Religion & Fiction Podcast

The end of the year and entrance into another is the perfect time to consider our spiritual journey. So I thought I would offer a space to do that here with Book 2 of my spiritual coming-of-age series, Faith Reimagined. A Rediscovered Faith follows the spiritual journey of Peter Daniel Young as he considers deep questions of faith, life, and everything in between. Whether you are facing your own faith crisis and wonder if Christianity is still relevant to your world, or you know someone who is struggling themselves, discover with Peter why the story of Jesus and his love still matters. For him, his family and friends, the Church — and for you.Join the journey now to get ready for the final book in the trilogy coming next month: A Refined Faith. I’m launching a Kickstarter hootenanny, with self-study and reflection workbooks and video studies to go along with the series. 👉 GO HERE to follow and get notified about the final book, the workbooks, and the spiritual courses.The book club is finished, but you can still get the book on discount below and follow the study along through these links. Amazon.com has it HERE. Most other online retailers are HERE.🗓️ Here are the dates and deets:* December 20 | Chapters 1–8* January 3 | Chapters 9–16* January 10 | Chapters 17–25* January 17 | Chapters 26–31* January 24 | Chapters 32–39The story takes a tragic turn for Peter and his family that provoke deep questions about faith, life, and everything in between. He must confront his own beliefs, and others, and rise to the occasion to fight for others while keeping the faith.After you have a listen, here are some questions to guide your reading, with more inside the episode:* Have you ever experienced guilt, confusion, regret over a relationship, as the characters had in this story? Why, and was was that like?* What was it about JT’s confession that made Peter question his relationship with God? What was his brother relying on?* A constant theme in the book is ideas have consequences. What do you make of this theme, and how does this final week showcase it? What do you think it means for others—for you, as Peter wondered for himself?* How had the Prosurgent version of Christianity offered false hope, rather than genuine hope? How was it not honest about the Christian faith?* What do you make of Peter’s reference to Jesus’ exhortation to ‘Stop doubting and believe’ (John 20:27)? Where are you in relationship to this almost command, to let go of doubt and embrace belief—in Jesus?* In what was is doubt considered a virtue nowadays? Why do you suppose belief is almost ridiculed?* Consider that journal article from JT that Peter read. Can you identify with his opinions about faith? Do you know others who share the same understanding? What is your own trust for God’s acceptance?* Near the end of Chapter 38, Peter offers a prayer of confession and repentance, a turning toward Jesus in faith and belief. Have you offered such a prayer? If so, I would love to hear about it! If not, what’s stopping you?* In what way does this story reinforce the urgency of faith, both for ourselves and our relationship with others?* Consider Peter’s closing meditation and prayer at the end of Chapter 39. How does it reflect your own feelings, if any? Do you know where to turn with God? Do you know where your faith is heading? What might it meant that Christ’s grace, his crazy love for you is enough for you and journey?This book club is meant to be a self-study exploration rediscovering faith. Feel free to read and listen along, then come back to offer your comments and discussion below!J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

The end of the year and entrance into another is the perfect time to consider our spiritual journey. So I thought I would offer a space to do that here with Book 2 of my spiritual coming-of-age series, Faith Reimagined. A Rediscovered Faith follows the spiritual journey of Peter Daniel Young as he considers deep questions of faith, life, and everything in between. Whether you are facing your own faith crisis and wonder if Christianity is still relevant to your world, or you know someone who is struggling themselves, discover with Peter why the story of Jesus and his love still matters. For him, his family and friends, the Church — and for you.Join the journey now to get ready for the final book in the trilogy coming next month: A Refined Faith. I’m launching a Kickstarter hootenanny, with self-study and reflection workbooks and video studies to go along with the series, so GO HERE to follow and get notified.The book club runs through January 24, 2024, with a week break for Christmas. Each episode will discuss 8 chapters with some questions to consider.👉 Amazon.com has it HERE.👉 Most other online retailers are HERE.🗓️ Here are the dates and deets:* December 20 | Chapters 1–8* January 3 | Chapters 9–16* January 10 | Chapters 17–25* January 17 | Chapters 26–31* January 24 | Chapters 32–39The tension ratchets this week for Peter — both with his own faith and with a number of people close to him. He begins to think differently about the newfound faith that had saved his Christianity.After you have a listen, here are some questions to guide your reading, with more inside the episode:* How did Lexi’s childhood inform her faith? How has yours?* Part of the attraction of more progressive versions of Christianity is its permissiveness with question-asking. How can this be helpful for a person’s journey of faith? What might be the danger? What are your questions about Christianity?* What was Peter’s point with his The Village metaphor? How have you experienced this yourself?* What did JT think about Bryan’s book when he finished it? Why was Peter alarmed? What tension did this create in him, and how did Jake help him figure it out?* Jake’s wisdom in how to walk with his brother was to give him love and truth. Why are both necessary? How can you be deliberate with both, especially with someone you know?* In what way is Peter caught between his past and present?* What does Peter experience at the Love Will Win book signing, especially with overhearing conversations? What does JT express, and how does Trevor Bohls answer him? Why doesn’t Peter find this hopeful?* How does Peter find freedom in the vintage, historic Christian faith? How does it contrast with progressivism?* Peter’s story seems to affect Lexi, his wrestling and journey. How have others’ stories affected your own journey of faith?* What does it mean to be a loyal radical? How might your yourself reflect this attitude?This book club is meant to be a self-study exploration rediscovering faith. Feel free to read and listen along, then come back to offer your comments and discussion below!J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

The end of the year and entrance into another is the perfect time to consider our spiritual journey. So I thought I would offer a space to do that here with Book 2 of my spiritual coming-of-age series, Faith Reimagined. A Rediscovered Faith follows the spiritual journey of Peter Daniel Young as he considers deep questions of faith, life, and everything in between. Whether you are facing your own faith crisis and wonder if Christianity is still relevant to your world, or you know someone who is struggling themselves, discover with Peter why the story of Jesus and his love still matters. For him, his family and friends, the Church — and for you.Join the journey now to get ready for the final book in the trilogy coming next month: A Refined Faith. I’m launching a Kickstarter hootenanny, with self-study and reflection workbooks and video studies to go along with the series, so GO HERE to follow and get notified.The book club runs through January 24, 2024, with a week break for Christmas. Each episode will discuss 8 chapters with some questions to consider.👉 Amazon.com has it HERE.👉 Most other online retailers are HERE.🗓️ Here are the dates and deets:* December 20 | Chapters 1–8* January 3 | Chapters 9–16* January 10 | Chapters 17–25* January 17 | Chapters 26–31* January 24 | Chapters 32–39The tension ratchets this week for Peter — both with his own faith and with a number of people close to him. He begins to think differently about the newfound faith that had saved his Christianity.After you have a listen, here are some questions to guide your reading, with more inside the episode:* Do you resonate with Peter’s desire for something fresh and new in his faith? If so, what?* Why might asking questions about faith, life, and everything in between be so vital for growth? Why might people be resistant to them?* Some conflict rises between Peter and his parents. Who do you identify with? Can you understand both perspectives? How so?* What view of the Bible do you identify with in this reading? Why?* Why might it be helpful to go backwards in order to go forwards in our faith? What might be the benefit?* Why does tension rise between Peter and his brother JT? Who do you identify with most, and why?* The week ends with Doc VanDyke and his patience and understanding. Who has been this person for you during a similar period of questioning and doubt? How did it make the difference? Who might you come alongside in the same way?This book club is meant to be a self-study exploration rediscovering faith. Feel free to read and listen along, then come back to offer your comments and discussion below!J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

