
Untangled Faith
A podcast for anyone who has found themself disillusioned or discouraged in their faith journey and who wants to hold on to their faith while untangling it from all that is not good or true.
Latest episodes

Dec 24, 2024 • 44min
Holy Spaces of Grief with Natasha Smith
Natasha Smith joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to share her journey through grief, faith, and the power of presence during life's hardest moments. "Grief starts when you start to let go." – Natasha Smith Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode we talk about The emotional rollercoaster of awaiting MRI results and the devastating news Natasha's family received. The ICU waiting room as both a heavy and holy space The honest expression of grief and the complexities of maintaining faith amidst sorrow and disappointment. The importance of a supportive community. Secondary and invisible grief. How accurate theology can shape our understanding of suffering and God's role in it. Featured Guest Natasha Smith Homepage - Natasha Smith Resources mentioned This podcast is sponsored by Faithful Counseling. For more information and for 10% off your first month, visit Faithful Counseling- https://faithfulcounseling.com/untangled Natasha Smith's book Can You Just Sit With Me? Dr. Diane Langberg- Suffering and the Heart of God: How Trauma Destroys and Christ Restores. Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media. Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

6 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 48min
Leaving Church and Looking for Christ with Broken to Beloved
This is an episode from the Broken to Beloved podcast with Brian Lee. Brian interviews Scot Mcknight and Tommy Preson Philips about their new book Invisible Jesus: A Book about Leaving the Church and Looking for Christ Episode Resources and Links The Myth of a Christian Nation by Greg Boyd on Bookshop | Amazon Revelation for the Rest of Us by Scot McKnight & Cody Hatchett on Bookshop | on Amazon Guest Spotlight Scot has been a professor of NT for more than four decades. He is the author of more than 90 books, including the award-winning The Jesus Creed as well as A Church Called TOV. Tommy Preson Phillips is a pastor at Watermark Church in Tampa, FL. He is also a songwriter and recording artist with his band Preson Phillips. He holds an MA in NT from Northern Seminary. Scot: Website | Instagram | Twitter/X | Threads Tommy: Substack | Instagram | Threads | Preson Phillips band Get your copy of Invisible Jesus on Amazon | on Bookshop Links in these show notes are affiliate links that pay a small portion of the purchase price to Brian Lee at Broken to Beloved at no extra cost to you.

Dec 10, 2024 • 51min
The Spiritual Discipline of Curiosity with Lore Wilbert
Lore Wilbert joins Amy Fritz on the Untangled Faith podcast to talk about her book, "A Curious Faith," and the spiritual discipline of curiosity, revisiting themes of certainty, vulnerability, and the role of questioning within faith communities. Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com In this episode, we: Explore the themes and inspirations behind Lore Wilbert's book, "A Curious Faith." Discuss the societal expectation of certainty within faith communities and the richness found in admitting uncertainty Learn about Lore’s experiences with using curiosity as a protective mechanism and its impacts on relationships. Reflect on the biblical story of Moses through a chapter from Lori's book, emphasizing the significance of unexpected life challenges. Highlight the need for ethical responsibility in acknowledging sources and giving proper credit, discussing issues of plagiarism in Christian publishing. Address the complexity of accepting both good and bad elements in the world through a Christian perspective. Consider the importance of curiosity as a spiritual discipline and its role in fostering understanding and genuine faith. Podcast Guest Lore Wilbert (1) S A Y A B L E | Lore Wilbert | Substack Resources: A Curious Faith by Lore Wilbert https://amzn.to/41rzkPg If you liked this episode, check out these: 90: Historical & Cultural Influences on Evangelicalism. Guest: Karen Swallow Prior 51: Celebrities for Jesus. Guest: Katelyn Beaty Tell Your Friends! If you loved this episode, leave us a review on your favorite podcast app and share it with a friend. Tag us if you share it on social media. Follow Untangled Faith wherever you listen to podcasts Follow on Apple podcasts Subscribe on YouTube Follow on Spotify Follow on Podcast Addict Want to share your thoughts with us or talk about partnering with the show? Email: amy@untangledfaithpodcast.com Follow me on Instagram Follow me on Threads Follow me on BlueSky

