Liminal Living

takeawaysDavid's early experiences shaped his adventurous spirit.He has a diverse background in various Christian denominations.His journey in faith has been marked by exploration and questioning.A pivotal moment in seminary led to a crisis of faith.David emphasizes the importance of navigating between faith and doubt.He experienced a profound flash of insight about the oneness of all things.David's blog, Naked Pastor, became a platform for his thoughts on spirituality.He believes every theology has something to contribute.David's departure from ministry was both traumatic and liberating.He encourages others to explore their own spiritual journeys. Existential crises can lead to profound insights about faith and ministry.Redefining pastoral roles can create a more inclusive community.Love must manifest in policies to be truly effective.Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and connection.Diversity within communities enriches the spiritual experience.The church has both pastoral and prophetic responsibiliti

takeawaysDr. Bauman's book addresses sexism and abuse in the church.He conducted extensive research with over 2,800 women.The church has a history of silencing women's experiences.Authenticity is crucial in addressing personal and communal trauma.Patriarchy fosters a culture of secrecy and shame.Weaponizing forgiveness can harm victims of abuse.Theological beliefs should evolve and shed outdated ideas.Men's insecurities often lead to abusive behaviors.The church must confront its complicity in abuse.Healing requires facing pain rather than bypassing it. Forgiveness can sometimes be weaponized in abusive situations.Emotional and spiritual abuse often goes unrecognized.Healthy shame encourages accountability, while toxic shame dehumanizes.Entitlement can stem from suffering, leading to harmful behaviors.Trusting our bodies is essential for spiritual health.Men must actively work against sexism and objectification.Systems in the church often prioritize power over people.Jesus's actions challenged the patriarchal

takeawaysTaylor is currently fascinated by Nosferatu and its historical context.Nosferatu represents a preconception of vampires before they became romanticized.Horror films often reflect societal anxieties and fears.Taylor's upbringing in Appalachia was marked by a unique blend of faith traditions.A progressive preacher changed Taylor's perspective on Christianity.Thomas Merton's teachings had a profound impact on Taylor's faith journey.Taylor distinguishes between a personal God and a more abstract ground of being.Tillich's philosophy offers a nuanced understanding of divinity.The conversation highlights the tension between traditional and progressive theology.Philosophy encourages exploration of complex questions in faith and existence. Metaphysics is inherently theological, addressing fundamental questions of reality.Existentialism encompasses both religious and atheistic perspectives.Freedom can be both empowering and stifling, leading to anxiety about choices.Justice should be the foundation of societal

Take AwaysLiz became a birth doula after her own experiences with childbirth.The process of becoming a mother can be isolating and taboo.Doulas provide emotional and psychological support during childbirth.Birth is a transformative experience for families, not just individuals.Liz's work as a doula involved helping families navigate their expectations and fears.Women in leadership roles often face unique challenges in church settings.Liz's faith journey involved significant personal and familial dynamics.Therapy played a crucial role in Liz's faith deconstruction.The Bible's interpretation can vary greatly depending on cultural context.Liz's book explores seeking God in Genesis after losing faith in the Bible. Reading Genesis requires a surrender to the story.Ancient texts reflect a deep commitment to preservation.Understanding characters in Genesis offers rich insights.Hagar's story represents themes of liberation and survival.Diverse perspectives enhance our understanding of scripture.The craft of writing a

takeawaysThe course 'Whitehead's Universe' aims to introduce beginners to process philosophy.Whitehead's thinking is described as a prism, requiring multiple perspectives to understand.Experience is fundamental to both science and spirituality, shaping our understanding of reality.Process philosophy sees the world as fundamentally verb-like, emphasizing becoming over being.God is not static but dynamic, growing and changing with the world.The relationship between God and humanity is reciprocal; we form God through our actions.The need for a new metaphysics that reflects contemporary understanding of the world.Mystery should be honored in both theology and metaphysics, allowing for wonder and exploration.Dynamic perfection suggests that God is ever-evolving rather than static.The Christian tradition is an ongoing process, not a settled doctrine. Metaphysics is fundamentally about human experience.We must honor the mystery within ourselves.Science has its own metaphysical assumptions.The present moment connects

