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

"It should come as no surprise when So-called Christian powerhouses fall Corporate greed dressed in Sunday best od has always been in the business Of toppling empires"   Meagan Ruby Wagner ~ Jericho   Presently, language is purposefully abused and exploited, often for evil ends, to benefit those in positions of power. How can we combat this? There are many ways to push back. Yet, one of those is frequently brushed aside as being unimportant in culture and society. Today, we will talk about poetry as a tool of protest and expression. Poetry can evoke powerful images that inspire. It also breaks our hearts, cuts us to the core, and longs for better days. Much like political rhetoric and speech, poetry is seldom delivered carelessly. It is poignant and often timeless.  Joining us today is a poet and counselor Meagan Ruby Wagner. We'll discuss her debut poetry anthology, Honeysuckle.  The book is a fantastic read that touches on topics like parenting, changing faith, and mental health during turbulent times. Meagan can take ordinary circumstances and pinpoint the sensations we have all experienced intimately. She does this in an understated yet exquisite way.  In a time where prattle and rhetoric surround us like white noise, poetry may be the spark or the salve we all need the most.  Enjoy! We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark!     Buy Meagan's new book, Honeysuckle, on Amazon here!  Follow Meagan on Instagram or Facebook.   Show notes   Episode Timestamp: Christian Crazy: 02:05 Power of Poetry: 13:55 Meagan Ruby Wagner Interview: 18:20 Christian Cringe: 56:30   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

"Will we ever arrive at our destination? Who can say? But, God is not far away. God is alive within; living and breathing along with us in every moment. How do we know this? We can stop, be still, listen, and experience God’s presence anytime we need to. We can trust, by faith, that God will never leave us or forsake us. We can believe that Jesus is in the Father, and the Father is in us, and we are in Christ."   Keith Giles ~ Sola Mysterium   If life is a mystery and if God is at the center of everything, then seeking to know God requires embracing mystery.  In his new book, Sola Mysterium: Celebrating the Beautiful Uncertainty of Everything, Keith Giles takes a dive and invites us into the unknown. He asserts that there is more to God than any of us will ever fully comprehend in this life. The book knits together the elements of science, scripture, quantium physics, and psychology to push us towards a journey of sacred unlearning. It is in these spaces we encounter the divine. Join us today for a lively, enlightening, and far-reaching discussion with Keith Giles. He is a fantastic author and his work demands to be heard, and having him on the show is always enlightening. So, let us begin by embracing Christ's mystery in order to uncover the eternally expanding beauty of uncertainty. We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark!     Buy Keith's new book, Sola Mysterium on Amazon here!  You can find all of Keith's books on Amazon. Here's Keith's blog on Patheos, and you can always find him on the Heretic Happy Hour podcast.    Show notes Episode Timestamp: Christian Crazy: 02:14 Keith Giles Interview: 10:00 Christian Cringe: 56:30 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

"When you say to yourself. 'I don't care what happens,'  it just gives you a broader perspective." - George Carlin    There are times when we must wrestle with baggage from the road traveled as we progress in our faith. Questions begin to arise, and easy spiritual answers no longer soothe as a salve to the itching reality of balancing the trauma of living with the vastness of the divine.  Either we give in to the itch, or we learn to ignore it. One path results in transformation, whereas the other leads to resignation. Choosing to move into the uncharted requires embracing and exploring new realities, whether they exist within ourselves or in the larger world. For some, this invitation is a welcome opportunity, while for others, leaving their perceived realms of safety is terrifying. Neither position is more virtuous than the other. Moving forward is all that matters in the end. However, it would be a mistake to set out on your journey too quickly. Before setting out, one must be prepared to wrestle with what they have gained, learned, and lost in the past. This act calls for us to reflect on our experiences, times when we have failed, and the lessons we have learned. It teaches us what matters and ultimately informs us what we should and shouldn't care about. Experience-based learning is a sacred, yet forgotten, spiritual practice. Pastors and prophets of today see mystery as a barrier to preaching certainty. It challenges their authority and ability control others. Their brand of spiritual certainty is full of mental gymnastics and theologically tinged gobbledygook. The end result is meaningless spiritual platitudes that may sound nice but never amount to anything. Jesus encourages us to travel both inwardly and outwardly with clear eyes. This path demands that we evaluate our experiences as if they were divine instruments for instruction, understanding, and development. Experience-based learning is infused with the divine and empowers us to advance as audacious lovers, fearless truth-tellers, and compassionate envoys of God's shalom. The future is waiting patiently for those who are willing to go where others fear to tread. Also, don't worry, t here won't ever be any traffic jams on the road ahead.  Join us today as we wrap up our series on spiritual growth through the lens of Christ. May you travel well.  Always remember that you are never truly alone and that taking a risk is an act of bravery.  Journey well, friends.  We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark! Show notes Episode Timestamp: In The News/Gun Violence: 02:15 Main Conversation: 25:20 Bonus Crazy: 56:30 Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible: Right Wing Watch Christian Nightmares Friendly Atheist   Books Referenced: Spiritual Theology - Diogenes Allen Gifts of the Dark Wood - Eric Elnes   Articles:  Shootings expose divisions on gun issue in faith communities For many evangelical Christians, God and guns are inextricably linked Guns do more than kill What are Evangelicals and how did they become so hypocritical? Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com

