The Dismantling Doctrine Podcast

In this Part 2 episode with Cindy Wang Brandt from Taiwan, we get into more specifics around how exactly one might classify raising children within evangelicalism as "predatory." Is it good and right for parents to pass along core values that are important to them? Including their own religion? Or should parents give children the space and autonomy to choose their own path spiritually? Find out more in this thought-provoking conversation!

Should raising children in an evangelical Christian environment be considered "predatory" on the part of the parents? My guest today, Cindy Wang Brandt from Taiwan, believes that in certain circumstances it absolutely is predatory. Children may not have the capacity or awareness to filter out teaching that may, in the end, prove to be abusive or harmful to their psychological, sexual, and relational development. Find out more in Part 1 of this fascinating conversation!

In this second episode with David Haward, "the Naked Pastor," we get even more in depth processing the experiences of those who are deconstructing their former faith. David breaks down exactly just how all-pervasive religion can be, as well as the effects on their followers. Thus, leaving such a context--where we formed relationships and our very identities--is extremely difficult. It will likely take us...the rest of our lives! Join us on the journey.

Are you an ex-evangelical who is deconstructing your former evangelical faith? Then you will benefit from this very helpful conversation with Canadian ex-evangelical pastor David Hayward, who is also known as "The Naked Pastor." I learned so much from this very practical conversation--coming from a man who not only walked away from the church (and quite possibly the Christian faith too), but who also now sees it as his mission to help others with their journey of deconstruction and discovery. In this episode we discuss David's backstory and then get into the practicalities of what deconstruction actually looks like in the real world.

In this second half of my conversation with self-confessed "exvangelical" and Twitter personality Chris Stroop, we finally get to the conclusion of Chris's story of deconstructing his former beliefs and ultimately walking away from the evangelicalism he grew up with. We also delve into the background of the Religious Right in America, tracing their roots back to the early days of fundamentalism. Chris develops how that reactionary and militant movement still finds its expression not just in American right-wing politics today, but also is heavily involved in trying to win what they view as a "global culture war."    

Part 1 of my conversation with fellow ex-evangelical and "Twitter personality" Chris Stroop features an exploration of his own journey out of evangelicalism. What happened to Chris when, as a student in a Christian high school, had a crisis of faith? Like so many, he sought help from a pastor friend...but was that encounter successful in keeping him in the faith? Find out more about Chris and his journey in this episode!

This week's episode features the second half of my conversation with a buddy with whom I went to a fundamentalist Christian high school back in the mid-1980s. Jeff and I share hilarious and poignant stories of what it was like growing up in such a conservative environment. Is it any wonder that kids raised in such a repressive context tend to rebel against any and all authority? Tune in for Part 2 and laugh through the tears...

While on a recent trip to Seattle, Washington, I met up with a former classmate of mine, and good friend, Jeff Judd. We went to a conservative evangelical Christian high school back in the 1980s, and together, Jeff and I reminisce about the nutty, zany, and just downright insane aspects of...growing up evangelical. You literally could not make this shit up. Come along and laugh with us in this first episode!

Timed to coincide with a workshop entitled "Reclaiming Sexuality from Religion" that my guest, Andrew Jasko, is doing in Oakland, CA on the 14th of August, this episode takes a deep dive into religion and its effects. Religion is ultimately disempowering, claims Andrew, because you are taking the word of another person--an authority figure--not only to diagnose your spiritual problems, but also to provide the solution. This dynamic leads to all sorts of abuses: spiritually, emotionally, psychologically, and in terms of sexuality. Join us as we discuss all of this and more in this fantastic episode!

Many stories that come out of evangelicalism and fundamentalism are simply...too bizarre to have been made up! In this episode, I'll delve into some of the craziest church stories you've ever heard, drawn from the great interaction I've been having with Exvangelicals on Twitter. And what does all of this have to do with having dinner with Satan?? Listen in to find out--!