takeawaysJeremy identifies as a skeptic pastor, balancing doubt and faith.Choosing beliefs that promote love and acceptance is crucial.The role of a pastor is to help people connect with the divine.Deconstruction is a lifelong process of questioning inherited beliefs.The damage caused by rigid belief systems is often pervasive.Philosophy and theology are distinct fields with different tools.Authenticity in spirituality can lead to personal growth.Spiritual beliefs can provide mental health benefits.The importance of critical thinking in faith matters.Community and shared mythology are essential in religious contexts. Apologetics can be harmful and create a combative view of faith.Faith should not be positioned as something under attack.Teaching apologetics can lead to indoctrination into narrow viewpoints.The Lord, Liar, Lunatic argument is a false dichotomy.Churches often prioritize institutional survival over genuine faith.Control and manipulation are central to maintaining religious institutions.Skepticism

In this RECAST conversation with Peter Rollins , we discuss the themes of loss, death, and redemption. He shares his experiences growing up in Northern Ireland and how it shaped his work on scapegoating and peace. Rollins emphasizes the importance of embracing our contradictions and the inherent loss and death that is part of being human. He critiques the idea of a pre-traumatic state and highlights the redemptive power of encountering our own dividedness. The conversation also explores the role of grief and the need to acknowledge and process loss. Rollins connects these ideas to the concept of the death of God and the tearing of the temple curtain, challenging the notion of liminality as a space where the finite and infinite meet. In this conversation, Peter Rollins and Tom Rundel discuss the concept of God and the different ways it is understood. They explore the idea of sublimation and liminality, with Rollins arguing that the eternal exists within certain objects rather than behind them. He sees Christia

takeawaysJon has worked at Costco for 30 years and has a diverse personal life.He grew up in a religious household but questioned church teachings from a young age.Jon's early questions about the Bible led to feelings of rebellion during his teenage years.His experiences in theater challenged his views on homosexuality and church teachings.Jon's journey included studying various religions and ultimately identifying as agnostic.He reconnected with faith through the hyper grace movement, emphasizing God's unconditional love.Jon became a worship leader and preacher but struggled with the church's teachings on hell and salvation.His departure from the church was driven by a desire for authenticity in his beliefs.Jon maintains a friendship with his former pastor despite differing beliefs.The conversation highlights the complexities of faith, control, and personal growth. Universal salvation was a leading belief before modern teachings.Engaging in online arguments about faith can be exhausting.Identifying as a foll

takeawaysCatching the Northern Lights was a long-awaited dream.Growing up in evangelical communities shaped my worldview.Fear-based teachings can lead to obsessive faith practices.Experiencing spiritual abuse can lead to complex PTSD.Questioning beliefs is a crucial part of personal growth.YWAM provided both community and indoctrination.Different theological perspectives can expand understanding.The journey of deconstruction is often painful but necessary.Finding supportive communities is essential for healing.Books and podcasts can be valuable resources for exploration. Listening and taking a lot of input and learning is crucial.Music can reflect the struggle of faith and personal growth.There is a narrative of death and resurrection in belief systems.Finding grounding in new perspectives can lead to freedom.Community can provide stability but can also become cult-like.It's important to navigate the balance between individuality and community.Influences from music and thinkers can guide personal journeys.Spi

Leslie's childhood was marked by instability and a search for connection.She experienced a significant faith shift after a traumatic event involving her daughter.The journey of deconstruction led her to question long-held beliefs.Leslie emphasizes the importance of community and authenticity in faith.She learned to think critically and trust herself after leaving the church.The fear-based teachings of her past created anxiety and isolation.Leslie's experiences on Survivor China opened her eyes to diverse perspectives.She began to research and question the teachings she was raised with.The shift from destination-focused faith to journey-oriented spirituality was profound.Leslie aims to support others in their journeys of faith and self-discovery. I don't believe in hell anymore.I'm not turning my back on my Christianity.God is love.Discipline is for rehabilitation, not punishment.You don't have to do anything you're not ready to do.I was taught I was disgusting and unlovable.We've been putting the blame on eve

