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What if empathy isn't a threat to truth—but a sign of spiritual maturity?

In this soul-searching and challenging episode, Tammy and Laura unpack the growing resistance to empathy within parts of the evangelical church. From claims that empathy is “selective” or “a sin” to the fear that it invites moral relativism, we explore how empathy connects directly to the fruit of the Spirit—even if it’s not explicitly named.

Together, we push back on the false choice between empathy and conviction, showing how spiritual depth lives in the tension of love, humility, and nuance.

We also dive into:

Why some fear the "gray areas" of theology

How empathy is weaponized or suppressed in political agendas

The danger of certainty and the beauty of spiritual humility

The role of curiosity in building authentic faith

Why asking questions doesn’t make you less Christian—it makes you more like Christ

This episode is an invitation to step into the gray, listen deeply, and rethink what we’ve been told about being right.

👉 Subscribe for more honest, curious faith conversations.
👍 Like if you’ve ever been told your empathy was a weakness.
💬 Tell us in the comments—how have gray areas challenged or grown your faith?
🔔 Tap the bell so you don't miss the next episode.

#UntanglingFaith #Empathy #Christianity #Deconstruction #FruitOfTheSpirit #FaithAndPolitics #SpiritualGrowth #ProgressiveChristianity #CertaintyIsNotFaith #HolySpirit #FaithPodcast #NuancedFaith #GrayAreas #Evangelicalism

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In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, Laura & Tammy dive into how theology, church history, and cultural norms have shaped—and too often limited—our understanding of women's roles, worth, and autonomy. Drawing insight from The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr and The Patriarchy Stress Disorder by Dr. Valerie Rein, she challenges long-standing narratives that have painted women as less than, or even "deformed males," and invites us to reconsider what it truly means to be made in the image of God.

They also open up a meaningful conversation about how the church talks about sex—or avoids it—and offers a compelling case for addressing sexuality with honesty, dignity, and without shame. Through a surprising story from “Sex Camp” and honest reflection on relationships, gender, and faith, this episode calls us back to a fuller, richer vision of humanity rooted in love, equality, and divine calling.

If you’ve ever felt tension between your faith and your identity as a woman—or want to explore healthier ways the church can talk about gender and sexuality—this episode is for you.

Email us at [email protected].

#WomenInTheChurch #MadeInGodsImage #FaithAndFeminism #BiblicalWomanhood #ChristianFeminism #TheologyOfSex #FaithAndIdentity #TheMakingOfBiblicalWomanhood #PatriarchyStressDisorder #BethAllisonBarr #ValerieRein #DeconstructionAndFaith #ProgressiveChristianity #SpiritualGrowth #ChurchCulture #ChristianPodcast #SexAndFaith
#FaithfulFeminism

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“Let’s talk about sex… and the church.”

This week on Untangling Faith, Tammy and Laura dive deep into one of the most loaded, controversial, and misunderstood topics in Christian culture: sex.

👉 Why has the church been obsessed with controlling sexual behavior—but only certain people's?
👉 What happens when purity culture shames girls, excuses boys, and leaves everyone confused?
👉 How do unhealthy teachings about sex ripple out into silence, exploitation, and even abuse?

Pulling from personal experience, cultural observations, and real spiritual wrestling, this episode is an honest, grace-filled look at what happens when faith, sexuality, and control collide. And yes—we still find space to laugh in the middle of it.

🔍 Topics we untangle:

Purity culture, double standards & "damaged goods" theology

Christian conferences & hotel porn stats (yep, we went there)

The rise of accountability partners (for just one issue...)

Sex as sacred: pleasure, intimacy & design

Why some traditions are more vulnerable to scandal—and what that says about us

Learning to trust our bodies, our desires, and our Creator again

🎙️ Join the conversation. We’re not experts—just two people unafraid to ask the hard questions.

👇 Like, share, and subscribe for more real talk about messy faith, shifting theology, and deep grace.
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💬 Leave a comment—what’s your experience with this topic?

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Social Justice, Homelessness, and the Church, Part 2

What happens when churches move beyond the food pantry and start asking deeper questions about justice, dignity, and systems?

In Part 2 of our conversation with Kyle Bryan—director of the Martha Vandervoort Center to End Homelessness—we dig further into the church’s role in addressing poverty and housing insecurity. Kyle shares honest reflections about the challenges of this work, the importance of listening to people with lived experience, and how churches can become true partners in their communities.

We talk about the tension between individual charity and systemic change, the spiritual cost of ignoring injustice, and the surprising ways Jesus shows up when we pay attention.

