check out our Patreon page!

We'll be back with a new episode every two weeks! Thanks for listening to the podcast. We love having you with us on this journey!

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The Beautiful Uncertainty of Everything with Keith Giles

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 05:00:41 GMT

In this brand new episode, Keith Giles signals the biggest shift in his thinking of his writing career. Keith is going "full heretic" by embracing the mystery of God and rejecting religious certainty much to the dismay of a few of his former supporters.

Keith's latest book is Sola Mysterium: Celebrating the Beautiful Uncertainty of Everything (Quior, June 28, 2022). You can order it here today.

Keith Giles is a former pastor who left the pulpit to follow Jesus and start a house church where no one takes a salary and 100 percent of all offerings are given to help the poor in the community. He has been a published writer since 1989.

He is the author of several books, including: "Jesus Unbound: Liberating the Word of God from the Bible" and "Jesus Untangled: Crucifying Our Politics To Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb."

Keith is a co-host of the Heretic Happy Hour Podcast which has featured interviews with Bart Ehrman, John Fugelsang, Richard Rohr, Brad Jersak, Greg Boyd, and many others. He is also a co-host of the Apostates Anonymous podcast along with Matthew J. Distefano.

Keith teaches several online courses including "Square 1: From Deconstruction to Reconstruction" and other courses based on his many books.

We'd love for you to support Keith's important work and get access to patron only content by becoming a Keith Giles patron here.

You can follow him online and find out more about his books at http://www.KeithGiles.com.

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More Than the Preacher's Kid with Erin Camille

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 19:53:50 GMT

In this new episode, co-host Ashley Robbins takes over the show for her first solo interview! She has a conversation with Erin Camille who grew up in a pastor's home and saw the worst of ministry life up close.

You can connect with Erin on Facebook.

Please subscribe, rate, and review this podcast on your platform of choice.

The Messy Spirituality Podcast is Engineered by The Podcast Doctor, Eric Howell!

Thanks for listening!

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Season Three-Episode 08: Should I Stay or Should I Go? with Brian McLaren

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 20:04:56 GMT

In this episode, I speak with one of my favorite authors, speakers, and thinkers-Brian McLaren.

Brian D. McLaren is an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian. A former college English teacher and pastor, he is a passionate advocate for “a new kind of Christianity” – just, generous, and working with people of all faiths for the common good. He is a faculty member of The Living School and podcaster with Learning How to See, which are part of the Center for Action and Contemplation. He is also an Auburn Senior Fellow and is a co-host of Southern Lights. His newest book is Faith After Doubt (January 2021), and his next release, Do I Stay Christian? (May 2022) can be preordered now. His recent projects include an illustrated children’s book (for all ages) called Cory and the Seventh Story and The Galapagos Islands: A Spiritual Journey.

I talked to Brian about the process of decided to stay Christian...or not. We also talked about Brian's role in my own spiritual journey, his involvement in the Center for Action and Contemplation, and got a quick update on Father Richard Rohr.

Be sure to check out Brian's website here.

You can find Brian on Facebook and Twitter as well.

Thanks so much for listening! We'd really appreciate your positive ratings and reviews on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.

You can sponsor the next episode of our show by donating via Cash App ($MessySpirituality) or Venmo (@messyspirituality).

This episode was mixed and engineered by Eric "The Podcast Doctor" Howell.

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Season Three-Episode 07: I Kissed Purity Culture Goodbye with Macey Berry

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 20:51:04 GMT

In this episode, Co-host, Ashley Robbins, and I talk to Macey Berry about her experience growing up in purity culture and the devastating impact it had on her life.

You can connect with Macey on Facebook.

Macey mentions the Your Favorite Heretics Facebook group during this conversation. This group was started by our friends, Derek and Rachel Myers. You can find them here.

You can connect with our co-host for this episode, Ashley Robbins, on Facebook here.

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Season Three-Episode 06: Searching for the God Who Heals with James Early

Sun, 06 Mar 2022 02:37:16 GMT

In this episode, I'm joined by my friend James Early. James is a Bible teacher, speaker, blogger, and podcaster. He grew up in Amarillo, TX, and received his BA from Vanderbilt University. He gives talks and conducts workshops on the Bible covering a wide range of topics to churches and groups as well as online. Since October 2008, James has conducted weekly Bible study workshops at the Federal Correctional Institution in Danbury, CT. He started The Bible Speaks to You Podcast in October 2019, now with listeners in 130 countries. His focus is on getting back to the original Christianity of Jesus. As the “Jesus Mindset Coach,” he helps people embrace the mindset of Jesus and rediscover their rights and ability to think, act, pray, love, and heal like Jesus. James lives in Bethel, CT with his wife. They have three grown children.

James has set up a special web page for Messy Spirituality listeners. You can find his podcast, social media, and the free resources he mentioned in the episode here.

If you'd like to help us produce future episodes of The Messy Spirituality Podcast, you can contribute via Venmo and Cash App at @messyspirituality.

Thanks so much for listening!Jason Elam

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Season Three-Episode 05: Surviving a Stroke with Karl and Laura Forehand

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 02:51:26 GMT

My good friend, Karl Forehand, had a stroke in January 2022.

A month later, he and his wife, Laura, joined me for a conversation about the stroke, Karl's recovery, ongoing therapy, hopes for the future, and Karl's first ever fiction book which is releasing March 22, 2022.

If you are able, please help Karl and Laura as they navigate this difficult season in which Karl is unable to work by contributing to the online fundraiser we've started for them here.

You can connect with Karl and Laura via their website.

Karl recently wrote about his stroke on Patheos.

You can order Karl's brand new book, The Hotel, here-PLEASE WAIT TO PURCHASE IT ON MARCH 22, 2022. Thank you!

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Season Three: Episode 04-Are the Critics of Deconstruction Right? with Matthew J. Distefano and Keith Giles

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 19:14:38 GMT

I'm joined on this episode by two of our favorite apostates, Matthew J. Distefano and Keith Giles. We discuss the recent criticism of deconstruction by many within evangelicalism. Are any of their criticisms fair? How should we respond when we feel unfairly attacked?

Matthew J. Distefano is an author, podcaster, and Patheos columnist. His latest book is entitled "The Genesis of Violence".

Keith Giles is an author, speaker, podcaster, and Patheos columnist. His latest book is entitled "Jesus Unarmed: How the Prince of Peace Disarms Our Violence".

Together, Matthew and Keith co-host the Apostates Anonymous podcast. They are also co-hosts of The Heretic Happy Hour podcast. Keith also hosts the Second Cup with Keith podcast.

You can find Matthew's columns on Patheos here.

You can find Keith's columns on Patheos here.

Check out Keith's upcoming Awaken 2022 event in Nashville, TN here.

If you'd like to help us produce future episodes of the podcast, you can contribute via Venmo and Cash App at @messyspirituality.

Thanks so much for listening!

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Season Three: Episode 03: The Church We Dream Of with Ashley Robbins

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 14:49:58 GMT

In this episode co-hosted by Ashley Robbins, we discuss the hurt caused by toxic church institutions and a possible way forward taking the best of church community but leaving behind the many destructive aspects that have wounded so many.

Ashley Robbins is an ex evangelical trying her best to honor real gospel. She is a purity culture insurgent. She describes herself as a loud, loving, and shaky voice.

You can connect with Ashley on Facebook and Instagram.

This conversation continues over on the Messy Conversations group on Facebook. It's a safe space to wrestle with questions of faith and doubt in a judgement free zone. Join us!

Please rate and review the show on your podcast platform of choice.

You can help us produce new episodes of the show by sponsoring an episode ($50) via Cash App ($messyspirituality) or Venmo (@messyspirituality). Thanks so much for your support!

Thanks for listening!

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Season Three-Episode 02: Faces of Addiction with Joshua Lawson

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 16:07:30 GMT

In this conversation, we speak with activist and former pastor Joshua Lawson about his compelling work with people who struggle with substance use disorder. We dive into the roots of addiction, the hidden cost of the "war on drugs" and how each of us can make a difference in this fight.

Joshua's excellent book, The Face of Addiction, is available here.

You can connect with Joshua on Facebook and Instagram.

Join this conversation over on our Messy Conversations FB group.

Please rate and review this podcast on your platform of choice.

If you’d like to support the podcast and keep new episodes coming, you can donate via Cash App at $messyspirituality and Venmo at @messyspirituality.

Thanks so much for listening!

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Season Three, Episode 01: Following Jesus Through Non-Violence

Wed, 22 Dec 2021 15:19:32 GMT

We're kicking off season three today with a special introduction by our friend, Ashley Robbins!

My guest this week is prolific author and podcaster, Keith Giles! In this conversation, we discuss our cultural addiction to violence and what we can do to break the cycle of violence in our context.

Keith's latest book is Jesus Unarmed: How the Prince of Peace Disarms Our Violence. It's the final book in his popular 7 volume "Jesus Un" series and I think he has saved the best for last!

You can follow Keith on Patheos, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Check out Keith's website here.

You can hear more from Keith on one of his podcasts: Heretic Happy Hour, Apostates Anonymous, and Second Cup with Keith.

Please take a moment to rate and review our show on your podcasting platform of choice. It really does help spread the word about our podcast and help new listeners find us.

If you’d like to support the podcast and keep new episodes coming, you can donate via Cash App at $messyspirituality and Venmo at @messyspirituality.

Thank you!

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Season 02 Episode 08: Reconstructing Your Mind with Todd Vick

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 22:21:50 GMT

In this conversation, I talk to my friend, Todd Vick, about his continuing spiritual journey and how we set about reconstructing our mind after deconstruction.

Todd Vick is an author, podcaster, and former pastor. His latest book is entitled "The Reconstructing of Your Mind" and it was published by Quoir.

You can connect with Todd on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

If you haven't already, be sure to check out Todd's podcast, The Reconstruction Rebel.

If you enjoy the conversations that we're having here on The Messy Spirituality Podcast, please rate and review the show on your podcast platform of choice. That really does help new folks find their way to our show. THANK YOU!

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Season 02 Episode 07: Mystical Encounters with Jesus featuring Joe Machuta

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 20:28:10 GMT

Recently, I had a beautiful and life giving conversation with my friend, Joe Machuta.

In this conversation, we discuss Joe’s eclectic spiritual journey as well as his stubborn love for Jesus. It really is worth an hour of your time and I sincerely hope you will check it out!

I know that this conversation will stretch many of us theologically, but that’s never a bad thing!

If you'd rather watch this conversation on video, you can do that here.

Connecting with Joe MachutaJoe Machuta is a writer and former pastor. You can connect with him on Facebook and be sure to check out his blog here.

Let Me Know How It Hits You!After you’ve had a chance to listen, I’d love to hear your thoughts on in either by commenting on the Messy Spirituality column on Patheos or by commenting on the YouTube episode. Either way, I’d love to hear from you!

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Season 2, Episode 06: Rethinking Church with Jon and Nat Turney

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 15:35:25 GMT

In this brand new episode, I talk to my good friends, Jon and Nat Turney, about God, church, spiritual evolution, and their new podcast, This is Not Church. This is a fun conversation that I think you're really going to enjoy so be sure to check it out.

Don't miss Jon and Nat's podcast, This is Not Church.

You can follow Jon and Nat and their podcast on Facebook.

Their private FB group is worth joining!

Thanks for listening! Please rate and review the podcast on your app of choice and consider helping us make future episodes by becoming a patron over on Patreon. We'd really appreciate it!

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Season Two, Episode 5: State of Being with Karl Forehand

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 14:34:20 GMT

We're back! I really missed podcasting so my retirement was short-lived. In this brand new episode, we talk to author Karl Forehand about making the transition from "doing" to "being" and from "reacting" to "responding".

I'll be joining the conversation over on Karl and Laura's podcast, The Desert Sanctuary, on a monthly basis starting this month. We'd love for you to listen in and then join the conversation on their private FB group here.

You can order Karl's new book, Being, here.The book also has a companion workbook that you can purchase here.

Check out Karl's website here.

You can read Karl's latest column for Patheos here.

You can follow Karl on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

While you're at it, you can follow this podcast on FB, Instagram, and Twitter as well.

Please take a minute to rate and review our show on your podcasting app of choice. This makes a huge difference!

Finally, if you'd like to help us produce future episodes of the show, please join the community over on Patreon. In exchange for your monthly support of $1 or more you'll get access to exclusive perks like patron exclusive videos, e-books, and more.

Thanks so much for you support! It's so good to be back!

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Bonus Episode, A Very Messy Message: Love is Not Safe

Mon, 31 May 2021 20:32:27 GMT

In this brief uncut message, Jason talks about the myth of safety and how to look for signs of health in our relationships and communities.

Books referenced in this episode: "Being: A Journey Toward Presence and Authenticity" by Karl Forehand

"Before You Lose Your Mind: Deconstructing Bad Theology in the Church" edited by Keith Giles

Check out the following communities online:The Desert Sanctuary This is Not Church

We'd really appreciate it if you'd take time to subscribe to this podcast and rate and review our show wherever you listen.

Want to help us produce new episodes of The Messy Spirituality Podcast? Check out our Patreon page where you can get great rewards like monthly e-books and patron exclusive videos in exchange for your monthly support.

Thanks so much for listening! We'll be back with a new episode next week.

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Season 2, Episode 04: Did Jesus Have to Die? with Keith Giles

Sun, 11 Apr 2021 21:35:12 GMT

In this finale episode, I ask bestselling author Keith Giles some of the questions that I've heard most often from folks who are deconstructing. Why did Jesus have to die? What happened on the cross? What do I do with the resurrection? Where did this monster version of God come from? What does it mean to be born again? And many other questions. Near the end of the conversation, Keith turned the tables and asked me a few questions about my experiences creating The Messy Spirituality Podcast and what it feels like here at the end of that journey. Keith Giles is a former pastor who left the pulpit to follow Jesus. He is the author of the bestselling "Jesus Un" series which includes: "Jesus Untangled", "Jesus Unbound", "Jesus Unveiled", "Jesus Undefeated", "Jesus Unexpected", and his latest release- "Jesus Unforsaken". Keith is also an insightful teacher, podcaster, and Patheos contributor. You can purchase your copy of Keith's brand new book, "Jesus Unforsaken: Substituting Divine Wrath With Unrelenting Love" here. Get more info on Keith's incredible online course offerings by visiting BK2SQ1. Check out Keith's Patheos blog here. Keith is a co-host of both The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast and The Peace Catalyst Podcast. Thanks so much for all of your love and support over the last two years. I have loved having all of you with me on this journey. Reminder-please don't unsubscribe from the podcast feed on your podcast platform of choice because I plan to release occasional bonus episodes as issues arise that I want to process through conversation.

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Season 2, Episode 03: Finding the Courage to Emerge with Anita Grace Brown

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we speak with author Anita Grace Brown about how her practice of yoga has deepened her connection with Jesus and the world around her.

Anita helps prepare hearts and minds for a loving relationship with Mother/Father/God/Creator by facilitating practices like yoga, prayerful meditation, and chants. Her strength in moving toward human suffering, and witnessing it, has allowed her to glimpse profound healing in relationships. Surrendered to Christ, her faith is forged through an East meets West, holistic approach. Anita and her husband Bob share their home with their golden retriever, Sierra, in New Jersey and maintain a loving home-away-from-home for their two adult children. Anita’s first book is “Kamikaze Yogi: Christ, Yoga, and the Courage to Emerge” is being published by the Shaia Sophia House imprint of Quoir and releases on March 9th.

You can order Anita's book, Kamikaze Yogi: Christ, Yoga, and the Courage to Emerge on March 9, 2021 by clicking here.

You can find Anita's podcast, It's Five O'clock Somewhere, wherever you listen to podcasts.

You can follow Anita on Facebook and Instagram.

While you're on social media, please follow our podcast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Check out my weekly Patheos column here.

Want to help us produce future episodes of The Messy Spirituality Podcast? Join us over on Patreon where you will get patron exclusive access to videos of our podcast conversations, articles, and more in exchange for your monthly support of $1 or more.

Finally, if you enjoy the show, please be sure to rate and review the podcast on your platform of choice. That goes a long way to help new listeners find us.

Thanks so much for listening and for all of your support!

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Season 2, Episode 02: Your Favorite Heretics with Rachel and Derek Myers

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 04:07:06 GMT

In this episode, I talk to two of my favorite voices on social media, Derek and Rachel Myers from "Your Favorite Heretics".

We have an open and heartfelt conversation about walking away from toxic faith and finding healing.

To engage more with Rachel, Derek, and their work, you can follow Your Favorite Heretics on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube.

While you're on social media, please follow our podcast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Check out my weekly Patheos column here.

Finally, if you enjoy the show, please be sure to rate and review the podcast on your platform of choice. That goes a long way to help new listeners find us.

Thanks so much for listening and for all of your support!

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Season 2, Episode 01: You Are Enough with Jonathan Puddle

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 16:53:59 GMT

We kick off season two with a beautiful conversation with author, speaker, and podcaster Jonathan Puddle.

Jonathan Puddle is an award-winning writer, speaker, husband and father who hosts the popular interview show, The Puddcast. Having traveled the world and lived in many nations, Jonathan teaches from a culturally rich & spiritually inclusive framework. Before becoming a writer, Jonathan spent 10 years in charity leadership and administration, and he remains a visionary thinker with a strategic mind. He writes about freedom, hope and sacrificial love at jonathanpuddle.com. Jonathan loves dance music, science fiction, good food, dark beer, and long walks on the beach. He was born in New Zealand, so he does know a few things about beaches. Jonathan and his family reside in Guelph, Canada where they pastor families and children at a thriving community church.

Order your copy of Jonathan’s brand new book “You Are Enough” here!

You can follow Jonathan on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

While you're on social media, please follow our podcast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

We love your feedback! Please rate and review the podcast on your platform of choice. This helps us find our way to new ears!

Want to help us keep The Messy Spirituality Podcast in production? Please consider supporting us on Patreon where you will get access to patron exclusive videos and articles in exchange for your monthly support of $1 or more per month.

Thanks so much for listening! We'll be back soon with another episode.

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BONUS EPISODE-Messy Conversations: Sledding Down the Slippery Slope with Matthew J. Distefano

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT

My guest for this "Messy Conversations" BONUS episode is Matthew J. Distefano.

Matthew is a brilliant writer, theologian, musician, podcaster, social worker, and Patheos contributor. He is one of four co-hosts of the insanely popular Heretic Happy Hour podcast and also hosts a solo podcast called "Apostates Anonymous". He is the author of the Amazon bestselling books Heretic!, All Set Free, From the Blood of Abel, Devoted as F*ck, and the multi-volume "The Bonfire Sessions" co-written with Mike Machuga.

Matthew's books Heretic!, All Set Free, From the Blood of Abel, Devoted as F*ck, and the books A Journey With Two Mystics, and The Bonfire Sessions co-authored with Mike Machuga.

Check out Matthew's podcasts The Heretic Happy Hour, Apostates Anonymous, and The Bonfire Sessions.

Matthew's Patheos column is engaging and thought provoking.

You can find Matthew on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Matthew offers great resources for his supporters on Patreon. Please check out his page and support his work if you can.

Thanks so much for listening!

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BONUS EPISODE- Messy Conversations: Finding Peace in Trying Times with Karl and Laura Forehand

Sun, 06 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we welcome our good friends, Karl and Laura Forehand, as we explore practical ways to keep our peace in chaotic times. This conversation was real and raw and I think you'll really enjoy it. Laura Forehand is an educator, author, podcaster, mom, grandmother, and so much more. Her podcast is "The Whole Brain Teaching Podcast".Karl Forehand is a former pastor, podcaster on "The Desert Sanctuary", and is the award winning author of "Apparent Faith" and the forthcoming book, "Being". You can connect with both Laura and Karl on Facebook. Check out Laura's podcast here. Check out Karl's podcast here. Don't miss their website as well. I was so grateful to have my incredible wife, Brandi, join me for this conversation. She is a former youth minister and worship leader, an all star mom, and the number one supporter of this podcast. I can't wait to have my brilliant and beautiful co-host join me again on future episodes. Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast on your platform of choice! Video of this conversation is available for patrons (starting at just $1 per month) on our Patreon page. Join the conversation over on our Messy Conversations Facebook group. This private group is exclusively for listeners of this podcast. Thanks so much for listening! We really appreciate you.

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BONUS EPISODE: Messy Conversations-We're All Going to Be OK with Keith Giles

Thu, 03 Dec 2020 05:00:00 GMT

In this heartfelt and moving conversation, author Keith Giles and I discuss his transition from holding a view of eternal conscious torment (burning forever in hell) to annihilationism and then to his current view of patristic universalism. We also discuss common objections to ultimate redemption. Keith is one of four co-hosts of the insanely popular Heretic Happy Hour podcast. He has written several excellent books including Jesus Untangled, Jesus Unbound, Jesus Unveiled, Jesus Unexpected, and literally wrote the book on the subject we’re going to be talking about today: Jesus Undefeated: Condemning the False Doctrine of Eternal Torment. You can find Keith's Patheos column here. You can find Keith's Amazon author page featuring all of his books here. During this conversation, Keith mentions the following books as resources for further study:Her Gates Will Never Be Shut by Brad Jersak That All Shall Be Saved by David Bentley Hart All You Want to Know About Hell by Steve Gregg Universalism: The Prevailing Doctrine of the Christian Church During Its First Five Hundred Years by J.W. Hanson Keith's Square One and Ground Zero courses are definitely worth checking out. Find all of the info regarding those courses here. Finally, I encourage you to take a look at Keith's Patreon page where he consistently produces thought provoking, meaningful content for his patrons. For more on this subject, please visit MessySpirituality.org.