The end of the year and entrance into another is the perfect time to consider our spiritual journey. So I thought I would offer a space to do that here with Book 2 of my spiritual coming-of-age series, Faith Reimagined. A Rediscovered Faith follows the spiritual journey of Peter Daniel Young as he considers deep questions of faith, life, and everything in between. Whether you are facing your own faith crisis and wonder if Christianity is still relevant to your world, or you know someone who is struggling themselves, discover with Peter why the story of Jesus and his love still matters. For him, his family and friends, the Church — and for you.Join the journey now to get ready for the final book in the trilogy coming next month: A Refined Faith. I’m launching a Kickstarter hootenanny, with self-study and reflection workbooks and video studies to go along with the series, so GO HERE to follow and get notified.The book club runs through January 24, 2024, with a week break for Christmas. Each episode will discuss 8 chapters with some questions to consider.👉 Amazon.com has it HERE.👉 Most other online retailers are HERE.🗓️ Here are the dates and deets:* December 20 | Chapters 1–8* January 3 | Chapters 9–16* January 10 | Chapters 17–25* January 17 | Chapters 26–31* January 24 | Chapters 32–39The tension ratchets this week for Peter — both with his own faith and with a number of people close to him. He begins to think differently about the newfound faith that had saved his Christianity.After you have a listen, here are some questions to guide your reading, with more inside the episode:* This is a book primarily about relationships, the people walking with us through our faith journey. Who has been that for you? Who has walked with you through your spiritual journey? How has it made the difference?* What is theology, doctrine? What’s the point of studying it? Peter says the point is to continue to paint the faith, joining in with others searching and forming what we believe. His professor says the point is to preserve and contend for it (Jude 3). Where do you land?* Peter is encouraged at various points to rediscover, not reimagine, his faith. How have you yourself rediscovered* What do you make of Doc VanDyke’s encouragement for Peter to hold to a regressive (rather than progressive) Christian faith — to go backward in order to go forward in his faith? What does it mean to hold to the fundamentals of Christianity without jumping into fundamentalism? Do you think that’s even possible? Explain.* One major theme is the fact that ideas have consequences. How have you seen the truth of this statement, in a variety of ways?* Peter finds himself caught between the tension of progressive Christianity and a traditional Christian faith. Have you similarly felt such tension? If so, how?* Peter dreams a dream I myself received twenty years ago, a word from the Lord: “I’ve revealed, therefore you can know.” What does that mean that God has revealed? What has he revealed? Why does it make all the difference to our journey of faith to know that our confidence is rooted in God’s own revelation?* There’s a shift that begins to happen in chapter 13, where Peter begins to change in his perception of the reimagined faith he had embraced. What is that shift, and why does he seem to start to make it?* Again, this book is about relationships, and how they affect Peter’s spiritual journey. Two of those reveal themselves at the end of the week’s reading: Lexi and Pastor Dave. Both seem to have been burned by the Church. How has it affected them, so far as you can tell? Have you yourself been burned by the Church? If so, what was that like?This book club is meant to be a self-study exploration rediscovering faith. Feel free to read and listen along, then come back to offer your comments and discussion below!J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

The end of the year and entrance into another is the perfect time to consider our spiritual journey. So I thought I would offer a space to do that here with Book 2 of my spiritual coming-of-age series, Faith Reimagined. A Rediscovered Faith follows the spiritual journey of Peter Daniel Young as he considers deep questions of faith, life, and everything in between. Whether you are facing your own faith crisis and wonder if Christianity is still relevant to your world, or you know someone who is struggling themselves, discover with Peter why the story of Jesus and his love still matters. For him, his family and friends, the Church — and for you.Join the journey now to get ready for the final book in the trilogy coming next month: A Refined Faith. I’m launching a Kickstarter hootenanny, with self-study and reflection workbooks and video studies to go along with the series, so GO HERE to follow and get notified.The book club runs through January 24, 2024, with a week break for Christmas. Each episode will discuss 8 chapters with some questions to consider.👉 Amazon.com has it HERE.👉 Most other online retailers are HERE.🗓️ Here are the dates and deets:* December 20 | Chapters 1–8* January 3 | Chapters 9–16* January 10 | Chapters 17–25* January 17 | Chapters 26–31* January 24 | Chapters 32–39The book launches with Peter heading back home again to a place he vowed he would never again return (a very similar vow I took that I have to imagine God thought was funny!). What he finds creates tension and raises the stakes for those closest to him.After you have a listen, here are some questions to guide your reading, with more inside the episode:* Where are you in your own spiritual journey? At the start, the messy middle, or well on your way?* What was your childhood faith experience like? How did it influence your spiritual journey? How similar or different are you to that past?* This is a story about relationships — our influences in both direction, and the tension that comes with our faith. Who has most influenced your own faith, and how have you influenced others? * Have you faced similar tension that Peter has with his faith and those closest to you? If so, what was that like? What sort of tension has come between you and your faith and those closest to you?* Who do you most identify with in the story so far? James Thomas (who seems to have reneged on his faith) or Peter Daniel (who has more reimagined his faith)?* What is your reaction to JT naming his beer mug To the Unknown God (a reference to Acts 17) and this confession: “I don't know, man. Just where I'm at, I guess. God seems unknown, foreign” along with “I don't know what I am. Or where I stand with God. Or even if there is a God…I gotta tell ya, Petey, it's way less complicated than Christianity.”?* Peter’s return to his childhood church ends in disaster. What can we learn from Maggie and her feelings? What about Peter, and the way he is navigating his changes?* How does chapter 8, and what Peter reads from the Prosurgent authors, reflect your own spiritual questions, or even your wrestling with Christianity itself?This book club is meant to be a self-study exploration rediscovering faith. Feel free to read and listen along, then come back to offer your comments and discussion below!J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