"People are finding acceptance, love, and healing outside of the organizational church. They feel like they were supporting the organization of the church and the church was not supporting them."  Karl Forehand ~ Out Into The Desert   Karl J. Forehand was a bi-vocational pastor for 20 years and has training in spiritual leadership coaching, plant-based nutrition, and spiritual direction. He’s the author of The Tea Shop, The Hotel, Apparent Faith and Being.  Soon, Karl is releasing his new book, Out into the Desert, which he co-wrote with his wife.  Karl has long had a penchant for bringing light to the forgotten postures of faith. This time, he's joined by Laura, his wife, and their voices together speak truth to different sides of the same coin, from surviving church ministry to wandering and embracing the vulnerable ways of Christ. This book spoke deeply to my soul, as it will yours. Join me, as I talk with Karl about his book, enduring ministry trauma, and finding another path towards being. It's an insightful conversation that you'll enjoy.   We'll talk about all that and more snark! Find Karl's books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Karl-Forehand/e/B07VGKNC23 For more on Karl: https://karlforehand.com/ Leaning Forward Conference: https://karlforehand.com/leaning-forward-2022 Show notes Episode Timestamp: Christian Crazy: 02:03 Conversation with Karl Forehand: 34:30  Bonus: 56:30 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

"Based on this historical example, if our passion is to end abortion in our nation, the best way to do so is to circumvent political processes (which, to date, have not proven very effective), and to love our neighbor as Jesus commanded." Keith Giles ~ Jesus Untangled  Today's show is a mixed bag of talk about reproductive rights, and I'll also take you on a road trip discussion of our continuing series on spiritual formation.  Note: I apologize in advance for the poor sound quality of the road trip portion of the recording.  The right for a woman to choose medical decisions about her own body is a political lightning rod issue in both American politics and religion.  On the surface, this issue is presented as if it's binary. You are either pro-life or pro-choice. Both sides have their narratives and talking points. Yet in the discourse, everyone seems to be vehemently yelling past one another. At the end of the day, it seems all we're left with is the yelling, and that's never helpful.   We see pro-life Christians using the Bible as justification for their stance, but proof-texting scripture is never very fruitful in seeing the heart of God.  The logical way to engage the Bible on a topic like this would be to see how God views personal choice. In the Bible, humanity is depicted as a complex, multi-faceted creature with the ability and responsibility to make decisions and choices. The concept of free will is kind of a big deal in the Bible.  So join us today as we discuss the changing views about abortion and how those views have changed in the minds of Christian over decades. We'll also dig into the political influences behind the Religious Right and how it has used this issue for years to shape politics and fuel the flames of culture wars.  What does any of this have to do with Jesus? How are we missing the point in this issue? How do we move forward?  Tune in and find out.  We'll talk about all that and plenty more snark!  Show notes   Episode Timestamp: In The News/Roe v Wade: 03:40 Main Conversation: 40:00 Bonus Crazy: 56:30   Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible: Right Wing Watch Christian Nightmares Friendly Atheist   Books Referenced: Spiritual Theology - Diogenes Allen Gifts of the Dark Wood - Eric Elnes   Articles:  The Real Origins of the Christian Right As a Christian, I Want to Reduce Abortions, Not Overturn Roe Why Post Roe Abortion Bans Must Exempt Religious Jews Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com