If you’ve ever wondered how faith intersects with advocacy, or how to love your neighbor when the systems feel overwhelming, this episode is for you.

Didn’t catch Part 1? Be sure to go back and listen to the first half of this powerful conversation.

Contact Laura and Tammy at [email protected]. 

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Social Justice, Homelessness, and the Church, Part 1

What should the role of the church be when it comes to social justice? And what does it actually look like to meet the real needs of the people around us?

In this episode, we sit down with Kyle Bryan, director of the Martha Vandervoort Center to End Homelessness in Anniston, Alabama. Kyle brings both passion and practical experience to the conversation as we explore what it means to show up for our neighbors—especially those facing homelessness and poverty.

We talk about the systems that keep people unhoused, the disconnect between good intentions and meaningful help, and how the church can move from charity to solidarity. There’s some light chatter at the beginning (because we’re real people, not robots), and then we dive into the big stuff.

Whether you’re deep in the work or just starting to ask questions about faith and justice, this one’s for you.

Don’t miss Part 2 next week, where we continue the conversation with even more real talk and practical insight.

Contact Laura and Tammy at [email protected]. 

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In this final episode of our LGBTQ+ series, Laura and Tammy turn their attention to what inclusion actually looks like—beyond theology and into real life.

How can churches become places of true belonging for LGBTQ individuals? What does it mean to affirm someone's identity and create space for their full participation in faith communities? And what are the risks—and the possibilities—when we begin to lead with love instead of fear?

This conversation gets personal, practical, and hopeful, offering ideas for individuals and churches who want to move from exclusion to embrace.

Whether you're a pastor, a parent, or someone who's been hurt by the church, we hope this episode helps you imagine a more expansive and grace-filled way forward.

#LGBTQInclusion #ChurchAndQueerFolks #AffirmingChurch #Belonging #Deconstruction #UntanglingFaith

Contact Laura and Tammy at [email protected]. 

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In this second of three episodes of our LGBTQ+ series, Tammy and Laura dive into the Bible verses most often used to condemn queer people—what many refer to as the “clobber passages.” 

What are these verses really saying? Have we misunderstood—or misused—them? Whole books have been written on correctly interpreting these verses. This conversation is NOT that. Instead, with care for people and curiosity, Laura and Tammy explore the cultural, historical, and linguistic context behind these scriptures, asking what it looks like to read them through a lens of love, justice, and humility.

If you've ever been told "the Bible is clear" on this issue, or if you’re trying to reconcile your faith with a more inclusive theology, this conversation may be for you.

Let’s keep asking hard questions—and making space for better answers.

🎧 Stick around for Part 3, where we shift from theology to practice: how can individuals and churches create room for LGBTQ people to belong, not just be tolerated?

#LGBTQ #BibleVerses #ClobberPassages #FaithAndSexuality #Deconstruction #UntanglingFaith

Contact Laura and Tammy at [email protected]. 

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The conversation around LGBTQ+ inclusion in the church is complex, emotional, and deeply personal. In this episode, Laura and Tammy begin a multi-part series exploring this topic.

As a pastor who has ministered to people who are transgender, Laura shares insights into the challenges trans individuals face—especially in faith communities. What does it mean to honor someone’s identity? How do we move beyond fear and misinformation to a posture of love and understanding?

Whether you’re wrestling with your own beliefs, supporting a loved one, or simply trying to engage with this conversation in a more informed way, this episode invites you to listen with curiosity and compassion.

Join us as we untangle faith, identity, and belonging.

Contact Laura and Tammy at [email protected]. 

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Deconstruction isn’t just about tearing down—it’s about rebuilding in a way that feels true. In this episode, we continue our conversation with Renea and Rhanda as they share what life and faith look like on the other side of deconstruction.

How do you navigate relationships with those who don’t understand your journey? What new practices or beliefs bring life and meaning? Renea and Rhanda open up about the struggles, surprises, and hope they’ve found along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered what comes next after questioning everything, this episode is for you.

Listen now, and let’s keep untangling faith together.

Contact Laura and Tammy at [email protected]. 

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Deconstruction is rarely a straight path—it’s personal, messy, and often filled with unexpected turns. In this episode, we sit down with two friends, Renea and Rhanda, as they share their unique journeys of questioning, unlearning, and rediscovering faith.

From early doubts to major turning points, they open up about what led them to rethink long-held beliefs, the challenges they faced along the way, and what faith looks like for them now. Their stories are honest, raw, and full of wisdom for anyone who’s ever wondered, What happens when faith no longer fits?

Join us for Part 1 of this heartfelt conversation, and stay tuned for Part 2 next week!

Contact Laura and Tammy at [email protected].