New Years has to be one of my fave times of the year.The end of the year and entrance into another — with its celebration of Christ’s birth and the promise of new life — offers the perfect chance to take stock and set goals for the road ahead.One area I always consider is my spiritual walk, which brings up all sorts of questions: Am I closer to God at the end of the year than I was at the start? Am I growing more or less like Christ? Am I deepening my relationship with my Savior in ways that bring transformation to my world?Maybe you think about the same sorts of questions this time of year. If so, I’ve got the perfect way to enter into 2024: the next Religion & Fiction book club!A year ago I walked through the first book in my Faith Reimagined series. I thought I would pick up the same theme with Book 2, A Rediscovered Faith. It follows the spiritual journey of Peter Daniel Young as he considers deep questions of faith, life, and everything in between. In particular, he is haunted by this one:What do you do when your newfound faith is challenged by those closest to you?The question comes hot on the heels of a crisis of faith that transformed him in powerful ways. A crisis and transformation that mirrored my own 15 years ago.Whether you are facing your own faith crisis and wonder if Christianity is still relevant to your world, or you know of someone who is struggling themselves, discover along with Peter why the old, old story of Jesus and his love still matters. For him, his family and friends, the Church — and for you.The book club will start next week, December 20, 2023, and run through January 24, 2024, with a week break for Christmas. Each week’s podcast episode will cover 7-8 chapters, running around 25 minutes with some questions to contemplate and discuss (should you desire to pop into the comments!). 👉 Amazon.com has it HERE.👉 Most other online retailers are HERE.Today’s episode is a prequel to the book club, a sort of behind the scenes intro to the story — the very FIRST novel I wrote 11 years ago! It explores the why behind the story, and what sort of spiritual empowerment and insight you can expect. Next week, we’ll dive into the first chapters of the book in the podcast so you can listen and follow along at your pace.🗓️ Here are the dates and deets:* December 20 | Chapters 1–8* January 3 | Chapters 9–16* January 10 | Chapters 17–25* January 17 | Chapters 26–31* January 24 | Chapters 32–39Hope to see you along for the story ride starting next week! Last year was a blast and I plan to have as much fun this go around 😀J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

It may seem like an odd addition to the library of a former pastor, but it’s precisely because I’m a former pastor that I appreciate his stories and his perspective, or at least one aspect of it: humans have a unplumable capacity for evil, with an equal measure of longing for justice. Intuitively, we know that things aren’t the way they are supposed to be, and we aren’t either; we’re bent as much as the world is broken. And we long for a fix to make things right. His Bill Hodges Triology is one of my favorites that fully explores this tension. Now I add Holly to the list. And I explain why in this episode fit for Halloween. What I appreciate about King and other horror writers is their honest interrogation of our relationship with monsters — both outside ourselves, the darkness we confront in life, and also those hiding within. Holly takes an especially hard look at an important theological insight into human nature:Just when you think you’ve seen the worst human beings have to offer, you find out you’re wrong. There’s no end to evil. (p. 442)Listen to the episode and don’t miss the last day to grab my own interrogation of the darkness with Rite of Darkness, the 7th book in my Order of Thaddeus series that leverages the occult supernatural suspense sub-genre to spin a spooky tale.The novel is on sale for $2.99. OR...buy directly from my bookshop for $1 — PLUS get a FREE behind-the-scenes audio commentary + story concept outline.Whispers of Stephen King and echoes of Frank Peretti haunt every page, crafting a soul-stirring collision between the diabolical and the divine that will keep you up at night! ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ "A great scary Religious thriller about Occult!!" ~ Reader ReviewFor a spooky thrill on the cheap, jump to your retailer of choice to start the page-turning, heart-thumping ride! But hurry: the sale ends when the candy's gone at the stroke of midnight today.This frightening tale combines faith, fact, and fiction to weave an explosively inventive religious thriller steeped in occult suspense that raises the stakes for the Order of Thaddeus like never before — taking the series and its characters in a direction that will leave fans speechless.J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

Finally, the days are colder here in West Michigan after several 80 degreers. Not that I'm complaining. The weather people say we're in for a polar vortex kind of winter. So the extra days with shorts and T-shirts and flip-flops was a nice gift.Fall is definitely my fave season, though, so I'm enjoying cider and donuts as I finish a surprise book and gear up for a cool challenge. I’m also getting back into the Religion + Fiction Podcast with a sort of season 2 offering a special glimpse into one of my frightful tales perfect for the season.The episode is an exclusive behind-the-scenes commentary to my 7th religious conspiracy thriller, Rite of Darkness. You’ll hear my own perspective on the story and the ideas and themes behind the dark tale, taking you into the intersection of the sacred and story using this spooky thriller. The story itself centers on a series of frightful events that cast my favorite Order of Thaddeus characters into a historical, spooky tale. It’s an adventure ripe for a world plagued by a rise in frightening wickedness and a fascination with witchcraft, plumbing the depths of the demonic and our only source of hope.That means there are spoilers :) So if you haven’t read Rite of Darkness yet, first grab the spooky read — which is at a nice discount until the end of the month.For October, I’ve put my spooky supernatural suspense story (whoa! now there’s an alliterative mouthful!) on sale for $2.99. OR...buy directly from my bookshop for $1.Ancient evil. Modern terror.When hell is unleashed on Halloween, it wears the mask of man and mystery alike. And the Church’s special agents are ensnared in a devilish scheme woven from the darkest strands of history. As the threads of past and present intertwine, every revelation propels the agents closer to a climax that will sear itself into your nightmares.Whispers of Stephen King and echoes of Frank Peretti haunt every page, crafting a soul-stirring collision between the diabolical and the divine that will keep you up at night! ⋆⋆⋆⋆⋆ “A great scary Religious thriller about Occult!!” ~ Reader ReviewFor a spooky thrill on the cheap, jump to your retailer of choice to start the page-turning, heart-thumping ride! But hurry: the sale ends when the candy's gone at the stroke of midnight on Oct 31, 2023.Then come back to enjoy the behind-the-scenes commentary to one of my more frightening stories. I hope it inspires and offers a bit of insight for the journey of faith as much as the story offers thrilling entertainment for your week :)J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s episode was meant to set this space on surer footing the next few months with some deeper dives into religious fiction — but the past few weeks have been crazy! With falling under the weather and finishing an 8-month multi-book project, then starting my next thriller…I fell behind and am still climbing up to the surface.So I’m giving you another AI-narrated short story from my Order of Thaddeus action-adventure thriller series. It’s actually quite a good listen, featuring a lovely female voice courtesy of Google AI :) The story is from Martyrs Bones, a collection of five original short stories, giving readers page-turning, thrilling rides with mysterious turns. Grab it direct for a few bucks for this week with the 30% off coupon code THANKS30.This story connects to a rather remarkable pair of women mostly forgotten from Church history — until Naomi Torres unearths something that connects to their memory. Like many of my books, things go sideways quickly and she’s forced to fight for that memory. Next week we’ll get back to sitting at the intersection of the sacred and story — and I’ve got a few ideas I’m toying with to help get us thinking about that intersection. Stay tuned :)If you like the story and want the full collection of original short stories, grab Martyrs Book at most online retailers or buy the ebook direct from my bookshop at 30% off with code THANKS30.J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

