Almost Heretical

(Part 1 here) Who should guide your faith—James, Jesus’ brother, or Paul, the visionary apostle? We dive into early Christianity history to explore a battle of beliefs. James rooted his leadership in the Jewish roots of Christianity, blending faith with works. Paul preached faith alone, shaping a global faith. We uncover their clash—faith and works: Paul vs James—through the Didache and the Ebionites’ rejection of Paul. Tune in to decide whose voice speaks to you today.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and after shows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners)Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The discussion highlights the striking contrast between Paul and Jesus, questioning how Paul's letters often overshadow Jesus' teachings. They explore Paul's pivotal role in shaping Christianity and the discomfort it brings. Tensions around gender roles in church leadership are examined, challenging traditional interpretations of scripture. Additionally, the podcast delves into Paul's influence on modern Christian beliefs, raising questions about authenticity and church dynamics, all while inviting listeners to engage in rethinking their faith.

Sodom and Gomorrah is one of the Bible’s most infamous stories, but was its destruction really about homosexuality? What does the Bible actually say about the sin of Sodom? And why did Abraham nearly sacrifice Isaac—was child sacrifice common in his time? Plus, what’s the real meaning behind Lot’s wife turning into a pillar of salt? We unpack these troubling Genesis stories, explore their ancient context, and reveal how Jewish interpreters wrestled with them for centuries.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.comBecome a premium member and get:1. Bonus episodes and aftershows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners)Become a premium member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to the after show with Dr. PerrinIn this engaging conversation, Dr. Andrew Perrin, an expert on the Dead Sea Scrolls, discusses the significance of these ancient texts and their impact on our understanding of the Bible. The dialogue explores the human element behind the texts, the intersection of faith and academia, and the importance of critical thinking in religious education. The conversation also touches on conspiracy theories surrounding the scrolls and the ongoing relevance of these discoveries in contemporary discussions about scripture and spirituality.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and aftershows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners)Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to the Full Episode! Abraham’s story is packed with unexpected twists, but two figures often get overlooked—Melchizedek and Hagar. Who was Melchizedek, and why did New Testament authors care so much about him? What do the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal about his strange biblical role? And why does Hagar, an Egyptian slave woman, end up being the only person in the Bible to name God?Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and aftershows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to Heretical Together (our private community of 350+ listeners)Become a member: almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

➡︎ Listen to the after showTony Jones opens up about his journey from the pulpit to the wilderness, sharing how personal struggles led him to rediscover spirituality in nature. He challenges the ethics of modern meat consumption, advocates for mindful hunting, and critiques the church’s failure to support struggling pastors.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and after shows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: https://almostheretical.com/premium Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to the after showMarianne Williamson joins us to discuss the transformative power of love, her unique spiritual insights, and her take on political division in America. From her groundbreaking ideas in A Course in Miracles to being kept off the debate stage by the DNC, Marianne offers a thought-provoking conversation on faith, unity, and the path forward.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and aftershows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member:  almostheretical.com/subscribe  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to the after showMarianne Williamson opens up about her experiences running for president in 2020 and 2024, including how the DNC and media outlets like CNN silenced alternative voices, blocking fair competition for candidates like herself and RFK Jr. We also explore her perspective on choosing love over division in an era of political polarization, and the spiritual transformation needed to heal our fractured society. This conversation challenges us to rise above tribalism and embrace a deeper, more unifying approach to both faith and politics.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email  contact@almostheretical.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and aftershows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member:  almostheretical.com/subscribe  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to the after show for our conversation with Liz Charlotte Grant as we explore deep questions around faith, gender, and scripture.Liz challenges traditional views, examining God beyond a masculine lens and delving into the complexities of divine inspiration. Together, we discuss the struggles of women in ministry, the tension between tradition and spiritual independence, and the transformative power of therapy. Join us as we seek to understand God in new and unexpected ways. Visit her work at lizcharlotte.com.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and after shows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Listen to the after show: Is Jesus Just One Way?Part 1 of 2: Marianne Williamson joins us to discuss her journey with A Course in Miracles and why its teachings are so relevant today. We dive into her reimagined view of Jesus, the meaning of salvation, and the role of love in shifting our mindsets. Marianne also challenges traditional views on heaven and hell, offering a perspective that’s both mystical and transformative. Find more of her work at marianne.com.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email contact@almostheretical.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes and after shows2. All full-length, ad-free episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices