In this episode, Leslie welcomes back Brian Recker to discuss his new book, "Hell Bent: How the Fear of Hell Holds Christians Back from a Spirituality of Love." Together, they dive into Brian’s journey from a strict evangelical upbringing to a more open, love-focused faith, exploring how fear-based teachings—especially the concept of hell—shape personal beliefs, relationships, and community dynamics. The conversation is honest, empathetic, and often humorous, offering practical tools for deconstructing harmful beliefs and encouraging listeners to embrace a spirituality rooted in love rather than fear. Whether you’re questioning your faith or just curious about new perspectives, this episode provides both thought-provoking insights and a sense of hope.

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Brian’s background: Raised evangelical, former pastor, and now an author challenging traditional views on hell.
• The main theme of the book: How fear of hell distorts Christian spirituality and relationships.
• The paradigm shift: Moving from a punishment-based faith to one centered on love and acceptance.
• Personal stories: Both Brian and the host share their experiences of deconstructing faith and the emotional toll it takes.
• The impact of fear: How fear of hell shapes parenting, self-worth, and community dynamics.
• Practical tools: Brian introduces reflective questions (inspired by Byron Katie) to help listeners interrogate their beliefs.
• The metaphor of hell: Exploring hell as a spiritual and psychological experience, not just an afterlife destination.
• The importance of community: Encouragement to process these questions with others, and info about a free study guide for group discussion.
• Humor and empathy: Lighthearted moments about rapture predictions and the shared experience of spiritual anxiety.
• A message of hope: It’s possible to move beyond fear and find a more loving, authentic faith.
• Find Brians book on Amazon or Audible, available 9/30/25

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

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