Because my Kickstarter launching the last part to my End Times Chronicles sci-fi series ENDS TOMORROW, I thought I would drop one final Religion + Fiction Podcast episode exploring the theology behind my own apocalyptic series.Because this modern end times series is not yo mama’s end times series :)While major blockbusters suppose Christians will be taken from Earth in a secret snatching just before those apocalyptic events of the Great Tribulation unfold, I (and frankly the historic Church) suppose otherwise.Start the apocalyptic adventure >>> www.endtimesworld.comThis episode will give you the theological background to the series if you’re still wondering what the adventure is all about, especially how I approach the enigmatic events of the Book of Revelation — from a rising apostasy that ravages the Church to a rising apocalypse that destroys the world.And of course how to survive a rising Antichrist and the persecution he bears pressuring believers to abandon their faithful allegiance to Christ and submit to the Red Dragon in order to survive.Survival will hinge on the Resistance, which is the only way during these last days. Allegiance to Christ will be challenged. But through it all, victory is assured — for Christ will triumph over his enemies, and the Church’s!Don’t worry: this isn’t a heavy theological deep-dive! The episode will help you frame John’s Apocalypse for yourself, even if you don’t read my own fictional portrayal of it. So if you’ve always wanted to understand how the end of the world as we know it unfolds, take a listen! And if you’re curious, one of the major influences on my own understand is George Ladd’s A Commentary on the Revelation of John.The End Times Chronicles saga captures the heart of the Church's mission in these last days — offering a unique, page-turning adventure that not only entertains through thrilling action and mysterious suspense, but explores the urgency of our own day and inspires for the journey of faith.Enjoy the episode taking a final behind-the-scenes peek into my own end times series! If you missed the previous two, check out the inspiration behind the series and get to know the heroes of the SEPIO Resistance!If you’re interested in a modern take on the apocalypse, follow the Kickstarter story project and start the adventure for as little as $5. Tomorrow is the last day to grab exclusives to the campaign, so dive into the apocalyptic adventure today!J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

Last week my Kickstarter dropped launching the last part to my End Times Chronicles sci-fi series. And a few days later it funded! So everyone who backs will get their rewards — along with a little giveaway I’ve got going on you’ll want in on.Here's the deal: Back one of the rewards at $5 or more to be entered into a raffle for one new Kindle Fire HD 8. This flash funding goal ends on Saturday, 4/8/23, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Get the details at the project page:Grab the flash giveaway >>> www.endtimesworld.comI launched the giveaway as a flash funding goal to carry the story project across the finish line — which it definitely helped! But also because it was my birthday, and I figured the theme of middle age and the apocalypse went well together! (KIDDING for all you fellow over-the-hillers!)Anyway, if you haven't entered the end times series yet, backing the "Episode 1 eBook from Season 1 or 2" reward is the way in, where you can let me know the first book in the first part, Apostasy Rising, is where you're at when the campaign funds. Or grab the entire saga for a thrilling adventure through the events of the book of Revelation. Audiobooks, signed paperbacks, and exclusive hardcovers are also available.This episode will give you a bit more background to the series if you’re still wondering what the adventure is all about, especially the characters that struggle to survive the events of the Book of Revelation.Because let’s face it: Characters make stories sing. And if you're anything like me, you read for the characters. No matter how good the writing is, if the characters aren't relatable or believable and if they aren't people you'd want to hang out with on a Saturday night, why bother? Over the past 5 years I've come to love the characters that populate the series. It's a diverse cast of unlikely heroes that reflect the wisdom that the Church's future is global.And one of the biggest team of heroes is the Resistance. End Times Chronicles is an adventure through the events of the Book of Revelation that explores a future world under the sort of totalitarianism the Church will face during the Great Tribulation. So I drew from the sort of resistance Eastern Europeans in particular offered last century, and let their wisdom and insight into faithful living help my characters survive.I explain some of that inspiration in this episode along with the heroes (and some villains) that make this end times series what it is.The End Times Chronicles saga captures the heart of the Church's mission in these last days — offering a unique, page-turning adventure that not only entertains through thrilling action and mysterious suspense, but explores the urgency of our own day and inspires for the journey of faith.Enjoy the episode taking a second behind-the-scenes peek into my own end times series! If you’re interested in a modern take on the apocalypse, follow the Kickstarter story project and get in on the Kindle Fire giveaway by backing as little as $5. That flash goal ends Saturday, so get in on the giveaway today!J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

Yesterday my Kickstarter dropped launching my End Times Chronicles sci-fi series. I’ve been pleased with the response so far and look forward to introducing new readers to a modern end times series that makes sense of our world while also bringing the saga to a close for fans with Season 3 Antichrist Rising.Lots of early discounts that end TOMORROW — from ebooks and audiobooks to signed paperbacks and exclusive signed hardcovers. Whether you want an epic 12-book read through the end times in a future world that feels like our own, or want to sample a single book from the first story season, I’ve got you covered.Follow the Kickstarter >>> www.endtimesworld.comIn this episode, I’m starting a 3-part series giving you a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the intersection of the sacred and apocalyptic story from an authors perspective: * Starting with the inspiration behind the End Times Chronicles that unfolds an epic adventure through the events of the Book of Revelation* Diving into the futuristic story world set 100 years into the future, and why I made that specific choice instead of, say 1000 years off * And explaining a central story element to the series that sets it apart from other end times series: time travel.In the weeks leading up to this launch, I’ve engaged a bit of this apocalyptic intersection of the sacred and story by diving into the cultural and literary then theological context of the multi-million bestseller Left Behind series. It’s a take on the Book of Revelation that envisions a secret snatching of true Christians before the Great Tribulation unfolds and the Antichrist rises.My series takes a different approach. The End Times Chronicles saga captures the heart of the Church's mission in these last days — offering a unique, page-turning adventure that not only entertains through thrilling action and mysterious suspense, but explores the urgency of our own day and inspires for the journey of faith.Enjoy the episode taking a behind-the-scenes peek into my own end times series! If you’re interested in a modern take on the apocalypse, follow the Kickstarter story project with mega deals that let you gab the series at a nice discount ending 3/30/23.J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

