TonioTimeDaily

“I faced martyrdom and potential career derailment for my adult years for Jesus innumerable times as a kid. There were deadly weapons (fully loaded) while being pointed at me and aimed at me in the midst of my praying, singing Christian songs, and proselytizing by a handful of criminals who had religious intolerance in their hard hearts. They chose not to kill me because they were shocked and amazed that I was that committed to Christendom and Christ.” -Antonio Myers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

"Amanda Udis-Kessler (PhD, sociology, Boston College; certificate, Iliff School of Theology) is the author of Queer Inclusion in the United Methodist Church (Routledge, 2008), Abundant Lives: A Progressive Christian Ethic of Flourishing (Pilgrim, 2024) and Cultural Processes of Inequality: A Sociological Perspective (Anthem, 2024). She has essays, chapters, and other materials in an additional 13 books. Amanda’s liturgical materials are available at several compilation websites in the US, UK, and Australia. Amanda offers antiracism and anti-oppression trainings specifically as a white person for other white people. These workshops focus on the cultural processes underlying inequality, the issue and nature of white discomfort with racism, and concrete actions people in socially valued groups can take to work for inequality. For information about Amanda’s work as a hymnwriter, songwriter, and sacred music composer, please see her bio at https://queersacredmusic.com. The music on this website is all available for free, with no licensing or reporting requirements. Amanda is a covenantal partner, musician, and lay worship leader at Vista Grande United Church of Christ (Colorado Springs, CO, US) and a regular visiting speaker at the Progressive Christianity Network Britain St. Albans Group." Link to her website: Books | Amanda Udis-Kessler (amandaudiskessler.com) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“An Overview of Religious Persecution Religious persecution can be defined as the systematic hostility or ill-treatment encountered by an individual or group because of their religious beliefs. It may be manifest in a variety of forms. Laws may discriminate against those who subscribe, or fail to subscribe, to a particular religion, resulting in minority traditions experiencing harsher punishments for breaching the law. “Personal status laws” that control marriage, divorce, inheritance and child rearing, may also be used to discriminate against particular faith groups. In the most severe cases, persecution may take a violent form, with minorities facing physical attacks and threats from the government or wider community. The Holocaust, during which six million Jews were killed under a Nazi regime, is one of the worst examples of widespread and systemic religious persecution known to humankind. Aside from legal discrimination, minority groups may find themselves socially excluded from communities, forced to worship in secret for fear of public criticism Religious freedom The principle of the freedom of religion and belief asserts that individuals should be free to believe in any faith system according to their conscience. This principle also supports the rights of atheists and agnostics not to subscribe to a particular religion. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights enshrines freedom of religion, belief and conscience as a right for all peoples. This right includes freedom to change your religion or belief, and freedom to manifest your religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.” Link: https://jpit.uk/issues/religious-persecution. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“Ours is a community of people who, having moved beyond religion: Endeavor to understand and be grounded in science and reality. Strive to improve the quality of our lives, end needless suffering, find peace, prosper together as one human community and thrive in harmony with the other species we share this fragile world with. Recognize and honor the things that sustain life, that advance our civilization, and enable us to succeed as a species. Understand that what is truly sacred in life is the natural world we cannot violate, damage or destroy without putting our own lives in peril. Reject antiquated and dysfunctional religions that, thousands of years old and divisive, are impediments to human progress.” Link: https://www.thesecularcommunity.org/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrL761Ne6hgMVGlpHAR0NrQ20EAMYASAAEgLtRfD_BwE. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“Relief is a positive emotion experienced when something unpleasant, painful or distressing has not happened or has come to an end.[1] Relief is often accompanied with a sigh, which signals emotional transition.[2] People from all over the world can recognise sighs with relief,[3] and judge relief to be a fundamental emotion.[4] In a 2017 study published in Psychology, relief is suggested to be an emotion that can reinforce anxiety through avoidance[5][6] or be an adaptive coping mechanism when stressed or frustrated.[7]” -Wikipedia. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“Advocacy is an activity by an individual or group that aims to influence decisions within political, economic, and social institutions. Advocacy includes activities and publications to influence public policy, laws and budgets by using facts, their relationships, the media, and messaging to educate government officials and the public. Advocacy can include many activities that a person or organization undertakes, including media campaigns, public speaking, commissioning and publishing research. Lobbying (often by lobby groups) is a form of advocacy where a direct approach is made to legislators on a specific issue or specific piece of legislation.