Snarky Faith

This week on Snarky Faith, we're thrilled to have Jon Turney, the author of In an engaging blend of literary scholarship and accessible philosophy, Matthew J. Distefano offers readers a fresh perspective on J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved creation, focusing on the unassuming yet profoundly wise Hobbits. Through the application of mimetic theory, the book examines how desires are influenced and shaped by those around us, using Hobbit society as a mirror to our own. Distefano skilfully navigates the intersection of fantasy and reality, prompting us to question the foundations of our social interactions, aspirations, and the very fabric of our communities. With wit and clarity, the book not only pays homage to Tolkien's work but also extends an invitation to adopt a more thoughtful, Hobbit-inspired approach to our lives and relationships. It's an enlightening read that promises to enrich the podcast discussion, offering listeners both a deeper understanding of a literary classic and practical insights into living a more connected, meaningful life.Links for More:More from Matt Distefano: https://www.allsetfree.com/Get Mimetic Theory & Middle-earth: Untangling Desire in Tolkien's Legendarium here: https://amzn.to/3TNnJ8BFeatured Crackpots, Grifters, and Prophets: Hank Kunneman, Greg Locke, and Kent ChristmasBig thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible:Right Wing WatchChristian NightmaresFriendly AtheistCome along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world.www.SnarkyFaith.com Check out the other fantastic Quoircast partners: The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast, Apostates Anonymous, The Messy Spirituality Podcast, Ideas Digest, The New Evangelicals

This week on Snarky Faith, we're thrilled to have Jon Turney, the author of RJ the Astronaut, for a revealing conversation about his groundbreaking novel. Turney opens up about the inspiration behind RJ's character — an astronaut embroiled in a profound existential and spiritual journey across the cosmos. The discussion unveils the depths of questioning and understanding that form the core of the narrative, highlighting the novel's exploration of faith, doubt, and the human condition through the unique lens of space exploration.Diving deeper, Turney reflects on the challenges and revelations of weaving together science fiction with existential philosophy, aiming to engage readers in a dialogue about the nature of belief and the quest for meaning in an expansive, indifferent universe. Our conversation traverses the thematic landscapes of the book, from the silent echoes of space to the intimate whispers of the soul, offering listeners an intricate look at the creative process behind depicting the vastness of space as a backdrop for the intimate spiritual journey of RJ. Join us as we navigate the stars and the depths of the human spirit with Jon Turney in an episode that promises to expand horizons and challenge perceptions.We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark!Check out Jon's podcast, This is Not Church!Get Jon's book here -RJ the Astronaut Featured Crackpots, Grifters, and Prophets: Robin Bullock, Hank Kunneman, and Greg StephensBig thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible:Right Wing WatchChristian NightmaresFriendly AtheistCome along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world.www.SnarkyFaith.com Check out the other fantastic Quoircast partners: The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast, Apostates Anonymous, The Messy Spirituality Podcast, Ideas Digest, The New Evangelicals, This is Not Church, and Wild Olive.

Join me as I take you on a wild journey through the latest episode of Snarky Faith. Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster ride as I open up about my personal journey through grief and loss in the bleak landscape of 2024, where political turmoil looms large. But that's just the beginning!In this episode, we fearlessly dive into the absurdities of American Christianity with the Christian Crazy segment (including some Taylor Swift/Evangelical insanity), and we kick off our Buzzword Breakdown series by dissecting the true essence of Love.If you're ready for a candid, thought-provoking, and downright snarky podcast that will challenge your perspectives on faith, politics, and personal growth, then join me for this captivating episode. Laugh, question, and redefine your understanding of love and loss with Snarky Faith – it's a ride you won't want to miss!Featured Crackpots, Grifters, and Prophets: Kent Christmas, Jesse Duplantis, and Tony Wood. Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible:Right Wing WatchChristian NightmaresFriendly AtheistCome along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world.www.SnarkyFaith.comCheck out the other fantastic Quoircast partners: The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast, Apostates Anonymous, The Messy Spirituality Podcast, Ideas Digest, The New Evangelicals, This is Not Church, and Wild Olive. Photo by Merch HÜSEY on Unsplash 

