Today we welcome Jaxon Phoenix, an author and hand pan musician, to discuss his new book "Only Us: Searching for Truth About the Identity of God and Humanity." The conversation delves into Jaxon’s personal journey of faith, deconstruction, and healing from religious trauma. Together, we explore the challenges of questioning inherited beliefs, the psychological impact of indoctrination, and the process of finding a more authentic, compassionate spirituality. Jaxon shares his experiences with depression, therapy, and discovering the hand pan as a tool for healing, while he and Leslie reflect on the importance of critical thinking, empathy, and embracing uncertainty in faith.

Bullet Points of Interest:

• Introduction to Jaxon’s book and his background as a hand pan musician and healer.
• Discussion of growing up in a fundamentalist Christian environment and the struggle with unanswered questions about biblical stories.
• The psychological effects of religious indoctrination and the fear-based messaging around hell and salvation.
• Jaxon’s journey through depression, therapy, and the role of music (hand pan) in his healing process.
• Honest conversation about deconstruction, family reactions, and the importance of thinking for oneself.
• Critique of church hierarchy, performance culture, and the need for authenticity and safe spaces in faith communities.
• Reflections on the universality of cult-like control in various belief systems and organizations.
• The value of empathy, understanding, and allowing others to follow their own spiritual paths.
• Jaxon’s perspective on faith as embracing uncertainty and the ongoing process of questioning and growth.
• A live hand pan performance inspired by the conversation, symbolizing freedom and healing.

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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