[1] Research[whose?] has started to address how advocacy groups in the United States[2] and Canada[3] are using social media to facilitate civic engagement and collective action.” --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“A doubting Thomas is a skeptic who refuses to believe without direct personal experience – a reference to the Gospel of John's depiction of the Apostle Thomas, who, in John's account, refused to believe the resurrected Jesus had appeared to the ten other apostles until he could see and feel Jesus's crucifixion wounds.” -Wikipedia. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“So many people in religious institutions have been destroyed, wrecked, annihilated, killed, lost, devastated, wasted, demolished, overturned, overwhelmed, upset, nullified, undone, put to an end, shattered, smashed, scuttled, ravished, engulfed, submerged, overrun, extinguished, eradicated, devoured, consumed, burned up, burned down, gone to pieces, razed, lying in ruins, sacked, broken, dead, and ruined.” -Antonio Myers. “I am not a fan of linear thinking, black or white thinking, monolithic thinking, herd mentality, group think, my way or the highway thinking, binary thinking, and all or nothing thinking.” -Antonio Myers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“Just as Christiana Njoku identified in her article ‘What Women Want from Men’: Any man that shows himself as being honest and straightforward in his dealings with others, automatically becomes more appealing and desirable to a woman. If a man is dependable, truthful, genuine, and speaks from the heart, no woman would want to stay away from such a man, because he and his words can be trusted.” --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“The authors' study found that many young people believe in several moral statutes not exclusive to any of the major world religions. It is not a new religion or theology as such, but identified as a set of commonly held spiritual beliefs. It is this combination of beliefs that they label moralistic therapeutic deism: A God exists who created and ordered the world and watches over human life on earth. God wants people to be good, nice, and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and by most world religions. The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself. God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life except when God is needed to resolve a problem. Good people go to heaven when they die.[7] These points of belief were compiled from interviews with approximately 3,000 teenagers.[8]”. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“Amatonormativity Vs. Other Types of Normativity: As a culture, we have grown increasingly aware of the multiple aspects and types of identity that people possess. While variability in identity is growing increasingly diverse, the cultural beliefs about what makes an identity “normal” are being increasingly revealed. There are many different “normal” or stereotypically expected components of identity that address relational and sexual norms. Here’s how amatonormativity is connected to other forms of normativity: Amatonormativity Vs. Heteronormativity Heteronormativity refers to the assumption that all people are heterosexual and does not allow for individuals who hold diverse sexual orientations, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, or asexual, which describes people who experience no sexual attraction to others. Like amatonormativity, heteronormativity operationally defines what is considered normal, however heteronormativity refers to sexual attraction and amatonormativity describes romantic attraction. Amatonormativity Vs. Allonormativity Allonormativity describes the stereotype that all people experience some form of sexual attraction. Allonormative makes space for heterosexual attraction as well as alternative attractions including lesbian, gay, and bisexual. However, an allonormative view ignores the existence of asexual individuals.2 Allonormativity is often assumed alongside amatonormativity due to the cultural construct that joins romantic love and sexual attraction into a conflated expectation. Amatonormativity Vs. Cisnormativity Cisnormative expectations refer to the construct of being cisgender, which is holding an identity that matches the sex a person was assigned at birth.3 Cisnormative beliefs do not make space for individuals whose identities reflect aspects of transgenderism. Individuals who endorse cisnormativity also tend to endorse amatonormativity – “normal” people identify as the sex assigned at birth and grow up seeking and prioritizing romantic relationships. Amatonormativity Vs. Mononormativity People who believe that individuals should have only a single, monogamous romantic partner at any given time support mononormativity.4 Both mononormativity and amatonormativity address expectations regarding the pursuit of romantic relationships, however, mononormativity is based on the assumption that all people are interested in romantic relationships. Mononormativity is at the opposite end of the spectrum from polyamory, which describes being romantically involved with multiple people simultaneously. Amatonormativity Vs. Sexual Normativity Sexual normativity refers to the assumption that all people experience sexual desire and seek opportunities to act on that desire.5 This concept is highly related to amatonormativity as they both create a culture in which the lack of interest in romantic or sexual relationships is seen as abnormal6 The absence of desire for sexual involvement or romance are not abnormal, just individual differences.” -Choosing Therapy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“In my childhood, masculinity was all about: brutality brute force roughness ferocity fierceness savagery cruelty sadism barbarity barbarousness brutishness murderousness bloodthirstiness ruthlessness inhumanity heartlessness pitilessness mercilessness strong-arm tactics ferity forcefulness force full force power powerfulness strength might destructiveness.” -Antonio Myers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“I am so glad that I am no longer confused by my stances on religion, faith, spirituality, and theology.” -Antonio Myers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“The term "violence" is a complicated concept which broadly carries descriptive and evaluative components which range from harming non-human objects to human self-harm.