Join Holy Smokes as we sit down with the legendary Yolanda Adams for an unfiltered conversation about the theology of gospel music, harmful church doctrines, love, identity, and what God really expects from us. We dive into the tension between sound and theology, how sin has been misdefined, and why the people we hate reveal more about us than God. If you've ever wrestled with faith, tradition, or evolving spirituality, this episode will speak directly to your soul.

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Join the Wait List for Kristian's upcoming e-book, "How to Deconstruct," here: https://mailchi.mp/thefaithcommunity/e-book-waitlist

Get Merch here: https://thefaithcommunity.org/merch-store

Order Breaking All The Rules here: https://www.kristianasmith.com/breaking-all-the-rules

Episode Chapters

00:00 – "I Can Tell How Your God Loves by the People You Hate" 01:49 – Honoring the Legacy: Yolanda Adams Joins the Conversation 03:48 – The One Rule: Kindness Is Key (And It's Biblical) 06:50 – Our Personal Histories with Gospel Music 10:30 – Why Theology Made Us Step Back from Gospel (Then Return) 13:18 – Black Folks & Ginger Ale: A Sacred Relationship 15:45 – Belief, Authenticity, and Why We Trust Yolanda Adams 20:24 – Performance vs. Testimony in Gospel Music 27:00 – When Sound Moves You but Theology Fails You 33:42 – The Song That Grounds Yolanda Adams Before She Preaches 46:12 – Sound vs. Theology: What Gospel Music Really Teaches 47:22 – Yolanda Adams Explains Her Personal Theology 50:06 – "Your Hate Reveals Your God" — A Word from Yolanda 52:59 – Sin, Harm, Identity & the Church's Biggest Theological Mistake

This bonus episode takes a deep dive into Travis Greene's controversial sermon denouncing Black Greek organizations and explores how his message connects to a broader rise of Christian nationalism within the Black church. The crew unpacks spiritual bypassing, emotional manipulation, and how prosperity theology has been weaponized against Black institutions. Tune in for a sharp, unfiltered look at the intersections of faith, race, and politics in contemporary church culture.

Subscribe to the TFCVirtual Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/c/tfcvirtual

Purchase full-length, uncensored episodes of the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/c/tfcvirtual

Join the Wait List for Kristian's upcoming e-book, "How to Deconstruct," here: https://mailchi.mp/thefaithcommunity/e-book-waitlist

Get Merch here: https://thefaithcommunity.org/merch-store

Order Breaking All The Rules here: https://www.kristianasmith.com/breaking-all-the-rules

Episode Chapters

00:00 – "Travis Greene's Sermon and the Backlash" Introducing the viral clip and the theological claims that sparked controversy.

05:20 – "The Problem with Spiritual Bypassing" How Pentecostal theology often replaces accountability with "the Holy Ghost told me."

11:40 – "Accountability and the Myth of the Portal" A breakdown of personal responsibility, manipulation, and church language used to silence critique.

18:00 – "Emotionalism and Manipulation in the Church" How guilt, shame, and altar calls are used as tools of control.

26:50 – "When Survival Is Labeled Idolatry" Critiquing the idea that working to survive means worshiping false gods.

38:40 – "From Pentecostalism to MAGA Theology" Tracing how prosperity gospel and Christian nationalism merged in Black church spaces.

46:30 – "Black Institutions Under Attack" How denouncing Black fraternities, sororities, and churches serves a broader anti-Black agenda.

For generations, the church has told believers, "Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect." But what if Jesus never called us to perfection — only to wholeness? In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes to unpack how toxic theology, respectability, and race have shaped our obsession with perfection — and how we can finally get free.

This episode of Holy Smokes: Cigars and Spirituality is proudly sponsored by Eden Theological Seminary.

Join Eden online or in-person for an unforgettable evening with Dr. Chanequa Walker-Barnes as she delivers her lecture, "When Identity Wounds: Whiteness, Shame, and the Search for Repair."

📅 Date: November 11, 2025

🕡 Time: 6:30 p.m. CT

💻 Attend online or in-person — registration is free and open now!

👉 Reserve your virtual seat today: www.eden.edu/events/bracke-public-lecture

Eden Theological Seminary, a leading educational institution aligned with the progressive Christian movement. By combining theological rigor with community action, Eden offers a seminary education to meet the moment.

Students can pursue Master's, Doctorates, Certificates or other community learning opportunities designed for Nonprofit, Community, Social Justice, and Congregational Leaders at Eden.

Their blended learning model allows students the flexibility to join them online or on campus, and ground their learning and action in their own communities. Learn more at www.eden.edu.

Subscribe to the TFCVirtual Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/c/tfcvirtual

Purchase full-length, uncensored episodes of the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/c/tfcvirtual

Join the Wait List for Kristian's upcoming e-book, "How to Deconstruct," here: https://mailchi.mp/thefaithcommunity/e-book-waitlist

Get Merch here: https://thefaithcommunity.org/merch-store

Order Breaking All The Rules here: https://www.kristianasmith.com/breaking-all-the-rules

Let's talk about the call for Black Christians to place their Christianity over the Blackness.

Let us know what you think in the comments. And Subscribe for more!

Subscribe to Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/c/tfcvirtual

Purchase full-length, uncensored episodes of the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/c/tfcvirtual

Join the Wait List for Kristian's upcoming e-book, "How to Deconstruct," here: https://mailchi.mp/thefaithcommunity/e-book-waitlist

Get Merch here: https://thefaithcommunity.org/merch-store

Order Breaking All The Rules here: https://www.kristianasmith.com/breaking-all-the-rules

00:00 – "If You Think Your Blackness Has to Pass Away to Follow God…" A bold opening on how anti-Black theology distorts faith.

02:00 – Christian Before Black?! The crew unpacks the growing movement of Black Christians prioritizing religion over identity.

05:00 – The One Rule: Honor Lived Experience Over Theory Holy Smokes' guiding principle and how it reframes faith.

06:30 – RuPaul, Drag Race, and the Gospel of Self-Love How RuPaul's benediction mirrors the greatest commandment.

08:00 – Blackness vs. Christianity: Who Told You They're in Competition? Personal stories about how upbringing shaped faith and race identity.

15:00 – When the Black Church Was "Too Black" for White Spaces How Black worship is silenced or sanitized in multiracial churches and seminaries.

20:00 – Redefining Faith Beyond Christianity Rich Auntie and Kristian share what it means to be spiritual, humanist, and still deeply rooted in the Black church.

27:00 – Why the Black Church Still Matters History, resistance, and why "a church full of Black people" isn't the same as a Black church.

30:00 – "This Ain't a Black Church" — The Plantation Pastor Returns The crew dissects Philip Anthony Mitchell's rhetoric and its ties to Christian nationalism.

40:00 – Is Blackness an Idol or a Gift from God? Exposing the lie that loving your Blackness means rejecting Jesus.

47:00 – Obedience, Indoctrination, and Control How "be obedient" theology keeps Black people docile in the name of faith.

58:00 – Dear Black Christians: You Were Black Before You Were Christian A powerful closing reflection on identity, liberation, and sacred self-love.

One thing we can't deny is Fundamentalist Christianity's need to control every aspect of your life.

The shows or movies you watch.

The kind of music you're allowed to listen to.

The clothing you're allowed to wear.

The people you're allowed to hang out with.

The places you're allowed to go.

The person you court and marry. And so on, and so on, and so on…

This list fits perfectly into the what's known as dominion theology. It's the idea that the role of Christians to take over every avenue of society through government, media, education, religion, arts & entertainment, and family. This is often referred to as the Seven Mountain Mandate.

The goal is for Fundamentalist Christianity to eventually take over the world.

Subscribe to Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/tfcvirtual

Get merch here: https://thefaithcommunity.org/merch-store

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Follow us on Instagram: @tfcvirtual and @holysmokesmovement

Browse our Website: https://www.thefaithcommunity.org

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The Faith Community is a groundbreaking, inclusive faith community where the traditional meets the transformational. It exists to challenge harmful religious norms while creating a safe, affirming space for spiritual seekers of all kinds. Through virtual connection, theological interrogation, and an emphasis on love and self-acceptance, TFC helps its audience find abundant life and community without compromising their identity.

Many of us grew up in churches where our love for God was determined by how much of yourself you sacrificed for the sake of eternal salvation. You attended every service and every event. You served on as many ministry teams as you could, stretching yourself thin.

You even invited your friends and coworkers thinking, "if I could just get them to my church" they'd see the value of living for Jesus. Well, it's time to get off the battlefield for the Lord. It's possible to love God and stay connected to yourself.

It's also possible to maintain a healthy relationship with your faith without having to be present and available for everything. It takes some deconstructing, decolonizing, reimagining, and rebuilding, but it's possible.

Subscribe to Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/tfcvirtual

Get merch here: https://thefaithcommunity.org/merch-store

Order Breaking All The Rules here: https://www.holysmokesmovement.com/batr-book-order

Follow us on Instagram: @tfcvirtual and @holysmokesmovement

Browse our Website: https://www.thefaithcommunity.org

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristiansmith02

The Faith Community is a groundbreaking, inclusive faith community where the traditional meets the transformational. It exists to challenge harmful religious norms while creating a safe, affirming space for spiritual seekers of all kinds. Through virtual connection, theological interrogation, and an emphasis on love and self-acceptance, TFC helps its audience find abundant life and community without compromising their identity.

Growing up, the book of Revelation and the feeling of fear went hand on hand. It was the book of the Bible used to convince us to follow Christ. Books and movies have been made in efforts to bring Revelation to life.

Well, not this time around. For the recording of "Deconstructing Revelation", we had Dr. Angela Parker as a special guest. We have a profound amount of respect for Dr. Parker in these TFC streets. She's a Professor, New Testament Scholar, Womanist, and Justice Leader.

Subscribe to Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/tfcvirtual

Get merch here: https://thefaithcommunity.org/merch-store

Order Breaking All The Rules here: https://www.holysmokesmovement.com/batr-book-order

Follow us on Instagram: @tfcvirtual and @holysmokesmovement

Browse our Website: https://www.thefaithcommunity.org

Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristiansmith02

The Faith Community is a groundbreaking, inclusive faith community where the traditional meets the transformational. It exists to challenge harmful religious norms while creating a safe, affirming space for spiritual seekers of all kinds. Through virtual connection, theological interrogation, and an emphasis on love and self-acceptance, TFC helps its audience find abundant life and community without compromising their identity.

What if we told you fornication is not what we have been traditionally taught?

What if we told you there are more responsible ways to do sexual ethics?

What if we told you to release the shame and guilt of safe and consensual unmarried sex?

As Dr. Delman Coates will share later, "Sex is not a problem to be solved. It is an appetite to be managed."

Subscribe to Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/c/tfcvirtual

Purchase full-length, uncensored episodes of the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/c/tfcvirtual

Check out Dr. Coates' political advocacy movement here: https://ourmoneyus.org/

Join the Wait List for Kristian's upcoming e-book, "How to Deconstruct," here: https://mailchi.mp/thefaithcommunity/e-book-waitlist

Register for DAI Fest in Atlanta Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dai-fest-2025-registration-999357684737

Get Merch here: https://thefaithcommunity.org/merch-store

Order Breaking All The Rules here: https://www.kristianasmith.com/breaking-all-the-rules

Episode Chapters

00:00 - Intro & Highlights

05:01 - The Viral Clip about Fornication

08:49 - Sex & The Greatest Commandment

15:30 - Dr. Delman Coates joins us

23:00 - Black Scholarship Matters

30:39 - Dr. Coates' stance on LGBTQ

37:00 - What should I tell my kids?

48:43 - The interpretation of tongues

57:02 - Unpacking "Lean Not to your own understanding."

1:04:50 - Theologian vs Bible Scholar

1:09:15 - How are you navigating politics?

If you struggle with your identity as a Christian because of what it has come to represent, this episode is for you. Kristian and the crew are joined by D. Danyelle Thomas, the Unfit Christian, to discuss the relationship between spirituality and humanism.

The meaning of Humanism varies depending on who you ask. For the sake of this conversation, humanism is a worldview that suggests humanity is equipped with everything it needs to resolve its own problems without supernatural intervention.

Subscribe to Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/c/tfcvirtual

Purchase full-length, uncensored episodes of the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/c/tfcvirtual

Order "The Day God Saw Me as Black" by D. Danyelle Thomas here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Day-God-Saw-Me-as-Black/D-Danyelle-Thomas/9781955905534

Join the Wait List for Kristian's upcoming e-book, "How to Deconstruct," here: https://mailchi.mp/thefaithcommunity/e-book-waitlist

Register for DAI Fest in Atlanta Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dai-fest-2025-registration-999357684737

Get Merch here: https://thefaithcommunity.org/merch-store

Order Breaking All The Rules here: https://www.kristianasmith.com/breaking-all-the-rules

Episode Chapters

00:00 - Intro and Highlights

06:36 - Close the Doors - Marvin Sapp Recap

09:45 - The One Rule

15:45 - What is Humanism? - The Pastor's Study

21:34 - How were you exposed to Humanism? - Intros

44:40 - Paula White is a Scammer - Reaching for the Stars

56:55 - The ladies read Paula White for filth

1:19:03 - How does Humanism align with Jesus?

1:36:57 - Church Kid Sing Along

In recent years, Christian Nationalist have bee casting a negative light on the concept of empathy. They characterize it as a gateway to approve "sin." In this episode Kristian and the crew unpack how dangerous this teaching is.

Watch this episode and subscribe to our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/Athcr-Z-lwE

Subscribe to Patreon Here: https://www.patreon.com/tfcvirtual

Purchase full-length, uncensored episodes of the podcast here: https://www.patreon.com/tfcvirtual

Join the Wait List for Kristian's upcoming e-book, "How to Deconstruct," here: https://mailchi.mp/thefaithcommunity/...

Register for DAI Fest in Atlanta Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dai-fest...

Get Merch here: https://thefaithcommunity.org/merch-s...

Order Breaking All The Rules here: https://www.kristianasmith.com/breaki...

Episode Chapters

00:00 - Intro and Highlights

02:30 - Rich Auntie's Birthday Recap

05:47 - The First Lady of the Closet

10:10 - Pamela is the man of the house

13:10 - The One Rule

17:52 - What is Empathy - The Couch w/ Pamela

31:13 - Boundaries vs. Control

36:57 - How did you learn empathy?

47:15 - Anxiety vs Empathy

55:01 - What is toxic Empathy? Reaching for the Stars

1:20:15 - The Enticing Sin of Empathy

1:31:30 - You're Invited!