LIVE: Is Christianity Still Good News? (Panel Discussion from 2023)

Originally recorded June 2023

In this timely replay from our archives, we revisit a powerful live panel discussion that feels more relevant than ever. As we navigate 2025's challenging landscape of rising Christian nationalism and global uncertainty, four thoughtful voices offer alternative perspectives on Christianity's role and relevance today.

Featured Panelists:

• Gregg Morris
• Sally Douglas
• Will Nicholas
• Carlynne Nunn

Key Topics Explored:

• Woman wisdom and Jesus as the feminine divine
• The 'cultural tale' we carry with us
• Using sci-fi and storytelling to explore theological questions
• Finding good news in failure, disappointment and ordinary moments

Episode Highlights:

• Beautiful alternatives to dominant Christian narratives
• Fresh perspectives on what "good news" means today
• Thoughtful engagement with contemporary challenges
• Hope-filled possibilities for faith in uncertain times

Important Update: Spiritual Misfits is now being supported by the Sydney Central Coast Presbytery of the Uniting Church. For those who support the podcast or wish to begin supporting, please note our new bank account details are available at spiritualmisfits.com.au under the 'Support Us' tab.

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The conversation revolves around the Religious Trauma Collective, a group formed by Jane Kennedy, Samantha Sellers and Elise Heerde. They discuss the importance of recognising and addressing religious trauma, the context of this issue in Australia and New Zealand, and the differences between healthy and unhealthy religious environments. The Collective aims to provide resources, support, and community for those affected by religious trauma. In this conversation, the group explore the complexities of community, the importance of diversity in faith spaces, and the nuances of navigating online influences and deconstruction. They discuss the journey of healing from religious trauma, the balance between public and private healing, and the significance of therapy in this space.

Learn more here: https://www.thereligioustraumacollective.com/

Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.

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Join Will and Marla Taviano for a wholefarted conversation about creativity, authenticity, and finding freedom beyond religious labels. From writing conservative marriage books to creating protest art from James Dobson literature, Marla shares her journey of unlearning and discovering what it means to truly come alive.

In this episode we discuss:

• The origin story of "living whole farted"
• How poetry became Marla's language of resistance
• Making protest art from evangelical literature
• The influence of Rachel Held Evans
• Finding authenticity beyond strict religious frameworks
• The relationship between creativity and spirituality

Connect with Marla: https://itsmemarla.com/ 

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Mikenzie Ling shares her journey as a proud Wiradjuri woman navigating her identity and faith. She discusses her roles in community engagement and Indigenous theology, reflecting on her experiences growing up with challenges at home and a strong sense of emerging spirituality. Mikenzie explores the complexities of her relationship with God, the impact of her cultural background, and the integration of Aboriginal spirituality with her Christian faith. Through her story, she highlights the importance of embracing one's identity and the healing power of connection to Country and community. The conversation explores the journey from fragmentation to wholeness, the significance of land in Aboriginal theology, and the complexities of identity within the context of colonisation. 

Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.

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In this conversation, Jonathan Cornford discusses his journey of living simply and the implications of faith on economics. The discussion explores the historical context of Christianity's relationship with capitalism, the importance of community, and the challenges of navigating guilt and shame in economic choices. In this conversation, Will and Jonathan explore the complexities of economic systems, particularly capitalism, socialism, and communism. They discuss the importance of defining these terms clearly and the implications of each system on society. The conversation shifts to the challenges of navigating change within communities and the role of individual actions in creating collective impact. They emphasise the need for hope and resilience in the face of despair, advocating for a deeper understanding of ethical consumption and the political engagement necessary to drive systemic change.

Learn more about Manna Gum here: https://mannagum.org.au/

Listen to the episode of 'MannaCast' Jonathan references here: https://mannagum.podbean.com/e/ep-19-christianity-and-the-rise-of-capitalism/

Read The Guardian article Will references in the conversation here: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2023/dec/23/jonathan-cornford-interview-low-income-family-rich-life

Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.

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Sarah Bacaller is the editor of 'Apostate: Stories of Deconversion.' In this conversation Sarah and Will explore themes of apostasy, the fragility of fundamentalist faith, and the importance of listening to personal stories of deconstruction and/or loss of faith. They discuss the cultural contexts of Christianity in the US and Australia, the challenges of engaging with differing beliefs, and the need for compassionate dialogue. They delve into the complexities of interpreting religious texts, the diversity within Christianity, and the significance of compassion and kindness in fostering human dignity. The dialogue emphasises the need for openness to learning and understanding others' experiences, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and respectful approach to spirituality and community.

