Spiritual Misfits Podcast

What happens when the word "salvation" drops out of your vocabulary? In this thoughtful conversation, Will Small is joined by Becca De Souza and Carolyn Meers to explore how our understanding of salvation can evolve beyond formulas and altar calls toward something more communal, justice-oriented, and present. Together they wrestle with questions of what we're being saved from, who's doing the saving, and whether salvation can be meaningful for progressive Christians today.We explore:How our early understandings of salvation were often tied to transactional spirituality and individual "soul-saving" Exploring salvation as solidarity rather than rescue"Salvific resources" and our participation in God's work of healing and restorationReimagining salvation as "salvage work" - what can be rescued and repurposed from the shipwrecks of our worldThe connection between personal salvation and collective liberationWant to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

Welcome back to another Pub Theology episode! Will Small reunites with the good Rev Mitch Forbes to revisit a spicy topic: hell and the afterlife. "Is justice in God's realm retributive or restorative? That's the whole question."What We Cover:The three main theological perspectives on hell and the afterlifeWhy Mitch and Will have both embraced Christian universalismHow our understanding of justice shapes our view of the afterlifeThe philosophical problems with eternal conscious tormentWhy psychological continuity matters in any vision of heavenWant to hear Mitch and Will's earlier conversations about hell from the podcast backlog?Part 1: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1925719/episodes/10513489Part 2: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1925719/episodes/10598997Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

In this powerful episode Will Small welcomes Chalise van Wyngaardt (they/them), also known as Boy Renaissance, for a deeply moving conversation about faith, queerness, and finding belonging in spirituality and expression through poetry.Episode Highlights:Chalise's Journey: From growing up in Baptist and Pentecostal churches to discovering their queer identity at 16, Chalise shares their experience of being confronted by church leadership and choosing to walk away rather than deny their authentic self.Faith Fluidity: Chalise describes their "non-binary faith" - embracing days when they feel more atheist than Christian and vice versa, finding beauty in the mystery rather than rigid definitions.Spiritual Transformation: After exploring various spiritual traditions, Chalise found healing when they discovered West End Uniting Church with its pride flag and inclusive communion, allowing them to reconnect with Christianity on their own terms.Poetry Performance: Chalise shares two powerful poems - "God is Non-Binary" and "Shooting Stars Fall into My Mouth" - exploring their spiritual journey, gender identity, and relationship with God.Future Church Vision: The conversation concludes with reflections on creating more inclusive spiritual spaces where diversity is celebrated and no one feels like an outsider.Connect with Chalise:Instagram: @boyrenaissanceWatch the "God is Non-Binary" video by Boy Renaissance featuring Froonky: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1rqWCYUtogWant to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

LIVE: Is Christianity Still Good News? (Panel Discussion from 2023)Originally recorded June 2023In this timely replay from our archives, we revisit a powerful live panel discussion that feels more relevant than ever. As we navigate 2025's challenging landscape of rising Christian nationalism and global uncertainty, four thoughtful voices offer alternative perspectives on Christianity's role and relevance today.Featured Panelists:Gregg MorrisSally DouglasWill NicholasCarlynne NunnKey Topics Explored:Woman wisdom and Jesus as the feminine divineThe 'cultural tale' we carry with usUsing sci-fi and storytelling to explore theological questionsFinding good news in failure, disappointment and ordinary momentsEpisode Highlights:Beautiful alternatives to dominant Christian narrativesFresh perspectives on what "good news" means todayThoughtful engagement with contemporary challengesHope-filled possibilities for faith in uncertain timesImportant Update: Spiritual Misfits is now being supported by the Sydney Central Coast Presbytery of the Uniting Church. For those who support the podcast or wish to begin supporting, please note our new bank account details are available at spiritualmisfits.com.au under the 'Support Us' tab.Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

The conversation revolves around the Religious Trauma Collective, a group formed by Jane Kennedy, Samantha Sellers and Elise Heerde. They discuss the importance of recognising and addressing religious trauma, the context of this issue in Australia and New Zealand, and the differences between healthy and unhealthy religious environments. The Collective aims to provide resources, support, and community for those affected by religious trauma. In this conversation, the group explore the complexities of community, the importance of diversity in faith spaces, and the nuances of navigating online influences and deconstruction. They discuss the journey of healing from religious trauma, the balance between public and private healing, and the significance of therapy in this space.Learn more here: https://www.thereligioustraumacollective.com/Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

