This week, I’m reflecting on liminality—those in-between spaces of life that can feel so uncertain yet hold incredible potential for transformation. Inspired by my conversations with fellow creatives and theologians, I explore what it means to exist on the threshold—whether it’s the exposed seabed when the tide is out, the transition between life and death, and waiting and unknowing of Advent itself.

Liminality isn’t always comfortable, but it’s a space where we can encounter God in profound ways. Join me as we explore how this season of waiting can help us embrace the mystery, find grounding, and discover hope in the transitions of our own lives.

Sources

Richard Rohr, Everything Belongs : The Gift of Contemplative Prayer (New York: The Crossroad Publishing Company, 2014).

In this week’s episode of Fkd Up by Faith: UNFKD, I

Sources of quotes etc.

'Anam Cara - Spiritual Wisdom from the Celtic World' by John O'DOnohue

'Waiting In Darkness' - by Richard Rohr - Daily Meditation from the Center for Action and Contemplation.

Mysticism from Meister Ekhart and Julian of Norwich

Music: "Better Day" by Penguin Music;

In this episode, Jude reflects on the season of Advent and particularly on the theme of Hope. Not as pie-in-the sky optimism but as a courageous, rooted act of trust, even - perhaps especially - amidst uncertainty.

Highlights from the episode:

What is Advent and what do "Christians" believe?

Advent as a season of hope: What does it mean to prepare for hope in a broken world?

Personal story: A rainbow amidst a cloudy day as a reminder to lean into hope.

Spiritual reflection: Hope is not denial—it’s a resilient choice to trust in renewal and act with courage.

Wisdom from others: Reflections from Henri Nouwen, Cynthia Bourgeault, Rebecca Solnit, Pope Francis and Br. David Steindl Rast

A brief excerpt from Emily Dickinson's poem, "‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers."

Sources

⁠https://www.cynthiabourgeault.org

Dickinson, Emily, ‘“Hope” Is the Thing with Feathers’ (1891)<https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/42889/hope-is-the-thing-with-feathers-314⁠

Quote from Br. David Steindl Rast ⁠https://grateful.org/resource/hope-3

Nouwen, Henri J.M., Advent and Christmas Wisdom from Henri J.M. Nouwen (Ligouri Publications, 2004)

Pope Francis, ‘Angelus, 1 December 2024 ⁠https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/angelus/2024/documents/20241201-angelus.html⁠

Rebecca Solnit, Hope in the Dark : Untold Histories, Wild Possibilities. (Canongate, 2016)

http://rebeccasolnit.net

Gospel Reading for the first Sunday in Advent 2024

In this episode of UNFKD, I dive into the theology of baptism, influenced this week by recently baptised comedian Russell Brand posting a photo of him, in his underpants, baptising someone else. The episode tackles key questions about what baptism is and what it's for, who is 'allowed' to perform baptisms ( spoiler - it's not usually stand-up comedians) the theological differences across denominations, and its modern cultural significance, especially when controversial public figures come out as Christians.

References and sources

Guite, Malcolm. “A Pair of Sonnets for St. John the Baptist.” Malcolm Guite, 21 June 2022, malcolmguite.wordpress.com/2022/06/21/a-pair-of-sonnets-for-st-john-the-baptist-5/

Matthew 3:13-17 - New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition.

Romans 6 - New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised Catholic Edition.

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/article/2024/may/14/russell-brand-baptised-thames-sins-washed-away-criminal-allegations

https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/russell-brand-faces-backlash-for-conducting-baptism-in-just-white-underwear

Music

"Better Day" and "Chill Lofi Beat" by Penguin Music;

In this episode of UNFKD, I take on one of the biggest misconceptions: that science and Christianity are incompatible. I look at how a long-debunked 19th-century idea still manages to convince us that the two have always been at odds. I explore insights from several scientists, thinkers and theologians like Saint Augustine, who believed all truth points to God, and Elizabeth Johnson, who argues that evolution and faith can work hand in hand. I also look at why some modern Christians still adhere to biblical literalism. Join me as I break down why faith and science don’t have to be in conflict but can together contribute to a deeper understanding of our world.

Books and Sources

Coakley, S. (2012). Faith, Rationality and the Passions. John Wiley & Sons.

Collins, F. (2008). The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief. London: Simon and Schuster.

Coyne, J.A. (2010). Why Evolution Is True. Oxford: Oxford

Coyne, J.A. (2016). Faith Versus Fact : Why Science And Religion Are Incompatible. New York: Penguin Books.

Hutchings, D. And Ungureanu, J.C. (2021). Of Popes And Unicorns : Science, Christianity, And How The Conflict Thesis Fooled The World. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press.

Johnson, E.A. (2014). Ask The Beasts : Darwin And The God Of Love. London ; New York: Bloomsbury.

