In this first part of our discussion, Thomas Jay Oord and I take a deep dive into the Apostle’s Creed, exploring its origins, language, and theology through a progressive Christian lens. We examine foundational beliefs about God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, questioning traditional interpretations and considering how our experiences and backgrounds influence our understanding of these core tenets of faith. As we navigate the historical significance of the Creed, we also grapple with the challenge of applying these ancient declarations to a modern, evolving faith context. Our conversation reflects the ongoing tension between honoring theological tradition and pursuing a faith that resonates with contemporary concerns. Ultimately, we emphasize the importance of critically engaging with our religious heritage to cultivate a faith that is both deeply rooted in history and responsive to the realities of today’s world.Highlights:03:15 Discussion on the Apostles Creed13:06 Challenges and Personal Responses to the Creeds23:47 Interpreting the Phrase 'Believe in Jesus Christ'28:02 Understanding the Uniqueness of Jesus34:20 Exploring the Concepts of 'Descended to the Dead' and 'Resurrection'40:33 The Significance of the Resurrection in Christianity52:26 Exploring the Possibility of Mass Experiences56:45 Continuation of Subjective Experience Beyond DeathTom's Previous Episode list:#7 | To Change Your Mind: Healing Prayer#23 | To Be a Postmodern Christian#42 | Is the "Supernatural" Actually Just Natural?Matthew Novenson Episode on "Pneuma:#163 | Apocalyptic Expectations, the Resurrection & MoreDan's new Substack | Religion on the Mind___________________________________________Get Tickets for the PREGAME EVENT before Theology Beer Camp!Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle. co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inaugural episode of the new "God Songs AKA Songs in the Key of G-O-D" series, Dan Koch and fellow musician (and returning guest) Tyson Motsenbocker explore spiritually significant songs that aren't overtly religious. Dan shares his encounter with Jim James of My Morning Jacket and delves into James' song "Believe (Nobody Knows)," examining how it expresses belief amidst uncertainty. The conversation weaves through topics like evangelical "friendship evangelism," the psychological impact of absolutist beliefs, and the concept of "infinity withdrawal." Dan and Tyson discuss connections between James' music and Transcendental Meditation, touching on TM-inspired songs by The Beatles, Donovan, and the Beach Boys. This wide-ranging discussion explores the intersection of spirituality, culture, and art, grappling with deep questions about belief, community, and the human need for meaning, while contrasting ascetic traditions with worldly expressions of spirituality.Highlights:06:44 Analyzing 'Believe (Nobody Knows)' by My Morning Jacket23:11 The Nuances And Limits Of Faith And Belief33:26 The Influence of Transcendental Meditation on Popular MusicTyson on InstagramWhere the Waves Turn Back BookTyson's WebsiteDan's new Substack | Religion on the Mind___________________________________________Get Tickets for the PREGAME EVENT before Theology Beer Camp!Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle. co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joy Vetterlein, a social media expert and previous guest, joins to unpack the complex ties between disgust psychology and Christian attitudes toward LGBTQ+ individuals. They dive into how evolutionary instincts shape perceptions of sexuality and discuss personal experiences from conservative backgrounds. The conversation emphasizes the need for critical thinking and discernment in reconciling belief and intuition. They also question whether visceral reactions are truly divine guidance and advocate for empathy and understanding in navigating these relationships.

Russell Moore, editor-in-chief of Christianity Today, sat down with me to explore the current state of American Christianity, focusing on the challenges of maintaining relationships across ideological divides in an age of deep political cynicism and polarization. He shared insights on navigating family dynamics in a polarized era, emphasizing the importance of preserving relationships even when agreement seems impossible. We discussed the complexities within the Southern Baptist Convention, including how to interpret news from their annual meetings and the challenges of defining doctrinal boundaries. Russell has a nuanced perspective and I appreciate his ability to critically examine both conservative and progressive tendencies in Christianity.Chapters10:46 The Importance of Authenticity26:41 Navigating Relationships and Acceptance35:07 The Decline of the Southern Baptist Convention55:17 Ethical Considerations and Regulations in the Age of AI01:05:27 The Importance of Balancing Perspectivesrussellmoore.comRussel Moore | Christianity TodayThe Russel More Show (Podcast)Russel's Article on AI | A New Era of AI Is Here, and the Church Is Not Ready___________________________________________Get Tickets for the PREGAME EVENT before Theology Beer Camp!Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle. co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This month’s Generation Gap Culture Hour focuses on recent political events (perhaps against our better judgement!). We also touch on generational differences in political engagement and dynamics within the Democratic Party. The conversation ends with a discussion about Joe Biden's decision to step down, how we are thinking about him/this decision, and potential implications for the election. ___________________________________________Get Tickets for the PREGAME EVENT before Theology Beer Camp!Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Author and researcher Ryan Burge discusses the plateau of 'nones' in America, polarization into conservative and liberal groups, challenges facing mainline Protestantism, and the importance of exposing children to diverse viewpoints in religious settings.

