Former Pastor Mark Peralta and Jeramiah Giehl engage in a profound dialogue concerning their diverse religious upbringings and encounters with various churches and denominations. They openly share their personal journeys through theological studies and linguistic exploration, alongside their growing disenchantment with specific aspects of contemporary theological thought.

The discourse delves into the employment of manipulative strategies within religious contexts, notably within the realm of music, and the hurdles encountered in the quest for a compatible church community. Ultimately, Mark and his spouse opted to discontinue church attendance, adopting a more primitive home-based church model. Yet, their quest for spiritual fulfillment persisted, leading them to the realm of YouTube videos during the pandemic, catalyzing a journey of novel perspectives and ideas.

Shifting gears, the conversation navigates towards their process of deconstructing their Christian beliefs, centering on the concept of scriptural infallibility and the historical existence of Jesus. An in-depth examination of the reliability of the New Testament and the scarcity of contemporaneous witnesses to Jesus' resurrection and ascension is undertaken. The duo also explores the viewpoint of Jesus from a Jewish perspective as a probable historical interpretation, coupled with the potential for editing and insertion within the New Testament.

The dialogue culminates in an honest exchange regarding the ramifications of departing from Christianity on their interpersonal relationships. They dissect the societal pressure to adhere to conventional gender roles and the detrimental impact this exerted on their marital relationships. The performative nature of relationships within the religious framework is dissected, along with its role as a tool for evangelism. Both individuals articulate the transformative evolution of their outlook on relationships post-Christianity and the complexities inherent in cultivating a sense of community beyond religious boundaries.

Chapters & Topics Descriptions:

• 0:00 Mark Peralta's Religious Background and Education


• 4:03 Discussion of Church Backgrounds and Denominations


• 4:03 Differences in beliefs and practices between Covenant Church and Baptist churches


• 8:26 Discussing Theology and Language Studies


• 15:35 Mark's Experience in Ministry


• 23:43 Manipulation Tactics in Ministry


• 28:05 Discussion on Church Community and Small Groups


• 28:23 Finding a community in church


• 30:53 Discussion on the Historical Jesus and Inerrancy of Scripture


• 45:19 Discussion on the Origins of the New Testament and Gospel of John


• 56:43 The historical Jesus and the development of the New Testament


• 56:43 Mark's Journey and Passion for the Bible


• 59:22 Critical approach to the Bible and religion


• 59:54 Changes in Relationships Post-Christianity


• 1:06:05 Discussing personal experiences with leaving religion

Key Questions:

• 2:21 How did Mark Peralta's religious upbringing influence his decision to pursue higher education in theology?


• 2:21 What led Mark Peralta to pursue a degree in theology and become a professor?


• 21:30 Was the decision to let Mark Peralta go justified, and was the explanation given truthful?


• 1:13:30 How can access to information and resources help individuals on their journey out of Christianity?

Keywords: Covenant Church, Relationships, Gospel, Ministry, New Testament, Theology, Tradition, Christianity, Bible College, Manuscripts, Evangelism, Epistles, Marriage, Resurrection, The Gospel of Matthew