The New Evangelicals Podcast

SummaryThis conversation between Tim Whitaker and Deconstruction Girl revolves around the topic of deconstruction within Christianity. They discuss the misunderstandings and misconceptions surrounding deconstruction, the validity of deconstructing one's faith, the issue of gatekeeping and labeling, the straw man argument often used against deconstruction, the concept of atonement and sacrifice, the importance of deconstruction, and the futility of arguing with those who are not open to understanding different perspectives. The conversation explores the process of deconstructing faith and responding to questions about it. It delves into the examination of beliefs and the challenges of holding on to faith. The concept of sin and its loaded meaning is discussed, along with the need to expand its definition. The complexity of defining sin is explored, considering its cultural and historical contexts. The conversation also highlights the importance of exposure and normalization of different perspectives. Finally, the response to criticism and the experience of celebrity status are addressed.TakeawaysDeconstruction is often misunderstood and misrepresented within Christianity.Deconstructing one's faith is a valid and personal journey that should be respected.Gatekeeping and labeling can be harmful and dismissive of individual experiences.The straw man argument is frequently used to undermine the validity of deconstruction.The concept of atonement and sacrifice in Christianity can be complex and diverse.Deconstruction plays an important role in personal growth and understanding one's faith.Arguing with those who are not open to different perspectives can be futile and unproductive. Deconstruction of faith involves examining beliefs and questioning their validity.The concept of sin is loaded and its definition can vary depending on cultural and historical contexts.Expanding the definition of sin allows for a more nuanced understanding of its impact.Exposure to different perspectives can lead to a reevaluation of beliefs and a more inclusive worldview.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:00 The Misunderstanding of Deconstruction08:14 The Validity of Deconstruction13:22 Gatekeeping and Labeling17:25 The Straw Man Argument21:59 The Atonement and Sacrifice26:23 The Importance of Deconstruction28:06 The Experience of Salvation32:20 The Futility of Arguing34:23 Deconstructing Faith and Responding to Questions35:22 Examining Beliefs and Holding on to Faith36:10 The Concept of Sin and its Loaded Meaning37:41 Expanding the Definition of Sin38:18 Understanding Sin in a Systemic Context39:15 The Complexity of Defining Sin40:19 Sin in Different Cultural and Historical Contexts41:16 Reevaluating the Concept of Sin42:13 Exposure and Normalization of Different Perspectives43:32 Celebrity Status and Response to CriticismFollow Deconstruction GirlLearn more about The Summit For Religious FreedomFollow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTubeSupport Our Work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leading sociologist of Christian Nationalism, Andrew Whitehead, discusses the connection between Christian nationalism and the crisis at the border, exploring interpretations of the Bible that justify violence towards migrants. They also delve into the resistance to federal rulings on immigration, highlighting the importance of treating others with love. In the final chapter, they pivot to lighter topics, discussing their favorite sports teams, TV shows, and sharing heartwarming stories from the show 'Love on the Spectrum'.

Tiffany Yecke Brooks, PhD shares her personal journey of growing up in a fundamentalist faith tradition. She discusses the moment she realized something was wrong and how it led her to write a book called Holy Ghosted. She also explains the concept of spiritual anxiety and religious trauma and how churches use them to indoctrinate us.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:00 Growing Up in a Fundamentalist Faith Tradition06:00 Questioning Gender Roles and Church Leadership13:00 Writing a Book Speaking Out20:00 Understanding Spiritual Anxiety and Religious Trauma25:00 Setting Boundaries vs. Manipulation and Control35:00 The Importance of Clarity and Authenticity in Churches36:13 Exclusion of the Queer Community37:31 Linguistical Whiplash in Churches44:30 Building a Healthy Church Community48:13 The Big Picture and ContextRead Holy Ghosted by Tiffany Yecke BrooksLearn more about The Summit For Religious FreedomFollow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Subscribe On YouTubeSupport Our Work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Political analyst Riley Martinez and host Tim Whitaker discuss the New Hampshire primary and its implications for the Republican Party. They explore support for Trump and Nikki Haley, the white evangelical vote, Trumpism within the GOP, the war within the party, election fraud narrative, immigration as a key issue, and Biden's handling of the genocide in Gaza. They also touch on upcoming primaries and Nikki Haley's future in the race.

Tim and Pete Enns respond to a video discussing deconstruction, exploring the concept of a biblical worldview, the challenges of biblical authority, the role of doubt in faith, the complexities of biblical interpretation, and the limitations of historical claims in the Bible. They discuss the importance of treating others with dignity and respect, the influence of culture on faith, the pursuit of objective truth, and the distinction between subjective and objective claims. They also address the rise of Christian nationalism, harmful rhetoric in fundamentalist theology, and the significance of God's sacrifice in Christianity.