In this episode of Snarky Faith, we sit down with Dr. Jonathan Foster, a theologian and author, to discuss his latest work, "Indigo - the Color of Grief." This book is more than just words on a page; it's an immersive journey through the depths of sorrow and the resilience of the human spirit. Dr. Foster shares his personal experience with the tragic loss of his daughter and how it shaped his perspective on grief.Our discussion is a tapestry of introspection and revelation, examining the dual themes of processing grief in real-time and the decision to share these experiences through writing. Dr. Foster, with his unique blend of mimetic theory and open and relational theology, offers insights into the 'theo-poetic' nature of his book and shares an excerpt to give listeners a glimpse into his narrative style.We delve into the broader aspects of grief, challenging conventional approaches and discussing how to healthily embrace this complex emotion. The conversation also touches upon 'mourning well' and the power of memory in the grieving process. Join us on Snarky Faith as we navigate these intricate emotional landscapes with Dr. Foster, uncovering the beauty and pain inherent in the human condition. Get Indigo - the Color of Grief on Amazonhttps://amzn.to/475nPfvFor more on Jonathan Foster:https://www.jonathanfosteronline.com/ Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible:Right Wing WatchChristian NightmaresFriendly AtheistCome along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world.www.SnarkyFaith.comCheck out the other fantastic Quoircast partners: The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast, Apostates Anonymous, The Messy Spirituality Podcast, Ideas Digest, The New Evangelicals, This is Not Church, and Wild Olive.

In today's episode of Snarky Faith, we're venturing into a space that's often skirted around with discomfort or outright hostility. That's right—we're digging into the delightful mess that is religious diversity, but not in the way you might expect. We're not here to throw shade or to spotlight the foibles of faith; instead, we're talking about the rich gifts that diversity brings us, especially when we shut up and listen.Our guidebook for this journey is none other than the recent release "Sitting in the Shade of Another Tree: What We Learn by Listening to Other Faiths." This isn't just your run-of-the-mill, kumbaya plea for peace. This is about tuning in to a symphony of voices from different faiths and belief systems that dare to speak to the transformative power of listening. It's about cracking open the door to perspectives that have long been shut out by the rigid gates of doctrinal fortresses.We're joined by a panel of guests who are nothing short of pilgrims on this journey of cross-faith dialogue. Keith Giles, Duncan Pile, Caleb Gilleland, and Safi Kaskas—each an author and a story-weaver sharing tales of wisdom, transformation, and perspective shifts. Their narratives aren't just feel-good anecdotes; they're testaments to what happens when we learn from those who tread paths different from our own.Forget the tired old trope of who's got it wrong in the world of religion. Our guests have set out to uncover where others get it right, engaging in the radical act of listening rather than preaching. The result? Insights that lead to understanding, connections that spawn friendships, and exchanges that birth peace.Join us as we delve into the wisdom shared in "Sitting in the Shade of Another Tree," courtesy of Quoir Publishing and Patheos. Let's take this opportunity to step outside our comfort zones and into the possibility that the truth and beauty we seek might just be found in the faith community next door—or even one we've never heard of.It's not about compromising your beliefs or losing your faith; it's about enriching it through the stories of others. So, let's drop the debate and pick up the dialogue. Tune in, listen up, and let's get ready to be transformed. This is Snarky Faith, and the conversation starts now.We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark!LinksSitting in the Shade of Another Tree: What We Learn by Listening to Other Faithhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CHZCBX7V Author Links and Books:Caleb Gilleland:https://bahaiteachings.org/author/caleb-gilleland/https://www.ed.ac.uk/profile/caleb-gillelandSafi Kaskas: https://www.amazon.com/Quran-References-Bible-Contemporary-Understanding/dp/099659244X/Duncan Pile:https://www.patheos.com/blogs/duncanedwardpile/about/https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Mage-Book-ebook/dp/B00CLOYOKA/https://www.amazon.com/Who-Am-Judge-James-Bewley-ebook/dp/B086N27QWQ/Keith Giles:https://www.patheos.com/blogs/keithgiles/https://www.amazon.com/stores/Keith-Giles/author/B0076E0UA8 Featured Crackpots, Grifters, and Prophets: Kent Christmas, Shane Vaughn, Greg Locke, Mike Johnson, and Mario Murillo. Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible:Right Wing WatchChristian NightmaresFriendly AtheistCome along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world.www.SnarkyFaith.comCheck out the other fantastic Quoircast partners: The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast, Apostates Anonymous, The Messy Spirituality Podcast, Ideas Digest, The New Evangelicals, This is Not Church, and Wild Olive.