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Season One Finale: "Exiles on Main Street" with Brian Zahnd

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the season one finale of The Messy Spirituality Podcast: "Exiles on Main Street" featuring Brian Zahnd. Brian serves as Pastor of Word of Life Church in St. Joseph, Missouri. He is also the author of several incredible books such as: "Water to Wine", "Beauty Will Save the World", "Farewell to Mars", "Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God", and his timely book for the moment we're currently in "Postcards From Babylon". In this conversation, we discuss Brian's spiritual evolution, learning that God is like Jesus, non-violence, the white evangelical church in the Trump era, and the Martin Sheen movie that changed his life (and mine!) and a lot more. I think you're really going to enjoy this conversation. Even if, like me, you're an avid listener of Brian's many other podcast appearances, we definitely cover some ground in this conversation that I haven't heard discussed in previous interviews. You can subscribe to Brian's sermon podcast here. You can read Brian's blog here. Check out the forthcoming "Postcards From Babylon" documentary featuring Brian on the Camino. The film releases on January 21, 2021. You can follow Brian on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can follow our podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Please join our private Facebook group exclusively for listeners of this podcast, Messy Conversations. Be sure to answer the quick membership questions for fast approval! Please be sure to subscribe to, rate, and review this podcast on your podcast platform of choice to help new ears find their way to us. Finally, please consider helping make this podcast possible by becoming a patron with a monthly pledge of $5 or more via Patreon. That's a wrap for us for season one! On behalf of our incredible sound engineer, "The Podcast Doctor" Eric Howell, and myself, thank you so much for listening! We plan to return with all new episodes in January. In the meantime, I'll be posting plenty of new content over on Patreon exclusively for our beloved patrons. We really appreciate all of your support! Thanks for listening!

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Episode 58: The Mediation of Jesus Christ, Part 2 with Dr. C. Baxter Kruger

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Episode 58 of the podcast features part two of our interview with our most requested guest ever, Dr. C. Baxter Kruger!

Baxter is a theologian, writer [and fishing lure designer] and the Director of Perichoresis Ministries. He is a native of Prentiss, Mississippi. He and his wife Beth have been married for 30 years and have four children. A life long student of psychology, he has degrees in political science, divinity, and earned his PhD. from Kings College, Aberdeen University in Aberdeen, Scotland under Professor James B. Torrance. He is the author of 8 books, including The Great Dance, Jesus and the Undoing of Adam and Across All Worlds, the international bestseller, The Shack Revisited, and Patmos. He has recently written a powerful essay on “The Mediation of Jesus Christ” that I look forward to unpacking with him today. He teaches around the world. He is an avid outdoorsman and holds two United States patents for his fishing lure designs. He is also the founder and President of Mediator Lures.

This episode is part two of our conversation. Part one released last week in episode 57.

You can find Baxter's website here.

The essay that we refer to in this conversation, "The Mediation of Jesus Christ", is available to download for free here.

You can follow Baxter on Facebook here.

You can follow our podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Please join our private Facebook group exclusively for listeners of this podcast, Messy Conversations. Be sure to answer the quick membership questions for fast approval!

Please take a moment to subscribe to, rate, and review our podcast on your podcast platform of choice to help new ears find their way to us.

Finally, please consider supporting our podcast via Patreon. As our way of saying thanks for your monthly support, you'll get exclusive early access to every new episode of the podcast as well as patron only videos and articles! Click here to join the ranks of our beloved patrons today.

We really appreciate all of your support! Thanks for listening!

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Episode 57: The Mediation of Jesus Christ, Part 1 with Dr. C. Baxter Kruger

Sun, 11 Oct 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Episode 57 of the podcast features our most requested guest ever, Dr. C. Baxter Kruger!

Baxter is a theologian, writer [and fishing lure designer] and the Director of Perichoresis Ministries. He is a native of Prentiss, Mississippi. He and his wife Beth have been married for 30 years and have four children. A life long student of psychology, he has degrees in political science, divinity, and earned his PhD.from Kings College, Aberdeen University in Aberdeen, Scotland under Professor James B. Torrance. He is the author of 8 books, including The Great Dance, Jesus and the Undoing of Adam and Across All Worlds, the international bestseller, The Shack Revisited, and Patmos. He has recently written a powerful essay on “The Mediation of Jesus Christ” that I look forward to unpacking with him today. He teaches around the world. He is an avid outdoorsman and holds two United States patents for his fishing lure designs. He is also the founder and President of Mediator Lures.

This episode is part one of our conversation. Part two will release next week.

You can find Baxter's website here.

The essay that we refer to in this conversation, "The Mediation of Jesus Christ", is available to download for free here.

You can follow Baxter on Facebook here.

You can follow our podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Please join our private Facebook group exclusively for listeners of this podcast, Messy Conversations. Be sure to answer the quick membership questions for fast approval!

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We really appreciate all of your support! Thanks for listening!

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Episode 56: Encountering God in The Tea Shop with Karl Forehand

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Welcome to episode 56 of the podcast featuring the one and only Karl Forehand. Karl is a former pastor and is the award winning author of the wonderful book, "Apparent Faith" for which he won a 2020 Christian Indie Award. He and his wife, Laura, host The Desert Sanctuary podcast and website. He writes a thought provoking column for Patheos and, somehow, still finds time to be one of my best friends in the world. He is the creative force behind the wildly successful Nomad Conference and Too Many Podcasts online broadcasts. He has a brand new book releasing today called "The Tea Shop" and I can't wait for you to read it. In this new interview, we discuss why Karl no longer considers himself a Christian and the Divine encounter he had in a tea shop in Taiwan that changed his life. You can purchase Karl's brand new book "The Tea Shop" here. Visit Karl's website here. You can find Karl's Patheos column here. You can connect with Karl on Facebook and Instagram and join his Desert Sanctuary FB group. We'd love for you to follow our podcast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and join the conversation on our FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast here. Please be sure to answer the two quick membership questions for fast approval! Be sure to check out my Patheos column here. I'd be really grateful if you'd consider supporting the show (and all of my creative work) via Patreon. You'll get exclusive access to videos, articles, and early access to every new episode of the podcast as my way of saying thanks for your support! We really appreciate all of the ratings, reviews, subscriptions, and episode shares of this podcast. Thanks so much!

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Episode 55: "Raising Hell" with Julie Ferwerda

Sun, 13 Sep 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Episode 55 of the podcast features author Julie Ferwerda. Julie is an inspirational writer who seeks to help others experience transformational healing by overcoming fear and developing awareness of their invincible connections to God, self, and others. She is the author of several books including, Raising Hell: Christianity's Most Controversial Doctrine Put Under Fire, and One Million Arrows: Raising Your Children to Change the World. She currently works as both a travel ER nurse and a wellness guide online to inspire others to live out their full physical, emotional, spiritual, and creative potential. Visit Julie's website here. Get a FREE PDF download of Julie's book, "Raising Hell", here. Join the Raising Hell Facebook Group here. We'd love for you to follow our podcast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and join the conversation on our FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast here. Please be sure to answer the two quick membership questions for fast approval! Be sure to check out my Patheos column here. We'd be honored if you'd consider helping us produce the podcast by becoming a patron on Patreon. We really appreciate all of the ratings, reviews, subscriptions, and episode shares of this podcast. Thanks so much!

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Episode 54: Following Jesus Out of the Church of Christ with Ashley Robbins

Sun, 06 Sep 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Episode 54 of the podcast features Ashley Robbins.

Ashley is an artist and cosmetologist who works full time at a major university. She grew up in a conservative Church of Christ where she remained until leaving that religious system last September. She is currently undergoing a spiritual evolution and is hoping to uncover a better spiritual path.

You can connect with Ashley on Facebook and Instagram.

You can follow the podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

The conversation from this interview continues on our private Facebook Group, Messy Conversations.

You can help make this podcast possible by becoming a monthly supporter on Patreon. In exchange for your generous monthly support of $1 or more, you'll get early access to every new episode of the podcast.

Thanks so much for listening! Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your platform of choice. That helps spread the word to new listeners.

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Episode 53: Becoming the Second Coming with Keith Giles

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Episode 53 features my good friend, Keith Giles-back for a record breaking fifth visit! Keith is the prolific author of incredible books like: Jesus Untangled, Jesus Unbound, Jesus Unveiled, and Jesus Undefeated. He is one of four co-hosts of the Heretic Happy Hour podcast, writes a popular column for Patheos, and teaches a variety of courses that help lead people away from toxic theology and towards freedom. His new book, Jesus Unexpected: Ending the End Times to Become the Second Coming, releases on August 25th. In this conversation, we discuss the origin of rapture theology and the end times madness that seems to set in every time anything happens in Israel. We also look at how our preoccupation with the next coming of Christ has obscured our view of the unrecognized second coming through the church. Purchase Keith's brand new book, Jesus Unexpected, here. Check out Keith's Patheos blog here. Follow Keith on Facebook and Twitter. Check out the Heretic Happy Hour podcast here. Keith offers fascinating online courses to help lead people to freedom. I highly recommend his Square One course for Deconstructing Christians. Get more info here. I strongly believe in the life and message of Keith Giles. Please help support his work via his Patreon page here. Please join the conversation about this episode (and messy spirituality in general) over on our private FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast, Messy Conversations. You can follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to check out my column over on Patheos as well. Thanks so much for listening! Please subscribe to or follow the podcast on your platform of choice. Ratings and 5 star reviews are so helpful in spreading the word and helping new ears to find us.

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Episode 52: The Problem of Evil with Dr. Thomas Jay Oord

Sun, 16 Aug 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Welcome to episode 52 of the podcast featuring Author and Speaker Dr. Thomas Jay Oord. Dr. Thomas Jay Oord is a theologian, philospher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies. He is an award-winning author or editor of twenty-five books and an award-winning professor. Oord directs the Northwind Theological Seminary doctoral program in Open and Relational Theology. He also directs the Center for Open and Relational Theology. Oord is known for his contributions to research on love, open and relational theology, issues in science and religion, and freedom for transformation. He has been president of several scholarly societies and lectures at institutions, events, and churches around the globe. In this conversation, Dr. Oord and I speak at length about questions and pushback that he has received since the release of his groundbreaking book, God Can't. We discuss the problem of evil, what God can and can't do, and whether he ever worries about being wrong. Dr. Oord blogs frequently at his website. Learn more about the doctoral program in Open and Relational Theology at Northwind Theological Seminary here. Get your copy of Dr. Oords latest book, God Can't Q&A here. You can follow Dr. Oord on Facebook and Twitter. Please join the conversation about this episode (and messy spirituality in general) over on our private FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast, Messy Conversations. You can follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to check out my new column over on Patheos as well. You can help make this podcast happen by sponsoring us on Patreon. Thanks so much for listening! Please subscribe to or follow the podcast on your platform of choice. Ratings and 5 star reviews are so helpful in spreading the word and helping new ears to find us.

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Episode 51: Jesus, NASCAR, and Church in a Barber Shop with Steven Barber

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Episode 51 of the podcast featuring pastor and writer Steven Barber.

Steven is a 29 year old United Methodist Pastor who is currently on sabbatical. He has been married to Megan, his wife who is also a United Methodist Church Pastor, for seven years. They have a beautiful daughter, Gwenivere, who will be turning three later this month. Steven is pursuing his Masters of Intercultural Studies and Church Planting at Asbury Theological Seminary. He is in the process of launching a new ministry that has been on his heart since 2008 which he tells us about in this conversation. He recently started a blog called St. Martin's Coogi Sweater which you should check out!