The Left Behind series has sold 80 million books across the 16-book epic end-times sage.Which I’ve finally been reading the past few weeks.I wasn’t a reader when it original came out 25 years ago, but I also didn’t want reading it to influence the writing of my own end times adventure series. Now that I’m finished with that 12th and final episode, I thought I would read book 1 in the run-up to the launch of End Times Chronicles.It’s been a good read. And an interesting one. Especially given the theological context surrounding the story.Because I want to engage like-minded religious fiction readers and explore the intersection of the sacred and story, I thought I would dive into this religious fiction phenomenon. Last week I laid out a bit of the historical and literary context of the story, and some of what I’ve appreciated about both related to the book(s).This week we’re getting theological :) Like diving into the meaning of “the rapture” and Great Tribulation, and where Left Behind theology came from. If you’ve ever wondered about the main premise of the book — that millions of people are left behind, while a whole bunch of people are disapperated — then take a listen. No critique here. Just a bit of a deep dive into the ideas behind the story.And if you’ve ever wondered about an alternative to the rapture theology of Left Behind, next week I will offer a bit more interaction between those ideas and the ones that are central to my own end times apocalyptic series. I diverge from the authors’ perspective on the Book of Revelation and those end-times events, and you’ll see why and what others have said about the end of the world as we know it.Don’t worry, these aren’t take-down, smack-down episodes. Just a way to engage a wildly popular apocalyptic series during what seem like apocalyptic times :) Should be fun!Question: Have you read the series? If so, what did you think of it? Did it impact your own spiritual journey at all? So far, I’m almost finished with it, and as a Christian I have appreciated their interest in people who say they are Christians to take their faith seriously. It’s also interesting as a writer to see how they weaved their theological perspective on the end times into the story line — and even promoted their view through the characters and events. Always interested in the bigger picture behind stories, whether told by Christians or not. Which is why I’ve been poking behind the curtain these few weeks. Check it out and let me know what you think!Very soon I am launching Antichrist Rising with a fun Kickstarter campaign that will get you mega discounts on ebooks and audiobooks, signed paperbacks and exclusive hardcovers, AND some pretty sweet End Times swag.These are the final 4 books in the fast-paced 12-book adventure living the events from the Book of Revelation in the inventive global apocalyptic science fiction time-travel saga you may not even know about :)Follow along >>> www.endtimesworld.comANNND because I think you all are pretty swell, I’m giving my superfans an EXCLUSIVE 50% off the series buying direct from my bookstore through the weekend. You can grab them on most online retailers for every ereading device, but CLICK HERE and drop discount code ENDTIMES50 at checkout to start the saga now on the cheap.J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

The Left Behind series has sold 80 million books across the 16-book epic end-times sage.Which I’m now just reading :)Mostly because I wasn’t a reader when it original came out 25 years ago, but also because I didn’t want it to influence the writing of my own end times adventure series. Now that I’m finished with that 12th and final episode, I thought I would read book 1 in the run-up to the launch of End Times Chronicles.And I’ve got thoughts!Because I want to engage like-minded religious fiction readers and explore the intersection of the sacred and story, I thought I would dive into this religious fiction phenomenon. First up: the historical and literary context of the story, and some of what I’ve appreciated about both related to the book(s).Next week I’ll dive into the theological context, especially since I diverge from the authors’ perspective on the Book of Revelation and the events of the End Times. Don’t worry, these aren’t take-down, smack-down episodes. Just a way to engage a wildly popular apocalyptic series during what seem like apocalyptic times :) Should be fun!And sorry to disappoint, but neither Kirk Cameron nor Nicholas Cage make a guest appearance. Maybe next episode ;0Question: Have you read the series? If so, what did you think of it? Did it impact your own spiritual journey at all? So far, I’m engaged with the story and am interested how the authors connect it to their perspective on Revelation events. And because I’m a religious writer, I’m always interested in what’s behind stories. Which is why I’m poking behind the curtain the next few weeks. Check it out and let me know what you think!Very soon I am launching Antichrist Rising with a fun Kickstarter campaign that will get you mega discounts on ebooks and audiobooks, signed paperbacks and exclusive hardcovers, AND some pretty sweet End Times swag.These are the final 4 books in the fast-paced 12-book adventure living the events from the Book of Revelation in the inventive global apocalyptic science fiction time-travel saga you may not even know about :)Follow along >>> www.endtimesworld.comANNND because I think you all are pretty swell, I’m giving my superfans an EXCLUSIVE 50% off the series buying direct from my bookstore. You can grab them on most online retailers for every ereading device, but CLICK HERE and drop discount code ENDTIMES50 at checkout to start the saga now on the cheap.J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

We’re taking a break from my commentary on the intersection of the sacred and story with a special narration of the first few chapters in Apostasy Rising, Episode 1 of Season 1. It is the first book in my epic science fiction saga, End Times Chronicles that will finally wrap up with the last story season 3.Very soon I am launching Antichrist Rising with a fun Kickstarter campaign that will get you mega discounts on ebooks and audiobooks, signed paperbacks and exclusive hardcovers, AND some pretty sweet End Times swag.These are the final 4 books in the fast-paced 12-book adventure living the events from the Book of Revelation in the inventive global apocalyptic science fiction time-travel saga you may not even know about :)Follow along >>> www.endtimesworld.comANNND because I think you all are pretty swell, I’m giving my superfans an EXCLUSIVE 50% off the series buying direct from my bookstore. You can grab them on most online retailers for every ereading device, but CLICK HERE and drop discount code ENDTIMES50 at checkout to start the saga now on the cheap.While the Order of Thaddeus and SEPIO are my main series, a few years ago I wondered what it would be like to live through the events of the Book of Revelation.You know: the Apocalypse.This is NOT your '90s variety of Rapture fiction. It follows the struggles of faithful men and women of the SEPIO Resistance (yup, the Order rises 100 years later!) who cling to the hope of Christ's return during these dark end-times days.Friends will suffer under persecution. Lovers will be separated and find the unexpected. Survival will hinge on the Resistance, which is the only way during these last days.I'll have more to share when I launch, but in the meantime, if you...* love epic sagas set in a future world with political and religious intrigue joined by techno-social change that feels close to home* are obsessed with diverse casts of unlikely heroes thrown into extraordinary events of survival* and want a modern take on the Left Behind series that makes the End Times come alive and offers a way to be Christian in these last days…then End Times Chronicles is the perfect series for you!Antichrist Rising is some of my most important work of transformational fiction, imagining the urgent, prophetic call on all believers to live not by lies, to resist the Regime in all its (modern) forms, and to keep the faith — even in the face of persecution, even unto death.Resistance is the only way. Resistance is victory. Resistance is now!I will return next week with the first in a few podcast episodes exploring the intersection of the apocalypse and fiction. In the meantime, enjoy these first chapters in audio, and look for the final story season of End Times Chronicles to launch soon. It'll be a fun few weeks you won't want to miss!I’m giving my superfans an EXCLUSIVE 50% off the series buying direct from my bookstore. You can grab the series from most online retailers for every ereading device, but CLICK HERE and drop discount code ENDTIMES50 at checkout to start the saga now on the cheap. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

