Today we honor the journey of David Hayward, known as the "Naked Pastor", who shares his profound journey of deconstructing faith. David discusses his background as a pastor, the origins of his Naked Pastor persona, his educational and theological journey, and the critical moments that led to his deconstruction. Together, we explore themes of authenticity, questioning beliefs, losing and finding community, and the evolving understanding of faith. This candid and thought-provoking conversation delves into personal transformation and the very human quest for spiritual freedom and truth.

Here are the main points of interest in this episode:

Origin of "Naked Pastor"
David explains the meaning behind his moniker, emphasizing transparency and authenticity in ministry.

David's Spiritual Journey
He shares his background: growing up in various denominations, extensive theological education, and his path through different church traditions.

Deconstruction Beginnings
David describes the pivotal moment that started his deconstruction—reading "The Silence of Jesus" and questioning the inspiration of scripture.

The Emotional Impact of Deconstruction
Both David and Leslie discuss the trauma, fear, and loneliness that can accompany questioning long-held beliefs.

Community and Belonging
The conversation explores the loss of community after leaving church, the challenge of finding new support systems, and the unique intensity of church-based relationships.

The Role of Empathy and Sensitivity
They note that people who deconstruct often have high empathy and a deep sense of responsibility for others' spiritual well-being.

Navigating Binary Thinking
The episode highlights the difficulty of moving beyond black-and-white thinking, especially when faced with questions about faith, truth, and identity.

Art as a Bridge
David’s cartoons are discussed as a gentle, creative way to challenge the church and support those in deconstruction.

Building New Community
Both hosts share their efforts to create or find new forms of community outside traditional church settings.

Personal Growth and Acceptance
David talks about honoring his roots while continuing to grow, and the importance of accepting the full journey, not erasing the past.

Oneness and Connection
David describes a transformative experience of perceiving the oneness of all people, which brought him peace and shaped his outlook.

Looking Forward
David hints at a new phase or mission beyond deconstruction, suggesting ongoing evolution in his work and message.

Honoring the Journey is hosted, produced and edited by Leslie Nease and the artwork for the show is also created by Leslie Nease.

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