This is it. The final episode of God Has Not Given. No fanfare, no farewell tour—just an Irish goodbye as I leave the decon dancefloor.

In this final installment, I talk about why now and what’s next.

Thank you for listening, for lurking, for letting me be part of your background noise.

🔗 janicelagata.com/delula

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In this episode of 'God is Not Given,' host Janice Lagata, joined by guests Ashlee' from Seattle and Gael from South Carolina, explores the intricate dynamics of current political developments, focusing on Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. The discussion highlights the varied Internet reactions, the unique challenges faced by Black women online, and the polarized views surrounding the election. The group delves into the moral compromises of political roles, critiques figures like Jill Stein, and debates Black Americans' potential for colonization, ultimately affirming systemic barriers prevent it. They emphasize the importance of nuanced discourse, community, activism, and individual contributions to societal betterment, wrapping up with a call to engage with diverse media perspectives and humorous reflections on recent debates.

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Natalia Terfa, (@nterfa) a progressive ELCA Lutheran pastor and co-founder of the podcast 'Cafeteria Christian,' shares her journey through faith, life, and community. Natalia emphasizes that all ways of connecting with the divine are valid and advocates for questioning and modernizing Christianity. The podcast 'Cafeteria Christian' caters to those disillusioned with traditional church experiences, offering a community for faith deconstruction and discussions on doubts. Through playful Q&A segments and deeper conversations, Natalia aims to liberate and affirm individuals while promoting everyday acts of subversion to challenge oppressive systems. Her passion for digital engagement supports her vision for a more inclusive, updated approach to scripture and faith.

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Join Janice and her friends Ashlee' and Gaël for a blackity-Black conversation with their recaps and responses to recent shenans against Black folks. We're talking about:

(Originally release 8.23.23)

WHERE TO LOCATE:

ASHLEE'

GAËL

Janice

Hit the LINKTREE for more info on:

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WHAT AI HEARD: Join Janice for this fun episode! Deconstruction Girl—an anonymous Instagram influencer—discusses her journey through religious deconstruction, the motivation behind her meme account, and how it unexpectedly resonated with a large audience. She delves into the challenges of maintaining anonymity, the complexities of her family dynamics, and the mixed reactions she has received from followers. The conversation also touches on broader issues within evangelicalism, the value of humor in serious discourse, and strategies for protecting mental health while managing a social media platform.

LINKS TO FIND/FOLLOW/SUPPORT:

DECONSTRUCTION GIRL

@deconstructiongirl | instagram

JANICE

@godhasnotgiven | instagram

janicelagata.com

https://janicelagata.substack.com/

LET ME READ TO YOU | PODCAST (Spotify Link)

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This episode captures a profound exploration of identity, faith, and creativity with Gail and Nate from the Full Mutuality podcast. It encompasses their journey of deconstructing their evangelical upbringing and the challenges of reshaping their identity and beliefs. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of critical thinking and self-discovery, particularly in regards to sexuality and personal belief systems post-evangelicalism. Furthermore, it celebrates their achievements in the realm of digital media, noting the power of storytelling and creative expression through podcasts and other platforms. The script also entertains the idea of adding a contemporary voice to biblical texts, reflecting personal and modern insights. Overall, it encapsulates a narrative of transformation, community building, and the artistic reinterpretation of faith through the lens of digital media.

LINKS TO FIND/FOLLOW/SUPPORT:

NATE & GAIL:

@fullmutuality | instagram

@natenakao | instagram

JANICE

@godhasnotgiven | instagram

janicelagata.com

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In this in-depth conversation, April Ajoy shares her unique journey from being raised in a Pentecostal household with a strong belief in Christian nationalism, through personal and family experiences leading to her deconstruction of faith, to confronting issues of gender identity within her marriage. April discusses the impact of her upbringing on her views, the transformative effects of encountering diverse perspectives, and the challenges she faces from the evangelical community due to her progressive stances. The discussion also touches upon the intersections of faith, politics, and identity, April's upcoming book on Christian nationalism, and the importance of humor and joy in addressing serious topics. Additionally, April offers insights into navigating marriage with a non-binary spouse, the implications of purity culture, and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ acceptance within religious contexts.

LINKS TO FIND/FOLLOW/SUPPORT:

APRIL AJOY:

@aprilajoy | instagram

Evangelicalish Podcast | Wednesday on YouTube

The Non-Binary Marriage Podcast | Listen on Apple

TNE Weekly Roundup | Fridays

JANICE

@godhasnotgiven | instagram

janicelagata.com

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This podcast episode delves into the admiration and personal connections The IV Most Wanted (aka: Janice, Melanie, Sarah and Joanna) have with Beyoncé's music, particularly focusing on the transformative nature of her albums 'Renaissance' and 'Cowboy Carter'. It begins with a playful denial of Beyoncé's influence, quickly transitioning into heartfelt discussions about how her music has been a source of strength, community, and artistic inspiration.

The IV Most Wanted discuss their evolving appreciation for the thematic depth in Beyoncé's work through various life stages. They particularly emphasize the inclusive and genre-defying aspects of her recent albums, engaging in debates over favorite tracks and their significances. Through theoretical speculation about Beyoncé's future projects and reminiscing about concert experiences, the episode encapsulates a collective appreciation for Beyoncé's unifying presence in both the music industry and the personal lives of her fans.

IV MOST WANTED:

Janice | @godhasnotgiven

Melanie | @climbholamel

Sarah | @officialsarahnaar

Joanna | @josiny

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Theologizin' Bigger with Trey Ferguson

In this engaging and wide-ranging discussion, Trey Ferguson offers insights into his book 'Theologizing Bigger', aiming to challenge conventional religious narratives and encouraging a broader understanding of faith. He and Janice discuss his position in Christianity and evangelicalism, emphasizing the importance of larger theological perspectives beyond deconstruction. Trey’s commentary not only probes the complexities of faith and identity but also underscores the necessity of embracing diverse interpretations and the pursuit of genuine understanding and love in religious discourse.

LINKS TO FIND/FOLLOW/SUPPORT:

TREY:

@pastortrey05 | instagram

@pastortrey05 | twitter

pastortrey05.com

JANICE

@godhasnotgiven | instagram

janicelagata.com

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According to AI... In this episode, Janice Lagata discusses her thoughts and experiences with Christianity and evangelicalism. She delves into the traumas associated with being raised in an evangelical environment and the impact it has on individuals. Janice emphasizes her mission to challenge evangelicalism and speaks about the subjectivity of truth, challenging the idea of a single, cookie-cutter experience of God and emphasizing the importance of personal truth. Janice also critiques evangelicalism and its alignment with capitalism, highlighting the role of money in society. She explores the power of art and storytelling as a means of resistance against oppressive systems. Janice invites listeners to imagine a world without capitalism and prompts them to consider their own natural rhythms and desires.

AI's TOP THREE TAKEAWAYS:

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