Confessions of a Former Christian Publisher (with David Morris)
Oct 11, 2023
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Former Christian publisher, David Morris, shares his journey of leaving the faith and publishing books for ex-evangelicals. Topics covered include religious trauma, the impact of the Trump evangelical Christian right, dark money in Christian organizations, and the ethical dilemmas of wealthy Christians. They also discuss minimalism, income inequality in Christian companies, adherence to scripture, and the lack of control in religious institutions.
Leaving religion can cause emotional and psychological challenges, including a mourning process for lost symbols, community, and identity.
Certain religious communities can exhibit fear-based decision-making, leading to rejection of inclusivity and denial of LGBTQ+ rights.
American evangelicalism intersects with politics, prioritizing cultural victories and power, while contradictory to claimed values.
Deep dives
The Power of Leaving Religion
This podcast episode explores the experiences of individuals who have left religion behind and the healing process that follows. The hosts, Rachel and Molly, who come from evangelical backgrounds, share their own stories and discuss topics such as setting boundaries with religious family members, theological concepts, recognizing and healing from religious trauma, and finding a sense of community and connection after leaving religion.
The Psychological Impact of Leaving Religion
The podcast delves into the emotional and psychological challenges faced by individuals who have left their religious backgrounds. The speakers discuss the mourning process associated with the loss of religious symbols, community, and identity. They evaluate how leaving religion can impact a person's psyche and their journey of finding their way forward. The podcast also explores the difficulty of moving on from a religious upbringing and addresses the lingering effects and conditioning tied to religious experiences.
The Influence of Fear and Bigotry
The episode delves into the fear-based decision-making and bigotry often observed within certain religious communities. It highlights how religious fears about diversity and change can drive certain groups to reject inclusivity and cling to outdated beliefs. The hosts discuss instances of religious discrimination, the denial of LGBTQ+ rights, and the harmful effects of conversion therapy. They call for a more compassionate and inclusive approach within religious communities.
The Complexities of American Evangelicalism
The podcast sheds light on the complexities of American evangelicalism and its intersection with politics. It addresses how some evangelicals prioritize cultural victories and political power over the values they claim to uphold. It examines the role of race, class, and gender in shaping evangelical beliefs and actions, and explores the influence of white Christian nationalism in shaping political agendas. The speakers discuss the contradictions and ironies within American evangelicalism and the need for introspection and change.
The Shift Towards Secularism and Hope for Change
The episode touches on the shift towards secularism in America, highlighting how younger generations are increasingly identifying as non-religious or 'nones'. It explores the decline in religious influence and the growing hope for a more inclusive and progressive society. The hosts express optimism for the future, emphasizing the need for continued innovation, progress, and dialogue to address the challenges and promote positive change in the realm of religion and spirituality.
Thanks to my good friend Janice Selbie, she introduced me to David Morris, who used to be an employee of some of the biggest Christian publishing houses.
David has since walked away from the faith and his career--at least as a Christian publisher, that is. He's now publishing books largely written by, and for, ex-evangelicals, in some way to make up for his past life's accomplishments as an evangelical working within the machine that is Christian publishing.
This is a wide-ranging and fascinating conversation covering a lot of topics--I hope you enjoy! And don't forget, David will be our guest for the October MindShift Zoom call coming up on the 29th, so you'll have a chance to meet and chat with him.