This episode, originally recorded August of 2022, explores why some people still claim the name Christian even while feeling deep grief, anger, or distance from what Christianity has become. Ryan Dunn talks with Brian McLaren about identity, religious trauma, white Christian nationalism, and what it means to stay rooted in Jesus while refusing harmful uses of the faith.

Brian McLaren, an author, speaker, activist, and public theologian, brings both personal experience and long reflection to the question of whether to stay Christian. The conversation centers on discernment, honesty, and the difference between a label and the kind of life a person actually lives.

(00:00) Why “Christian” can trigger relief, tension, or trauma

(01:58) Brian McLaren’s background and why his work keeps returning to hard questions

(04:01)  Is Christianity about belief, identity, or both?

(04:58) When Christian identity feels too close to harmful political ideology

(06:39) Brian’s own answer: yes, but with grief and fear

(09:17) Why the label can mean little if the life does not match

(12:30) How these struggles mirror larger racial, cultural, and economic conflicts

(13:17) Brian’s childhood conflict over evolution and literalism

(16:39) When harm becomes personal and why leaving may be necessary

(20:15) Why the book is structured as no, yes, how

(22:38) Wrestling with Christian heroes who also said harmful things

(23:40) Why doubt protects against authoritarianism

(27:41) Why separating faith and politics can hide injustice

(31:41) Why Jesus’ warning about division is generational too

(34:16) A more useful definition of hope

For more episodes of Compass and for show notes, visit www.umc.org/compass

What is the sound of the genuine in you?

This episode of Compass explores the influence of Howard Thurman, theologian, teacher, author, and civil rights leader. Howard taught that each of us is a unique expression of God's work i the world--so we search for authenticity and listen for the sound of the genuine in others.

Explore listening to the genuine within and the role of religion in leading you towards authenticity.

Chapters

• 00:00 The Influence of Howard Thurman
• 02:55 Midlife Crises and the Search for Authenticity
• 05:19 The Suppression of Genuine Experiences
• 06:45 Religion and the Expression of the Genuine
• 09:08 Leaving Space for the Genuine to Emerge
• 11:05 Contemplative Practices for Finding the Genuine

For more information, notes, and more episodes: www.umc.org/compass

How Pop Culture Points Us to God with Dr. Rachel Kessler (The Nerdy Priest) on Compass: Finding spirituality in the everyday.

What do Star Wars, the Muppets, and Farscape have to do with faith? In this episode, Dr. Rachel Kessler—known online as The Nerdy Priest—joins Ryan to explore the surprising intersections between pop culture and spirituality. We dive into how shared stories from books, movies, and fandoms can spark meaningful conversations about faith, belonging, and the journey of spiritual curiosity. Discover why nerd culture sometimes mirrors church community—for better and for worse—and how online spaces can help break down barriers to faith.

Dr. Rachel Kessler wears many hats: Episcopal priest, chaplain, professor, and author of "Nerd Faith: 60 Second Sprints of Spiritual Guidance for the Occassionally Uncool". Her unique ministry began when a student set up her TikTok account, propelling her into a digital community hungry for honest engagement about God, deconstruction, and what it really means to be Christian. Whether discussing universal salvation, spiritual skepticism, or gatekeeping in both church and fandom, Dr. Rachel Kessler brings a rare blend of humor, depth, and authenticity.

In this episode:

(00:00) Introduction to Rev Rachel Kessler

(05:08) Birth of The Nerdy Priest

(08:15) Engaging spirituality through pop culture

(11:07) Navigating controversial questions in faith

(14:05) Handling criticism and online engagement

(17:04) Exploring nerd faith and community

(20:02) Lessons from nerd culture for the church

(22:52) Personal journey and mentorship in faith

(25:52) Fictional narratives as faith allegories

(29:00) Final thoughts and connections

Connect with Dr. Rachel Kessler (The Nerdy Priest) on TikTok, Instagram, and Threads @nerdypriest. Be sure to check out her book "Nerd Faith" for more bite-sized reflections that blend faith and fandom.

What is your true purpose—and is it really tied to your job? In this honest and eye-opening episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday, writer, artist, and former pastor Damon Garcia joins us to unpack what "calling," work, and meaning look like in a capitalist society. Damon shares his personal journey from childhood storytelling and Christian rap to ministry and creative activism, challenging the idea that our worth is defined by occupation or productivity.

Damon Garcia is a writer, public theologian, and video essayist whose work wrestles with faith, justice, and creativity. A former pastor, Damon’s latest book You Don't Need a Calling challenges traditional ideas of vocation and invites readers to find community and meaning in the here and now. He is also the author of The God Who Riots: Taking Back the Radical Jesus. You can find more of his work on YouTube and at damongarcia.com.

In this episode:

(00:00) Exploring purpose beyond jobs

(03:39) Childhood passion for writing

(08:51) Balancing passion with practicality

(11:37) Environmental activism challenges

(15:42) Making the book accessible for everyone

(18:52) Reflecting on small-town mindset

(23:05) Discussing religious reflections and ministry

(27:05) Adjusting to life after ministry

(34:42) Critiquing capitalist systems

(37:30) Rethinking capitalism and community building

(39:05) Building community-owned systems

Compass is a production of United Methodist Communications. Find out more information and explore other episodes at umc.org/compass

Do you ever feel exhausted by the slow pace of change in the world? On this episode of Compass, we’re exploring the practice of rest and renewal—starting with something as simple as your next breath.

This mini episode offers a guided experience in centering, renewal, and finding spiritual presence through the simple act of breathing. As conversations around justice, rest, and weariness continue in faith communities, this episode provides a practical technique for those feeling spiritually depleted or seeking a moment of peace amidst struggle.