We’re back with week 5 of the second Religion + Fiction Book Club, the final week! Thanks for your interest and for joining in the religious fiction fun. I’ve enjoyed it, and hopefully it has benefited your own spiritual journey. If you missed the introduction episode to more of the background behind the book, including my own spiritual journey that led to me writing it, you can listen to that episode HERE. Catch up with the first week and feel free to join in anytime, even though it is technically the last week.Here are links to past episodes:* Week 1 – Chapters 1-7* Week 2 – Chapters 8-12* Week 3 – Chapters 13-19* Week 4 – Chapters 20-26* Week 5 – Chapters 27-34Below are some of the questions I posed in the book club episode that I hope get you thinking about Peter Daniel Young’s story — and your own. Comment below or use the questions in a group or individual study to deepen your engagement with the story.Religion & Fiction Newsletter is a way for me to connect with like-minded readers. Subscribe to receive connect at the intersection of the sacred and story.Week 5 Thoughts + QuestionsAfter a sort of crisis of faith is sparked in Peter after being confronted with questions from friends he wasn’t prepared to answer, the tension and inner conflict is deepened with several relationships in his life — leading to a series of unfortunate personal events that take Peter back home.Chapter 27–28* When have you had loss on the scale that Peter did—whether losing a job or relationship, perhaps your health or even your faith? What was that like, and what brought you through?* After his own loss, Peter questions, “What’s next, Lord?” When have you similarly questioned your life direction? Where did you find answers, and what was waiting for you on the other side?The Labyrinth spiritual practice is a beautiful metaphor for our life with Christ and the life-journey he takes all of us on. There are no dead-ends, and the path always leads somewhere: to the middle, then back out again. Peter used this spiritual practice at a service at the Washington National Cathedral, something I myself had partaken of several times while living in DC.* What did Peter discover about his own spiritual and life journey while walking the spiritual practice? What might you learn from what he learned?* How about you: Take time tracing the contours of your own life, noting the highs and lows, the twists and turns — and the many ways Christ was with you through it all.Chapters 29* Why did Bryan McLaughlin say he launched out on reimagining the Christian faith? What lessons can we learn?* When it came to Peter’s own journey, Bryan encouraged him to “Keep at it, brother. It’ll be alright.” In what ways are you struggling to “keep at it” in your faith? Why should you follow this advice, both for you and others? Chapter 30–31* How do Bernie and Clint both represent two kinds of people that were part of this episode in Peter’s spiritual journey? Who have been your Bernies and Clints, and how did they impact your life? * Clint comes to a place where he recommits himself to Jesus. Have you come to that place yourself, like I did over 15 years ago? If so, what was that like? If you’re edging in that direction, perhaps Clint’s own self-confession in chapter 31 can help you frame your own.Chapter 32–34* Peter came to a fork in the road, having to choose between two options of where he thought the Lord might be taking him. What was it he identified might get in the way of him following the actual path Christ had laid out for him, rather than the one he wanted? How does this same barrier often impact our own life with Christ and spiritual journey?Before Peter left, he spent time reflecting in his barren apartment, and he prayed part of this prayer:“Lord, you know how crazy the year has been. The questions and doubts, the struggles, the fear. But through it all, I know you’ve been with me, guiding and directing my path as much as caring for me while walking it. As I look back I can see how true that is.”* Looking back on your own life with Christ, how have you seen evidence that he has been with you, guiding you, and directing you while walking the path he has laid out for you?* At the end of this first episode in Peter’s story, what is the biggest thing you’ve taken away when it comes to faith or life?Again, thanks for joining the book club. If you would like to continue Peter’s story, you can do that by picking up A Rediscovered Faith at most online retailers. Grab it direct from my bookstore at this link for less with a 25% discount using code BOOKCLUB25 at checkout.You can still join the discussion anytime, going at your own pace reading the book and listening to the episodes. Grab it for all ereaders at most online retailers if you’d like to join, or get it direct from my bookshop at 25% off with code BOOKCLUB25. For easy links:* Direct for $3.00 w/ Code* Amazon* Barnes and Noble* Apple Books* Google Play* KoboJ. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

We’re back with week 4 of the second Religion + Fiction Book Club! Thanks for your interest and for joining in the religious fiction fun. And apologies for the one-day delay. Things happen like snow days in Michigan with the kiddos home :) If you missed the introduction episode to more of the background behind the book, including my own spiritual journey that led to me writing it, you can listen to that episode HERE. Catch up with the first week and feel free to join in anytime.The schedule will run as follows with links to past episodes:* Week 1 – Chapters 1-7* Week 2 – Chapters 8-12* Week 3 – Chapters 13-19* Week 4 – Chapters 20-26* Week 5 – Chapters 27-34Below are some of the questions I posed in the book club episode that I hope get you thinking about Peter Daniel Young’s story — and your own. Comment below or use the questions in a group or individual study to deepen your engagement with the story.Religion & Fiction Newsletter is a way for me to connect with like-minded readers. Subscribe to receive connect at the intersection of the sacred and story.Week 4 Thoughts + QuestionsAfter a sort of crisis of faith is sparked in Peter after being confronted with questions from friends he wasn’t prepared to answer, the tension and inner conflict is deepened with several relationships in his life — including his ministry and his parents.Chapter 20–21* When was a time you were confronted about your own character, or even your spiritual direction? What was that like, and was it warranted? What happened as a result? How did it shape and change you?* What about a time you felt misunderstood and mischaracterized by the questions and push-back you were giving your faith? What happened, and how did you feel about it?Sometimes confrontation and even discipline is a necessary good for the sake of our Christian walk and spiritual journey. Bernie had some good advice for Peter when his own season of discipline came:“Think about Philippians 2. ‘Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.’”I sat up for Bernie’s impromptu sermon, letting Paul’s words sink deep.“It’s a double-sided coin, our transformation is. We’re told to work out our salvation—to do all we can to love God and love people, and with fear and trembling. But it doesn’t end there. We’re not alone! God is with us. He’s working on us. Not only is he helping us to want to love him and others. He’s helping us actually do it, to act on that desire. All so he can fulfill his good purpose—in us and through us and out into the world.”I sat up straighter, considering Bernie’s encouraging words.“Peter, God is with you. He’s working on you. He will help you want to love him and others, and he will help you do it. Again, I know!”* First, have you experienced a season of “discipline” or confrontation and correction — and was it a necessary good for the sake of your Christian walk and spiritual journey? What was that like, and what resulted from it?* If you are in the midst such a season, what do these words from both Paul and Bernie mean to you?Chapters 22-24There is a quote from the book Peter reads about Pastor Jack’s spiritual journey that resonates with him — it’s one I’ve resonated with when I first heard it from a mentor:“When Jesus came, he blew everything to pieces, and when I saw where the pieces landed, I knew I was free.”In other words, sometimes Jesus doesn’t merely come into our life and faith to caretake it: He comes to overhaul both!* How has Jesus blown up your life, your faith?* Where do you see him working now, changing things up and drawing you into a new direction of life with him?Often the greatest tension in our relationships when we confront and question deep questions about faith, life, and everything in between come from family, especially parents.* How has your family shaped your faith? What was your childhood faith like? How is it now similar to or different from that familial tradition?* Which characters do you relate to in Chapter 24: Peter or his parents? Are you the one butting up against familial tradition, or are you the one being pressed against? What has that been like?* Has such a struggle and directional shift come between you and your family, or other close relationships? If so, what has that been like? * How can we navigate our most personal relationships when we are struggling with deep questions or when we feel drawn in a new direction?Chapter 25* How did Logan’s own family past impact his ability to wrestle with deep questions of faith, life, and everything in between, especially throughout the book? What lessons can we take from that?* What does it do for you to know that even when faced with the resurrected Jesus in actual, physical, bodily form, some disciples doubted? What does it mean for our own questions that Jesus still used them to launch and grow his Church?Chapter 26* When have you experienced fallout from your own spiritual journey, and the tension that often brings with others? What happened on the other side?Again, thanks for joining the book club. Hope you can join next week!You can still join at anytime, going at your own pace reading the book and listening to the episodes. Grab it for all ereaders at most online retailers if you’d like to join, or get it direct from my bookshop at 25% off with code BOOKCLUB25. For easy links:* Direct for $3.00 w/ Code* Amazon* Barnes and Noble* Apple Books* Google Play* KoboJ. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

