
Almost Heretical
Are you ready to rethink the Bible and challenge easy answers? Join guests like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Marianne Williamson, Tim Mackie (BibleProject), Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), Rainn Wilson (The Office), and Rob Bell as we dive into complex conversations about faith, moving beyond conservative and liberal camps. If you don’t fit neatly into either space, you’ll fit in just fine here. Hosted by Nate Hanson (former Crazy Love pastor) and Shelby Hanson (MA Biblical Studies & Dead Sea Scrolls), Almost Heretical invites you to explore Christianity without subscribing to tribal ideologies. With over 2 million downloads, this is a space for those asking tough questions and seeking honest answers. You’re not alone.Join 1,000+ others for bonus episodes and our private community: almostheretical.com/subscribe
Latest episodes

Jul 3, 2024 • 41min
#143 – Candida Moss (Part 2): Uncovering Biblical Authorship Mysteries
Listen to the After ShowCandida Moss, a leading theology professor, returns for part two of our conversation, diving into her groundbreaking research on the manuscript traditions and writing processes of the New Testament. Discover how dictation, collaboration, and the roles of enslaved individuals shaped the creation of early Christian texts. Learn how this reshapes our understanding of biblical authorship and the intricate process behind the Gospels. Get Candida’s book God's Ghostwriters.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 12, 2024 • 42min
#142 – Candida Moss (Part 1): Enslaved Authors of Christianity
Leading theology professor Candida Moss discusses her groundbreaking research on enslaved Christians shaping the New Testament. Topics include biblical inspiration, ancient authorship, and Christianity's historical ties to slavery. The episode explores the role of enslaved authors, construction of the Bible, and the impact of secretaries in ancient authorship.

Jun 5, 2024 • 29min
#141 – Rethinking the Tower of Babel
To become a supporter of Almost Heretical and get more bonus episodes like this, click here: http://almostheretical.com/subscribeIn this bonus episode of Almost Heretical, Nate Hanson and Shelby dive into the story of the Tower of Babel from Genesis 11. They discuss its significance, the cultural context, and various interpretations, including its implications for language and unity. Join them as they explore how this ancient story relates to contemporary issues of pride, diversity, and unity. This episode offers fresh insights and reimagines a well-known biblical tale in a new light. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 snips
May 22, 2024 • 56min
#140 – Frank Kenny: Unveiling the God of War
Author Frank Kenny discusses how our understanding of God has evolved over time, exploring the historical contexts that have shaped modern Christianity. The conversation delves into the inconsistencies between the Old Testament and the New Testament, the impact of political pressures on religious messaging, and the ongoing debate over the interpretation of the Bible. Kenny also explores the evolution of early Christian beliefs, the influence of religion on history and society, and the complexities of the relationship between religion and conflict.

May 8, 2024 • 57min
#139 – Brian McLaren: Christianity Beyond Belief
Brian McLaren, a prominent author in Christianity, discusses moving beyond traditional beliefs in Christianity. The podcast explores faith, deconstruction, Trump era challenges, historical contexts of Christianity, Axial Age influences, Christian identity complexities, actions over beliefs, and transitioning to a broader perspective on life.

Apr 24, 2024 • 43min
#138 – Olivia Jackson: Why Christians Deconstruct
Author Olivia Jackson discusses why Christians deconstruct their faith, exploring differences between countries. Topics include fear of hell, trauma from religious teachings, and finding common ground between deconstructing individuals and evangelical Christians.

Apr 17, 2024 • 1h 11min
#137 – Tim Alberta: Reject Trump, Embrace Jesus
Listen to the after show where Nate & Shelby talk about Tim's more traditional beliefs... Why did they have Tim on?Tim Alberta reflects on how his Christian upbringing shapes his approach to politics, emphasizing critical thought over tribalism. He advocates for a church response that mirrors Christ's love and grace, facing societal challenges with a focus on the eternal kingdom of God. This episode explores restoring the church's mission as an agent of healing and social welfare. Tim's book is The Kingdom, The Power, and the Glory.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 10, 2024 • 1h 5min
#136 – Tiffany Yecke Brooks: Spiritual Anxiety & Religious Trauma
Tiffany Yecke Brooks discusses her evolution from fundamentalist roots, spiritual anxiety, trauma response, and reinterpreting biblical stories. She emphasizes self-trust, questions authority in religious contexts, encourages personal exploration of faith, free from traditional interpretations.

Apr 3, 2024 • 1h 11min
#135 – Thomas Jay Oord: Open Relational Theology
Listen to the Utterly Heretical after show episode that Nate & Shelby recorded debriefing this conversation with Thomas Jay OordDr. Thomas Jay Oord delves into open relational theology, highlighting a non-controlling, relational God and rethinking traditional omnipotence. Check out his book God After Deconstruction with Tripp Fuller. We addresses deconstruction, the afterlife, and inclusivity beyond Christianity. Oord's perspective challenges conventional views on prayer, spirituality, and divine interaction, advocating for a faith that embraces questioning and experiential understanding of the divine.Thoughts, questions, stories? Please email almostheretical@gmail.comBecome a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: https://almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 20, 2024 • 1h 4min
#134 – Dr. Laura Anderson: Sex, Dating, Courtship and Trauma
Listen to the 20-minute Utterly Heretical after show episode that Nate & Shelby recorded debriefing this conversation with Dr. Laura AndersonDr. Laura Anderson tackles religious trauma, explaining it as our physiological response to religious experiences, distinct from the events themselves. She critiques purity culture for its detrimental effects on personal development and relationships, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the Bible and recognizing its flaws. The conversation extends to the challenges churches face in addressing trauma, the variety of Christian views on mental health, and navigating relationships amid political and religious differences.Become a member and get:1. Bonus episodes of Utterly Heretical (our private podcast) every month2. All full-length episodes3. Access to our private community of 350+ listenersBecome a member: almostheretical.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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