This 13th episode is the episode I never wanted to post but in various forms and contexts, I kept accidentally recording...then deleting. It never seemed like enough. This try isn't either, but what must be said, must be said whether we're ready to say it or not.

This is not a cumulative thorough explanation of my religious deconstruction because that would have taken forever and bored everyone to tears. For any on the inside, this will likely be an unsatisfactory rant. For any like me, I'd love to hear your stories or questions as I doubt this is the last time I have to discuss this change in my perspective.

I mean no disrespect or dishonor to anyone who holds tightly to the ideas I put to question here or more importantly the ideas I strategically tried to avoid tackling all at once. I respect Adventism and its community as I spent my whole life there, but I also feel compelled to speak a little bit about the emotional struggles the dogma exacerbated as I cannot be the only one. Thanks for listening.

*New Pod, New Cover Pic. New Vibe!*

Where is the line between God and our thoughts about God? What is our responsibility for understanding that line?

This episode delves into the many questions and considerations that inform us of what "God" is and how misleading it is to all call it the same name.

This episode is about my skepticism. Skepticism about America's recent recognition of racism and the predictable corresponding regression to the mean, as well as how that regression may be affecting our recent allies' enthusiasm. Additionally, my skepticism surrounding the supposedly Christian idea of "leaving big issues to God" and how it is largely an empty sentiment that allows for and signifies the beginning that regression.

Just opinions

Ive taken years off of this podcast for many reasons that I'd love to get into. However, to start back up, I could not neglect to first speak just quickly and loosely about the racial discord in America/the world at this very moment.

Rest in Peace to George Floyd, Brenna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tamir Rice, and countless others

This is a rant that not everyone will agree with, and might bother a few. This episode touches on the topic of the culture war surrounding homosexuality, the Christian church, and biblical translation, but it does not purport to answer the question. This episode is about how an honest and open-minded answer, by Pastor Eugene Peterson, to a delicate hypothetical question, led a major Christian Book store to actually contemplate removing the Message Version of the Bible from their shelves.

Basically saying "to protect these Words, we will no longer distribute them."

That made me mad and i reacted immediately. So, that's what this is.

ThisIsWillJames.com

This episode deals with the inherent flaws in traditional views on Faith and Belief and how those in the midst of struggle, doubt, and skepticism may just be at the precipice of truth and revelation. How so many on the "inside" may just be howling at the moon because divine truth just might be bigger, deeper, and more confounding than we tend to consider. This episode speaks to how traditional christianity can put the All Powerful in tidy boxes, but that doesn't mean It fits. Digest it. Wrestle with it. Argue back. This is always a discussion. - @ThisIsWillJames

Just a few thoughts on the state of things without getting very political. This is not about party or policy but community. We are at the beginnings of what could be a tremendous shift for humanity if we do not fall into the same old cycle. Give it a listen or read the written version at ThisIsWillJames.com

This Podcast episode digs into the National Anthem controversy by getting past the protest and getting to the point. I assure you it is all spoken in love, but it is not necessarily the easiest to ingest. No offense was intended if any is felt:

Over the last couple weeks, there has been a growing storyline surrounding young Colin Kaepernick.

The spectrum of reactions ranges from essentially comparing the lyrics of the Star Spangled Banner to a heritage of the same kind of ideas that brought down the Stars and Bars recently, to rhetoric of a rich spoiled athlete waiting to complain about “supposed” oppression until after poor play and a big contract. How convenient?”

Everyone has an opinion on what he did, how he did it, and why he shouldn’t have. Yet, it seems as though each of these “conversations” ends the same way: we sit and analyze each other’s opinions and decide to point back to the man to ask:

“Why is he being so divisive?”

I suppose my question is:

Are we sure it’s Kaepernick that’s being divisive?

Why is shining a light on something negative about our country, perceived as more divisive than that negative thing?

Is it really that we can’t look past his act of omission to address his motive, or is it that we don’t want to address the motives and have found a convenient loop hole?

How can it be seen as the "right message, wrong way wrong time" when right now everyone is listening?

-you are not listening to this

r5jd65ih

Alright, here we go again. For you sadistic few who powered through 'The Heavy One', or sensed some common thread from it in your existence, this is the continuation of the story. 'My Life-Driven Purpose' isnt particularly less heavy but we avoided the waterworks this time!

This deals more deeply with Depression, Faith, and Purpose. It twists. It turns. I don't know...it is what it is.

@ThisIsWillJames

Matthew 10:39

‪#‎URNotListening‬

This Episode of the podcast is a bit of a curve in the road. I started this podcast because of a personal/emotional/psychological/spiritual disruption in my life that started a couple years ago. It has been a process that I was not prepared to be vulnerable about.

However, now is the time. This is the first of what will be a serious of discussions of what happened to me and how I've grown from it. It will be, at times, uplifting yet depressing, biblical and "heretical", and all in between.

This first one deals with depression, dangers religion can bring into your life with a slightly twisted mindset, suicide, the voice and character of "God", how little importance hell should be, and my general overall mystical spiritual craziness. I hope you enjoy it if you find it, and please don't hesitate to yell at me, agree with me, ask me questions no matter how intense or silly.

You are not listening to this.... but if you are, lets enjoy this little ride.

#URNotListening

As always, I love ya, even though I dont know ya.

Dont forget to subscribe to the podcast on itunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/you-are-not-listening-to-this/id1050220060?mt=2

Hit me up at any of these:

The Book: https://www.facebook.com/urnotlistening/

Twitter: @ThisIsWillJames

Website and Blog: Willjames.squarespace.com

Email: [email protected]