[3] Ralph Tanner cites the definition of violence in the Oxford English Dictionary as "far beyond (the infliction of) pain and the shedding of blood." He argues that, although violence clearly encompasses injury to persons or property, it also includes "the forcible interference in personal freedom, violent or passionate conduct or language (and) finally passion or fury."[4] Similarly, Abhijit Nayak writes: The word "violence" can be defined to extend far beyond pain and shedding blood. It carries the meaning of physical force, violent language, fury, and, more importantly, forcible interference.[19] Terence Fretheim writes: For many people, ... only physical violence truly qualifies as violence. But, certainly, violence is more than killing people, unless one includes all those words and actions that kill people slowly. The effect of limitation to a "killing fields" perspective is the widespread neglect of many other forms of violence. We must insist that violence also refers to that which is psychologically destructive, that which demeans, damages, or depersonalizes others. In view of these considerations, violence may be defined as follows: any action, verbal or nonverbal, oral or written, physical or psychical, active or passive, public or private, individual or institutional/societal, human or divine, in whatever degree of intensity, that abuses, violates, injures, or kills. Some of the most pervasive and most dangerous forms of violence are those that are often hidden from view (against women and children, especially); just beneath the surface in many of our homes, churches, and communities is abuse enough to freeze the blood. Moreover, many forms of systemic violence often slip past our attention because they are so much a part of the infrastructure of life (e.g., racism, sexism, ageism).[20]” -Wikipedia. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

I no longer have sex because I sometimes feel: Irritability, Aggravation, Agitation, Annoyance, Grouchy, Grumpy, Crosspatch, Exasperation, Frustration, Rage, Anger, Outrage, Fury, Wrath, Hostility, Ferocity, Bitterness, Hatred, Scorn, Spite, Vengefulness, Dislike, Resentment, Disgust, Revulsion, Contempt, Loathing, Envy, Jealousy, Torment, Torture, Sadness, Suffering, Agony, Anguish, Hurt, Depression, Despair, Neglect, Alienation, Defeatism, Dejection, Embarrassment, Homesickness, Humiliation, Insecurity, Insult, Isolation, Loneliness, Rejection, Sympathy, Pity, Mono no aware, Fear, Horror, Alarm, Shock, Fear, Fright, Terror, Panic, Hysteria, Mortification, Nervousness, Anxiety, Suspense, Uneasiness, Apprehension (fear), Worry, Distress, and Dread.” -Antonio Myers. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“Autistic people may display a range of strengths and abilities that can be directly related to their diagnosis, including: Learning to read at a very early age (known as hyperlexia). Memorising and learning information quickly. Thinking and learning in a visual way. Logical thinking ability. May excel (if able) in academic areas such as science, engineering and mathematics as they are technical and logical subjects that do not heavily rely on social interaction. Having an extraordinarily good memory (being able to remember facts for a long period of time). Being precise and detail orientated. Exceptional honesty and reliability. Being dependable in regards to schedules and routines. Having an excellent sense of direction. Be very punctual. Strong adherence to rules. Able to concentrate for long periods of time when motivated. A drive for perfection and order. A capability for alternate problem solving. A rare freshness and sense of wonderment.” -https://www.altogetherautism.org.nz/strengths-and-abilities-in-autism/. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“As long as we are not living in our full humanity, we cannot create a world for humanity.” -Tarana Burke. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“Cowardice asks the question, 'Is it safe?' Expediency asks the question, 'Is it politic?' Vanity asks the question, 'Is it popular?' But, conscience asks the question, 'Is it right?' And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular, but one must take it because one's conscience tells one that it is right -Martin Luther King Jr.” --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

"Working To Make A Change As a media psychologist, Dr. Rajan has spoken on several Los Angeles and Orange County based radio talk shows, as a mental health advocate for survivors of human trafficking and an expert on the global sex trafficking crisis, and more generally, as a psycho-educator about various issues including: complex trauma, medical trauma, mindfulness based practices in address of depression and anxiety, and most recently, best mental health practices during the Covid-19 global pandemic, and social justice issues. "Fear comes in one moment, and possibility in the next. We can't comprehend all that life offers us until we are present to the moments that comprise it. It is only when we get accustomed to wading in the waves, that we can truly behold the beauty of the ocean."