To go somewhere, you have to leave.  There will be times in our journeys in faith when we're called to leave, either by choice or circumstance. Sometimes we pull away for a moment; other times, maybe forever. The keys to navigating these times are discernment, detachment, and humility. We encounter moments where leaving is healthy and gives us perspective. Other times, we just need to get the hell out of bad or toxic situations.  Regardless of the reason, what we learn in these times of separation can be formative if we lean into the process with open eyes and humble hearts.  Engaging in change can be difficult, but we must remember that we don't fear change - we fear loss. That fear can keep us in places where we won't progress or grow. It can leave us in places we're not supposed to be.  In Irish folklore, there was a mythical race called the Tuatha De Danann. They were peaceful people who loved beauty and art. When confronted and driven to war by a hostile tribe, it is said that they just "turned sideways into the light and disappeared."  They knew that war would make them into something they were not and didn't dare to engage.  Sometimes, leaving is a decision to prevent yourself from becoming something you don't want to become. So, remember that healthy detachment can help you see more clearly.  I believe that the future will be written by those that choose to leave and create something better. Those who dare to tread on uncharted grounds are also those that discover what is new and next. Faith was never meant to be a stagnant or complacent process. To learn and grow, we must step into new territory with a brave face and a humble posture.  Let us cast away the inert stability of past institutions and mindsets while we look to better and more hopeful days forward. It is not easy to cast off our baggage, but it is a lighter load for the road ahead.  Travel well. We'll talk about all that and more snark!  Show notes Episode Timestamp: COVID: 02:05 Christian Crazy: 06:25 Main Conversation: 25:35 Bonus: 56:30 Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible: Right Wing Watch Christian Nightmares Friendly Atheist Books Referenced: Spiritual Theology - Diogenes Allen Gifts of the Dark Wood - Eric Elnes Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com

"As you start to walk on the way, the way appears." ~ Rumi    No one likes to be lost.  It strikes us with fear and disorientation because we like to be in control. When we're lost, things feel out of control. Yet being lost is part of the spiritual journey.  In many ways, it is an essential ingredient for change and growth. As humans, we're creatures of habit and depend on certain things for stability as we make our way in the world every day. Remove some of the familiar, and we experience loss.  It happens as a result of our own choices, those of others, or through circumstances outside of our control. It may be painful, but it is inevitable.  I've known some people so scared to make a decision they would avoid it at all costs. They feared change. Though it should be noted, that not making a decision is actually a decision. It's a choice to remain foolish in the hope that life will go back to the way it used to be. It's a nostalgic fantasy that leads to delusion. Embracing reality and ourselves is key to spiritual growth. My journey towards knowing God more has led me to know myself more. I've learned to heal, turn baggage into wisdom, and reclaim awe and wonder in my life. It's also been painful, stretching, and even ugly at times. This process is ongoing. I'm constantly growing and learning more about myself and the divine. Yet, all of that would be impossible unless I'm willing to be lost.  Moving away from certainty can be terrifying and make us long for the shallower waters of the familiar. So we must remember that life moves forward at a brisk pace. The world changes constantly, and so do you.  You and your faith were never meant to be stagnant. There's more out there to be experienced and more life to live. Don't worry. You won't be alone. There are plenty of us out there. Let's get lost together.  We'll talk about all that and more snark!    Show notes Episode Timestamp: Hedge of Protection: 01:43 In the News: 02:20 UFOs and Jesus: 13:00 Main Conversation: 18:30 Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible: Right Wing Watch Christian Nightmares Friendly Atheist Books Referenced: Spiritual Theology - Diogenes Allen Gifts of the Dark Wood - Eric Elnes Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com

