God Has Not Given

Dear Tamice, Malynda, Kristian and Ciarra —

This is the 1st draft of this letter. That is mostly a note to self, because I keep thinking of the stutter in terms of one I started to write on April 7th of this year. Similar in tone but to someone completely different. Someone we all know, and anyway, I never finished that letter. I thought this would be a continuation, a spinoff of that, but reading that other draft of that other letter? Ugh. Not only was it for someone I don't speak to anymore, it was from someone I don't speak as anymore. Honestly, I couldn't even finish it. It was embarrassing how gentle it was. 

Before reading it, I had a thought that maybe I would go back to one of the last official religious resignation letters I wrote. Maybe the one from nine years ago to the lead pastor of the mega church I was part of, or maybe the open letter from six years ago that kinda catapulted me into this space when I wrote about the evangelical behavior of that pastor when it lost him his job. To see, and, I guess, prove not only how much I've grown, but that I grew up here, in front of y'all, to prove my right to be here, and to say what I'm about to say. To show you all my papers, 'cause that's what we've been conditioned to do as black folks. 

But, turned out there was no need for me to go that far back to be cringeworthy. 

Daniel and I, as Cat Tetris, are posting something to social media every day in August. He's got the odd days. I got the evens. And today is an even day, so... 

We are posting to make ourselves practice a few different visibility skills, including no disclaimers. So we've got a 10 word caption limit. Because there is never a day when I legitimately have nothing to post, but there are infinite times I don't, because I feel like I need to explain what I'm sharing, and I can't, because what's understood doesn't need to be explained. So the fact that I'm constantly expecting to be misunderstood here, that's actually red flag shit, 'cause it didn't used to be this way. I didn't used to feel that way in or about this space. 

The whole way I fell in was just speaking my mind and connecting with people who were in the same spiritual and or emotional and or mental place at the same time. And for a while, it was fine. But at some point, we lost the plot, because we stopped following it. We stepped into the space and started just standing around, commiserating instead of conspiring, plodding in circles, instead of plotting and planning. Settling instead of setting off. 

One of my best friends just FaceTimed me. I told her I was writing this letter, and that it's a step in my plan to give us free. I know she believed me about this letter. I hope she believed me about the freedom, and I hope I come through. 

So I didn't end up looking back at either of those other letters. They don't matter. They were to and for an audience that has aged badly and is looking more and more like its parents. 

I'm handwriting this letter. When I finish this draft, I will go back and rewrite all of this, to satisfy the people pleasing part of my brain that likes being known for my handwriting. I'm not going to type it, because typing allows for a certain level of convenience that lends itself to wasting words. But when handwriting, ain't nobody got time for all that. So it helps me stay focused. 

I'm leaving the deconstruction space for real and for good this time. I've been trying to leave for the past few years, which is extremely reminiscent of how I left, and how I felt, leaving evangelicalism. There were attempts, and then there, eventually, was a definitive break. This is my definitive break from exvangelicalism, which is literally just new evangelicalism. And y'all are the new tokens. 

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To be completely honest, I don’t know exactly what this is. I mean, it’s a podcast episode, but the precise genre? Unclear. So when it comes to describing it, the only thing I can say for sure is that I like it.

It basically began as a sermon (did I mention that I’m starting a church?** 👀), that became the beginning of an ongoing conversation I hope to keep having with whosoever will.

** That bit about “did I mention that I’m starting a church” is obviously a joke — I’m well aware that I haven’t mentioned it. And it’s absolutely true.

Drapetomanic Ministry is a real thing I am really starting and that I really hope you’ll support in whatever way makes the most sense to you.

So check out this episode of drapetomanic behavior and then, as the spirit leads…

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Thinking out loud.

It's what I do now.

[email protected]

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A quick heads-up before you hit play: God Has Not Given As A Podcast is never coming back, but the work is evolving.

Welcome to a special broadcast introducing better gods—an offensive Christian podcast hosted by Janice Lagata where she doesn’t talk to people she doesn’t like. Consider this episode a masterclass in friendly fire, a clearing of the decks, and the official introduction to the next phase of Janice's public ministry.

If you’ve been following Janice's journey through the deconstruction space, you know she left her social media platform last year. In this premiere episode of her new venture, she explains exactly why she left, what she learned from the outside looking in, and why she is completely done investing hope in white male proxies or centering aggrieved white women who can't hold nuance or see Black women as actual people with agency.

From the dehumanizing "White Shirt" tier systems of her past Christian employers to the shallow, capitalistic numbers game of the modern exvangelical movement, Janice holds nothing back.

What You'll Hear in This Episode:

The Origin Story: Why this episode drops on May 18th—the birthday of Janice's late cat, David.

The Bubble Problem: Disillusionment in the exvangelical space and the rise of the mediocre white "midman".

Imagined Communities: The deep sociological difference between a country and a nation.

The Announcement: A breakdown of the new bi-weekly better gods schedule, the Study To Be Quiet Hour, and the upcoming BYO Elder Book Club.

Where to Find the New Space:The old email address isn't going anywhere. If you want to submit to be on the new show for Tell Me About Your God, apply for Debate Practice, or get information on the Study To Be Quiet creative hours, reach out directly.

📬 Get in Touch: [email protected] 🎧 Subscribe to the new feed: Search for better gods on your favorite podcast platform to catch every new episode dropping bi-weekly starting the week of Juneteenth.

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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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