Almost Heretical

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

Listen to the extra 20-minute Utterly Heretical episode that Nate & Shelby recorded debriefing this conversation with David.Does Hell or even annihilationism mean that God's love is coercive? David Fitch (author of Reckoning With Power) debates with Nate and Shelby about whether we can call God's love "non-coercive".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

Elaine Pagels presents the compelling theory that the Gospel of John might have intentionally silenced the Gospel of Thomas. This interview not only explores the hidden gospels but also challenges us to rethink the foundational narratives of Christianity through the insights of Elaine Pagels.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

Philosopher Peter Rollins delves into deconstructing faith, emphasizing the power of questioning religious narratives. Discussions include negation in theology, work culture in Ireland and America, the gift economy, love, and bridging divides through embracing diversity and challenging beliefs.

Anna Gazmarian shares her journey of faith, getting fired from a church, and confronting mental health issues within the church. Discussions on Religious OCD, scrupulosity, and challenging toxic purity culture. Emphasis on redefining God and sin, navigating mental health struggles in a religious context, and choosing faith amidst overwhelming negativity.