"We must realize that leaps of faith are the junk food of the spiritual realm... An authentic leap of faith may become the first step of a new beginning, but taking that step feels more like the culmination of a long and engaging journey."   Eric Elnes ~ Gifts of the Dark Wood   Continuing on our series about the tangible ways of faith, today we'll discuss different motivations for seeking after God. Thus far, we'd discussed conversion and moments of experiencing the divine.  Too often, we assume that the journey of faith is all about mystical and mysterious happenings and experiences. While, in some regard, these do instances may occur, they are not the norm. Yet, we usually use these supernatural events as a gauge for spirituality and depth.  Religion has groomed us to believe that one of the key ingredients for experiencing God is a leap of faith or some grand gesture. This ideology of risk is often a recipe for abuse, pain, and trauma. I'm not trying to negate the impact of a spiritual experience, per se, but we must realize that these are often only the beginning point of a journey. These moments are not the goal or a place to camp and make a home.  When we seek God, we must ask ourselves, "what or why are we seeking Her?"  Many seek God for purpose, significance, or affirmation. Others may seek Her out of selfish ambition or pride. Either way, it's missing the point, but humans often excel at that virtue. The road toward experiencing the divine should lead us to a greater understanding of ourselves. This requires introspection, healing, and dealing with our biases and baggage as we begin to embrace seeing the world through the lens of Jesus.  This journey also grants us something unexpected. As Peter Rollins puts it, "For while we do not grasp God, faith is born amidst the feeling that God grasps us." Understanding and embracing this fact will lead to deeper personal transformation. It also arms us with a robust amount of humility and grace. These are the necessary tools for the road ahead. Without them, we'll never understand the Kingdom of God.    We'll talk about all that and more snark!    This week's Christian Crazy also features Greg Lock, Shane Vaughn, and Kat Kerr! Show notes   Episode Timestamp: Snarky start: 01:43 In the News: 06:00 Christian Crazy: 23:40 Main Conversation: 30:00 Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible: Right Wing Watch Christian Nightmares Friendly Atheist Books Referenced: Spiritual Theology - Diogenes Allen Gifts of the Dark Wood - Eric Elnes Articles: https://julieroys.com/macarthur-shamed-excommunicated-mother-take-back-child-abuser/ https://www.patheos.com/blogs/allsetfree/2022/04/some-reflections-on-hillsong-mars-hill-and-church-culture/ https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2022/03/russia-ukraine-invasion-military-predictions/629418/ Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com

Snarky Faith is a space where we irreverently wrestle through life, culture and spirituality. It’s a skewering of religion in culture today. The questions or even answers are never the point – it’s all about the conversation. Hosted by Stuart Delony. Snarky Faith is on WCOM LP 103.5 Chapel Hill/Carrboro, NC Tuesdays 5-6pm EST www.snarkyfaith.com

"I tell you solemnly, in so far as you neglected to do this to one of the least of these, you neglect to do it to me." -Jesus The pursuit of experiencing the divine is the age-old goal of religious and spiritual seekers. For those that believe or want to believe, such an encounter can be transformative and confirming to one's faith.  Yet, organized religion has manipulated this desire and used it to control the masses through fear, guilt, and shame masked as theology, dogma, and practice. They've taught us to ignore our humanity because they see it as flawed and sinful. Then, they tell us to deny our senses, past experiences, and logic if we want to experience the Almighty.   That way isn't a way towards a transcendent encounter. It only leads us into a circular path of submission and sameness. Seeking God doesn't require us to ignore our humanity or check our brains at the door. Though that's what is often taught and preached.  We are an amalgamation of our experiences in life, both good and bad. To ignore this is to neglect ourselves.  As children, we're told not to touch the stove but sometimes do it anyway. We learn from the pain. We grow from the encounter. These happenings and our responses to them make us into who we are. Events like these help frame our perspective and make us who we are. We need to learn to be and accept ourselves. If God is real and at work in the world around us, we need to realize that seeking the divine requires us to engage with reality and help others. It's not as sexy as a vision, miracle, or transcendent moment, but God lives in the spaces where the forgotten and marginalized dwell. So, if we want to experience God, these are the places we go. It's just that simple.  We'll talk about that along with the Hillsong scandal, Florida's "Don't Say Gay" bill, and plenty more in this episode. This will be part one of a two-part discussion on experiencing the divine.  Show notes Episode Timestamp: News/Hillsong/Don't Say Gay: 03:00 Christian Crazy: 30:00 Main Conversation: 37:00 Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible: Right Wing Watch Christian Nightmares Friendly Atheist   Books Referenced: Spiritual Theology - Diogenes Allen Gifts of the Dark Wood - Eric Elnes Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com