Returning guest and psychologist of religion Daryl Van Tongeren (Hope College) and I discuss his new book "Done: How to Flourish After Leaving Religion,” a book that is also quite helpful for those remaining in faith communities after changing beliefs/deconstructing, etc. We explore the concept of "religious residue": how religion continues to impact the way we think, feel, and act even after leaving faith. We discussed the complexity of deconversion and why leaving faith can be so challenging and time-consuming, especially when finding community. This was a rich and insightful conversation, and will hopefully be encouraging to anyone navigating the tumultuous waters of religious change.Highlights:04:16 Difficulties of Leaving Religion12:11 The Great Disillusionment: Reasons for Leaving Religion/Deconstruction26:45 Religious Residue and Crafting a New Identity36:36 Navigating Isolation55:40 Finding a New CommunityDaryl's Book | Done: How to Flourish After Leaving Religion by Darrell Van TongrenDaryl's WebsiteEpisodes with Daryl:Episode 195: “You Are Not Your Beliefs”Episode 177: “The Good of Religion Without the Bad?"___________________________________________Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Email about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt and Max from Milkless are back! We pick up our conversation on belief and the meaning of life that we started in episode #271.After exploring the potential downsides of belief without proof (i.e. conspiracy theories) and the psychology behind how and why we believe, we chatted about the meaning of life. We grappled with the nature of meaning itself, expressing both panentheistic views of God and naturalistic explanations of existence. We also talked through how finely-tuned the universe is and debated the validity of intelligent design.We didn't solve any universal mysteries, but enjoyed a respectful, thought-provoking conversation about the biggest questions of our existence. Milkless PodcastMilkless Podcast on IGHighlights:02:56 Belief in a higher power08:07 Our need for meaning11:56 Conspiracy theories and conservative religion19:05 Spirituality with or without religion25:12 The universe and intelligent design___________________________________________Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m kicking off a new series exploring the intersection of comedy, religion, and spirituality!My first guest is Ryan Erwin, a gay ex-Mormon missionary turned clean comic. We talk about his idyllic Mormon childhood in Utah, his departure from Mormonism and exploration of other faiths, his introduction to comedy, and how he has ultimately found spiritual fulfillment in nature and everyday activities.I appreciated Ryan’s humor, warmth, and grounded perspective, hearing how he finds meaning outside traditional religious structures, as well as how his comedy can be a vehicle for exploring profound, sometimes uncomfortable truths about faith and identity.Highlights:08:37 “Religious Residue”22:12 The Power of Storytelling33:18 Leaving Mormonism and Pursuing Comedy45:03 Finding Spirituality in Nature and the Present Moment57:06 Living in the Here and Now: Embracing New ExperiencesRyan's InstagramRyan's WebsiteDry Bar Comedy Specials: Dry Bar Comedy - Ryan Erwin___________________________________________Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we have spiritual experiences with things like worship music, is that the Holy Spirit moving? Or, as Tim Whitaker (The New Evangelicals) claimed in a viral Instagram meme, is it “just the drums”? Can it be both?Tim and Sarah Lane Ritchie return to discuss these ideas, Tim’s experiences as a worship drummer, “spiritual technologies” like worship music, the potential harm of conflating these experiences with “God,” the role of such experiences in the life of faith, and more. Watch this Episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/qMTeohCkEDATim's Viral Drums Reel:https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6PhVL6OlDG/?igsh=eDdhZjFoMjI2NjJ1The New Evangelicals Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-new-evangelicals-podcast/id1557794865thenewevangelicals.comSarah's Faculty Page:https://www.templeton.org/team-member/sarah-lane-ritchie-ph-dSarah's Twitter:@slaneritchie___________________________________________Get Tickets for Theology Beer Camp 2024Use Code ReturnofYHP for $50 off your ticket!___________________________________________Follow Dan on IG: www.instagram.com/dancoke/Or Twitter: twitter.com/DanKochFaith deconstruction resources: www.soyouredeconstructing.com/Edited by Josh Gilbert (joshgilbertmedia.com -- he is accepting more work!)Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes (and more) every month: patreon.com/dankochEmail about the "sliding scale" for the Patreon: youhavepermissionpodcast@gmail.comYHP Patron-only FB group: tinyurl.com/ycvbbf98Website: www.dankochwords.com/yhp.htmlJoin Dan's email list: www.dankochwords.com/Artwork by sprungle.co/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices