Faithfully Departed: transforming life's wounds into wisdom with a pastor and a therapist

In this episode of Faithfully Departed , Pastor David Profit and therapist Sophie Murphy explore the intersection of theology and psychology to redefine what it truly means to flourish. Moving away from traditional, performance-based models of spiritual growth, David and Sophie discuss a more holistic approach to human development that integrates the mind, body, and soul. The AI Model of Growth: D...

In this episode, David and Sophie unpack "trash talk" and the negativity that often shows up online and on social media. It can also surface closer to home such as during a family dinner over the holidays. They explore what may lie behind the impulse to troll others, but they focus even more on how we respond. How do we make sense of it. How do we engage without being pulled into retalia...

In this episode, David and Sophie explore the ritual of “meeting” in church life: why many people miss it after deconstruction, what made it vital in the early church, and why today’s gatherings can feel either lifeless or full of energy. Drawing on the Book of Acts and the diversity of the early church, they contrast the predictability of pews and bulletins with the spontaneity of table-centered...

In this episode, David and Sophie unpack a troubling trend within conservative Evangelical Christianity: the idea of “toxic empathy.” We explore this concept and remind ourselves that empathy, along with its close companions sympathy and compassion, was one of Jesus’ greatest strengths. The gospels repeatedly describe him as being “moved with compassion.” Why then do some feel the need to contamin...

In this episode David and Sophie discuss the dynamics of power in the modern church from celebrity and CEO pastors to donor-driven boards and the ways systems protect institutions over people. Drawing from personal experience, we explore why so many are disillusioned and leaving church communities, and what it means to “change the game” rather than keep playing by the world’s rules.

In this episode, David and Sophie deconstruct the popular phrase “The Bible says it, I believe it, that settles it.” At first glance, it sounds like a statement of faith. But what’s really behind this instinct? Is it a desire for certainty, a need for control, or even a way of using Scripture as a weapon? We talk honestly about the harm this phrase can cause. When Scripture is wielded as a weapon,...

In this episode, David and Sophie tackle one of the most popular religious slogans: “Love the sinner, hate the sin.” Sounds simple and noble right? But what if the very thing others label as "sin" holds the key to our freedom and growth. What if “sinner” was more about social labels and power dynamics than moral reality? And what if Jesus’ willingness to be labeled a sinner himself was t...

In this episode, David and Sophie welcome Jeremy Steele, a pastor of the unchurched and host of the Unbelief podcast. Jeremy opens up about what it’s like to be a skeptical pastor and shares his perspective on deconstruction, faith and community. https://jeremy-steele.com/ https://unbeliefpodcast.com/

David and Sophie explore the origins of queerphobia with stories from their own lives.

David and Sophie explore the topic of discipleship.

David and Sophie explore the topic of prayer and recognize that many of us carry ideas about it that can feel more like personal projections than genuine spiritual practice. How is our understanding of communicating with God affected by our culture and family of origin? Is praying to God any more meaningful or effective than praying to a jug of milk?

David and Sophie explore how conservative Christians often invoke the fear of a 'slippery slope' as a way to resist change, protect certainty, and avoid confronting deeper truths. Through honest conversation, they deconstruct how this fear can block personal and spiritual growth.

In this episode, David & Sophie discuss what it's been like to faithfully leave the Evangelical church and what it's been like on the other side.

In this episode, David shares his story of how therapy provided many of the things he missed growing up in a rigid church environment. David & Sophie also discuss how AI can be a wonderful tool for spiritual growth and development.