Dec 3, 2024 • 57min
122: Revisiting His Needs, Her Needs with Melissa J. Hogan
Listener note: The content in this episode may not be suitable for young children. Also, please be aware that there is discussion of abuse in this episode. Please take care when listening. Melissa J. Hogan, joins Amy Fritz to revisit the 1986 marriage book His Needs, Needs by Dr. Willard Harley. Does it hold up? Did it ever hold up? What happens when a spouse who is struggling in their marriage and hoping for a way to save it picks up this book? Melissa's substack: Res Ipsa launches on January 3, 2025. - by Melissa J. Hogan If you liked this episode, check out these: 43: What We’ve Gotten Wrong About Divorce. Guest: Gretchen Baskerville 79: Domestic Violence & Evangelical Churches. Guest: Neil Schori Where you can find me: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com @amyfritz.bsky.social https://untangledfaithpodcast.com Amy Fritz (@amyhenningfritz) on Threads https://instagram.com/untangledfaith https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz

Nov 26, 2024 • 1h
121: Revisiting The Prayer of Jabez
Amy Fritz is joined by her husband, Nathan, to discuss the year 2000 NYT Best Selling book, The Prayer of Jabez. If you liked this episode, check out these: 90: Historical & Cultural Influences on Evangelicalism. Guest: Karen Swallow Prior 75: Surviving, Healing, & The Pitfalls of Advocacy. Guest: Lori Anne Thompson Where you can find me: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com @amyfritz.bsky.social https://untangledfaithpodcast.com Amy Fritz (@amyhenningfritz) on Threads https://instagram.com/untangledfaith https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz

4 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 14min
120: 2024 Election Wrap-Up and What's Next
The podcast wraps up a series on faith and politics, reflecting on the emotional fallout of the 2024 election. It emphasizes the importance of fostering respectful dialogues amidst differing views. The conversation navigates the intersection of Christian beliefs and political action, urging listeners to embrace community and humility. It shifts focus from politics to influential Christian literature, starting with 'The Prayer of Jabez,' encouraging listener engagement and support for societal justice.

Nov 12, 2024 • 46min
119: Orphaned Believers: Sara Billups on Church, Culture Wars, and Spiritual Growth
Sara Billups, author of "Orphaned Believers," sheds light on the evangelical church's culture during the 80s and 90s. She discusses how end times theology and culture wars shaped believers' identities and fears. The impact of consumerism and the prosperity gospel raises questions about faith commodification. Sara emphasizes the transformative power of authentic community and navigating personal spiritual journeys within imperfect church environments, highlighting the importance of relationships in spiritual growth.

Nov 5, 2024 • 34min
118: Is There One Right Way for Christians to Vote?
If you seek a deeper understanding of aligning your faith and politics, this episode offers some thought-provoking insights and practical take-aways regarding what it looks like to have your Christian faith inform your vote. Amy Fritz is joined by her husband, Nathan, and they talk about: The importance of diverse voices. Pro-life v. Pro-choice complexities. Border security and immigration Voting for a president. Beyond straight-party voting. Love God. Love your neighbor Resources: What About Abortion? Should this one issue determine how Christians vote? (1) Why the Freedom to Choose Matters to Me - by Lore Wilbert When Does Life Begin? (1) Beyond the "Christian" Voter Guide - by Amy Fritz Home - Women of Welcome Common Questions - Women of Welcome If you liked this episode, check out these: 116 How Evangelicals Aligned with Republicans: A Conversation with Chris Staron (untangledfaithpodcast.com) 115: What Happens When You Mix Politics and Faith with Kaitlyn Schiess (untangledfaithpodcast.com) Where you can find me: Subscribe to my newsletter: https://untangledfaith.substack.com Youtube channel- https://youtube.com/channel/UCPfFk-I6QShXXvEpSFaJOvg https://untangledfaithpodcast.com Amy Fritz (@amyhenningfritz) on Threads https://instagram.com/untangledfaith https://instagram.com/amyhenningfritz

Oct 29, 2024 • 40min
117: How Donald Trump Changed How I Thought About Politics and Faith
Nathan Fritz, husband of Amy Fritz, dives into the tangled web of faith and politics shaped by Donald Trump's presidency. They share personal stories of re-evaluating their political beliefs post-2016 election. The couple discusses the complexities of voting for policies versus personalities and the emergence of 'Trump Derangement Syndrome.' They reflect on the church's role in community care and the need for deeper understanding in political discourse, emphasizing collaboration for social responsibility.

Oct 22, 2024 • 54min
116 How Evangelicals Aligned with Republicans: A Conversation with Chris Staron
Chris Staron, podcaster and author behind Truce, brings a fascinating perspective on the intertwining of evangelicalism and the Republican Party. He traces the historical roots of this alliance and discusses its evolution during pivotal moments, like Ronald Reagan's rise. Staron delves into how social issues—race, economics, and civil rights—shaped evangelical political affiliations. He reflects on the challenges Christians face in aligning faith with politics, advocating for understanding over partisanship in a diverse community.