~ Dr. Indhushree Rajan Diana Rivera​MA, PCC, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical Psychologist/Certified Coach/Facilitator June 10, 2021, Diana worked with Indushree on the same team: "Dr. Indushree Rajan is an outstanding clinician. I have had a chance, as a close colleague, to observe her incredible work as a psychologist: highly astute, sensitive, critical thinking, ethical and so compassionate! I refer to her all the time because I know clients will have a warm, loving and safe space to bare their heart, mind and soul. 5-star recommendation." Dr. Laura Ruaro, Psychologist in Private Practice May 4, 2021, Laura worked with Indushree on the same team: "Indushree is an experienced and passionate Psychologist. She develops strong and committed relationships with her clients and is committed to learning and self-development. She is a highly esteemed colleague; I highly recommend her." Klarissa Castro [Ph.D. Product Design | Owner of Jewelry business focused on Women Empowerment | Passionate about Wellbeing Programs & improving Mental Health April 30, 2021, Klarissa worked with Indushree on the same team: "I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Rajan. She is the most insightful and empathic clinician I know. She is very passionate about her work, and it shows with the results she produces. I highly recommend her as a psychologist. As a colleague, she was always there for support. Loved working with her!" Jake Koplowitz: "I cannot express enough gratitude for the transformative experience I’ve had under Dr. Rajan’s care. When I was referred to her by a friend, I was grappling with stress, anxiety, and depression stemming from job loss and strained relationships. I have previously used a CBT approach to therapy and wanted to try something more well-rounded, which made Dr. Rajan a perfect fit. What sets her apart is her eclectic approach to therapy. Drawing from various modalities like CBT, psychotherapy, talk therapy, and humanistic therapy, she tailored our sessions to suit my unique needs. This holistic approach not only provided me with practical tools to manage my challenges but also fostered profound introspection and growth. Under Dr. Rajan’s guidance, I’ve not only learned to navigate the complexities of my circumstances but have also cultivated a deeper understanding of myself and my relationships. Her compassionate presence and insightful guidance have been instrumental in my journey toward healing and resilience. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Rajan to anyone seeking a compassionate and effective ally in their mental health journey." Link to her website: Home - The Conscious Life (theconscious-life.com) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support

“Benefits of casual dating: You get to have romance and touch in your life without the commitments of a serious or long-term relationship. You have someone to hang out with in your downtime. You have someone to do "couple" and "relationship" things with, without the commitment. You can get to know someone in a laid-back, pressure-free way. You can potentially date multiple people at the same time. You can have sex with a regular partner. You get to spend time with someone you like who likes you back. You can get to know someone in a casual way while deciding whether you want to pursue a serious relationship with them. You can determine if someone isn't a good fit for a long-term relationship with you before actually entering into a long-term relationship with them. You can enjoy spending time with someone you like even though you know you two wouldn't make a great couple in the long. term. You can enjoy dating someone without having to share your whole life with them. You can enjoy the fun parts of dating without a lot of the more mundane or difficult parts of maintaining a long-term partnership. Things aren't purely sexual usually—you and the other person genuinely like spending time with each other, even when you're not having sex. You have more independence and flexibility since you don't need to totally sync your life up with the other person's life. You don't need to find the "perfect" partner—you can enjoy spending time with anyone whom you find fun to be around, even if they're not the "perfect" fit for you. You might find out you really like each other and decide to enter into a more serious relationship. Risks of casual dating: One person may start to form real romantic feelings or emotional attachment to the other person, and the other person may not feel the same way. If you develop feelings for the other person and they don't feel the same, you can end up getting hurt. If the other person develops feelings for you and you don't feel the same way, you may end up feeling guilty about hurting that person. Some people may not communicate clearly about what they want from casual dating, causing misunderstandings and hurt feelings. Some people may use casual dating as an excuse to avoid communicating about needs and boundaries. Some people may use casual dating as an excuse to be careless, selfish, or dismissive of the other person's needs. Some people may use casual dating as an excuse to lie to the other person. Some people may say they want to casually date, when in reality they are hoping for a serious relationship. If your relationship isn't exclusive, there may be a higher risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections. There's a possibility for jealousy if one or both parties is also dating other people.” -Mindbodygreen. “Sexual Trauma Symptoms Everyone is affected differently by sexual trauma, depending on their age and available support system. Some survivors of sexual trauma can show symptoms of PTSD, while others may exhibit drastic changes in personal hygiene, concentration, and mood. Individuals may also adopt unhealthy coping skills, such as substance use or self-harm, to cope with their distress. Signs and symptoms of sexual trauma may include: Changes in sleep pattern (i.e., insomnia or nightmares) Changes in social behavior or friend groups Changes in hygiene Poor concentration Changes in school or work performance Mood changes (i.e., depressed, irritable, cries easily, etc.) Self-injurious behaviors. Experimenting with substances Sexually acting out by children (provocative language/body language or imitating sexual acts).” -ChoosingTherapy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/antonio-myers4/support