Brace Yourselves, This is Theology UnfilteredHey Snarky Faith listeners, brace yourselves! We've got a treat for you—a theological espresso shot that'll jolt you awake, whether you're ready for it or not. I sat down with Dillon Naber Cruz, the mind behind Theological Musings: Collected Essays of a Tattooed Theologian, Vol. 1, and let me tell you, this isn't your run-of-the-mill theology talk. This is more like a high-speed chase through a maze of moral and existential dilemmas.What We Cover:Complex PTSD and Theology: You thought those terms couldn't be in the same sentence? Think again. Cruz explains how personal trauma shapes and complicates our theological landscapes. Spoiler alert: It's not pretty, but it's damn insightful.Faith's Dark Corners: Cruz isn't here to spoon-feed you doctrine; he's here to tear down your theological house of cards and dare you to rebuild it. We delve into the questions most theologians prefer to ignore. You've been warned.The Gritty Kind of Hope: Forget about that pie-in-the-sky optimism; Cruz talks about the hope that you earn, the kind that's been through the wringer and still stands. Can such hope exist in a world of chaos? Tune in to find out.Why You Can't Miss This:Look, if you're content with your sanitized, bubble-wrapped faith, this episode might not be for you. But if you're tired of simplistic answers to complex questions, if you're itching for a faith that engages with the real world, this is an episode you can't afford to miss. Cruz doesn't just push the envelope; he sets it on fire.So grab your beverage of choice, and settle in for a ride. You'll walk away from this episode with more questions than answers, but trust me, you'll be better for it.We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark! Check out Dilllon's new book here.  Show notesFeatured Crackpots, Grifters, and Prophets: Benny Hinn, Greg Locke, and Greg Laurie Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible:Right Wing WatchChristian NightmaresFriendly AtheistCome along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world.www.SnarkyFaith.comCheck out the other fantastic Quoircast partners: The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast, Apostates Anonymous, The Messy Spirituality Podcast, Ideas Digest, The New Evangelicals, This is Not Church, and Wild Olive.

The Forehands: Not Your Typical Spiritual GuidesLet's get one thing straight: Karl and Laura Forehand aren't here to sell you the same old, tired spiritual clichés. Nope, they're here to wrestle—wrestle with beliefs, wrestle with trauma, and maybe even wrestle with you a bit. So, buckle up, because this episode of Snarky Faith is about to get real.Deconstruction: More Than Just a BuzzwordAh, deconstruction—the buzzword that's been making the rounds in spiritual circles faster than you can say "heretic." But what does it really mean? And more importantly, what comes after? Karl and Laura are here to break it down, and trust us, they're not pulling any punches.Pathways Forward: Because Stagnation is OverratedWe've all been there—stuck in the muck of outdated beliefs, toxic religious practices, and spiritual stagnation. But how do you move forward? Or should we say, how do you Lean Forward? Karl and Laura share their insights, and let's just say, it's not your grandma's spiritual advice.Snarky TakeawaysLook, if you're here for a feel-good, Kumbaya moment, you're in the wrong place. But if you're looking for a raw, unfiltered, and yes, snarky take on spirituality, deconstruction, and the journey ahead, then this episode is a must.We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark!Leaning Forward is available now on Amazon Featured Crackpots, Grifters, and Prophets: Greg Locke, Kat Kerr, Jim Bakker, and more. Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible:Right Wing WatchChristian NightmaresFriendly AtheistCome along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world.www.SnarkyFaith.comCheck out the other fantastic Quoircast partners: The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast, Apostates Anonymous, The Messy Spirituality Podcast, Ideas Digest, The New Evangelicals, This is Not Church, and Wild Olive.

