The F Word: Conversations On Faith with Matt Miofsky

Many of us have had a complicated relationship with faith. Singer/songwriter and leader of a widely popular band Caedmon's Call, Derek Webb spent much time submersed in the Christian subculture of the 90s and 00s. But over time, as he pursued a solo career, his songs drifted outside the norms of what his record label wanted him to be talking about. His own relationship with faith began to be strained until he stopped identifying as Christian altogether. His story resonates with so many who find their relationship to Christianity... complicated.

DerekWebb.com

So many of us have been burned, bored, or hurt by the church. If not, then we likely know someone who has. But a hurtful church experience doesn't have to mean the end of a relationship with God. In this episode, we talk to author and pastor Rev. Carol Howard Merritt about her own complicated journey with the church, her work with those with spiritual wounds, and how many have found healing and connection with God on the other side.

What is forgiveness? Is forgiveness excusing bad behavior? Does someone have to say sorry for me to forgive them? How do I forgive myself? In this episode, we tackle these questions and more with the preeminent forgiveness expert. Dr. Robert Enright has devoted 40 years to studying forgiveness, how to do it, and the ways it benefits us.

Faith is about relationships - with God, others and ourselves. But relationships are hard, fraught with conflict, and often messy - especially with those closest to us. In this Valentine's Day pod, Matt talks to marriage therapist Richard Boswell about relationship warning signs, conflict, and how to work towards healthier relationships.

rbboswell.com

All of us have a story with twists and turns, and Josh Caterer is no exception. Growing up in Chicago he started a band called the Smoking Popes. After finding commercial success on the punk rock seen, Josh hit rock bottom when he overdosed after a show. That set him on a path that ultimately led to Jesus, church, and a new relationship with music.

So many of us are tired. Not a little tired, but really tired. We think of full schedule is a sign of importance and wear our busyness like a badge of honor. But this not how you are created to live. In this week's episode, we talk with Rabbi Amy Feder about rest and the ancient idea of Sabbath.

With the pandemic, an unprecedented number of people are losing their jobs, or know someone who is. Transitions like this can be scary and disorienting, but also a time of opportunity. This week's guest author and speaker Dale Kreienkamp will talk about the spiritual and emotional struggle of losing your job and how to support others who might be experiencing it.

Check out Dale's website at DaleKreienkamp.com

w/ John Carney & Dale Kreienkamp

This week Pastor Matt's guest is Dr. Marie Griffith of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University. They're discussing why Christians have been so supportive of Donald Trump, the history of evangelical Christian involvement in partisan politics, and the dangers of mixing the two.

Pastor Matt invites radio show host John Carney back for week two to discuss failure, what we can learn from it, and how it impacts our faith. Plus, he interviews Dr. Thomas Hoerr, Scholar in Residence @ UMSL and author of Fostering Grit to explore the concept of grit and how we can develop perseverance and resiliency through failure.

Pastor Matt introduces himself and the show. He discusses New Years resolutions with long time friend and radio show host John Carney, and breaks down the keys to keeping those resolutions with Rev. Charity Goodwin.