Sarah's website: https://www.sarahbacaller.com/

Buy 'Apostate: Stories of Deconversion': https://www.amazon.com/Apostate-Stories-Deconversion-Sarah-Bacaller/dp/1965646018

Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.

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In this conversation, Geoff Bullock shares his profound journey of faith, music, and the complexities of his time with Hillsong. He reflects on his early days in the church, the creation of the Hillsong music team, and the pivotal moments that shaped his spiritual life. Bullock discusses the rise and fall of Hillsong, expressing his grief over its trajectory while emphasizing the importance of separating personal faith from institutional flaws. He encourages listeners to seek genuine encounters with God within the church community, despite the challenges and disappointments they may face. Geoff and Will explore themes of hope, healing, and the complexities of power within faith communities. They discuss the dual nature of suffering and renewal, the importance of art in expressing faith, and the journey of personal transformation. Bullock shares his experiences of leadership, the challenges faced in the church, and the significance of surrendering power. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a compassionate understanding of others' suffering and the role of music and creativity in spiritual expression.

Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.

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In this episode Will Small interviews Jono Ingram, exploring his journey from being a pastor to finding his place in the world through nature, spirituality, and community development. Jono shares his experiences of feeling like a misfit within the church, the influence of his parents' faith, and how he integrates his spirituality with his current work in environmental social enterprise. Jono discusses his journey of creating a nonprofit focused on environmental sustainability and community engagement. He emphasizes the importance of connecting spirituality with environmental action, advocating for a holistic approach to faith that includes caring for the earth. Jono shares insights on how everyday activities can be infused with mindfulness and spirituality, highlighting the beauty in ordinary moments. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by those trying to integrate faith with environmental activism and the need for a more expansive understanding of what it means to be a Christian in today's world.

Explore some of Jono's 'Dirt Church Liturgy' work at: https://jcingram.wordpress.com/

Learn more about Jono's non-profit here: https://www.weloveaintree.org/

Get tickets to Future Church Conference coming up on January 28 now! Use SPIRITUALMISFITS at checkout for $10 off: https://events.humanitix.com/future-church-conference-2025/tickets

Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.

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In this episode Will engages in a rich conversation with Liz Charlotte Grant, author of 'Knock at the Sky: Seeking God in Genesis After Losing Faith in the Bible.' They explore Liz's early relationship with the Bible, her journey through evangelicalism, and the evolution of her faith. Liz shares her insights on the importance of narrative in shaping beliefs, the complexities of trust within evangelical communities, and the need for inclusive and equitable spaces for dialogue about faith.

Liz and Will explore the complexities of interpreting scripture, the significance of God's voice, and the importance of spiritual autonomy. They discuss the parallels between God's communication and whale song, the value of Jewish midrash in understanding biblical texts, and the need for personal interpretation in a world filled with diverse voices. Liz emphasizes the importance of approaching the Bible with a sense of wonder and astonishment rather than seeking facts and certainty, encouraging listeners to trust their own spiritual journeys and interpretations.

'Knock at the Sky' is out now. Learn more here: https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802883759/knock-at-the-sky/

Get tickets to Future Church Conference coming up on January 28 now! Use SPIRITUALMISFITS at checkout for $10 off: https://events.humanitix.com/future-church-conference-2025/tickets

Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.

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Yo! Brand new podcast episodes will be coming your way in early 2025, but for now I'm pulling out a couple of great episodes to revisit from the back-log, like this chat with Carolyn Meers.

This is a conversation about what it’s like to go through faith crises, deconstruction, dark nights of the soul. etc etc. while pastoring a church.

This is not an easy road. And I have not heard many people talk about it from the perspective of being a pastor. But I don’t think it’s uncommon.

I hope that this conversation gives people a little more empathy for some of the tensions that many pastors deal with, trying to love a group of people with a diversity of opinions and perspectives, while going through their own process.

If you are a pastor, I hope this makes you feel like your process is ok. And you too are not alone.

Out of her own journey of change, Caro has shifted the way she leads and shapes church community. And in my opinion, what she describes sounds exactly like what I crave when I think of the church of tomorrow (which we’ve spoken a little bit about lately). It is well worth listening to this conversation just to hear how Caro approaches things like teaching the bible and nurturing community nowadays.


Get tickets to Future Church Conference coming up on January 28 now! Use SPIRITUALMISFITS at checkout for $10 off: https://events.humanitix.com/future-church-conference-2025/tickets

Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.

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