We’re back with week 3 of the second Religion + Fiction Book Club! Thanks for your interest and for joining in the religious fiction fun.If you missed the introduction episode to more of the background behind the book, including my own spiritual journey that led to me writing it, you can listen to that episode HERE. Catch up with the first week and feel free to join in anytime.The schedule will run as follows with links to past episodes:* Week 1 – Chapters 1-7* Week 2 – Chapters 8-12* Week 3 – Chapters 13-19* Week 4 – Chapters 20-26* Week 5 – Chapters 27-34Below are some of the questions I posed in the book club episode that I hope get you thinking about Peter Daniel Young’s story — and your own. Comment below or use the questions in a group or individual study to deepen your engagement with the story.Religion & Fiction Newsletter is a way for me to connect with like-minded readers. Subscribe to receive connect at the intersection of the sacred and story.Week 3 Thoughts + QuestionsAfter a sort of crisis of faith is sparked in Peter after being confronted with questions from friends he wasn’t prepared to answer, the tension and inner conflict is deepened when his ministry puts on an event showcasing one of the greatest flashpoints for many people—the tension between faith and science.Chapter 13Leading up to his ministry event showcasing a debate on the origin of species, Peter is worried it will embarrass them and alienate the very students they are trying to reach. In fact, he thinks the whole way of going about it is wrongheaded. One of his co-workers, Tabitha, has some advice:“I look at some of the ways we’re going about it and sometimes I shake my head and wonder … But what I don’t do, Peter, is storm around like I’m God’s holy prophet sent to set this ministry straight or Dr. Harrison straight! Or denigrate good and godly men who are just doing and saying what they feel called to. And for God’s glory, I might add. Untold people have found a relationship with Jesus through their ministries. And I’d say that’s something to respect, not wag a finger at.”While Tabitha’s words stung, Peter also admitted she had a point, “And my pride had blinded me to the ways God had used Harrison and EE in the past. Boy was I jerk.”It’s easy to assume the traditional way of doing things is wrongheaded without appreciating the Church has been getting along just fine for 2000 years without us and our new, modern ideas.* What from tradition might we better appreciate and hold on to, as Tabitha suggested, appreciating how God has used the past for his glory? How do our attitudes about the newest, shiny idea on the ecclesial block impact what we perceive we need to let go and leave behind?Chapters 14-17Given the barriers that often exist for believers and nonbelievers alike surrounding the perceived conflict and tension between science and Christianity, I thought it a good way to work through those perceptions given my own struggles with this tension.* How have you yourself navigated this conflict or tension, the one between science and faith? Has the one impacted the other? Explain.* Why does Alfred Morris believe issues of human origins is crucial to the gospel, to the message of Christianity? Why might it indeed be important to this message about salvation through Jesus?* What do you make of Bryan McLaughlin’s perspective on Genesis 1, and how ancient Israelites might have understood the opening words “In the beginning God create…”? Does this perspective shift anything for you when it comes to the tension of faith and science?* What is meant by focusing on the that and the who of the creation narrative instead of the how of Genesis? What does such a focus do to the perceived tension of science and faith?* Does recognizing the importance of Genesis 1 and 2 as theological, rather than scientific, literature give you hope like Peter? Explain. How might such a framing—that the Scripture Story of our human origin is about who created us and that we were created, not how—help others who struggle to reconcile faith and science?Chapter 18* Peter wonders who his Neo is, who might come alongside him in his spiritual journey. Who is that for you? How might you come alongside someone else in your own life to help them wrestle through their questions?* He also wonders where God is taking him, what terra nova or new land the Spirit of God might be bringing him into. What about you: Where is the Lord taking you in your own spiritual journey; how is he working in your life? What are you leaving behind; where are you going?Chapter 19* Why is the Bible crucial for any discussion about what is and is not important about the Christian faith? What place does it have in your own spiritual journey answering such questions?* How is a discussion about the literal resurrection of Jesus relevant to a discussion about God’s literal creation of the world?Peter is learning that there’s a tension, or maybe more a spectrum, within the Christian faith between what’s real and what isn’t. It’s the difference between tents and tarps.* What does he mean by this, especially as an analogy to Christianity? * Which beliefs are “load-bearing columns” and which “are really just decorative studs”?* What poles should we be building our faith upon—which are you?Again, thanks for joining the book club. Hope you can join next week!You can still join at anytime, going at your own pace reading the book and listening to the episodes. Grab it for all ereaders at most online retailers if you’d like to join, or get it direct from my bookshop at 25% off with code BOOKCLUB25. For easy links:* Direct for $3.00 w/ Code* Amazon* Barnes and Noble* Apple Books* Google Play* KoboJ. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