Discover how breath can connect you to the divine, refresh your spirit, and root you in love—no matter where you are or what you’re facing.

Meg Calvin invites us into a bold conversation about embodied spirituality, healing from religious trauma, and reclaiming the wisdom of our bodies. We navigate the critique of purity culture, the impacts of patriarchy in ministry, and how spiritual wholeness arises when we learn to trust our desires and honor ourselves—mind, body, and spirit.

Meg shares the inspiration behind her new novel, "There, He Holds Her," weaving together the journeys of two women separated by decades but united in their quest to break free from religious conditioning. Along the way, we dive into practices like emotional body mapping, somatic healing, contemplative grounding, and the power of play for spiritual growth. Whether you're deconstructing old beliefs, searching for holistic faith, or hungry for new ways to connect spirit and body, this episode is for you.

About the Guest:
Meg Calvin is a coach, minister, and author passionate about helping others claim their desires as sacred, reconnect to their bodies, and experience healing through creativity and playful spirituality. She has empowered countless seekers to move beyond performance-based faith into deeper authenticity and joy.

In this episode:
(00:00) Discussing Meg Calvin's new novel

(03:59) Passion for crafting dialogue

(07:29) Critiquing purity culture

(11:25) Finding joy in writing and reconnection

(15:01) Understanding emotional body mapping

(17:28) Connecting with heritage through play

(20:36) Naming and expressing hidden anger

(24:42) Discussing Heity's beliefs

(28:25) Exploring Spiritual Restoration and Reflection

(30:54) Pre order bonuses and goodies

As always, find related episodes and notes at www.umc.org/compass

Explore the fascinating world of the desert elders with Lisa Colón DeLay, uncovering their history, practices, and relevance today. Learn about early Christian asceticism, forgotten female leaders, and spiritual practices that can inspire modern life.

Lisa Colón DeLay is a repeat guest on Compass. We previously talked to her about her book “The Wild Land Within” which is about cultivating wholeness and healing through spiritual practices. She has now released “The Way of The Desert Elders”. Lisa is a coach in spiritual formation and creates products and resources related to spiritual formation. Since 2015, she has produced the Spark My Muse podcast featuring luminaries, authors, and her own work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Desert Elders

02:31 Christian Nationalism and Its Impact

05:44 The Reaction of the Desert Elders

09:14 Life in the Desert: Community and Mentorship

12:40 Transformation Stories of the Desert Elders

16:48 Modern Applications of Desert Wisdom

19:37 The Video Game: A New Pilgrimage Experience

23:12 Further Reading and Resources

Find episode notes and other interesting episodes of Compass at www.umc.org/compass

What if the lasting impact of faith was not achieving a life in a heavenly place on some other plane, but in living a way that impacts the flourishing of all of the earth?

This episode of Compass: Finding Spirituality in the Everyday features a walk-and-talk conversation with Rev. Caleb Cray Haynes. While we walk along a Tennessee greenway, we explore the individual's role in environmental stewardship and the connection between faith and environmental advocacy. Listen for some practical steps for environmental impact and the spiritual significance of creation.

In this episode:

(00:00) Exploring Creation Care

(05:56) Garbage Theology and Environmental Awakening

(12:08) Theological Perspectives on Creation Care

(18:13) Hope and Action for Environmental Change

(24:00) The Connection Between Faith and Environmental Advocacy

(30:01) Drawing Closer to God Through Creation

Caleb Haynes is an advocate on issues of environmental justice for the church at large and co-founder of Nazarenes for Creation Care, an organization designed to equip the church for engaging in the call to “serve and keep” creation. He’s released the book “Earthbound  Christian”, which asks the question: what if the flourishing life we are made for is not “out there” but “down here” on Earth?

Find episode notes and other interesting episodes of Compass at www.umc.org/compass

Therapist, author, and mindfulness practitioner Caroline Vogel talks with us on Compass about what it means to experience grace, be “unbound” from expectations, and foster genuine connection in a distracted age. Through stories, psychology, and spirituality, Caroline explores the challenges of self-compassion, the healing power of community, and the vulnerability found in embracing God’s love.

Caroline Vogel is a trauma-informed therapist and writer of "As Yourself: The Sacred Work of Embodying Grace." She has over two decades of experience integrating mindfulness, faith, and psychology. She is passionate about helping people cultivate self-compassion, heal through community, and live more fully in God’s grace. Learn more at carolinevogel.com.

Let's go on a meditative, experiential journey through the Stations of the Cross—an ancient Christian practice reimagined for our everyday lives. In this reflective episode, Ryan gently guides listeners through each pivotal moment of Jesus’s final hours, weaving together scripture, prayer, and powerful questions of the heart. Whether you’re walking, driving, or sitting quietly, this episode invites you to pause, breathe, and engage with the story in a way that connects deeply to your own experiences of fear, pain, grace, and hope.

In this episode:

(00:00) Stations of the Cross

(01:02) Station 1: Praying in the Garden

(02:54) Station 2: Betrayed and arrested

(04:21) Station 3: Jesus is condemned

(06:00) Station 4: Peter denies Jesus

(07:42) Station 5: Pilate judges Jesus

(09:58) Station 6: Scourging of Jesus

(11:04) Station 7: Jesus takes up his cross

(12:24) Sation 8: Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus

(13:21) Station 9: Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem

(14:42) Station 10: Jesus is crucified

(15:45) Station 11: Jesus promised the Kingdom

(17:14) Station 12: Jesus speaks to his mother and disciple

(18:16) Station 13: Jesus dies on the cross

(19:37) Station 14: Jesus is laid in the tomb

(20:38) The biblical story becomes our story

Full show notes & resources: umc.org/compass

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