Today we welcome Jaxon Phoenix, an author and hand pan musician, to discuss his new book "Only Us: Searching for Truth About the Identity of God and Humanity." The conversation delves into Jaxon’s personal journey of faith, deconstruction, and healing from religious trauma. Together, we explore the challenges of questioning inherited beliefs, the psychological impact of indoctrination, and the process of finding a more authentic, compassionate spirituality. Jaxon shares his experiences with depression, therapy, and discovering the hand pan as a tool for healing, while he and Leslie reflect on the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and embracing uncertainty in faith.

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Introduction to Jaxon’s book and his background as a hand pan musician and healer.
• Discussion of growing up in a fundamentalist Christian environment and the struggle with unanswered questions about biblical stories.
• The psychological effects of religious indoctrination and the fear-based messaging around hell and salvation.
• Jaxon’s journey through depression, therapy, and the role of music (hand pan) in his healing process.
• Honest conversation about deconstruction, family reactions, and the importance of thinking for oneself.
• Critique of church hierarchy, performance culture, and the need for authenticity and safe spaces in faith communities.
• Reflections on the universality of cult-like control in various belief systems and organizations.
• The value of empathy, understanding, and allowing others to follow their own spiritual paths.
• Jaxon’s perspective on faith as embracing uncertainty and the ongoing process of questioning and growth.
• A live hand pan performance inspired by the conversation, symbolizing freedom and healing.

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

Pick up Leslie's book, Honoring the Journey: The Deconstruction of Sister Christian here.

Interested in working with Leslie as your Life/Faith Transitions Coach? Check out her website and learn more about what she offers! https://www.leslieneasecoaching.com

If you'd like to be a part of the Honoring the Journey Team on Substack, click here! You can find her work and also support her financially if you desire.

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If you are looking for community as you deconstruct or just a place to go and enjoy the company of people who are seekers, learners and who are looking to connect with the Divine without religious baggage, please join the Private Facebook Community!  Leslie is very passionate about connection and community, so if that sounds like you, please come join us!

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