We've got a special treat for you today. We're diving deep into the murky waters of faith, spirituality, and the church with none other than Nat Turney, the author of the provocative book "Seeds of De(con)struction." Trust us, this is one episode you don't want to miss.The Book That's Shaking the Foundations"Seeds of De(con)struction" is not your typical faith book. It's a raw, unfiltered look at the complexities of spirituality, the church, and the human experience. Nat Turney takes us on a journey that's as unsettling as it is enlightening. He challenges us to question the status quo, to deconstruct our long-held beliefs, and to embrace the transformative power of faith.The Scandalous ChurchOne of the most gripping parts of the book is Nat's critique of church leadership. He doesn't hold back, folks. From church scandals to the misuse of power, Nat exposes the underbelly of religious institutions. But don't get it twisted; this isn't a takedown. It's an invitation to dialogue, to question, and to reform. It's about recognizing that the church, like any other institution, is flawed but also capable of growth and transformation.The Drips of WisdomNat uses the metaphor of "drips" to symbolize the gradual accumulation of wisdom and enlightenment. It's a beautiful concept that resonates deeply. Enlightenment isn't a one-time event; it's a lifelong journey. It's about the small, consistent insights that accumulate over time, leading us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the Divine.The Fear FactorAnother compelling aspect of the book is its exploration of violence and fear as tools for control within religious institutions. It's a critical view that many of us can relate to, especially those who have felt marginalized or oppressed by the church. Nat encourages us to challenge these fear-based tactics and to seek a faith that is rooted in love, compassion, and inclusivity.The Power of DeconstructionThe book also delves into the concept of deconstruction, a term that's become somewhat of a buzzword in faith circles. But Nat gives it new life. He suggests that deconstruction isn't about tearing down; it's about breaking open. It's about dismantling the walls that confine us so that we can experience a more authentic, personal spirituality.The InterviewIn today's episode, we'll be sitting down with Nat to discuss all of this and more. We'll talk about his inspiration for writing the book, the challenges he faced along the way, and what he hopes readers will take away from it. Plus, we'll get into some of the more controversial topics he tackles, like the church's approach to violence and control. It's going to be a candid, thought-provoking conversation that you won't want to miss.So grab your favorite beverage, get comfy, and let's get snarky. This is one conversation that's sure to challenge, inspire, and maybe even ruffle a few feathers. But hey, that's what Snarky Faith is all about, right?Tune in, and let's get this conversation started.We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark!Show notesFeatured Crackpots, Grifters, and Prophets: JD Greer, Hank Kunneman, Jack Hibbs, and Robin Bullock. Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible:Right Wing WatchChristian NightmaresFriendly AtheistCome along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world.www.SnarkyFaith.com Check out the other fantastic Quoircast partners: The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast, Apostates Anonymous, The Messy Spirituality Podcast, Ideas Digest, The New Evangelicals, This is Not Church, and Wild Olive.

Join me again on Snarky Faith. Our guest is none other than Michael Camp, the author of "Breaking Bad Faith," a book that's as much a mental workout as it is a spiritual journey. Join us for our conversation - it's a fun ride. In this episode, we dive headfirst into the turbulent waters of religious and social issues, with Camp serving as our fearless guide. His new book, "Breaking Bad Faith," is not your typical Sunday school lesson. It's a deep exploration of Christianity and its intersection with societal norms. It's the kind of book that makes you question everything you thought you knew about religion, society, and the role of faith in our lives.During our chat, we'll navigate through the intricacies of scriptural texts, societal norms, and the often-misunderstood facets of faith. It's like going on a road trip with a theologian, but the fun kind.  Camp doesn't shy away from controversial topics. He delves into the interpretation of scripture, history, and the role of religion in shaping these norms. His unfiltered exploration of faith and society will undoubtedly provoke thought, stimulate discussion, and perhaps even incite a healthy debate or two.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who enjoys a good intellectual workout. It's not light listening, but then again, who needs light listening when you can have your mind expanded and your preconceptions challenged? So, if you're up for a challenge and ready to see the world in a new light, tune in to our chat with Michael Camp. Your brain and faith will thank you. Eventually.We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark! Show notesEpisode Timestamp:Christian Crazy: 2:00Michael Camp Interview: 21:54 Featured Crackpots, Grifters, and Prophets: Lauren Boebert, Hank Kunneman, Joshua Mills, and Lucas Miles.  Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible:Right Wing WatchChristian NightmaresFriendly AtheistCome along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world.www.SnarkyFaith.com Check out the other fantastic Quoircast partners: The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast, Apostates Anonymous, The Messy Spirituality Podcast, Ideas Digest, The New Evangelicals, This is Not Church, and Wild Olive.

Join me for another episode of "Snarky Faith" as we wade through the stormy intersection of faith and politics, exploring the emotional landscape marked by anxiety and depression. In these tumultuous times following the downfall of Roe v Wade and the erosion of LGBTQ rights, we're on a mission to make sense of it all and find our footing.In this episode, I'll share candid insights about these challenging times, refusing to gloss over the raw reality of our emotional struggles. We're going to peel back the layers, examining my faith, unpacking grief, and seeking understanding in our shared human experiences.Our focus will be on kindness, that universal language that transcends political and religious divides. Remembering Christ's call to love both our neighbors and enemies – a call that means everyone.This is more than just a cerebral exercise. It's about finding hope and the courage to take the next right step. "Snarky Faith" is a haven where we can challenge our perspectives, learn, and find comfort amidst chaos.So come with me on this journey. Let's brave the storm together, find hope in these discouraging times, and work towards a kinder world. We're not just here to talk about change – we're here to embody it. We can do better. We must do better.Brace yourself for all this and a healthy dose of snark on the side! Show notesEpisode Timestamp:Anxiety & Kindness: 1:50Christian Crazy: 23:20Christian Cringe: 34:20 Featured Crackpots, Grifters, and Prophets: Kat Kerr, Ron DeSantis, Robin Bullock, Mike Huckabee, and Hank Kunneman.  Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible:Right Wing WatchChristian NightmaresFriendly AtheistCome along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world.www.SnarkyFaith.com Check out the other fantastic Quoircast partners: The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast, Apostates Anonymous, The Messy Spirituality Podcast, Ideas Digest, The New Evangelicals, This is Not Church, and Wild Olive.

On today's show, we'll reflect on how Easter has become a religious shit-show and we're also joined by Keith Giles and Matthew Distefano to talk about Quior Publishing's new venture into class literature - and why books matter and shouldn't be banned.  Let's just be honest for a moment. Easter has lost the plot within modern Christendom and reveals the rot within the faith. Easter is supposed to be a high holy day that is supposed to symbolize hope and renewal, yet it's turned out to be more about consumerism and empty displays of religiosity. While Jesus Christ, who Christians believe died and rose from the dead, was all about love, compassion, and empathy for the marginalized and oppressed, many modern-day Christians seemed to have missed the memo. Instead of practicing these values, they used the holiday to justify hateful rhetoric and discriminatory policies towards those who are different from them. It's no wonder that Easter has lost its meaning. The commercialization of the holiday has reduced it to nothing more than a chance to buy chocolate bunnies and attend an over-the-top church extravaganza. The true significance of the resurrection of Jesus has been overshadowed by superficial displays of religiosity that do little to forward and embody the ways and teachings of Jesus.  It's time to use Easter as a wake-up call and realize how off-course Christianity has gone. It's about embodying the principles of love, compassion, and empathy that Jesus taught. So, as we reflect on this past Easter, let's recenter our faith in these values and work towards creating a world that is more inclusive, empathetic, and compassionate. Let's challenge ourselves to live up to the principles of Jesus, rather than using them as an excuse to promote hate and division. Only then can we truly honor the message of hope and renewal that Easter should represent. We can do better. We must do better.    We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark! Links Quoir Publishing  https://quoir.com/ Keith Giles https://www.patheos.com/blogs/keithgiles/ Matthew Distefano https://www.patheos.com/blogs/allsetfree/author/mdistefano/ Heretic Happy Hour https://heretichappyhour.com/ Apostates Anonymous  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/apostates-anonymous/id1529134426 Quoir Classics: The Kingdom of God is Within You https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-God-Within-You-Annotated-ebook/dp/B0BVJGSFHT   A Spring Harvest https://www.amazon.com/Spring-Harvest-Annotated-Geoffrey-Bache/dp/B0BVCTWD9Y   Call of the Wild  https://www.amazon.com/Call-Wild-Annotated-Jack-London-ebook/dp/B0C2J34QMP   Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass https://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Wonderland-Through-Looking-Glass-Annotated Show notes   Episode Timestamp: Canceling Easter/Christian Crazy: 2:00 Quoir Classics Interview with Keith Giles and Matthew Distefano: 22:30 Featured Crackpots, Grifters, and Prophets: Kent Christmas, John Zmirak, MTG, and Johnny Enlow.  Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible: Right Wing Watch Christian Nightmares Friendly Atheist Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com   Check out the other fantastic Quoircast partners: The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast, Apostates Anonymous, The Messy Spirituality Podcast, Ideas Digest, The New Evangelicals, This is Not Church, and Wild Olive.  