Join Will and Marla Taviano for a wholefarted conversation about creativity, authenticity, and finding freedom beyond religious labels. From writing conservative marriage books to creating protest art from James Dobson literature, Marla shares her journey of unlearning and discovering what it means to truly come alive.In this episode we discuss:The origin story of "living whole farted"How poetry became Marla's language of resistanceMaking protest art from evangelical literatureThe influence of Rachel Held EvansFinding authenticity beyond strict religious frameworksThe relationship between creativity and spiritualityConnect with Marla: https://itsmemarla.com/ Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

Mikenzie Ling shares her journey as a proud Wiradjuri woman navigating her identity and faith. She discusses her roles in community engagement and Indigenous theology, reflecting on her experiences growing up with challenges at home and a strong sense of emerging spirituality. Mikenzie explores the complexities of her relationship with God, the impact of her cultural background, and the integration of Aboriginal spirituality with her Christian faith. Through her story, she highlights the importance of embracing one's identity and the healing power of connection to Country and community. The conversation explores the journey from fragmentation to wholeness, the significance of land in Aboriginal theology, and the complexities of identity within the context of colonisation. Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

In this conversation, Jonathan Cornford discusses his journey of living simply and the implications of faith on economics. The discussion explores the historical context of Christianity's relationship with capitalism, the importance of community, and the challenges of navigating guilt and shame in economic choices. In this conversation, Will and Jonathan explore the complexities of economic systems, particularly capitalism, socialism, and communism. They discuss the importance of defining these terms clearly and the implications of each system on society. The conversation shifts to the challenges of navigating change within communities and the role of individual actions in creating collective impact. They emphasise the need for hope and resilience in the face of despair, advocating for a deeper understanding of ethical consumption and the political engagement necessary to drive systemic change.Learn more about Manna Gum here: https://mannagum.org.au/Listen to the episode of 'MannaCast' Jonathan references here: https://mannagum.podbean.com/e/ep-19-christianity-and-the-rise-of-capitalism/Read The Guardian article Will references in the conversation here: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/commentisfree/2023/dec/23/jonathan-cornford-interview-low-income-family-rich-lifeWant to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

Sarah Bacaller is the editor of 'Apostate: Stories of Deconversion.' In this conversation Sarah and Will explore themes of apostasy, the fragility of fundamentalist faith, and the importance of listening to personal stories of deconstruction and/or loss of faith. They discuss the cultural contexts of Christianity in the US and Australia, the challenges of engaging with differing beliefs, and the need for compassionate dialogue. They delve into the complexities of interpreting religious texts, the diversity within Christianity, and the significance of compassion and kindness in fostering human dignity. The dialogue emphasises the need for openness to learning and understanding others' experiences, ultimately advocating for a more inclusive and respectful approach to spirituality and community.Sarah's website: https://www.sarahbacaller.com/Buy 'Apostate: Stories of Deconversion': https://www.amazon.com/Apostate-Stories-Deconversion-Sarah-Bacaller/dp/1965646018Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com

In this conversation, Geoff Bullock shares his profound journey of faith, music, and the complexities of his time with Hillsong. He reflects on his early days in the church, the creation of the Hillsong music team, and the pivotal moments that shaped his spiritual life. Bullock discusses the rise and fall of Hillsong, expressing his grief over its trajectory while emphasizing the importance of separating personal faith from institutional flaws. He encourages listeners to seek genuine encounters with God within the church community, despite the challenges and disappointments they may face. Geoff and Will explore themes of hope, healing, and the complexities of power within faith communities. They discuss the dual nature of suffering and renewal, the importance of art in expressing faith, and the journey of personal transformation. Bullock shares his experiences of leadership, the challenges faced in the church, and the significance of surrendering power. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a compassionate understanding of others' suffering and the role of music and creativity in spiritual expression.Want to reach out and let us know your thoughts or suggestions for the show? Send us a message here; we’d love to hear from you.The Spiritual Misfits Survival Guide (FREE): https://www.spiritualmisfits.com.au/survivalguideSign up to our mailing list:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/Join our online Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spiritualmisfitspodcastSupport the pod:https://spiritualmisfits.com.au/support-us/View all episodes at: https://spiritualmisfits.buzzsprout.com