Dara Starr Tucker, a talented musician and radio host, shares her eye-opening journey of deconstructing her Pentecostal faith as a Black woman. She discusses the impact of Trumpism on evangelicalism and emphasizes the need for critical thinking amidst rising Christian nationalism. Dara reflects on navigating her racial identity within predominantly white church spaces and highlights the intersection of faith and politics. Together with Tim, they explore the importance of community organizing against contemporary threats to inclusivity.
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Dara's Upbringing
Dara Starr Tucker grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with a Pentecostal holiness pastor grandmother and a music minister father.
Her father helped establish an integrated charismatic Pentecostal church, recruited for his musical talent and to diversify the congregation.
insights INSIGHT
Questioning Faith
Dara questioned the emotionalism and spiritual emphasis of her Pentecostal upbringing, feeling like an outsider.
She was encouraged to maintain her faith despite her doubts, a common experience for those who later deconstruct.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Contrasting Churches
Dara's upbringing exposed her to both white charismatic and Black fundamentalist church environments.
The white church leaned Republican, while her grandmother's Black church was apolitical, focusing on service.
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Jamar Tisby's "The Color of Compromise" examines the history of racial reconciliation in the American church. Tisby argues that white Christians have often failed to fully confront their complicity in systemic racism. The book explores various historical examples and theological arguments to support this claim. Tisby challenges readers to acknowledge the ongoing impact of racial injustice and to actively work towards dismantling it. He offers a framework for understanding and addressing racial issues within the context of Christian faith. The book has sparked significant debate and discussion within Christian circles.
The Bible Told Them So
The Bible Told Them So
J. Russell Hawkins
Love Wins
A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived
Rob Bell
In Love Wins, Rob Bell tackles one of the most contentious issues in faith – the nature of hell and the afterlife. With a hopeful and insightful message, Bell argues that eternal life does not start after death but begins right now. He challenges traditional views of hell, suggesting it is more often a self-created prison on earth rather than a literal lake of fire. The book emphasizes that heaven is not just a future reward but something to be worked towards every day. Bell's central thesis is that God's love is so profound that everyone who wants to spend eternity with God can and will, even if they find the right path after death[3][5][6].
The new Jim Crow
Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness
Karen Chilton
Michelle Alexander
In this book, Michelle Alexander argues that the U.S. prison system has created a new racial caste system, where people of color are disproportionately incarcerated and disenfranchised. She examines the historical and contemporary factors contributing to this crisis and advocates for a more equitable justice system.
In this TALKS Episode, Tim engages with Dara Starr Tucker, a musician and radio host, discussing her journey from a Pentecostal upbringing to questioning her faith and navigating the complexities of race and politics within the church. They explore the impact of Trumpism on evangelicalism and the importance of critical thinking in faith. In this conversation, Tim and Dara explore the complexities of racial identity, the intersection of faith and politics, and the rise of Christian nationalism in America.
The New Evangelicals exists to support those who are tired of how evangelical church has been done before and want to see an authentic faith lived out with Jesus at the center.
We are committed to building a caring community that emulates the ways of Jesus by reclaiming the evangelical tradition and embracing values that build a better way forward. If you’ve been marginalized by your faith, you are welcome here. We’ve built an empathetic and inclusive space that encourages authentic conversations, connections and faith. Whether you consider yourself a Christian, an exvangelical, someone who's questioning your faith, or someone who's left the faith entirely, you are welcome here!
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