Lewis, C.S. (2013). The Weight Of Glory: A Collection Of Lewis’ Most Moving Addresses. Harpercollins UK.

Mcgrath, A.E. (2015). The Big Question : Why We Can’t Stop Talking about Science, Faith, And God. London: Hodder & Stoughton.

Music: "Better Day" and "Chill Lofi Beat" by Penguin Music on Pixabay

What a gift it was this week - for someone who podcasts about the worst bits of religion - for some Christians to lose their sh1t over the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris. I would say thank you if I wasn't so busy face-palming at the ridiculousness of it all.

So, in this episode of UNFKD, I am unpacking BLASPHEMY.

Biblical References

"You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name. "

https://cenacolovinciano.org/en/museum/the-works/the-last-supper-leonardo-da-vinci-1452-1519/

The debacle in the news

https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/jul/28/paris-olympics-organisers-apologise-to-christians-for-last-supper-parody

As we approach a general election in the UK on July 4th, this episode of UNFKD looks at the intersection of theology and politics. Political theology is a vast and complex subject and I don't attempt to cover the depth and breadth of it here.

What I do examine is whether religion and politics mix, what it means to be political AND Christian and why I resolutely believe you cannot be genuinely Christian and support the far right.

Please note that I talk about the rise of the far right in Europe, the USA and here in the UK and how terrifying I find it all. So all the content warnings for that. I mention the Reform party and again CW for a mention of "conversion therapy". I absolutely refuse to link to their website and give them any more fuel. If you want to, and you can stomach it, you can look them up for yourself.

It ends with a heartfelt prayer for the coming election. It is what I would like to have prayed in church. And whether you are religious or not, or you believe in the power or purpose of prayer, or not, I invite you to join me. The prayer starts at 13:00 mins.

MUSIC: "Better Day" and "Chill lofi beat" by Penguin Music and "At the farthest land" by Noru. Both on Pixabay

Following a recent Podcast interview with Matthew Remski, I was challenged by one of his co-hosts on the Conspirituality Podcast - Julian Walker - to answer a few questions. It seemed like the perfect opportunity to craft these questions into a few episodes of UNFKD

To begin with I want to tackle the question of why - if you follow progressive beliefs - do you continue to call yourself a Christian?

What are we talking about when we talk about Christians and Christianity?

What would the alternative be?

Music - 'Better Day' And 'Lofi Chill' by Penguin Music on Pixabay.

UNFKD is the bonus series to FKD UP BY FAITH in which I explore theological (& related) ideas. Specifically, those which are harmful or misunderstood or just plain wrong!

Poem - Antiphon for the Holy Spirit by Hildegard of Bingen - https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/156466/antophon-for-the-holy-spirit

Augustine of Hippo, Sermon 117:5 (on

https://pixabay.com/users/penguinmusic-24940186/

Here it is - the second episode of UNFKD. The bonus series to FKD UP BY FAITH in which I explore theological (& related) ideas. Specifically, those which are harmful or misunderstood or just plain wrong!

Here, I tackle the contentious topic of spiritual abuse. Content warnings apply for the subject matter, although I do not discuss any specific cases.

If you are a Fkd Up By Faith listener, you will know that the podcast explores ways in which people have been harmed in religious, spiritual or faith contexts. This kind of harm often spills over into what we might call spiritual abuse. So if you'd like to know more about why I bang on about this subject, have a listen!!!

References

Diederich, F. Remy. “What Is Spiritual Abuse?” F. Remy Diederich, 28 Feb. 2015, www.readingremy.com/blog/2015/02/28/what-is-spiritual-abuse.

Johnson, David, and Jeff VanVonderen. The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse. Baker Books, 1 Oct. 2005.

Living Without Abuse. “Religious and Spiritual Abuse | Lwa.org.uk.” LWA, lwa.org.uk/understanding-abuse/abusive-relationships/spiritual-abuse/.

Oakley, Lisa, et al. Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse : Creating Healthy Christian Cultures. London, Society Of Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2019.

Oakley, Lisa, and Kathryn Kinmond. Breaking the Silence of Spiritual Abuse. Basingstoke, Hampshire, Palgrave Macmillan, 2013.

The Church of England. “4.2 Spiritual Abuse.” The Church of England, 2021, www.churchofengland.org/safeguarding/safeguarding-e-manual/safeguarding-children-young-people-and-vulnerable-adults/42.

Thirtyone:eight. “Spiritual Abuse - a Position Paper.” Thirtyoneeight, 2018, thirtyoneeight.org/media/4upcux21/spiritual-abuse-position-statement.pdf.

Music

"Better Day" and "Chill Lofi Beat" from Penguinmusic on Pixabay

https://pixabay.com/users/penguinmusic-24940186/

Sources of Support - UK

https://thirtyoneeight.org/blogs/supporting-survivors