SummaryIn this podcast, Mattie Jo Cowsert discusses her book God, Sex & Rich People: A Recovering Evangelical Testimony, with Tim. Mattie Jo explains her background in evangelicalism and the influence of purity culture on her beliefs and sexuality. She and Tim explore the need to challenge systemic issues and prioritize social justice over religious dogma. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background08:16 Questioning Faith and Reclaiming Sexuality16:04 Deconstructing Christianity and Forming a New Moral Foundation30:13 Reevaluating Priorities and Challenging Systemic Issues32:23 The Control and Fear of Purity Culture36:28 Navigating Sexual Ethics and Boundaries01:07:23 The Importance of Communication and Planning in a Sexual Relationship01:14:09 The Role of Communication and Honesty in a Healthy Sexual Relationship01:16:24 The Fear of Navigating Nuance in the Evangelical Church01:18:16 Acknowledging the Limitations of the Conversation and Addressing Sexual Abuse01:19:20 Future Book Plans and Normalizing Conversations about SexGet Tickets to the God After Deconstruction ConferenceRead "God, Sex, and Rich People by Mattie Jo CowsertFollow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Support Our Work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryThis conversation explores the historical context of evangelical opposition to the civil rights movement and draws parallels to contemporary rhetoric. The discussion highlights the similarities between the language used by Charlie Kirk and historical figures who opposed civil rights legislation. It also examines the theological justifications used to discredit the movement and the role of lay preaching in the civil rights movement. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the future of evangelicalism and the ongoing fight for racial justice.Takeaways There is a historical pattern of evangelical opposition to civil rights, with similar rhetoric and justifications used throughout history. The language used by Charlie Kirk echoes the discourse of historical figures who opposed civil rights legislation. Theological justifications, such as the belief in individual salvation and the idea that revival will solve racial issues, have been used to oppose civil rights. Lay preaching played a significant role in the civil rights movement, demonstrating the power of spiritual and community-based activism. The fight for racial justice continues, and it is important to challenge and confront racist rhetoric and ideologies within evangelicalism. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background00:29 Charlie Kirk's Smear Campaign03:07 Historical Context: Evangelical Opposition to Civil Rights08:45 Talking Points to Discredit the Civil Rights Movement14:01 Charlie Kirk's Tweet about MLK20:12 The Persistence of Racist Rhetoric25:00 Theological Justifications for Opposition to Civil Rights31:14 The Role of Lay Preaching in the Civil Rights Movement33:19 The Future of Evangelicalism and the Fight for Racial Justice Learn more about The Summit For Religious FreedomRead Rev. Dr. Bobby Griffith Jr.'s WorkFollow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Support Our Work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryKevin Garcia sits down with Tim to discuss Kevin’s book, What Makes You Bloom: Cultivating a Practice for Connecting with Your Divine Self. They explore the concepts of non-monogamy, community and divine love as healing applications.Chapters1:46 Intro into sexual ethics6:32 Non-Monogamy15:45 Communication in close relationships23:23 Building Community outside of the Church39:06 Inspiration for Kevin’s book47:24 The root of sufferingGet Tickets to the God After Deconstruction ConferenceRead What Makes You Bloom by Kevin Miguel GarciaFollow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Support Our Work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryIn this episode Tim is joined by Dr. Jemar Tisby, author of The Color of Compromise and How To Fight Racism to discuss Martin Luther King Jr., and the forces in his life which brought him into the spotlight during the civil rights movement. Dr. Tisby explains the whitewashing of MLK today, and the need to understand his true message, which is still deeply relevant. Takeaways Dr. Jemar Tisby's books, 'The Color of Compromise' and 'How to Fight Racism' are raising awareness about racism and white supremacy. Dr. Jemar Tisby is working on a new book that will further contribute to the conversation on racial justice. The early life of MLK and how it shaped his public work. MLK's true message and activism have been whitewashed, and it is important to understand the depth of his work and the challenges he faced. Continued education and awareness are necessary to combat racism and promote racial justice. Learn more about The Summit For Religious FreedomRead Dr. Jemar Tisby's SubstackFollow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Support Our Work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SummaryIn this conversation, Tim Whitaker interviews c about the disqualification of Donald Trump from the Colorado ballot and the definition of insurrection. They discuss the legal basis for disqualification under the 14th Amendment and the role of the courts in determining eligibility for office. They also address the argument of tyranny and the potential for violence in the upcoming 2024 election.Takeaways The Colorado Supreme Court disqualified Donald Trump from the state's ballot under the 14th Amendment, which prohibits insurrectionists from holding public office. Insurrection is defined as an organized and armed uprising against authority or the operations of government, with the intent to prevent the peaceful transfer of power. The chances of Trump being off the ballot in other states depend on the decisions of the courts and the interpretation of the 14th Amendment. Disqualification based on insurrection is not a violation of democratic principles, but rather a safeguard against those who have violated their oath to uphold the Constitution. The 2024 election may see increased volatility and potential acts of violence, but upholding the rule of law and defeating Trump in a landslide can help mitigate these risks. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:10 Disqualification from the Colorado Ballot09:23 Definition of Insurrection19:23 Chances of Trump Being Off the Ballot24:20 Addressing the Tyranny Question31:28 What to Expect in 2024Learn more about The Summit For Religious FreedomListen to Episode 164 with Andrew SeidelFollow Us On Instagram @thenewevangelicals Support Our Work Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices