Rethinking Faith

Hurt by the church. Healed by the journey.

Questioning our faith and spiritual beliefs, while leaving the familiarity of our religious homeland, can be very painful. Loneliness, isolation, and fear of rejection--from God and others--can give rise to shame, guilt, anger, and sadness. Yet, paradoxically, this uncomfortable process can be a powerful catalyst that leads to tremendous emotional, mental, and spiritual growth.

This week, theologian, therapist, and ordained pastor, Mark Karris joined the conversation. Mark is no stranger to the deconstruction/reconstruction process.

In Religious Refugees, he explores this disorienting faith-shift through the lens of psychological research, theology, philosophy, and, most importantly, the real-world experiences of those who are going through--and have gone through--this arduous and confusing journey. You don't have to walk this path alone. Join the legion of others on the road to healing and self-discovery. 

RESOURCES: 

Religious Refugees: (De)constructing Toward Spiritual and Emotional Healing

Mark's Website

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This week, Colby Martin discusses his latest work "The Shift: Surviving and Thriving after Moving from Conservative to Progressive Christianity."

When Christians are kicked out of their conservative churches or leave because they no longer feel at home, they embark on a journey of freedom and fear, love and loneliness, empowerment and pain. The movement from conservative to progressive Christianity is a serious shift. Colby Martin has traversed this treacherous territory, survived its hardships, and is now turning around to share what he's learned.

Colby has created a survival guide to help followers of Jesus navigate the strange and confusing landscape when shifting from conservative to progressive Christianity. His book will prepare progressive Christians (from long-time progressives to those just starting out) for the pitfalls awaiting them as they shift out of their conservative world, and it will equip them for a more abundant, thriving, and peace-filled spiritual life.

RESOURCES: 

The Shift: Surviving and Thriving after Moving from Conservative to Progressive Christianity (Book)

Unclobber: Rethinking our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality (Book) 

Colby's Website 

Sojourn Grace Collective: Colby's Church

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This week, we were joined by filmmaker and author Kevin Miller to discuss his latest film, J.E.S.U.S.A. 

His film is an in-depth exploration of the relationship between Christianity and American nationalism and the violence that can often emerge from it. Far from a new phenomenon, this documentary traces the co-opting of Christianity by the state all the way back to when the Christian faith became the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Through interviews with a diverse group of scholars, pastors, historians, and activists, this film shows how specific readings of the Bible have led many Christians to confuse their devotion to Jesus with their dedication to the state. The film helps viewers rediscover and restore long-held Christian beliefs regarding nonviolence, inspiring Christians to become purveyors of peace rather than enablers of conflict and violence. 

Enjoy!

RESOURCES: 

J.E.S.U.S.A. Film 

Kevin's Website

Hellbound Film

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This week Kelley Nikondeha joined us to help us (re)think how we view the women of Exodus. In Kelley's most recent book, "Defiant: What the Women of Exodus Teach Us About Freedom", Kelley brings to light the overwhelming importance of the women of Exodus. 

If it weren't for the women in Exodus, there would be no Moses, no crossing the Red Sea, and no story of breaking the chains of slavery. Women exhibited a subversive strength to defy Pharaoh and lead an entire people to freedom. 

Kelley helps us to reflect on how the story of Exodus speaks to women's resistance against injustice today and highlights the biblical mandate of working toward liberation at all times and places. Enjoy!

RESOURCES: 

Defiant: What the Women of Exodus Teach Us About Freedom (Book)

Adopted: The Sacrament of Belonging in a Fractured World (Book)

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Have you ever wondered what the Old Testament or the Old Testament Law has anything to do with your life? Have you ever thought about just ditching the Old Testament all together? You are not alone! 

This week, Carmen Imes (PhD) joins us to help us rethink our views of the Old Testament. Carmen argues that the Old Testament is very important and that we can't understand our calling as Christians without it. Specifically, she argues that we have misunderstood the command about taking the Lord's name in vain. This is an important thing to get right... joins us in rethinking how we view the Old Testament. 

RESOURCES: 

Bearing God's Name: Why Sinai Still Matters (book) 

Bearing Yhwh's Name at Sinai (published dissertation) 

Carmens Blog

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We live in an extremely polarized society, especially when it comes to our political climate. This week, Pastor and founder of One Day's Wages (ODW) joins the conversation to help us (re)think how we engage with politics. 

Seek first the Kingdom of God... not the Kingdom of a Political Party. We don't need any more "jerks for Jesus". Eugene helps us think through finding points of agreement to work towards the common good. He helps us listen to each other, especially those amongst us who are most vulnerable. This episode is timely, and Eugene helps us to see how we can be a light into the darkness and divided culture of today. Enjoy!

RESOURCES: 

Thou Shalt Not Be A Jerk: A Christian's Guide to Engaging Politics (Book)

One Day's Wages 

Bread for the World

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This week, Josh and Marty spend some time reflecting together on the topic of racism. We both have been doing a lot of listening and learning from people of color during these crazy times. One thing we have been told a lot is that white people need to start having these conversations amongst ourselves. 

This is an attempt to do just that. Josh and Marty reflect and share some of their thoughts on everything that has been going on. Is it perfect? Probably not... do we have it all figure out... NO! We will continue to learn and listen and grow. We will continue to work towards racial reconciliation. We are committed to being anti-racist. Enjoy. 

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Story is a powerful thing. This week Josh & Marty were joined by 3 friends of theirs for an important conversation. Christine, Keith, and Ronny have something in common... they are all Black Pastors in predominately White Spaces. With this comes tension. Again, story is powerful and important and the story of these 3 individuals need to be heard.

Please join us in (re)thinking racism. Enjoy.

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We've all seen the news stories and heard the rumors. Maybe you have been hurt by a narcissistic church leader. It's easy to throw the term around and diagnose others from afar. But what is narcissism, really? And how does it infiltrate the church?

This week, Chuck DeGroat joins the conversation. Chuck has been counseling pastors with Narcissistic Personality Disorder, as well as those wounded by narcissistic leaders and systems, for over twenty years. He knows firsthand the devastation narcissism leaves in its wake and how insidious and painful it is.

DeGroat helps us to take a close look at narcissism, not only in ministry leaders but also in church systems. He offers compassion and hope for those affected by its destructive power and imparts wise counsel for churches looking to heal from its systemic effects. Enjoy!

RESOURCES: 

When Narcissism Comes to Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse (Book)

Chuck's Website

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This week Drew Hart joined the conversation to help us (re)think how the church views racism. In this deep and challenging episode, Drew helps us to see the racial hierarchy of not only our world, but also in the Church. He contends that racism is not just a sociological but also a theological issue as well. Will you join us in (re)thinking how we view racism? Enjoy.   

RESOURCES: 

Trouble I've Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism (Book)

Drews Website

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