We’re back with week 2 of the second Religion + Fiction Book Club! Thanks for your interest and for joining in the fun.If you missed the introduction episode to more of the background behind the book, including my own spiritual journey that led to me writing it, you can listen to that episode HERE. Catch up with the first week and feel free to join in anytime.The schedule will run as follows with links to past episodes:* Week 1 – Chapters 1-7* Week 2 – Chapters 8-12* Week 3 – Chapters 13-19* Week 4 – Chapters 20-26* Week 5 – Chapters 27-34Below are some of the questions I posed in the book club episode that I hope get you thinking about Peter Daniel Young’s story — and your own. Comment below or use the questions in a group or individual study to deepen your engagement with the story.Religion & Fiction Newsletter is a way for me to connect with like-minded readers. Subscribe to receive connect at the intersection of the sacred and story.Week 2 Thoughts + QuestionsAfter a sort of crisis of faith is sparked in Peter after being confronted with questions from friends he wasn’t prepared to answer, the tension and inner conflict is deepened on a work trip and then with a lunch discussion. All of which ratchets the external tension and conflict with relationships that wonder what on earth is going on with him and his faith. Peter’s wondering the same!Chapter 8* The main point of inner conflict and tension for Peter comes when he is confronted with this question: What is the gospel, what is the good news of Jesus and the essential message of the Christian faith?* How did Peter’s ministry and bosses answer this question? What issues did this answer stir in Peter, and how did it deepen his conflicting feelings about his faith?* How have you answered this question for yourself?* When have you questioned something at the heart of your faith? What was that like, what happened? How did others react to that questioning? How did you resolve it?* Because Peter was in ministry and felt he should have all the answers, he felt like a fraud when he began to questioning it all. Yet Ainsley suggested instead: “Or maybe you’re more authentic than you’ve ever been.” What did she mean by this? Why was she right?* What does it mean that we live in a post-Christian world? How have you seen this evident in your own community? How does this impact how we connect the Christian faith to our culture, as Peter began to consider?* Truth and power are two dynamic lenses through which postmodernism engages the deep questions of life. How have you seen this dynamic played out in our world, in your relationships? How might it impact Christianity, and the way it connects with culture?Chapters 9-11Because Peter is frustrated with how we’ve been living as Christians in a post-Christian, postmodern world, and how we share the Christian message, believing we need to rethink both, Ainsley suggests he should create an alternative to Everyday Evangelism. Pages 74-77 reflect this new way of thinking about and communicating the good news of the Christian story, which reflects my own thinking 20 years ago and even still as a minister.* How have you understood the Christian message and how has it been communicated to you? How have you yourself communicated it? How similar or different have both been to what Peter envisions?Peter’s reimagining his faith and pushback begins to raise questions with his boss, Roger. This reaction was something similar to what I myself experienced during my own crisis of faith.* When have you pushed back in similar ways against the way things have always been done in your church or faith community? What was that like, and what happened?One of the themes in these chapters is the generational tension between the traditional and emerging generations. Like Peter, I myself had a bit of a tone problem in my pushback, coming across as prideful and arrogant in my reimagining. Then again, I also encountered some of the entrenchment in traditionalism, like Peter with Roger.* What do you think both older generations and traditionalists, as well as younger and emerging generations need to keep in mind when it comes to issues of faith? How might they learn from one another?I have had many “Bernies” in my life, people who have walked with me and shaped my Christian life. These guides on the side are crucial for us as we grow in our faith.* Who has been your Bernie, the allies in your faith journey? How did they sit with you and your questions, how did they help you grow?* Are you a Bernie to someone? If so, who and how has that experience been? If not, how might it look to take on a “Timothy” as I mentioned, to intensionally come alongside someone in their spiritual journey?Chapter 12* Who among these characters in this chapter do you most relate to, especially in the way they question or push back against issues of faith? Explain.* What are some of major ways these characters are questioning their faith? Who have you known who has voiced similar questions, or what other ways have you found people pushing back against Christianity?* One of the key questions for any person is the same one Jesus asks in Mark 8: “Who do you say I [Jesus] am?” How would you answer that question? How did it provoke discussion among Peter and his friends? Before ending their lunch discussion, Peter has some parting words:“Thanks for sharing some of your story, Sam. And, guys, thanks for this. Thanks for your openness and honesty. Thanks for listening to each other, even though it might have been hard at times. Know that you’re not alone in your doubts. Know that Jesus can handle your doubts, that he invites you to explore those doubts. But also know that he is calling you out of doubt and into belief. But however long it takes you to get there, I totally believe he’s with you every step of the way.”* What are the doubts you yourself carry—whether about faith generally or Christianity specifically? How do you see Jesus walking alongside you through them right now? How might he be calling you into belief?Again, thanks for joining the book club. Hope you can join next week!You can still join at anytime, going at your own pace reading the book and listening to the episodes. Grab it for all ereaders at most online retailers if you’d like to join, or get it direct from my bookshop at 25% off with code BOOKCLUB25. For easy links:* Direct for $3.00 w/ Code* Amazon* Barnes and Noble* Apple Books* Google Play* KoboJ. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe

Today’s episode was meant to be the second week of the Religion & Fiction Book Club exploring the spiritual journey of Peter Daniel Young in A Reimagined Faith. I’ve caught a dreadful cold and am a bit under the weather, so I thought I would wait a week to give you the best experience rather than soldiering onward.Instead, I’m giving you an AI-narrated short story from my Order of Thaddeus action-adventure thriller series. It’s actually quite a good listen, featuring a lovely British female voice courtesy of Google AI :) The story is from Martyrs Bones, a collection of five original short stories, giving readers page-turning, thrilling rides with mysterious turns. Grab it direct for a few bucks for the next week.This story connects to a rather remarkable relic heist from history that has gone unsolved for years—until Celeste Bourne takes the reins! And finds herself face to face with an unexpected person from her past. I’ve fictionalized parts of it, but the underlying recent history surrounding the theft of Saint Polycarp’s relics is real.Next week we’ll get back to the week 2 of the Religion & Fiction Book Club exploring chapters 8–12 in A Reimagined Faith. Since we’re delayed a week, now would be the perfect time to join in! Take a listen to the first 2 episodes below:* Introduction* Week 1: Chapters 1–7If you want to join in, grab it in print and electronic formats at most online retailers if you’d like to join, or buy the ebook direct from my bookshop at 25% off with code BOOKCLUB25.J. A. Bouma believes nobody should have to read bad religious fiction—whether it’s cheesy plots with pat answers or misrepresentations of the Christian faith and the Bible. So he tells compelling, propulsive stories that thrill as much as inspire, while offering a dose of insight along the way. Available at most online retailers and direct: shop.jabouma.com. Get full access to Religion & Fiction Newsletter at bouma.substack.com/subscribe