You can connect with Steven on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

You can follow St. Martin's Coogi Sweater on Facebook as well.

Please join the conversation about this episode (and messy spirituality in general) over on our private FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast, Messy Conversations.

You an follow the podcast on Facebook and Instagram.

Be sure to check out my new column over on Patheos as well!

Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your platform of choice. That helps us connect with new listeners around the world.

You can help make this podcast possible by supporting us on Patreon. You'll receive early access to each new episode before they are released to the general public.

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A Very Messy Message: Letting Love In

Wed, 05 Aug 2020 14:01:27 GMT

In this message shared live at Eternal Hope Church in Mary Esther, FL, Jason talks about the power of trusting in the love of God and how it frees us from fear and insecurity.

A video of this message is available on the Eternal Hope UCC Facebook page.

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Episode 49: Kingdom Community with PK Langley

Mon, 20 Jul 2020 05:01:00 GMT

Episode 49 features PK Langley. PK was a senior pastor who walked away from religion and learned how to love. She created over three hundred cartoons to express her journey of awakening and they are posted for free on langleytown.com. She works in the mental health field and is completing her master's in mental health counseling. In this conversation, we discuss knowing Jesus in a deep, personal way, finding scripture in all of life, the joy and heartbreak of coming out, and the coming kingdom community. You don't want to miss this conversation! You can learn more about PK Langley on her website and engage with her on Facebook. Check out her books on her Amazon Author Page. There are still a few spots open for our first ever online course, Navigating Your Spiritual Evolution. Register here today! I'd love for you to check out my brand new column on Patheos where I post three times per week. Please join our listener community over on Facebook, Messy Conversations. Be sure to answer the two quick membership questions for fast approval! You can follow the podcast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Please take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to our podcast on your platform of choice! Finally, please consider helping us produce the podcast by becoming a patron here. Thank you so much for your incredible support. We honestly could not do it without you.

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Episode 48: Discovering Spiritual Direction with Chris Eaker

Mon, 13 Jul 2020 05:00:00 GMT

My guest in episode 48 is my friend, Chris Eaker. Chris is a husband, father, former engineer, academic librarian, musician, and spiritual director who lives in Knoxville, TN. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 2000 with a degree in civil engineering and in 2013 from the University of Tennessee with a degree in informational sciences. He received his Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Richmont Graduate University in May 2020 and now offers a contemplative and reflective style of spiritual direction in Knoxville and virtually. His own spiritual formation formation has been guided by contemplative prayer practices, journaling, and silent retreats. Together, those form the foundation of spiritual direction through Stepping Stones Life Ministries. In this conversation, we discuss Chris' spiritual evolution, recently being shown the left foot of Christian of fellowship by his local church, and how contemplative practices and spiritual direction have helped lay a foundation of freedom in his life. You can connect with Chris and Stepping Stones Life Ministries on Facebook. While you're on Facebook, please follow our podcast as well! You can also join our listeners only FB group Messy Conversations. For more information about Chris and his spiritual direction ministry, please check out his ministry website here. Our brand new online course-"Navigating Your Spiritual Evolution" is now open for registration here! Please be sure to subscribe, follow, rate, and review the podcast on your platform of choice. Finally, please consider helping us keep this podcast on the air with a Patreon pledge of $1, $5, or $25 by clicking here.

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Episode 47: Worthy of Love with Markus Watson

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 05:01:00 GMT

On episode 47, I speak with Markus Watson. Markus has been a Presbyterian pastor for almost twenty years. He currently serves as Interim Pastor of Westmorland Community Presbyterian Church in the small farming community of Westmorland, California. Markus is also the host of the Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast and is the author of Beyond Thingification: Helping Your Church Engage in God's Mission. Markus lives in San Diego with his wife and three kids. In this conversation we discuss Markus' spiritual journey, life as a pastor, the pain of being falsely accused, cancel culture, and much more. This one is different than any episode of the podcast that we've done so far and I can't wait to hear what you think of it. It's a challenging conversation to be sure. You can visit Marcus' website here. You can listen to the Spiritual Life and Leadership podcast here. (Hint: You might recognize his guest on this week's episode releasing on 7/7/2020) You can order Markus' book, Beyond Thingification: Helping Your Church Engage in God's Mission, here. You can connect with Markus on Facebook. While you’re on social media, you can follow our podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Visit our website here. Please consider supporting this podcast via Patreon here. Thanks for listening! Please take a minute to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast on your platform of choice. We really appreciate your support!

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Episode 46:At the Intersection of Hope and Despair with Derrick Day

Fri, 19 Jun 2020 05:01:00 GMT

Episode 46 features a timely conversation with author, pastor, and hopeful theologian Derrick Day. Derrick Day literally wrote the book on Deconstructing Religion. He's a long-time pastor, the host of the Love Forward podcast, and takes his message worldwide on social media via Derrick Day Multimedia.Derrick unpacks his spiritual journey for us and takes a hard look at the history of systemic racism in America and the protests taking place around the world in the aftermath of the brutal murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and so many others. PLEASE NOTE: This episode contains strong language and may not be suitable for all audiences. Check out Derrick's website here. You can find Derrick's Love Minus Religion blog on Patheos here. I highly recommend Derrick's excellent book, Deconstructing Religion. You can follow Derrick on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can subscribe to his YouTube channel here. While you're on social media, you can follow our podcast on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Visit our website here. Please consider supporting this podcast via Patreon here. Thanks for listening! Please take a minute to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast on your platform of choice. We really appreciate your support!

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Episode 45: No Regrets with David Meyers

Fri, 12 Jun 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Episode 45 of the podcast is now available featuring David Meyers. David is a father of 4 and has been married to his wife, Nicole, for 22 years. He is a touring musician turned pastor turned firefighter and is a singer/songwriter creating music with his band Of Light and Shadow whose music is featured in this episode. In this conversation, we discuss David's spiritual journey, why he left local church ministry, his music, and living a life with no regrets. The songs "The Arc" and "Wide Awake" were featured in this episode. You can hear more music from Of Light and Shadow and purchase their new LP "The Art of Shifting Seas" here. David's theology website is an incredible resource as well. You can find that here. You can connect with David on Facebook and Instagram. While you're on social media, please be sure to follow our podcast on Facebook and Instagram as well. You can find every episode of the podcast on our website. Please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on your platform of choice. Finally, we'd really appreciate it if you would help make this podcast happen by becoming a patron on Patreon where you'll get great perks in appreciation for your generous support. Thanks so much for listening!

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Episode 44: A New Reformation with Phil Drysdale

Mon, 18 May 2020 05:00:00 GMT

All the way from Manchester, England, Phil Drysdale joins us for an in depth conversation about his spiritual journey, his intense study of the current deconstruction moment that we're in, how this new reformation started, and where it's headed. Phil Drysdale helps people who are in the process of losing their faith and hopefully helps them discover something much more beautiful to believe in. He founded The Deconstruction Network, a site dedicated to both helping those deconstructing their faith find like minded people to connect with and conducting research on the deconstruction movement. When he's not travelling to meet with and support groups around the world, he's usually found on Instagram chatting with people. Phil is the host of The Phil Drysdale Show which is available wherever you listen to podcasts and on Youtube. You can follow Phil on Facebook. Check out Phil's website. Check out The Grace Course here. You can subscribe to his podcast here and his Youtube channel here. Finally, you can connect with The Deconstruction Network. There's still time to register for Nomad 2020! Thanks so much for listening! Please consider supporting this podcast on Patreon. Have a great week!Jason

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Episode 43: Oneness with God with Kyle Butler

Mon, 11 May 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Episode 43 of the podcast features one of the most encouraging people I know-Kyle Butler! Kyle got his start in ministry when he was just 13 years old. He was ordained at the age of 21. Five years later he was installed as the pastor of the church he grew up in. In 2008, Kyle received a revelation of grace that changed his life and ministry forever. As his understanding of grace increased, Kyle began to understand the unconditional love of God and humanity's oneness with God. Kyle is one of two co-hosts of Graceline every Monday evening at 8PM Eastern on Facebook Live. He is featured on the 3 Cord broadcasts on FB Live every Thursday evening at 7PM Eastern. He can also be seen on Sunday mornings at 9AM Eastern broadcasting on the Global Online Ministry Alliance on FB. Kyle is a contributor to the Too Many Podcasters broadcasts and podcasts and is a featured speaker at the upcoming NOMAD 2020 virtual conference. Kyle and I talked about his evolving faith, loving people we disagree with, and humanity's relationship to the Divine. You really don't want to miss this conversation. You can visit Kyle's website here. You can find Kyle on Facebook here. Register today for the NOMAD 2020 virtual conference featuring Kyle Butler, Keith Giles, Katy Valentine, PK Langley, Derrick Day, Karl and Laura Forehand, Cody and Elaine Johnston, Todd Vick, Bill Thrasher, and me! The early bird all access rate is just $29 and is only available for a few more days. So register here today! Please join us on our Facebook group exclusively for listeners of this podcast-Messy Conversations. I'd be incredibly grateful for your support on Patreon where you can get perks (like early access to every new episode!) as our way of saying thanks for helping us produce this podcast! Click here for more info. Thanks for listening! We truly appreciate your support!

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Special Episode: Healing Life's Wounds

Wed, 06 May 2020 20:43:13 GMT

In this special episode, I provide a quick podcast update and describe a recent experience that I found helpful in healing the wounds of life.

I was recently a guest on Todd Vick's very first episode of The Reconstruction Rebel podcast. You can hear that interview here.

This week, I was a guest on Eric Nevins' "Halfway There" podcast. You can listen to that interview here.

To register for the NOMAD 2020 virtual conference, click here. Early bird pricing ends soon so register today for the best price.

To schedule a contemplative focusing session with Karl and/or Laura Forehand, please contact them through their website here. I found it helpful and I think you will too.

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Episode 42: One Gay Man's Journey with Seth Showalter

Fri, 24 Apr 2020 18:41:13 GMT

Episode 42 of the podcast features Licensed Clinical Social Worker Seth Showalter. Seth is a co-host of the Fade to Gray Podcast and also runs a solo podcast called Mental. He comes from Southern Baptist roots and was headed into ministry until he realized he had same sex attraction. Seth has had an interesting journey and isn't shy about sharing that journey for the benefit of others.We discuss Seth's spiritual journey, what led him to pursue ministry as a vocation, serving as an intern at a megachurch, why he walked away from local church ministry, and why he doesn't feel like he fits into many progressive Christian church settings. You can connect with Seth on Facebook and follow the Fade to Gray podcast and the Mental podcast as well. Please check out Seth's incredible podcasts "Fade to Gray" and "Mental" wherever you listen to podcasts! You'll find his podcast website here. While you're on Facebook, please follow our podcast here and join our listeners only Messy Conversations group. Please be sure to subscribe or follow our podcast on your podcast player of choice and leave a 5 star rating and a review! Finally, please consider being one of the very special people who help make this podcast happen via Patreon. We'd really appreciate your support and you'll get some great perks as our way of saying thanks! Thank you so much for your support of this podcast! This show would not be possible without you!