"The courage to be is rooted in the God who appears when God has disappeared in the anxiety of doubt."  -Paul Tillich   Religious conversion is a peculiar thing. The very mention of "getting saved" most likely triggers lots of ideas, experiences, feelings, and bad memes in your head.  The funny thing is that conversion is not intended to be a spiritual, rapturous, or transcendent experience. It's likewise not about praying a prayer or getting a magic get-out-of-hell-free card. That would be an exercise in missing the point. Conversion literally means turning around and embarking on a different path. Yup, that's it. Nothing more or less, yet we have mucked up the entire thing with marketing, spectacle, and scare tactics. Taking up that different path of Jesus is filled with fear, doubt, and ambiguity. Yet, with conversion, we sell assurance and certainty, which is an utter disservice to the spiritual process and growth. Sorry, but there are no cookie cutters for faith, and those that sell that message of assurance are only parrots, puppets, and posers. There is a deep mystery in following the ways of Jesus and seeking God in the world around us. There's no way around it.  Churches push that aside as they give us dependable crutches that tickle our spiritual longings with things such as preaching, worship, and dogma. It's almost as if they're trying to prove Karl Marx correct when he said, "religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people." Jesus did want his followers to be cosplaying Christians. He promised a hard road ahead for his followers filled with sacrifice, trials, trouble, and emptiness.  While the ethics of Christ give us a firm lens to see the world, the praxis of those teachings is anything but certain. We embark into the world armed with ideals, knowing not how they will be contextualized and animated when faced with reality.  There is a gift to that emptiness borne out of not knowing. It forces us to be open and awake in every moment as we continue in our process of becoming. It keeps us searching, changing, and growing.  It's fear that keeps us in place. It's fear that keeps us in church. It's fear that keeps us from change.  Experiencing God is always about the journey to know the unknown, both inwardly and outwardly. It's meant to help us become more of ourselves as we cast off the baggage from the past while bravely learning to humbly love others without stipulation or qualification.  It's not easy, but it is the way of Jesus. There will be times of emptiness because your path every day is new and being charted by you. There's only one you and no specific guide to your life (sorry, Bible). Sounds scary, but there are others out there embracing new ways of love, growth, kindness, and justice as they seek God.  That process of becoming helps us to view ourselves, others, and God in new ways. So if we were honest about conversion into faith, we'd stop the marketing and lean into the mystery. This process creates a reliance upon God that is essential to the ways of Christ. Without it, we're just smug, pious assholes that dream of heaven as we ignore life in this present reality. Ambiguity and the vacancy of certitude force us to embrace life and others with an open hand and a sense of expectancy.  We'll talk about all that and lots more snark!  This week's Christian Crazy features Robin Bollocks, Hank Kunneman, Kent Christmas, and more! Show notes Episode Timestamp: Ukraine: 02:10 Christian Crazy: 14:40 Main Conversation: 30:30 Big thanks to these outlets that make the Christian Crazy possible: Right Wing Watch Christian Nightmares Friendly Atheist   Books Referenced: Spiritual Theology - Diogenes Allen Gifts of the Dark Wood - Eric Elnes   Come along for the ride as we skewer through life, culture, and spirituality in the face of a changing world. www.SnarkyFaith.com

“How many of us are strangers to ourselves in order to please the church.”  ~ George Azar   On this week's show, we sit down with author and ex-pastor George Azar to discuss his new book, My Gay Church Days. The book is a profoundly raw, honest, and open memoir about his experiences within Christianity and ministry as a gay man. It's a journey of self-discovery from someone who's just like all of us - in search of love, acceptance, belonging, and community.  From an early age, George knew he was different, but he longed to fit in and feel at home in this world. Evangelical Christianity provided a space to belong and find fellowship, but that all came at a price.  Within religious circles, you're always welcome as long as you fit into a certain mold. It's a conditional community that speaks often of grace and love but actually requires conformity and control. It's in these places that the life-giving words of Jesus are drowned out by pious judgment, cultural fears, and systemic misogyny and bigotry.   George's memoir chronicles the struggles of processing and embracing a faith that taught him that his homosexual feelings were sinful and that being part of the LGBTQ+ community made him an abomination fit for the wrath of an angry God. Undoubtedly, teachings like this taught him (and others) to hate himself and hide who he was from everyone around him - even himself.  It's a powerful story of the ways religion can be soul-crushing and dangerous to those who don't fall in line, but it's also a hopeful tale of resilience, self-acceptance, and learning to love yourself.  We'll talk about all that and more snark. Buy George Azar's book, My Gay Church Days: Memoir of a closeted Evangelical pastor who eventually had enough, on Amazon. For more on George: www.mygaychurchdays.com Twitter/Instagram: @mygaychurchdays Note: A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to The Trevor Project - The leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25. 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