In this episode of Snarky Faith, we delve into the discussion of our collective struggles with the state of the world and the overwhelming noise surrounding everything. Drawing from Brene Brown's idea that faith minus vulnerability equals extremism, let's talk about the questions around why Americans seem to be doubling down on religious culture issues as religion declines in the country. The faith seems to be obsessed with things that no longer encapsulate faith or the teachings of Jesus but rather fear, selfishness, and pride. To counter this, we must realize that vulnerability is the key because faith plus vulnerability results in extravagant love.  This is our mission and calls to push ourselves pushing onward toward what is good, loving, and kind is the path. It's what Jesus taught and it's what's required of us if we want to walk in the ways of Christ.  We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark! Links https://www.vox.com/23351293/whale-movie-review-fraser-aronofsky-oscars-best-makeup-hairstyling-best-actor   Show notes Episode Timestamp: I'm Back: 2:20 Christian Crazy: 5:00 Vulnerability: 27:20   Featured Crackpots, Grifters, and Prophets: Robert Jeffress, Hank Kunneman, Robin Bullock, and more...   Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible: Right Wing Watch Christian Nightmares Friendly Atheist Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com   Check out the other fantastic Quoircast partners: The Heretic Happy Hour Podcast, Apostates Anonymous, The Messy Spirituality Podcast, Ideas Digest, The New Evangelicals, This is Not Church, and Wild Olive.

"We could be the people who risk with God in the face of apocalypse rather than the people who trust in a god who authors apocalypse." Jonathan J. Foster ~  Theology of Consent:  Mimetic Theory in an Open and Relational Universe   Coincidences happen and paradoxes occur.  In life, there are rare occurrences where cosmically divergent concepts combine, almost as if naturally intended - like peanut butter and jelly. In his new book, Theology of Consent: Mimetic Theory in an Open and Relational Universe, Jonathan J. Foster finds such a paring by blending René Girard’s scapegoating theory with Tomas J. Oord's Open and Relational Theology.  The book is a fantastic read that blends anthropology, psychology, theology, and the nature of love. Foster uses Girardian thinking to enhance his understanding of open and relational theology even as he allows open and relational ideas to challenge mimetic theory’s tendency to be regressive. The book is scholarly - yet accessible - grounded in humor and humility.  Join me as I sit down with Jonathan to talk through the theopoetic story of love and its fundamental characteristic: consent. Like the book, our talk together is educational, insightful, and playful. It's a great conversation that you don't want to miss.  We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark! Links Find Jonathan here:  https://www.jonathanfosteronline.com/ Buy the book here:  https://www.amazon.com/Theology-Consent-Mimetic-Relational-Universe/dp/1737664941 Show notes Episode Timestamp: Witches: 1:45 Christian Crazy 5:00 Interview 10:30 Featured Crackpots, Grifters, and Prophets: Guillermo Maldonado Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible: Right Wing Watch Christian Nightmares Friendly Atheist   Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com