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Episode 41: Moving Towards Contemplation with Eric Nevins

Mon, 13 Apr 2020 05:00:00 GMT

After a COVID-19 sabbatical, The Messy Spirituality Podcast is back with Episode 41 of the podcast featuring contemplative and podcaster Eric Nevins. Eric is the host of the Halfway There podcast and the founder of the Christian Podcasters Association. He is also a husband, father, and seminary graduate. I really enjoyed this conversation as we discussed Eric's spiritual journey, how he learned to pray, why he isn't a pastor, moving toward contemplation, and his advice for those undergoing a spiritual reformation. You can follow Eric on Facebook here and his podcast page here. While you’re on Facebook, please like our podcast page here and join our private group exclusively for listeners of this podcast here. You can find Eric's "8 Day Experience" on his website here. Thinking of starting a podcast of your own? Check out his latest venture Rocket Podcast here. You can also connect with the Christian Podcasters Association here. Please be sure to check out Eric's incredible podcast, Halfway There. I'll be featured on an upcoming episode, so make sure to hit the subscribe button so you don't miss it! Please be sure to rate and review our podcast as well as subscribe on your platform of choice so you never miss an episode! Please consider supporting this podcast via Patreon where you will receive exclusive perks in appreciation of your support of our work. Thanks so much for listening. We really appreciate you!

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Episode 40: Executing Jesus with Shane Claiborne

Sun, 29 Mar 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Episode 40 features a conversation with author, speaker, and activist Shane Claiborne. We discuss Shane's spiritual background and the evolution of his faith as well as what drew him into the struggle to overturn the death penalty in the United States. You can purchase Shane's paradigm shifting book on this issue, Executing Grace, here. Years ago, another one of Shane's books started a revolution of understanding in my heart and mind regarding social justice. I highly recommend his book Irresistible Revolution. Shane is a founder of The Simple Way community in Philadelphia, PA. You can visit their website here. Shane is also a founder of Red Letter Christians. Visit their website here. You can follow Shane on Facebook and Twitter. I'd like to thank Shane's wonderful wife, Katie, for her kind assistance with the scheduling and logistics of this interview. Thanks, Katie! We really appreciate your help in making this interview happen! Please join the conversation on our private Facebook group exclusively for listeners of this podcast here. Thanks so much for listening! Please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast on your platform of choice. This podcast would not be possible without the support of our beloved patrons over on Patreon! Please consider supporting our work with a monthly contribution by signing up here. You'll get early access to every new episode and other great perks as our way of saying thanks for your support!

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Episode 39: The Jesus Purpose with Bill Thrasher

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 05:00:00 GMT

Episode 39 of the podcast features author and former pastor Bill Thrasher. Bill calls himself a uniquely ordinary guy. He's a life taught academic and a warrior who is at peace. Through experience, study, and prayer, Bill has found an amazing outlook on life and its ultimate purpose. He has a burning desire to share his story and its life changing insight with everyone. A U.S. Marine, husband, father, and love of life-Bill is also a passionate teacher gifted with a unique perspective and a skilled leader in the field of business. As an author, public speaker, and minister, he has a true passion to share his path to knowing hope and peace-a journey that he has personally endeavored. Raised inside the culture of the westernized evangelical church, Bill has broken free of traditional religion rules and believes in the good news of God's unbounded love and grace for all humanity. Bill has a gifted understanding of the balance required for finding hope, peace, and purpose. Bill lives in Woodstock, GA, with his wife Kristina, son Will, daughter Ainsleigh, and pound puppy Pyper. Active in the community, Bill hosts Unleashed Community gatherings, is a member of the Marine Corps League, and works with several other outreach missions. You can find Bill's website here. Purchase Bill's incredible book here. You can follow Bill on Facebook and join The Jesus Purpose community. While you’re on Facebook, please like our podcast page here and join our private group exclusively for listeners of this podcast here. Please be sure to rate and review our podcast as well as subscribe on your platform of choice so you never miss an episode! Please consider supporting this podcast via Patreon where you will receive exclusive perks in appreciation of your support of our work. Thanks so much for listening. We really appreciate you!

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Episode 38: The Psychology of Deconstruction with Michelle Collins

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 10:00:00 GMT

Episode 38 of the podcast features a conversation with Michelle Collins, soon-to-be Quoir author and the host of the podcast "Book Ish: The Canon Continues". We discuss Michelle's spiritual journey, being part of the church's inner circle of leadership, and what it's like when your pastor/best friend tells you to leave your church. We talk about the grieving process and psychology of deconstruction. You can find Michelle's wonderful podcast here. You can follow Michelle on Facebook. Be sure to follow Quoir Publishing so you can be among the first to know when Michelle's new book is released! While you're on Facebook, please like our podcast page here and join our private group exclusively for listeners of this podcast here. Please be sure to rate and review our podcast as well as subscribe on your platform of choice so you never miss an episode! Please consider supporting this podcast via Patreon where you will receive exclusive perks for your support of our work. Thanks so much for listening. We really appreciate you!

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Messy Conversations 004: Todd Vick Takes Off the Mask

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:00:00 GMT

My friend, Todd Vick, and I just had a wonderfully "messy conversation" about the dark side of local church ministry, learning to be transparent, experiencing Jesus in a mental health support group, and Todd's upcoming book. You can find Todd Vick on Facebook. You can order Todd's incredible first book, "The Renewing of Your Mind" here. While you're on Facebook, follow The Messy Spirituality Podcast and join our private group exclusively for the listeners of this podcast, Messy Conversations. Please take a moment to rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on your podcast platform of choice. Thanks so much for listening! We appreciate you!

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Episode 37: One Ragamuffin's Journey with Chris Harman

Sun, 01 Mar 2020 11:00:00 GMT

Thanks for downloading episode 37 of the podcast featuring writer, podcaster, and hopeful theologian Chris Harman. Chris is a Southern California boy living life in the low country of Charleston South Carolina with his wife Abby and his boxer Jaxon. A husband, bible student, film buff and hopeful theologian Chris loves fast paced theological discussion, great films, good bourbon and a nice cigar. His passions include social justice, rediscovering the church’s prophetic voice, and spiritual formation and contemplation. He is currently working on a book and formulating a podcast. You can connect with Chris on Facebook and Twitter. You can follow The Ragamuffins' Journey on Facebook here. You can read and subscribe to Chris' blog here. You can also follow our podcast on Facebook here. We’d love for you to join the conversation on our private Facebook group exclusively for listeners of this podcast, Messy Conversations. Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly crafted by The Podcast Doctor, Eric Howell. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, please get in touch with Eric to see how to put his expertise to work for you. Please consider supporting the podcast via Patreon. As our way of saying thanks for your support, you’ll get exclusive early access to every new episode of the podcast as well as articles and videos made just for our patrons! Thanks for listening! We really appreciate your support of this podcast.

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Messy Conversations 003: Two Ex-Pastors Talk About Church with Karl Forehand

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 10:00:00 GMT

Recently, I had the chance to sit down for a raw, uncut conversation about the current state of the church with my friend, author, and former pastor Karl Forehand.

We discuss the following:

Is evangelism still a factor in light of our evolving theology?

Is it possible to be addicted to church?

Is there a "best" model of church?

Feeding the machine

Would Jesus go to church?

The Role of Women in the Church

Purity Culture

Finding community after walking away from church

As you can see, this was a wide ranging conversation-but it was also a lot of fun.

Please take a minute now to subscribe to Karl and Laura's wonderful podcast, The Desert Sanctuary, wherever you listen to podcasts.

Visit Karl's website here.

If you haven't already, purchase Karl's beautiful book, Apparent Faith, here.

You can engage with Karl and me over on The Desert Sanctuary and Messy Conversations groups on Facebook.

Thanks for listening! Your ratings, reviews, and support on Patreon make this podcast possible and help us grow the show.

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Episode 36: Following Jesus By Waging Peace with Martin Brooks

Sun, 23 Feb 2020 13:00:00 GMT

Episode 36 of the podcast features Martin Brooks, the Acting President of Peace Catalyst International! Martin was recently appointed the Interim President of Peace Catalyst International. Peace Catalyst is located in 15 cities and three countries and focuses on greater understanding between Muslims and Christians. Drawing on the teachings and examples of Jesus, Martin has worked with local churches and mosques to create safe spaces to ask questions and build greater trust between Christians and Muslims. He has organized dialogue events, service projects, iftar meals and “Peace Feasts” with Palestinians, Syrians, Turks, Pakistanis, Somalis, Kurds, and Iranians. He works with city officials, refugee agencies, local clergy and interfaith groups to seek the peace of the city and mutual thriving for all. You can learn more about Martin and the work of Peace Catalyst at their website www.PeaceCatalyst.org which occasionally features some of his blog posts. You can follow Peace Catalyst on Facebook and Twitter. You can also follow our podcast on Facebook here. We'd love for you to join the conversation on our private Facebook group exclusively for listeners of this podcast, Messy Conversations. Please consider supporting the podcast via Patreon. As our way of saying thanks for your support, you'll get exclusive early access to every new episode of the podcast as well as articles and videos made just for our patrons! Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly crafted by The Podcast Doctor, Eric Howell. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, please get in touch with Eric to see how to put his expertise to work for you.

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A Very Messy Message: If God is Good Then What Are We Saved From? Part 1

Fri, 21 Feb 2020 05:01:00 GMT

A common question I hear from folks escaping the grip of the doctrine of eternal conscious torment is, "If God is that good then what are we saved from?". In an attempt to answer that important question, I'm recording a video series for our Patreon supporters and releasing the audio to all of you via the podcast. This message is just the start of the series and new messages will be added to that conversation over the next several weeks.

You can get instant access to this video (and others) by joining the ranks of the beautiful humans who generously support the podcast via Patreon by clicking here.

You can connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can subscribe to the Messy Spirituality blog here.

Please be on the look out for episode 36 of the podcast featuring Peace Catalyst International Interim President Martin Brooks releasing on Monday, February 20th!

Thanks for listening! We are so grateful for you!

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A Very Messy Message: A Starting Point to Peace

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT

And now for something completely different... In this episode, I share some rough, unedited thoughts that have been percolating in my heart about learning to live at peace with God, ourselves, and the whole human family. I invite you to join me in praying the following benediction at the end:Creator of all Who keeps no record of wrongs Who points no finger in blame Who loves every member of the human family with scandalous love Teach me to see you, myself, and the whole human family through your eyes Hear through your ears Serve with your hands Forgive with your grace And love with your heart Amen. If you haven't yet, please join the Messy Conversations group on Facebook. You can "Like" our podcast FB page here. Please consider supporting this podcast on Patreon. You can visit our blog here. Thanks so much for listening and for your incredible support of this podcast. We couldn't do this without you!

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Episode 35: Shame Off You with Josh Roggie

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 05:00:00 GMT

We're excited to release episode 35 of the podcast featuring author and podcaster, Josh Roggie!

Josh is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University and Ozark Christian College with a Bachelor's in Creative Writing and an Advanced Associate's in Christian Ministry. He works an ordinary 9-5 in the telecommunications world while spending all of his other time and energy telling stories that he feels people need to hear. He is the co-host of The Harbor podcast and the author of his heartbreaking and hopeful book, Shame: An Unconventional Memoir, which is set to release on February 11th.

