In this episode of "Religious Dropouts: Road Trip Edition," Brandon and Chelsea hit the road, embarking on a journey across the USA, but don't get too excited because this tour has only one stop... well, maybe three stops if you count their journey's home! They kick off the episode in Minneapolis, sharing their memorable experiences from their trip so far, including a visit to the Mall of America and discovering the joy of sea life attractions. Along the way, they discuss a thought-provoking book they're reading, "Holy Runaways" by Matthias Roberts, and a surprising story about a famous lawsuit involving a hot cup of coffee that challenges their perspective on empathy and faith.

As they delve into the importance of empathy and how it relates to their deconstruction journey, they also touch on the pervasive issues of abuse, racism, and homophobia within certain church communities. While they refrain from naming names, they unflinchingly critique the lack of empathy in some religious circles and the urgent need for transparency, justice, and compassion.

Join Brandon and Chelsea on their road trip as they navigate the complexities of faith, empathy, and the pursuit of an authentic relationship with God. Whether you're a religious dropout or someone seeking an open conversation on these topics, this episode promises insights, rants, and a heartfelt message that challenges the status quo.

Show Notes:

Important Stuff:

Timeline: 

Welcome/Mall of America (0:00)

Holy Runaways Hot Coffee (4:10)

Abuse Stories (10:36)

Keyboard Warrior (24:41)

Pastoral Responsibility (28:08)

Empathy - Candace Owens (30:47)

Prayer/Soft Exit for Non-Believers (35:00)

The Religious Dropouts Podcast is a production of Religious Dropouts LLC