Jeremy Steele, a Pastor and self-described 'deep skeptic,' shares his journey of building an online congregation for those feeling disconnected from traditional churches. He discusses the emotional challenges of reconciling skepticism with faith and the importance of community for those deconstructing their beliefs. The conversation highlights the role of data in shaping personal convictions and the evolving landscape of spirituality, shedding light on the need for authenticity and support in navigating faith and uncertainty.
Deep skepticism encourages individuals to adapt their beliefs based on new evidence, fostering an open-minded approach to spirituality and faith.
Online communities provide a supportive platform for exploring spirituality without traditional constraints, allowing individuals to reconnect in a safe space.
Recognizing the healing potential of spirituality helps individuals navigate trauma from conservative backgrounds while promoting mental well-being through supportive practices.
Deep dives
Understanding Deep Skepticism
Deep skepticism is defined as the approach of not accepting ideas without solid evidence. The speaker emphasizes that they remain open to new data but approach beliefs, including the existence of God, with caution. This perspective is important for fostering a mindset where beliefs can evolve over time based on new information, rather than being firmly fixed. Acknowledging the subjective nature of experiences related to divine encounters forms a key part of this skeptical approach.
The Positive Impact of Religious Experience
Research indicates that various religious practices can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Studies conducted by experts, such as Dr. Lisa Miller, reveal that participation in religious communities is associated with lower stress levels and improved coping mechanisms. Additionally, profound religious experiences are linked to protective factors against mental health issues, demonstrating that spirituality can benefit individuals in meaningful ways. Recognizing this helps to validate the significance of spirituality, even for those who have faced trauma related to religion.
Navigating Religious Trauma
Many individuals leave traditional religious communities due to trauma or rejection, particularly those from conservative backgrounds. The speaker focuses on providing a supportive environment for those who want to explore spirituality without the constraints of conventional religious structures. They emphasize the importance of engaging with those who have been hurt by religious institutions and presenting spiritual practices that foster healing. This approach allows individuals to reconnect with their spirituality in a safe and non-judgmental space.
A New Kind of Community: Not Church
The emergence of online communities, such as Discord groups for spiritual discussions, has created a space for sharing and exploring beliefs outside of traditional churches. These communities often provide support for individuals who are hesitant to return to environments that have previously caused them pain. By facilitating open dialogue about spirituality, tarot, and personal experiences, these groups promote a sense of belonging and acceptance. This blend of modern technology and spirituality exemplifies a new way for individuals to engage with their beliefs and connect with like-minded people.
The Choice of Beliefs
Individuals often face the challenge of choosing their beliefs amid the narratives they inherit from their families or communities. While traditional structures impose beliefs, the speaker encourages a more autonomous approach to belief formation, suggesting that people actively select what to hold true based on personal experiences and evidence. This concept of belief as a choice highlights the importance of self-reflection and critical thinking in one's spiritual journey. By acknowledging that belief can evolve over time, individuals are empowered to reshape their understanding of spirituality.
This week we welcome "deep skeptic" pastor Jeremy Steele to the show. Jeremy has spent recent years building an online congregation of people who don't feel seen or understood by the traditional church. He's here to tell us about life as a pastor, how he gathered his flock, and why people who are deconstructing the theologies they were raised with might still need a community like his.
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