In this interview, we discuss Josh's spiritual evolution from a place of hidden shame in the shadows to a more transparent life lived in the light of day.

You can order Josh's excellent book here.

Check out The Harbor podcast here.

You can follow Josh on Facebook and Instagram.

You can also follow our podcast on Facebook here.

We'd love for you to join the conversation on our private Facebook group exclusively for listeners of this podcast, Messy Conversations.

Please consider supporting the podcast via Patreon. As our way of saying thanks for your support, you'll get exclusive early access to every new episode of the podcast as well as articles and videos made just for our patrons!

Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly crafted by The Podcast Doctor, Eric Howell. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, please get in touch with Eric to see how to put his expertise to work for you.

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Episode 34: The Church We Dream Of, Part 4 with Derek Myers

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 05:01:00 GMT

This episode is the fourth installment of our "The Church We Dream Of" series on our collective hopes and dreams for the future of the church. My guest for this final conversation of this series is recording artist/songwriter Derek Myers. Derek is a Los Angeles native transplanted in Atlanta, GA with his wife, Rachel, and two sons, Rayne and Rowan. In 2018, Derek released his debut EP entitled "Reign Freedom" with Furnace Music from Fredricksburg, VA. He is a diehard Dodger fan and shameless foodie with a fondness for good whiskey. More than anything, he longs for people to experience the freedom of knowing Abba's heart and seeing themselves as ones deeply loved by Him. In this interview, we discuss Derek's evolving faith, spiritual influences, aspirations for the church, and what God wants from us today. I think you're really going to love Derek's music and the heart behind it that he shares with us in this episode. You can find Derek's music on Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube, and Amazon. You can follow Derek on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also follow our podcast on Facebook here. We'd love for you to join the conversation on our private Facebook group exclusively for listeners of this podcast, Messy Conversations. Finally, we'd be really honored if you'd consider supporting this podcast on Patreon where you will have exclusive early access to every new episode and find written and video content that you can't find anywhere else. Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly crafted by The Podcast Doctor, Eric Howell. If you’re thinking about starting a podcast, please get in touch with Eric to see how to put his expertise to work for you.

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Episode 33: The Church We Dream Of Part 3 with "Naked Pastor" David Hayward

Sun, 26 Jan 2020 13:49:06 GMT

On this episode, we continue our "The Church We Dream Of" series on our collective hopes and dreams for the future of the church. My guest for this third conversation of this series is prophetic artist "Naked Pastor" David Hayward.

David has a Master's Degree in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, a diploma in Religion Studies and Ministry from McGill University in Montreal, and a diploma in University Teaching from the University of New Brunswick. He served as a local church pastor for 30 years before leaving local church ministry in 2010.

Today, David uses words and images to challenge the status quo and offer hope for those who struggle and suffer under it. David founded The Lasting Supper, an online community for those looking for an alternative to conventional church.

You can find David's website here.

You can find David's online courses here.

David's books (including Money is Spiritual, The Liberation of Sofia, and The Lasting Supper) are available in his book store.

You can follow David on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

You can also follow our podcast page here.

We'd love for you to join the conversation on our private Facebook group exclusively for listeners of this podcast, Messy Conversations.

Help us produce this podcast by becoming a patron over on Patreon!

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Episode 32: The Church We Dream Of Part 2 featuring Fr. Kenneth Tanner

Sun, 19 Jan 2020 21:00:00 GMT

On this episode, we continue our series on our hopes and dreams for the future of the church with pastor, writer, and creative force of nature Father Kenneth Tanner. Fr. Kenneth is the pastor at Church of the Holy Redeemer, a charismatic Episcopal congregation in Rochester Hills, Michigan. In our conversation, we discuss his spiritual journey, his calling to ministry, and his aspirations for the future of the church. You can follow Fr. Kenneth on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can visit his blog on Clarion: Journal of Spirituality and Justice. To engage with this subject further, please join our Messy Conversations group on Facebook. You can also follow our podcast page here. We'd love for you to join our brand new online "Religion Rehab" book study by clicking here. Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly crafted by The Podcast Doctor, Eric Howell. If you're thinking about starting a podcast, please get in touch with Eric to see how to put his expertise to work for you. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting our work via Patreon. You’ll receive early access to new episodes as our way of saying thanks for your generous support!

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Episode 31: The Church We Dream Of Part 1 with Eden Jersak

Sun, 12 Jan 2020 20:00:00 GMT

We all know the dark side of modern church life. Many have been hurt by it and have disengaged from it altogether. In episode 31, we are kicking off a new series on what the church can be. I'm speaking with some deep thinkers and theologians about the church they dream of and discussing how we can get there from here. For the first episode of this series, I spoke to Eden Jersak. Eden is an author, speaker, and former church planter. She is a mother of three men and Grammie to one sweet granddaughter. She enjoys traveling with her husband, adding her voice to the mix, and seeing God's hand in the day to day. She is the co-author of the beautifully written book "Rivers From Eden: 40 Days of Intimate Conversation with God". To hear more from Eden, check out these videos we found online:Developing Intimate Conversation with God Finding My Voice To engage with this subject further, please join our Messy Conversations group on Facebook. You can also follow our podcast page here. We'd love for you to join our brand new online "Religion Rehab" book study by clicking here. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting our work via Patreon. You'll receive early access to new episodes as our way of saying thanks for your generous support! Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly crafted by The Podcast Doctor, Eric Howell. If you're thinking about starting a podcast, please get in touch with Eric to see how to put his expertise to work for you.

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Episode 30: Encountering the God of Unending Love with William Paul Young

Wed, 01 Jan 2020 06:19:25 GMT

It was an absolute honor to spend an hour in conversation with "The Shack" author William Paul Young discussing his spiritual journey, his thoughts on the modern church, why we're terrified of a God who loves without condition, the role of Jesus in our faith, and shining light on some of the lies we believe about God.

You can purchase Paul's incredible books "The Shack", "Crossroads", "Eve", and his latest, "Lies We Believe About God" here.

Visit Paul's website here.

You can follow Paul's work on Facebook and Instagram.

Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly engineered by The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon by clicking here. We can’t do what we do without you! Thanks for your ratings, reviews, follows, and shares!

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Episode 29: Exploring the Heights and Depths of God's Uncontrolling Love with Thomas Jay Oord

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT

This episode of the podcast features author and theologian Thomas Jay Oord.

In this interview, we discuss his spiritual journey, his first exposure to God's uncontrolling love, and the ramifications of a deity who refuses to control us and those around us. This is a theologically rich and thought provoking conversation full of meaning that sets us up perfectly to launch into a new year full of new opportunities to experience God's uncontrolling love.

You can purchase Tom's incredible book, God Can't, here.

You can learn more about Thomas Jay Oord on his website.

You can follow him on Facebook here.

Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly engineered by The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon by clicking here. We can’t do what we do without you! Thanks for your ratings, reviews, follows, and shares!

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Episode 28: Finding My Voice with Laura Forehand

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT

We have just released episode 28 of the podcast featuring teacher and podcaster Laura Forehand. Laura is a second grade teacher in Tarkio, Missouri. She has three amazing grown children and two beautiful grandchildren. She was a pastor's wife for 20 years, up until she and her husband both went through different journeys of deconstruction. She practices and teaches a type of classroom management called Whole Brain Teaching. Through her deconstruction, Laura has shed the vision of the God she thought she knew and, through the birth of her grandchildren, is finding a more beautiful picture of the Divine. I speak with Laura about her spiritual journey, life as a pastor's wife, learning to recognize her voice and how she is making her voice heard today.You can learn more about Laura and the podcast she hosts with her husband Karl by visiting their website at The Desert Sanctuary and their popular Facebook group here. You can follow Laura on Facebook. If you haven’t already, please follow our show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well. We’d love for you to join the conversation over on our private FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast- Messy Conversations.Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly engineered by The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric! Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon by clicking here. We can't do what we do without you! Thanks for your ratings, reviews, follows, and shares!

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Episode 27: "Saying No to God?" featuring Matthew Korpman

Fri, 13 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Episode 27 features author and theologian Matthew J. Korpman discussing a radical new way of reading the Bible. Matthew is a rising biblical scholar, itinerant preacher, and theological arsonist. Currently pursuing his Master of Arts in Religion at Yale Divinity School, he holds four bachelor degrees in Theology, Archaeology, Philosophy, and Screenwriting. He has traveled and excavated in Israel and Jordan, and is proud to call San Diego, California his home. Whether you agree with all of his conclusions or not, you will gain valuable tools for learning to think critically about the scriptures. Order Matthew's groundbreaking new book "Saying No to God" here. You can check out more information about the book at his website here. You can follow Matthew on Facebook and Twitter. If you haven't already, please follow our show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well. We’d love for you to join the conversation over on our private FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast- Messy Conversations. Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is engineered by The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric! Please consider supporting the podcast on Patreon by clicking here. We can't do what we do without you! Thanks for your ratings, reviews, follows, and shares!

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Episode 26: "Finding Sanctuary Within" with Meg Calvin

Fri, 06 Dec 2019 05:00:00 GMT

In this episode I speak to author and podcaster Meg Calvin about her faith journey, learning to recognize one's own voice, finding peace within, and more. Meg's wonderful book, "I Am My Own Sanctuary: How a Recovering Holy-Roller Found Healing and Power" is available this Friday by clicking here. You can get more info on Meg and her book on her website. Meg is a co-host of The Listening Chair Podcast which you can find here. You can follow Meg on Facebook and Instagram. If you haven't already, please follow our show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well. We’d love for you to join the conversation over on our private FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast- Messy Conversations. Please consider supporting this podcast on Patreon! In exchange for your generous support (starting for as little as $1 per month) you can get cool perks like early access to every episode of the podcast and a free copy of my new book releasing later this year! Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly engineered by The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric! Thanks so much for listening!

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Episode 25: The Redheaded Ragamuffin with Michele Snyder

Sun, 01 Dec 2019 21:00:00 GMT

Episode 25 featuring Michele Snyder. Michele is the host of "The Redheaded Ragamuffin" podcast. We talk about Michele's history of escaping fundamentalism and learning to see God as a loving Father.

You can find Michele's website here.

You can listen to Michele's podcast here. Recent episodes feature bestselling authors Mary Demuth and Thomas Jay Oord. Subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss an episode!

You can follow Michele on Facebook and Twitter.

If you haven't already, please follow our show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well.

We’d love for you to join the conversation over on our private FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast- Messy Conversations.

Please consider supporting this podcast on Patreon! In exchange for your generous support (starting for as little as $1 per month) you can get cool perks like early access to every episode of the podcast and a free copy of my new book releasing later this year!

Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly engineered by The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

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Episode 24: The God in My Closet with Ben DeLong

Mon, 25 Nov 2019 15:33:11 GMT

In this episode I talk to Nazarene pastor and "There's a God in My Closet" author, Ben DeLong. We talk about healing our destructive ideas about God and the damage they've done. You can learn more about Ben and his work on his website here. Purchase a copy of Ben's powerful book here. You can follow Ben on Facebook and Twitter. Check out Ben's great podcast "There's a God in My Closet" on Podbean. If you haven't already, please follow our show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well. We’d love for you to join the conversation over on our private FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast- Messy Conversations. Please consider supporting this podcast on Patreon! In exchange for your generous support (starting for as little as $1 per month) you can get cool perks like early access to every episode of the podcast and a free copy of my new book releasing later this year! Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly engineered by The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

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Messy Conversations 002: A Love Stronger Than Hell with Keith Giles

Fri, 22 Nov 2019 20:20:12 GMT

For episode two of our new raw and uncut series "Messy Conversations", I spoke to my friend "Jesus Undefeated" author Keith Giles. We talk about the three dominant afterlife doctrines of the early church, Keith's own evolving views, why it matters what we believe about the afterlife, and how Keith handles very public (and often, mean-spirited) criticism. Keith is a co-host of the Heretic Happy Hour Podcast. Check out Keith's blog here. Keith writes incredible books that challenge, educate, and inspire us to follow Jesus more closely. I highly recommend Jesus Untangled, Jesus Unbound, Jesus Unveiled, and his latest (and possibly, best) book, Jesus Undefeated. Keith helps people navigate the rough road of deconstruction/reconstruction through his comprehensive Back to Square One program. Keith has given himself entirely to the work of writing and podcasting and he is making a real difference in the lives of real people who might otherwise feel alone. Please consider supporting his important work on Patreon. You can follow Keith on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you haven’t already, please follow our show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well. We’d love for you to join the conversation over on our private FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast- Messy Conversations. Please consider supporting this podcast on Patreon! In exchange for your generous support (starting for as little as $1 per month) you can get cool perks like early access to every episode of the podcast and a free copy of my new book releasing later this year! Also exclusively on Patreon-I'm starting a "Religion Rehab" online book club specifically for those on the deconstruction/reconstruction journey. I'll send you one book and host two online video conferences per month (one in December) to help you navigate the journey of rebuilding faith when you no longer believe what you've always believed. You don't have to do this alone. There are thousands of us on that same journey. We'll get through this together.

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Messy Conversations 001: Leaving Church with Laura and Karl Forehand

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 21:00:00 GMT

Something brand new for you today...

For awhile now, I've wanted to go back and reengage with some of the early guests of The Messy Spirituality Podcast to discuss what has been happening with them post deconstruction. So I decided to start a new series of raw and unedited conversations that I'm calling Messy Conversations in addition to the original podcast.

This is the first episode of that effort.

My first guests on this brand new series are Laura and Karl Forehand. Laura is a 2nd grade teacher, grandmother, and all around wonderful human being. Karl is an author, podcaster, and former pastor.

If you haven't heard our original conversation with Karl about his beautiful book "Apparent Faith: What Fatherhood Taught Me About The Father's Heart", please check out Episode 10 of The Messy Spirituality Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this new conversation, we discuss how Laura and Karl came to the point of deciding that they would no longer attend church services after being involved in local church ministry for many years. It was a wonderful conversation with a lot of honesty and transparency from both Laura and Karl.

You can follow Laura and Karl on Facebook.

Please check out their website at The Desert Sanctuary to find Karl and Laura's podcast.

You can order Karl's book here.

Join The Desert Sanctuary Facebook group here.

If you haven’t already, please follow our show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well. We’d love for you to join the conversation over on our private FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast- Messy Conversations. Please consider supporting this podcast on Patreon! In exchange for your generous support (starting for as little as $1 per month) you can get cool perks like early access to every episode of the podcast and a free copy of my new book releasing later this year!

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Episode 23: Reckless Faith with Elaine and Cody Johnston

Mon, 18 Nov 2019 10:00:00 GMT

On this episode we're joined by young business owners and podcasters Cody and Elaine Johnston. We discuss each of their spiritual journeys, how they met, entrepreneurship, their three podcasts, and much more. You're going to love these two! Visit Elaine and Cody's website here. You can follow Elaine's blog here. You can follow The Prodigal Daughter on Facebook. You can follow The Reckless Pursuit on Facebook and Instagram. Check out their fantastic podcasts The Prodigal Daughter, Itinerant, and The Reckless Pursuit wherever you listen to podcasts. Cody and Elaine host an online community on Facebook called NOMADS. You can check it out here.If you haven't already, please follow our show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well. We’d love for you to join the conversation over on our private FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast- Messy Conversations. Please consider supporting this podcast on Patreon! In exchange for your generous support (starting for as little as $1 per month) you can get cool perks like early access to every episode of the podcast and a free copy of my new book releasing later this year! Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly engineered by The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

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Episode 22: A Tale of Two Turneys Part 2-Open Table with Nat Turney

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 21:00:00 GMT

Our guest this week is musician, worship leader, and pastor Nat Turney. Nat Turney serves as lead pastor of Open Table Fellowship church in San Angelo, Tx where he resides with his wife of 28 years, Kimberly. He is the father of four grown children and a Papa to two amazing grandsons. Nat is passionate about people and is dedicated to proclaiming the good news that God is revealed fully and finally in the person of Jesus. You can follow Nat on Facebook. You can follow Open Table Fellowship on Facebook and Instagram. While you're there, why not follow The Messy Spirituality Podcast on Facebook and Instagram as well?We’d love for you to join the conversation over on our private FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast- Messy Conversations. Please consider supporting this podcast on Patreon! In exchange for your generous support (starting for as little as $1 per month) you can get cool perks like early access to every episode of the podcast and a free copy of my new book releasing later this year! Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly engineered by The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you’re thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

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Episode 21: A Tale of Two Turneys Part One-The Unpastor with Jon Turney

Sun, 27 Oct 2019 22:00:00 GMT

My guest in this episode is musician, worship leader, and "unpastor" Jon Turney. We talk about Jon's upbringing in the Foursquare church, why he left the church, and the freak accident that led him back to faith. Don't miss part two of this series featuring Jon's brother, Nat Turney, next week!

You can follow Jon's posts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

While you're there, please follow our show on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well.

We'd love for you to join the conversation over on our private FB group exclusively for listeners of this podcast- Messy Conversations.

Each episode of The Messy Spirituality Podcast is expertly engineered by The Podcast Doctor Eric Howell. If you're thinking of starting a podcast you need to connect with Eric!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 20: Holy Spirit with Andrew Parks

Sun, 06 Oct 2019 22:00:00 GMT

This episode of the podcast features writer and theologian Andrew Parks sharing his personal experience with the Person and work of the Holy Spirit. Does Holy Spirit fill only those who meet certain requirements? What is the purpose of this filling? What is the role of Holy Spirit in our lives? Is there a certain sign that we've been filled by the Spirit? We examine all of these questions and much more in this episode. Check out Andrew's blog here. You can follow Andrew on Facebook and Twitter. While you’re there, you can follow our podcast on Facebook and Instagram as well. To engage further in the topics discussed on our podcast, please join our private FB group Messy Conversations. Please consider helping us continue to put out meaningful content by supporting our work on Patreon.Each episode of our podcast is expertly engineered by The Podcast Doctor, Eric Howell. If you're looking for some help translating your podcast from idea to reality, look no further than The Podcast Doctor.

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Episode 19: Why Reconstruction Matters with Keith Giles

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 19:49:32 GMT

Welcome to Episode 19 of The Messy Spirituality Podcast: Why Reconstruction Matters featuring "Jesus Unveiled" Author and Heretic Happy Hour podcast co-host Keith Giles. As a companion resource to this episode, please check out Keith's Patheos blog post on 4 Essential Elements of Reconstruction. I highly recommend Keith's excellent book, "Jesus Unveiled: Forsaking Church As We Know It For Ekklesia as God Intended". Also, please check out Keith's brand new course on reconstruction Back to Square One which launches on September 30th, 2019. I'd love for you to join me (Jason) on this journey of reconstruction!You can follow Keith on Facebook and Twitter. While you’re there, you can follow our podcast on Facebook and Instagram as well.To engage further in the topics discussed on our podcast, please join our private FB group Messy Conversations. Please consider helping us continue to put out meaningful content by supporting our work on Patreon. Each episode of our podcast is expertly engineered by The Podcast Doctor, Eric Howell. If you're looking for some help translating your podcast from idea to reality, look no further than The Podcast Doctor.

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Episode 18: Staying in Church After Deconstruction with Doug Stewart

Sun, 22 Sep 2019 22:00:00 GMT

In this episode, I talk to TedX Presenter and Dale Carnagie Instructor Doug Stewart about his journey to a healthier faith and why he maintains his relationship with the church post deconstruction.

Doug is the host of the thought provoking "I Am Not Your Pastor" podcast. Check it out wherever you listen to podcasts.

Check out Doug's website here and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

While you're there, you can follow our podcast on Facebook and Instagram as well.

Please consider helping us continue to put out great content by supporting our work on Patreon.

Each episode of our podcast is engineered by The Podcast Doctor, Eric Howell. If you need help transitioning your podcast from idea to reality, I highly recommend reaching out to Eric to help make that happen.

Thanks for listening!

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Episode 17: Experiencing Christ in Everyone with Dallas Verity

Sun, 15 Sep 2019 22:00:00 GMT

This episode features theologian and podcaster Dallas Verity discussing his fascinating life and learning to experience Christ in the most unlikely places.

Dallas is a co-host of the Shipwreck Over Safety podcast which I highly recommend!

You can connect with Dallas on Facebook and Instagram.

You can follow The Messy Spirituality Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Please consider helping us continue this labor love by becoming a beloved patron over on Patreon.

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Special Episode: When You Feel Like You Can't Go On with Steve Austin

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 18:59:52 GMT

In the wake of the passing of Christian pastor and author Jarrid Wilson by suicide at age 30, I reached out to my friend, author, and self care expert Steve Austin to share with us about his own suicide attempt and his journey back to life. The result was a powerful 30 minute conversation that we're releasing today as a special episode of the podcast. With the Wilson family's permission, author Jonathan Merritt has started a Go Fund Me page to raise financial support for Juli Wilson and her two small sons. Please contribute here if you're able.You can visit Steve Austin's website here and follow him on Facebook and Twitter. Steve is the author of the excellent books From Pastor to a Psyche Ward and Catching Your Breath.If you are struggling with depression and/or suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 for immediate help from professionals who care. You are not alone. You matter. We need you here. This episode is dedicated to the memory of Jarrid Wilson with love and respect.

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Episode 16: Growing Things Change with Bob Hutchins

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 22:00:00 GMT

In this episode, I talk to author, podcaster, ordained minister, and social media marketing master, Bob Hutchins, about his faith journey, the dark side of the faith based film industry, Enneagram, and overcoming cynicism.

If you haven't already, you should really check out Bob's excellent podcast-Rumors of Grace wherever you listen to podcasts. It's one of my favorites.

You can follow Bob on Facebook and Instagram.

You can also follow our podcast on Facebook and Instagram.

We'd love to have your support on Patreon.