Scot expresses discouragement over the political alignment of evangelicals with Trump.The conversation highlights the importance of character in leadership.Young people are increasingly disillusioned with the church due to its political affiliations.Scot emphasizes the need for political discipleship in the church.The rise of authoritarianism is a concern for many Christians.Scot believes that America will survive political turmoil.The church should not be tied to any political party.There is a trend of rightist leaders being elected globally.Scot argues that the evangelical church has failed to teach political engagement.The need for reevaluation of political engagement is crucial for the church. Our devastation is an indicator of our discipleship.Christians can care at a completely different level.Politics is about compromise; dissent is necessary.We should dissent as Christians when policies harm the least of these.Pastors need to create a culture of political discipleship.The church must resist becoming a

takeawaysMattie moved to New York City driven by a strong instinct.Growing up in Branson felt like living on a movie set.Her upbringing was wholesome but came with pressures.She recognizes the good and bad in her evangelical background.Stability in community provided comfort during her teenage years.Questioning beliefs began at a theater camp in New York.Evangelicalism often conflates knowing and believing.Love should not have an agenda in evangelism.The historical context of women in Christianity is often overlooked.Diversity in theater challenged her previous beliefs. The concept of divine love is often restricted by societal norms.Personal identity struggles can lead to questioning established beliefs.The pressure to conform to evangelical ideals can be overwhelming.Many truths taught in evangelicalism can be challenged and deconstructed.Faith should accommodate human growth and change.Questioning beliefs is a difficult but necessary process.Control within religious contexts often masquerades as love.Famil

takeawaysHiking the Camino was a transformative spiritual experience.Reflecting on life in three-month segments helps maintain focus.Faith was a spacious concept in Cassidy's upbringing.Questions about existence began at a young age for Cassidy.Deconstruction of faith can lead to deeper self-understanding.Thomas Merton's writings opened new avenues of contemplation.Queering contemplation invites a broader understanding of spirituality.Engaging with political issues is crucial for community support.Hope can be found in the innocence of children.Silence holds infinite possibilities for personal growth.ChaptersIntroduction and Background StoriesThe Camino Experience: A Spiritual JourneyReflections on Life and Time ManagementFaith and Spirituality: Early InfluencesThe Journey of DeconstructionThomas Merton: Influence and ImpactQueering Contemplation: A New PerspectiveEngaging with Political PolaritiesFinding Hope in Local ConnectionsSilence and Its Infinite PossibilitiesLiminality and Queerness: Embracing Uncerta

takeawaysThe journey of life often involves navigating liminal spaces.Emotional transitions can be profound and transformative.Writing is a deeply personal and exploratory process.Names hold significant power in shaping identity.Self-definition is an essential part of personal growth.Grief can be processed in various ways, including observation.Self-awareness must be balanced with self-compassion.The present moment is all we truly have.Creative expression can lead to deeper self-understanding.Life's experiences shape our understanding of ourselves and others. Learning how we became us is essential for growth.Personal histories can illuminate patterns in our lives.Trauma is rooted in our cellular nervous system.Understanding our emotions can lead to healing.Anger can be navigated without harming others.Being human involves navigating highs and lows.Mythologies provide meaning in our lives.The political is an amalgamation of the personal.Art helps us transcend our pain.We can trust in new futures as old myths d

TakeawaysBradley Jersak emphasizes the importance of community in spiritual growth.He reflects on the trauma experienced within his faith journey.The problem of evil is a significant challenge for many believers.Jersak advocates for a nonviolent interpretation of atonement.He believes the cross represents God's love rather than divine violence.The intersection of goodness and suffering is a central theme in his theology.Jersak highlights the need for healing and recovery in faith communities.He discusses the importance of acknowledging complicity in societal issues.The conversation calls for bridge-building across ideological divides.Jersak's work at St. Stephen's University focuses on peace and reconciliation. We are training bridge builders for reconciliation.The exhaustion from political entanglement may lead to healing.Fear of existential crises leads to doubling down on beliefs.Deconstruction should not lead to spiritual arson.Religion gestures towards a greater mystery.The incarnation should not justify

TakeawaysTransparency and clarity are essential in church communities, particularly when it comes to issues like LGBTQ inclusion.Churches should clearly communicate their theological stance and actively work towards creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all.The concept of covenantal relationships, where individuals are bound together in a covenant of community, allows for diversity of theology while maintaining a sense of unity.Churches should prioritize open and honest conversations, embracing the mystery and wonder of God rather than trying to control or limit understanding.Pastors should focus on meeting the spiritual needs of their community and creating spaces for diverse spiritual exploration and community. Shifting from winning people to walking with them allows for a more authentic and compassionate approach to relationships.Questioning and letting go of beliefs, such as eternal conscious torment, can lead to a deeper understanding of God's love and grace.Creating spaces of love and serv

Take Away IdeasDeconstruction isn’t about losing faith, but about re-centering on Jesus.Doubt and curiosity are essential tools in questioning rigid religious structures.The power dynamics of church leadership need reevaluation; Christ-like leadership centers on humility and service.The shift from religious laws to virtues (like love, peace, and self-control) is essential for spiritual growth.The church should create space for dialogue, shared meals, and mutual support to foster genuine community.People are drawn to authenticity—leaders who admit their doubts and embrace communal wisdom.Introduction:Tommy is introduced as a musician and pastor with a love for art and church life. He shares about his background growing up in a Southern Baptist family, his love for music, and the early influence of church culture.Journey into Ministry:Tommy discusses how he found himself leading a church in his early 20s, dealing with church scandals, and eventually growing his congregation into a space for those questioning fa

takeawaysTom Rundel reinterprets the Book of James for modern understanding.Suffering is a common experience, not to be glorified.Spiritual bypassing dismisses the reality of suffering.Prayer should be an honest engagement with one's situation.Lament is a significant part of spiritual practice.Community support is crucial for those who are suffering.The role of elders in providing care and support is vital.Healing is not just physical but also emotional and spiritual.Spiritual practices should be integrated into daily life.The church's role is to love and support those in need. Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminallivingFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0owFollow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree  

takeawaysThe current political and cultural moment in the United States is characterized by the erosion of trust in democracy and the weaponization of fear and anger.Apocalyptic language is used in political discourse to create a sense of urgency and to rally support, but it often hinders productive conversations and solutions.Economic realities, such as rising prices and income inequality, are often blamed on political leaders, but the underlying problems are complex and require systemic changes.The current economic system is profit-centered, prioritizing growth and wealth accumulation over human flourishing. This has led to the exploitation of resources and the neglect of social services.Building a more egalitarian and pluralistic society requires a shift in values, prioritizing love, faith, and truth over domination, coercion, and control. Evaluate economic policies based on their impact on real people's livesPastors can address political issues from the pulpit while maintaining the separation of church an

n this episode of Non-Fundamentalist Bible Studies, Tom Rundel explores the end of chapter three and the beginning of chapter four of the book of James. He emphasizes the importance of understanding wisdom and knowledge in a non-weaponized context, encouraging listeners to seek genuine wisdom through a beautiful manner of living rather than through superficial appearances. The conversation delves into the nature of true wisdom, the inner conflicts that lead to community disputes, and the necessity of aligning oneself with God through humility and authenticity.Find us on the web: https://liminalliving.simplecast.com/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liminalliving Follow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCseqDsKpQv2r7AbFfrWF0ow Follow us on Patheos: patheos.com/editorial/podcasts/liminal-living  All Music for this episode composed by Axeltree