"I’m a Christian, and I say it proudly, we should be Christian nationalists." Marjorie Taylor Green ~ Politician and Conspiracy Theorist    You may have heard about Christian nationalism...  It's the hip (not) new trend all your Bible-beating relatives, and red-hat-wearing neighbors are talking about. Christian nationalism is a casserole of the worst parts of both the 4th of July and Christmas paired scrumptiously with a fine assortment of hatred, guns, and an unquenchable thirst for power.  That's bigotry delicious - just like your grandma used to make. Yum!  Join me today as we embark on a dive into different facets and mouthpieces of Christian nationalism. It is a movement that seeks to reform culture and control government; theocracy-style. None of this has anything to do with Jesus, but that has never stopped Christians before.    Christian nationalism is a frightening and violent distortion of the faith. It twists the teachings of Jesus and scripture into tools of acrimony wielded against others under the guise of supposed righteousness. This toxic ideology is on the rise in religious circles. What was once a term of scorn has now become a badge of honor.  This ideology and movement is a growing problem that gleefully plants the seeds of fascism and theocracy in America and beyond.  We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark!   Show notes Episode Timestamp: Summer Recap 2:00 Christian Cringe: 10:00 Christian Nationalism: 13:50 Another Way: 44:00 Articles Referenced or Useful for Further Reading: https://sas.rutgers.edu/news-a-events/news/newsroom/faculty/3406-religious-nationalism https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2021/february-web-only/what-is-christian-nationalism.html https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2022/08/christian-nationalist-identity-marjorie-taylor-greene.html https://www.huffpost.com/entry/marjorie-taylor-greene-christian-nationalism-republican-party_n_62dd70bde4b081f3a9007344 https://time.com/6201483/christian-nationalism-threat-democracy/ https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/christian-right-fbi-raid-trump https://politicalresearch.org/2005/12/05/the-rise-of-dominionismremaking-america-as-a-christian-nation https://www.thedailybeast.com/reverend-nathan-empsall-says-rejecting-christian-nationalism-is-what-jesus-would-do https://religionnews.com/2022/08/19/when-will-their-churches-condemn-the-christian-nationalism-rhetoric-of-maga-politicians/ https://theoutline.com/post/8856/seven-mountain-mandate-trump-paula-white https://youtu.be/qQbGnJd9poc Featured Crackpots, Grifters, and Prophets:  Shane Vaughn, Marjorie Taylor Green, Kent Christmas, Dutch Sheets, and Lance Wallnau.  Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible: Right Wing Watch Christian Nightmares Friendly Atheist Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com

"If we aren’t careful, we can become so bitter about the journey that we aren’t able to see how much we’ve grown along the way." Desimber Rose Wattleton ~ The Church Can Go to Hell   Rarely do we hear honest and raw confessions and testimony from pastors and clergy. Usually, the Lords of the Pulpit carefully craft a public, pious persona and live it out - cosplay style. The rules of this game do not include being honest and authentic. Those are not part of the playbook.  With many pastors, the game is solely about projecting the ideal example of a fully formed Christian. Breaking character is very rare for these preformers. Thankfully, Desimber Rose Wattleton is not one of those pastors. She's a truth teller who pulls no punches. Her new book, The Church Can Go To Hell: Overcoming the Brokenness, Bitterness, and Bondage of Church Hurt, is an authentic journey detailing her transition from suffering to purpose. Join me today as I discuss poisonous church culture with Desimber Rose. This enduring toxicity has alienated and wounded so many who are really seeking God but finding nothing in the Church. Desimber Rose's book is startlingly frank, and so is our interview.   Today, we talk about her experiences and how scripture can give us a manual for overcoming the spiritual scars caused by church trauma.  In order to really deliver and heal the Body of Christ from the brokenness, bitterness, and bondage of toxicity, it is necessary to reveal the ugly underbelly of the institution frequently hides behind titles, rituals, and tradition. Enjoy!   We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark! Buy Desimber Rose's new book, The Church Can Go to Hell on Amazon here!    Follow Desimber Rose on Instagram or Facebook. Show notes   Episode Timestamp: Christian Crazy: 03:00 Desimber Rose Interview: 10:00 Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible: Right Wing Watch Christian Nightmares Friendly Atheist Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com