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Episode 15: Prodigals Like Us with Beau Hoffman and Andrew Parks

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 22:00:00 GMT

In this episode, I sit down for a round table conversation with Andrew Parks and Beau Hoffman discussing the nature of God as revealed in Jesus' parable of the prodigal son. Andrew Parks is a writer and entrepreneur. You can follow him on Facebook and Twitter. Beau Hoffman is an attorney, and theologian. You can find him on Facebook and Instagram. You can interact with The Messy Spirituality Podcast on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Please rate and review the show on your podcast platform of choice. Thanks for listening!

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Episode 14: Rethinking Heresy with Eric Howell

Sun, 21 Jul 2019 22:00:00 GMT

In this brief episode, "The Podcast Doctor" Eric Howell shares his journey of moving from fear of hell to faith in God's love.

You can find Eric and The Podcast Doctor on Facebook.

You can follow The Messy Spirituality Podcast on Facebook or visit our website here.

You can also support us on Patreon.

Thanks for listening! Please subscribe, rate, and review the show on your podcast platform of choice.

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Episode 13: Displacing Fear With Love with Jason Elam

Sun, 14 Jul 2019 22:00:00 GMT

And now, for something completely different...

In this solo episode, Jason discusses the high price of living out of fear, transitioning to a life centered on love, what Jesus meant when He talked about "hell", and more.

Jason Elam is a former pastor, aspiring author, and podcaster. He is Brandi's grateful husband and proud dad of four awesome kids. He currently serves as a community organizer at The Hope Center near Birmingham, Alabama.

You can follow The Messy Spirituality Podcast on Facebook and support us on Patreon!

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Episode 12: Finding My Voice with Hannah Johnson

Sun, 07 Jul 2019 22:00:00 GMT

In this episode we talk to worship leader, blogger, and social work student, Hannah Johnson, about her faith journey as a preacher's kid, life in the fishbowl, how going to ministry school at one of the fastest growing churches in America turned out differently than she had expected, and how she started to discover her own voice. It's a great conversation and I'm excited for you to hear it!

You can follow Hannah's written work here.

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Episode 11: Love Heretic with Wendy Francisco

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 00:18:09 GMT

Our guest this week is the wonderfully transparent Wendy Francisco.

As a singer and songwriter, Wendy has traveled the world performing concerts and, for many years, was very much a part of American evangelical culture. As she began to question long-held beliefs, she shared what she was learning and a community grew around her new found freedom. Wendy is the founder of the "Love Heretic" group on Facebook. You can check that out here.

A bit of trivia: Just prior to recording this interview, I was blown away to learn that Wendy is the incredible voice behind one of my favorite TV theme songs of all time-the theme from NBC's Must See TV sitcom "Dear John" (starring Judd Hirsch). You can hear that theme here.

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Episode 10: Out of the Shadows with Karl Forehand

Mon, 24 Jun 2019 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode, I speak to former pastor and author Karl Forehand about his journey out of the shadows of his false self and into the light, what he learned about God through his relationships with his own children, and his forthcoming book, "Apparent Faith: What Fatherhood Taught Me About The Father's Heart", which will release on July 1st.

You can follow Karl on Facebook here.

You can purchase his book "Apparent Faith" here on July 1st.

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Episode 09: Renewing Your Mind with Todd Vick

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we talk to author and former pastor Todd Vick about what it means to renew our minds, who does the renewing, and what that process might look like post deconstruction.

You can follow Todd on Facebook.

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Episode 08: Reconciling Prayer With the Uncontrolling Love of God with Mark Karris

Mon, 10 Jun 2019 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we talk with pastor, author, and licensed marriage and family therapist Mark Karris about what prayer might look like post deconstruction. Mark shares about his tragic childhood, the uncontrolling love of God, and whether or not miracles fit into his understanding of prayer.

During our conversation, Mark mentions an article he wrote entitled, "Death and Life By a Thousand Cuts". You can find it here.

You can purchase Mark's incredible book, Divine Echoes, on Amazon and follow Mark's work on Facebook.

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Episode 07: The Subversive Power of Loving Your Enemies with Andrew Parks

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we talk with writer and theologian Andrew Parks about his journey of faith, loss, and the subversive power of Jesus' call to love our enemies.

You can follow Andrew on Facebook and Twitter.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 06: A Faith Worth Keeping with Brad Jersak

Fri, 24 May 2019 13:33:40 GMT

In this episode, I talk to author, theologian, and patristic scholar, Brad Jersak about hearing God, inner healing, a more beautiful gospel, the afterlife, finding community post deconstruction, areas where he struggles with Orthodox Church practice, and several books that he is currently working on-including a short story with "The Shack" author, William Paul Young.

You can purchase Brad's incredible books "Can You Hear Me? Tuning in to the God Who Speaks", "Her Gates Will Never Be Shut: Hope, Hell, and the New Jerusalem", and "A More Christlike God: A More Beautiful Gospel" as well as his wonderful children's books "Children Can You Hear Me? and "Jesus Showed Us" via his Amazon Author page.

You can follow Brad on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Our next episode releases on Monday June 3rd featuring Andrew Parks.

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Episode 05: Understanding Mimetic Theory with Matthew J. Distefano

Mon, 20 May 2019 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode we explore Rene' Girard's paradigm shifting mimetic theory with author and podcaster Matthew J. Distefano. I asked Matthew to give us a very high level view for people, like me, who have struggled to grasp the concept and its' implications in our life. We also get into the practice of scapegoating and why that's so destructive. Matthew is the author of several books including: All Set Free, From the Blood of Abel, and Heretic! all available on Amazon. He is also a co-host of the popular Heretic Happy Hour podcast and also co-hosts a brand new podcast called The Bonfire Sessions. Up next: Don't miss Episode 06 featuring author Brad Jersak!

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Episode 04: Reconstructing Evangelicalism w/Beau Hoffman

Mon, 13 May 2019 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode, I talk to my friend and fellow spiritual seeker Beau Hoffman about the shifting sands of deconstruction, following Jesus into reconstruction, and what it means to be evangelical today. Beau is a voice worth following on social media. You can find him on Facebook and Instagram.

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Episode 03: From Inerrancy to Inspiration with Keith Giles

Mon, 06 May 2019 10:00:00 GMT

In Episode 03, we welcome back our first ever repeat guest-Jesus Unbound author Keith Giles-to discuss the journey from belief in the Bible as the inerrant Word of God to a belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the one and only Word of God.

What does that mean for our faith?

Where did the Bible come from?

Did God dictate the words of scripture to the writers?

How do we transition from a life of following the Bible to a life of following Jesus?

We discuss all of these questions and more.

For further study, order Keith's incredible book Jesus Unbound from Amazon.

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Episode 02:Living for a Living with Jamal Jivanjee

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Jason speaks with author, podcaster, and life coach Jamal Jivanjee about moving from an economy of scarcity to an economy of love. You can purchase Jamal's excellent book, Living for a Living, on Amazon.

This episode was engineered by Eric Howell.

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Episode 01: United We Stand? w/Keith Giles

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 10:00:00 GMT

In this episode, Jason talks to "Jesus Untangled" author Keith Giles to discuss the intersection of faith and nationalism. You can find more great content from Keith on Patreon!

This episode was engineered by Eric Howell.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 00:This is My Story

Sat, 13 Apr 2019 18:31:54 GMT

In this special PREQUEL episode, Jason introduces himself, tells you some of his story, and talk about why he's launching this podcast.

Thanks for listening! Subscribe today!

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The Messy Spirituality Podcast

In the Margins

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When It's Time to Walk Away

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Living More Authentically

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PREVIEW: Parenting Deconstructed-The Podcast

A Compassionate Response to Addiction

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Are You Ready to Get Unstuck?

Recommended Reading:

Referred to in this episode:

Wisdom from The Shire

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The Cost of Censorship

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Sunday Sermon: Jesus the Mystic

In this talk, I discuss:

Suggested reading:

Question for discussion in the comments:

Is There a Way Back to Eden?

The Magic of Letting Go

Uncovering Religious Art

Favorite Books of 2022

Brad Jersak Returns!

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Are Angels and Demons Real?

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What Makes You Grateful?

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What Happens After We Die?

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What Happens to People Who Commit Suicide?

Slavery On the Ballot?

Why Can't We Be Friends?

Does God Need Our Money?

The Dangers of Fear Based Religion

Thriving Outside of Organized Religion with Karl and Laura Forehand

Messy Conversations: Andrew Pledger

The Dark Side of VBS

Can I Trust My Own Heart?

The Beautiful Uncertainty of Everything with Keith Giles

More Than the Preacher's Kid with Erin Camille

Season Three-Episode 08: Should I Stay or Should I Go? with Brian McLaren

Season Three-Episode 07: I Kissed Purity Culture Goodbye with Macey Berry

Season Three-Episode 06: Searching for the God Who Heals with James Early

Season Three-Episode 05: Surviving a Stroke with Karl and Laura Forehand

Season Three: Episode 04-Are the Critics of Deconstruction Right? with Matthew J. Distefano and Keith Giles

Season Three: Episode 03: The Church We Dream Of with Ashley Robbins

Season Three-Episode 02: Faces of Addiction with Joshua Lawson

Season Three, Episode 01: Following Jesus Through Non-Violence

Season 02 Episode 08: Reconstructing Your Mind with Todd Vick

Season 02 Episode 07: Mystical Encounters with Jesus featuring Joe Machuta

Season 2, Episode 06: Rethinking Church with Jon and Nat Turney

Season Two, Episode 5: State of Being with Karl Forehand

Bonus Episode, A Very Messy Message: Love is Not Safe

Season 2, Episode 04: Did Jesus Have to Die? with Keith Giles

Season 2, Episode 03: Finding the Courage to Emerge with Anita Grace Brown

Season 2, Episode 02: Your Favorite Heretics with Rachel and Derek Myers

Season 2, Episode 01: You Are Enough with Jonathan Puddle

BONUS EPISODE-Messy Conversations: Sledding Down the Slippery Slope with Matthew J. Distefano

BONUS EPISODE- Messy Conversations: Finding Peace in Trying Times with Karl and Laura Forehand

BONUS EPISODE: Messy Conversations-We're All Going to Be OK with Keith Giles

Season One Finale: "Exiles on Main Street" with Brian Zahnd

Episode 58: The Mediation of Jesus Christ, Part 2 with Dr. C. Baxter Kruger

Episode 57: The Mediation of Jesus Christ, Part 1 with Dr. C. Baxter Kruger

Episode 56: Encountering God in The Tea Shop with Karl Forehand

Episode 55: "Raising Hell" with Julie Ferwerda

Episode 54: Following Jesus Out of the Church of Christ with Ashley Robbins

Episode 53: Becoming the Second Coming with Keith Giles

Episode 52: The Problem of Evil with Dr. Thomas Jay Oord

Episode 51: Jesus, NASCAR, and Church in a Barber Shop with Steven Barber

A Very Messy Message: Letting Love In

Episode 49: Kingdom Community with PK Langley

Episode 48: Discovering Spiritual Direction with Chris Eaker

Episode 47: Worthy of Love with Markus Watson

Episode 46:At the Intersection of Hope and Despair with Derrick Day

Episode 45: No Regrets with David Meyers

Episode 44: A New Reformation with Phil Drysdale