What do you do when the Bible has been used against you or to hurt people? In this episode, with our special guest Matt Hyam, we talk honestly about bad readings of scripture, why some passages feel difficult, and whether it is possible to take the Bible seriously without reading it harshly or simplistically. A conversation about Jesus, interpretation, context, and how the Bible can still become a source of life rather than harm.

In this short mini-episode, Matt looks back at the conversations that have shaped the RCM Podcast so far. From why so many people are interested in Jesus but wary of church, to belonging before believing, doubt, disappointment and what it really means to be an inclusive church.

A short catch-up for those who’ve been with us from the beginning — and a great place to start if you’re new to the podcast.

• Church should be a place where people can ask real questions
• You can belong while you’re still working out what you believe
• Doubt can be part of taking faith seriously
• Starting again after disappointment doesn’t mean pretending nothing happened
• Inclusion has to mean genuine belonging, not simply saying “everyone is welcome”
• We need a faith that can cope with real life

A special Bonus episode where Matt & Anthea answer questions from listeners. Questions cover a range of themes, from the nature of God, relationship with God, the Bible and whether or not God comes from Preston!

Takeaways

• Exploration of theological questions
• Understanding the diverse perspectives on the Bible

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:16 Questions from Listeners
• 02:08 Nature of God
• 13:00 Relationship with God
• 17:39 The Bible
• 23:16 Future of the Podcast

The conversation delves into the meaning and importance of inclusive church, exploring the theological basis, practical aspects, and the experience of real belonging. It emphasizes the need for clear messaging, diverse representation, and a safe space for open dialogue.

Takeaways

• Inclusion Matters
• Reflecting Diversity

Chapters

• 00:00 Defining Inclusive Church
• 02:54 The Meaning of Inclusive Church
• 16:54 The Theological Basis of Inclusion
• 26:04 Practical Aspects of Inclusion
• 33:13 Welcoming and Belonging

The episode explores the theme of disappointment in faith and church, discussing the impact of disappointment, the reactions it elicits, and the process of healing and moving forward. It emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and addressing disappointment within a faith community.

Takeaways

• Disappointment in faith and church can lead to a range of reactions, from withdrawal and loss of trust to anger and anti-church sentiments.
• Acknowledging and addressing disappointment within a faith community is essential for creating a safe and supportive space for healing and growth.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Joy of Communal Singing
• 12:47 Reactions to Disappointment
• 18:18 Healing and Moving Forward
• 26:21 Creating Safe Spaces for Disappointment

The episode explores the theme of uncertainty, doubt, and questioning in the context of faith and spirituality. It delves into the pressure to appear certain, the fear of expressing doubt, and the stages of faith development. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing doubt as a natural part of spiritual growth and the need for open, honest questioning.

Takeaways

• Embracing doubt is a sign of taking faith seriously
• The stages of faith development include simplicity, complexity, perplexity, and harmony
• Doubt can lead to growth and a deeper understanding of faith

Chapters

• 00:00 Doubt and Cynicism

The conversation explores the concept of belonging in a church community, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming environment for individuals at different stages of their faith journey. It delves into the idea that belonging is not a reward at the end, but rather a part of the journey, and discusses the significance of allowing room for questions and uncertainty within a healthy church community.

Takeaways

• Belonging is part of a journey
• Healthy church has room for questions and questioning is good
• You don't need to fake certainty to be welcome

Chapters

• 00:00 Belonging as a Journey

The conversation explores the awkwardness experienced in church settings and the contrast between people's interest in Jesus and their aversion to church. It delves into the reasons behind these dynamics and the implications for church leaders and individuals seeking spiritual community.

The podcast 'Church for People Who Don't Like Church' introduces the hosts and their mission to create a safe space for discussing faith. They explore the annoyances of church, the role of podcasts as church, and share personal church journeys. The transition from fact to faith, becoming a fully affirming church, and the vision for the podcast are also discussed.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introducing Church for People Who Don't Like Church
• 05:42 Anthea's Church Journey: From Tradition to Contemporary
• 16:13 Transition from Fact to Faith
• 23:08 Vision for the Podcast: Topics and Exploration